Superintendent gives strategic‑plan update; district spotlights dual‑language milestone and Hollywood Bowl partnership
May 12, 2026 | El Monte City School District, School Districts, California
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Superintendent Dr. Garcia presented a district strategic‑plan update on May 11 that highlighted instructional initiatives, partnerships and end‑of‑year recognitions.
Dr. Torres described priority area one, reporting that roughly 160 educators received GLAD professional development for TK–2 classrooms and that intervention teachers and some special‑education colleagues are completing Orton‑Gillingham morphology training. He said the district’s summer enrichment program is serving about 1,400 students across six sites and includes STEAM programming available in Spanish and Mandarin for dual‑language students.
Dr. Garcia noted that the district’s first Spanish dual‑language cohort completed a full K–8 pathway and that a Mandarin 50/50 cohort will enter middle school in the 2027–28 school year. She also announced a first‑of‑its‑kind partnership with the Hollywood Bowl, which will make $1 tickets available to participating districts; parents and staff will receive access codes through ParentSquare and district email.
The board recognized classified employee of the year Susana Vargas and certificated employee of the year Graciela (Gracie) Castillo from Durfee School. Dr. Garcia also acknowledged 12 retiring teachers and 16 classified/management retirees and encouraged the community to attend promotion ceremonies and district showcases through early June.
The presentation closed with announcements about the district’s annual wellness festival, music and band festivals, and upcoming community events.
Dr. Torres described priority area one, reporting that roughly 160 educators received GLAD professional development for TK–2 classrooms and that intervention teachers and some special‑education colleagues are completing Orton‑Gillingham morphology training. He said the district’s summer enrichment program is serving about 1,400 students across six sites and includes STEAM programming available in Spanish and Mandarin for dual‑language students.
Dr. Garcia noted that the district’s first Spanish dual‑language cohort completed a full K–8 pathway and that a Mandarin 50/50 cohort will enter middle school in the 2027–28 school year. She also announced a first‑of‑its‑kind partnership with the Hollywood Bowl, which will make $1 tickets available to participating districts; parents and staff will receive access codes through ParentSquare and district email.
The board recognized classified employee of the year Susana Vargas and certificated employee of the year Graciela (Gracie) Castillo from Durfee School. Dr. Garcia also acknowledged 12 retiring teachers and 16 classified/management retirees and encouraged the community to attend promotion ceremonies and district showcases through early June.
The presentation closed with announcements about the district’s annual wellness festival, music and band festivals, and upcoming community events.
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