Ethnic Studies 

Ethnic Studies shifted from a year-long course to a semester, following a 3–2 vote by the Mountain View-Los Altos Board of Trustees. The class requirement was reduced from 10 credits to 5 and implemented retroactively, affecting the class of 2029 and on.

Ethnic Studies traces its roots to 1969, and became a graduation requirement at Los Altos High School in the 2023–24 school year.

Trustees Alex Levich, Vadim Katz, and Catherine Vonnegut voted in favor, arguing that shorter courses restore schedule flexibility while maintaining graduation requirements.

“It opens the door for half a year of other courses, whether it’s social studies or health, the students will enjoy and grow,” Katz said

Trustees Esmeralda Ortiz and Thida Cornes voted against, citing how shortening Ethnic Studies would undermine its purpose of teaching cultural histories.

“For our students of color, this is the first time they experience seeing themselves reflected within formal schooling,” Ortiz said. “I’ve seen how that positively influences their performance across all coursework.” 

Supporting Ortiz, some Ethnic Studies teachers argued that a yearlong class is to prepare students for sophomore social studies courses. Reducing that length leaves less time to engage with the material. 

“I firmly believe that Ethnic Studies is rigorous and demanding,” Ethnic Studies teacher Roger Kim said. “It teaches a lot of history — it’s just a different history.”

CTE and ELD Improvement

The District expanded Career Technical Education (CTE) offerings for the 2026–27 school year, adding Fashion Design II and Business Management to course pathways. These courses focus on real-life career-based education from teachers with industry experience while giving students hands-on experience.

The Board reported progress supporting English Language Development (ELD) students through expanded coursework and improved instructional support. According to Cornes, LAHS ELD classes were redesigned to prioritize preparation for English proficiency tests. Cornes added that 65% of English learners are making adequate annual progress toward English language proficiency.

New Special Education Leadership

This year, Jennifer Smith replaced Neena Mand as the District’s Special Education Department lead. Katz said the leadership transition followed concerns from families about delayed communication and support.

Transitioning from Salinas Union High School District, Smith said she’s focusing on expanding communication methods and coordination with the ELD department. 

“We want to make sure that it’s not the disability that’s preventing [students] from learning English,” Smith said. 

In particular, Smith set up ParentSquare group chats for guardians of students with specified needs in her department. This way, she said, it’s easier to target messages, rather than risking parents missing announcements because they tune out notifications.

“When you have a child who requires special accommodations at school, your expectation is that the school will respond very quickly,” Katz said. “Since she’s started, the number of [communication] complaints has gone down overall. I am happy with that outcome.”

Smith said, in response to a California Education Department review, both the ELD and Special Education departments meet regularly to streamline student support plans. This year, Smith also used IEP assessments and state tests to reclassify students within their English learning development.  

2026 Elections

Three seats on the Board — currently held by Cornes, Ortiz and Vonnegut — will be up for reelection in November 2026. The upcoming election will mark the District’s first using a trustee area system, where residents are divided into five geographical areas and will elect only trustees from their specified area. 

Under the California Voting Rights Act, the previous system was flagged because it allowed for direct election. To address it, the District selected Map C1 in April 2025, dividing the District into five equally populated areas: Areas 1, 2 and 3 are situated in Mountain View, while Areas 4 and 5 include parts of Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. Only voters in areas 1, 2 and 3 will be involved in the upcoming election. 

Bell Schedule Changes

The Board is considering changes to the LAHS bell schedule for the 2026–27 school year, focusing on improving collaboration time among teachers. Superintendent Eric Volta said the change came after teachers raised concerns about alignment across courses, grading and curriculum; increasing collaboration time helps teachers ensure course load and calibrate grading.

Proposals include deciding when collaboration time would occur, possible adjustments to block days and changes to lunch or passing periods. Volta added that teachers showed a preference for minimal disruption, and said the Board’s goal is to make “as little change as possible to the schedule.” 

As of May 2026 the Board and the teachers union are in the ratification phase of their tentative agreement that will set any new potential bell schedule. is in negotiation with the teachers’ union before finalizing any proposal.