Superintendent's Weekly Update

January 16, 2025

Team PUSD,

It’s hard to believe we are already two weeks into the new year.

On Tuesday, we hosted the second event in our Family Engagement Series, Learning in the Age of AI. Families had the opportunity to explore how AI is shaping education and to see the impressive AI-related work taking place across our schools. Our panel of experts shared how the district is approaching AI thoughtfully and responsibly, with a strong emphasis on ethical use, creativity and innovation, productive struggle, and the protection of student data and privacy.

Last night, the Board of Education held a Special Meeting for a Board Governance Workshop. Together, we revisited how the Board and Superintendent function as a unified governance team in service of student success. The conversation focused on strengths-based leadership, clarifying priorities, and reaffirming our shared commitment to transparency and keeping students at the center of our work. The Board remains grounded in our adopted goals of Student Success, Community Engagement, and Fiscal Responsibility.

Next Thursday, we will hold our Regular Board Meeting, where staff will share a budget update, results from polling research related to a potential bond measure, and an update on local measures of student success.

I hope you enjoy a restorative three-day weekend. Thank you for your continued commitment to making PUSD a world-class district.

With gratitude,

Ben

Our Winter 2026 issue of EmpowerEd is now available! Visit the district's website to read about Cultures of Thinking, PUSD's efforts on fiscal responsibility, and much more!

Hear from Michelle O'Connor-Ratcliff, Poway Unified School District Board of Education President, as she shares her thoughts on the board's mission and how members represent their communities while remaining student-focused.

Watch or listen on your favorite podcast platform!

Please be on the lookout for a unique survey link via email from ThoughtExchange (notifications@thoughtexchange.com) for this year's Team PUSD survey. If you have not yet seen it, please check your spam or junk folder. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and remains open through January 28.

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. If you have any questions or have trouble finding your link, please contact communications@powayusd.com. Your input will help us better prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Planning ahead for next school year starts now! Review our Enrollment and Registration page for key dates for the 2026–27 school year. It includes timelines for new students, returning families, and intradistrict transfers. We encourage families to review the dates and bookmark important milestones to ensure a smooth start next fall.

Parenting multiracial children brings unique joys, and sometimes unique questions. How do we help our children feel proud of all parts of who they are? How do we prepare them to navigate a world that doesn’t always understand their identity?

In this engaging and supportive workshop, parents and caregivers will explore practical ways to talk about race, celebrate cultural heritage, and build children’s confidence and sense of belonging. Grounded in research and real-life experience, this session offers tools to strengthen family connection and raise racially aware, resilient kids.

Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Location: Abraxas High School (Class Code To Enroll: 15597)

Tuition: $35/individual or $40/couple

Growing up today brings a whole new set of challenges for our children. You may have noticed that they have felt overwhelmed or exhibited symptoms of anxiety. The good news is that there is a solution!

We can teach our kids concrete tools to reduce anxiety and manage stress, by building their emotional intelligence (EQ). Research has shown that children with high emotional intelligence (EQ) do better in school and get along well with others. A high EQ can set them up for life-long success.

Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Location: Abraxas High School (Class Code To Enroll: 15571)

Tuition: $35/individual or $40/couple

• Employment Opportunities
• New Student Enrollment
• Board Meeting Agenda and Minutes
• District Calendars

• January 19, 2026 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Non-student Day)
• January 26, 2026 - Professional Growth Day (Non-student Day)
• February 3, 2026 - Career Speaker Series: Futures in Healthcare (Reserve your seat)

Click here for the full calendar.