Superintendent's Weekly Update

September 4, 2026

Dear PUSD Families,

This week, I had several opportunities to spend time with people who strengthen our schools in very different ways.

I attended the Palomar Council PTA meeting and appreciated the chance to spend time with family leaders from across our district. It was encouraging to hear about the work they have already done to support students and schools, and equally exciting to hear what they have planned for the year ahead. Our schools are better when families are active partners, and I am grateful for the time, energy, and leadership our PTA volunteers continue to bring to that work.

I also joined our second ribbon-cutting ceremony this school year for a new Extensive Supports Special Day Classroom. Last week, we celebrated at Black Mountain Middle School; this week, we gathered at Meadowbrook Middle School. This investment of over $1.5 million will support student learning with spaces intentionally designed to meet their needs and help staff provide the right support.

Finally, I want to highlight something more ordinary, but no less important. The beginning and end of the school day can be hectic around our campuses. Cars are moving, students are crossing streets, families are trying to get where they need to go, and everyone seems to be operating on the same tight clock. I recently wrote about traffic safety around our schools and the responsibility we all share for keeping students, staff, families, and neighbors safe.

A few extra seconds of patience can make a meaningful difference. Please slow down, stay alert, follow school traffic procedures, and watch carefully for students and one another.

Whether we are volunteering through PTA, investing in better learning environments, or simply driving carefully near a school, supporting students is shared work. Thank you for the many ways you continue to be part of it.

Sincerely,

Ben

Your feedback is crucial in helping us understand how the current school calendar affects our students, staff, and families. We aim to gather insights to improve our scheduling to better meet the needs of our community.

Meadowbrook Middle School cut the ribbon this week for its new space serving its Extensive Supports Special Day Class, geared toward accessible and supportive instruction to help students learn and thrive.

"I think it brings a sense of belonging. To have a space," says education specialist Tipton Roberts. "I’m hoping it to be warm and welcoming … and it allows them the space to grow."

Classroom features include a full kitchen as part of a learning center, laundry appliances, an occupational therapy and sensory center, and an instructional area. Read More

The San Diego County Office of Education is hosting a Family Digital Wellness Series, designed to support families in building healthy, positive, and balanced relationships with technology.

The series will cover a variety of important digital wellness topics and provide families with practical tools and strategies they can use at home. You can view the complete schedule, dates, topics, and registration information online here.

• Employment Opportunities
• New Student Enrollment
• Board Meeting Agenda and Minutes
• Board Policies and Administrative Regulations Updates
• District Calendars

• September 7, 2026 — Labor Day
• September 9, 2026 — Motivating Unmotivated Kids: Practical Strategies for Responsibility, Cooperation, and Independence (Registration Info)
• September 14, 2026 — My Kid Isn’t Bad: Understanding What Your Teen is Really Saying (Registration Info)
• September 15, 2026 — CTE College Fair at Westview High School (Info)
• September 15, 2026 — Raising Pre-Teens in Immigrant and Multicultural Families (Registration Info)