Superintendent's Weekly Update

March 20, 2026

Dear PUSD Staff and Families,

I spent two days in Seattle this week with colleagues from across the country at the League of Innovative Schools Spring Convening. It was an opportunity to visit classrooms in other districts, hear how they are approaching challenges similar to ours, and reflect on what is actually working. I value these experiences. They help sharpen our thinking about where we are and where we want to go. There is a great deal of thoughtful work happening across the nation in public education right now, and it is meaningful to be part of those conversations.

Back in PUSD, this week I had the chance to visit Highland Ranch Elementary and Rancho Bernardo High School. At Highland Ranch, I saw classrooms where students were fully engaged and clearly known by their teachers. That kind of environment reflects intentional work and strong systems. At Rancho Bernardo High, I spent time with students and staff doing the day to day work of preparing for what comes next, whether that is college, career, or something still taking shape. It is always grounding to see that work up close.

I also want to highlight this week’s Salute to Purple Star Schools event, which honored campuses across the region for their support of military-connected students and families. Five of our schools were recognized, which is something to be proud of. Supporting military-connected students is an important part of ensuring every student feels known, supported, and able to thrive.

On a personal note, as a big baseball fan, I am looking forward to Opening Day next week. I know many of you have your own traditions for that first game, and I always enjoy hearing how people mark the start of the season.

Have a fantastic weekend!

With gratitude,

Ben

On the latest episode of Straight from the Supe, Chief Technology Officer Armando Obregon breaks down PUSD's technology plan and how the district is working to ensure students are prepared for the future of education inside and outside of the classroom.

Watch or listen on your favorite podcast platform!

Our AI Playbook is here to help families make sense of AI in schools and guide students in using it safely. As AI becomes a bigger part of everyday learning, having these conversations at home is more important than ever.

What’s inside the Playbook:

• Guidance for Families

• AI Defined

• Digital Citizenship

• Conversation Starters

• Data Privacy

• AI and Academics

Take a few minutes to explore the Playbook. It’s designed to make these discussions easy, practical, and meaningful.

Announcing “Stronger Together: Preventing Bullying Through Family–School Partnerships” the last event for the school year from our Family Engagement Series. It will be held online on April 22, 2026 from 5:00–7:00 p.m.

This event will feature a panel of experts who support student well‑being, including district leaders, mental health practitioners, and student and parent representatives who will discuss how we can work together to prevent and address bullying.

You will want to join in on this important conversation. Registration will open soon, and we will send a follow‑up email with the link once it is available.

Poway Unified will soon finalize its transition to using Final Site as its new mass communications platform to replace Blackboard Connect. For families, the platform will deliver clearer, more accessible communications with improved translation accuracy and messages that are better tailored to the information most relevant to them.

To learn more about Final Site, visit our news page.

Congratulations to Black Mountain Middle, Chaparral Elementary, Midland Elementary, Mt. Carmel High, and Sunset Hills Elementary for receiving 2026 Purple Star honors by the state Department of Education. MCHS is also the first Poway Unified high school to receive the designation.

Purple Star schools are recognized for their commitment to our military students and families. Visit the news page to learn more.

Congratulations to Westview High senior and Student Board member Leanne Fan for placing 6th in this year's Regeneron Science Talent Search. Leanne's winning project involved building a device to simulate microgravity in order to study how wounds heal in space.

Visit Society of Science to learn more about Leanne's project.

Congratulations to Design39 Campus for earning RAMP (Recognized ASCA Model Program) honors by the American School Counselor Association, one of the highest awards for school counseling programs nationwide. The designation signifies schools that are committed to delivering counseling programs aligned with the ASCA National framework. Design39Campus joins Bernardo Heights Middle and Westview High schools as other PUSD RAMP recognized campuses.

Poway Unified is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Student Board Member. This position gives one high school student the opportunity to represent student perspectives at Board of Education meetings and serve as a liaison between students and district leadership.

Current PUSD high school juniors in good standing are eligible to apply. Applications are open now and must be submitted by March 27 at 4:30 p.m. The selected student will serve during their senior year, attending monthly Board meetings and participating in the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council.

Students can learn more and apply online.

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

• March 20 - 21, 26 - 28, 2026 - "Mamma Mia" at Mt. Carmel High (Info)
• March 24, 2026 - Black Mountain Middle School All Orchestra and Choir Concert (Info)
  
• March 24, 2026 - Civic Youth Orchestra Festival (Info)
• March 25, 2026 - Black Mountain Middle All Bands Concert (Info)
• March 25, 2026 - Twin Peaks Middle 6th Grade Concert (Info)
• March 26, 2026 - Bernardo Heights Middle Intermediate Drama Spring Show (Info)
• March 31 - April 2, 2026 - Poway Music Festival (Info)
• April 3, 2026 - D39 K-5 Show "Global Beats Music that Connects Us: Africa" (Info)
• April 6 - 10, 2026 - District Recess, Spring Break

Click here for the full calendar.