Superintendent's Weekly Update

May 22, 2026

Dear PUSD Staff and Families,

This week was Classified School Employee Week, an important opportunity to recognize the individuals whose work often happens behind the scenes, but whose impact is felt across every one of our schools. Our classified employees are the steady hands and familiar faces who help our district function each day. They welcome families in our front offices, prepare meals, transport students, keep campuses safe and clean, support teaching and learning, maintain essential systems, and solve countless problems before most of us even know they exist. Their contributions are vital, and our schools simply would not run without them. I am deeply grateful for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and families.

This week also marked the final meetings of both our Parent-Superintendent Advisory Council and Student-Superintendent Advisory Council for the school year. In both settings, we had the opportunity to reflect on what is going well, identify areas for improvement, and discuss where we should focus our collaboration next year. These conversations matter because they keep us grounded in partnership, honest about where we can grow, and connected to the perspectives of those we serve. I continue to learn a great deal from both groups and am grateful for their thoughtful engagement.

I also had the opportunity to attend the Palomar Council of PTAs’ annual breakfast and awards program, where we celebrated the parent volunteers and PTA leaders who so generously give their time, energy, and care in support of our schools. Their partnership strengthens our district in both visible and unseen ways, and we are better because of their service.

Weeks like this are a meaningful reminder that so much of what makes PUSD special comes from people showing up for one another in ways that may not make headlines, but make all the difference.

As we head into the Memorial Day weekend, we also pause to honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is worthy of our gratitude and remembrance.

Have a great weekend,
Ben

Check out Seasons 1 & 2 of our Straight from the Supe podcast to hear from some of our amazing classified employees about what brought them into education and how they seek to make an impact across Poway Unified.

Watch or listen on your favorite podcast platform!

The Poway Unified Community Advisory Committee held its annual Excellence Awards this week, honoring individuals and teams who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to students with disabilities and their families.

Congratulations to Wade Morris, Instructional Assistant at Mt. Carmel High; Chelsey Cameron, Education Specialist at Chaparral Elementary; Genevieve House, Education Specialist at Willow Grove Elementary; Christopher Koreerat, Education Specialist at Bernardo Heights Middle; Roxanne Hayes, Education Specialist at Rancho Bernardo High; and Ricky Flocken, School Psychologist at Meadowbrook Middle, on their honors. These individuals were recognized for creating inclusive, equitable, and empowering educational experiences, and have displayed unparalleled dedication to student success, innovation, collaboration, and educational access.

Learn more about the CAC Excellence Awards on our website.

Congratulations to Robbie Bowers, athletic trainer at Rancho Bernardo High School, on his recent award as the inaugural Athletic Trainer of the Year for the San Diego Section CIF.

Robbie started his career when RBHS opened in 1991 and has been heavily involved in the athletic training profession throughout San Diego. He is the recipient of multiple career awards, including the High School Sports Association of SD Athletic Trainer of the Year Award, Far West Athletic Training Association (FWATA) Excellence in Athletic Training Award, NATA/Gatorade Secondary School Athletic Trainer Award, and the NATA Life Saver Recognition.

Please join us in thanking Robbie for his incredible dedication and commitment to the health and safety of our students, and congratulating him on this well-deserved honor!

Join us in congratulating eight Poway Unified high school students who were recently named National Merit Scholarship winners: Rahul Verma, of Del Norte High; Elijah Brand, of Mt. Carmel High; Yuekai Wang, of Rancho Bernardo High; David Z. He, of Westview High; Kevin M. Chapman, of Westview High; Leanne Fan, of Westview High; Michelle Sun, of Westview High; and Julian Y. Wu, of Westview High.

These students were chosen from a pool of 15,000 finalists for their combination of high academic accomplishments and leadership in school and community activities. Congratulations!

The San Diego Padres recently welcomed a group of 4th Grade Poway Unified students to Petco Park as part of the sixth annual Project Padres event. The event provided ballpark tours to students and gave them the opportunity to engage in immersive career-learning experiences.

Students visited the stadium’s press facilities and learned about possible future career paths in the sports industry, from media to groundskeeping to marketing and design, igniting curiosity and inspiring students.

Thank you to our Educational Technology team and the Padres for connecting the classroom with real-world experiences for our students!

Next year, Meadowbrook Middle School will be giving students the opportunity to learn about the science of soil, growing plants, and working with goats through a new CTE-centered elective!

Are you as excited as we are? Share your excitement on Facebook!

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

• May 22, 2026 – MVMS Alumni Concert
• May 23, 2026 – BHMS Middle School Drama Festival (Info)
• May 25, 2026 – Memorial Day
• May 27, 2026 – DNHS Night at the Museum (Info)
• May 28, 2026 – MCHS Choir LEGENDS Show (Info)
• June 4, 2026 – Last Day of 25-26 School Year