Superintendent's Weekly Update

October 2, 2026

Dear PUSD Families,

One of the great privileges of my role is visiting our schools and seeing firsthand the learning happening in our classrooms. This week, I had the opportunity to visit Midland Elementary, Sundance Elementary, Sunset Hills Elementary, and Westview High School.

I always leave these visits inspired by our students and the staff who support them. Across our schools, PUSD employees bring care and expertise to their work, creating welcoming environments where students can learn, grow, and build confidence. I’m grateful for all they do, both in the classroom and behind the scenes, to help our students succeed.

At next week’s Board of Education meeting, we’ll hear several presentations, including an update on the District’s approach to screen time and artificial intelligence. These are important topics for families and educators as we consider how technology can support learning and what thoughtful, responsible use looks like in our schools.

Over several years, our teams have built a foundation to support safe and effective technology use. That work includes guidance for staff and students, vetted tools, data privacy agreements, and resources for families. As AI continues to evolve, we are building on that foundation to help educators make informed decisions about its use in the classroom.

Learning to use AI thoughtfully is important. Learning about AI is just as essential. Our students need to understand its capabilities and limitations, think critically about the information it produces, and recognize their responsibility to use it ethically. These skills will help them navigate an increasingly complex digital world.

I look forward to sharing more with you following next week’s meeting. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students.

Sincerely,

Ben

We want to hear from you! Participate in our Fall Survey and help us understand what is working well, where families may be having different experiences, and where we can continue to improve.

Results will be used alongside other information to help us strengthen the education experience for everyone.

This survey will remain open through October 16, 2026. Click here to share your experiences.

Park Village Elementary School students and families enjoyed a celebration of diversity during its Cultural Fair, which returned after five years.

Families from across the PVES community brought their heritage to life in creative and engaging ways for students, including through interactive games, delicious global treats, vibrant dance, artwork, and music! Way to go, Penguins!

Students and staff members at Tierra Bonita Elementary hit the track last week during the school's Color Fun Run.

As the school's biggest fundraiser, runners dashed around the track while wearing fun costumes and blowing bubbles, all to support TBES. Great job, Cheetahs!

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

• October 5, 2026 — Parenting Education: Motivating Unmotivated Kids: Practical Strategies for Responsibility, Cooperation, and Independence (Register)
• October 7, 2026 — Parenting Education: Connection Before Correction: Supporting Teens with Anxiety Stress and Behavior (Register)
• October 8, 2026 — Board of Education Meeting (Info)