Superintendent's Weekly Update
December 5, 2025
Team PUSD,
This week, I had the privilege of engaging in some professional learning with our Board of Education as part of the California School Boards Association (CSBA) annual education conference. It was a valuable opportunity to gather practical ideas in support of our district goals of student success, community engagement, and fiscal responsibility.
Looking ahead, we have an important Board Meeting next Thursday, December 11, 2025. At this meeting, staff will present PUSD’s results on the California School Dashboard and review the First Interim Financial Report. Together, these presentations will provide an important check-in on our progress toward our adopted goals, especially in the areas of student success and fiscal responsibility.
I also want to highlight our latest podcast episode, released this week, which focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. It’s a timely conversation about how emerging technologies are shaping teaching and learning.
And speaking of AI, please mark your calendars for our upcoming Family Engagement Event on AI, scheduled for January 13, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Design39 Campus. This event will give families a chance to learn more about AI and its role in our schools. We’ll be sharing additional details, including registration information, soon.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and to one another. Together, we are building a brighter future for every learner.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Ben
Spotify
YouTube
Apple Podcasts
Bernardo Heights Drama Class Takes Top Honors
On November 8, the Bernardo Heights Middle School's drama program won the Sweepstakes award at the Drama Teachers Association of Southern California Fall Festival. This is the first time that the program, led by teacher Katie Newbanks, has won the award.
Read more about the program's accomplishment, and congratulations to the team!
Pomerado Elementary Presented PBIS Award
Pomerado Elementary School celebrated its 2024-2025 California PBIS award on December 5, unveiling its Silver Implementation banner. Pomerado is one of 11 Poway Unified schools that were awarded PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) honors this year.
Read more about the schools awarded, and congratulations to our staff, students, and families for success adoption of PBIS!
Westview senior selected for U.S. Senate Youth Program
Westview High School senior and Poway Unified Student Board Member Leanne Fan was named California’s first alternate for the prestigious 2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program, recognizing her exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to public service. Leanne continues to exemplify academic excellence and a dedication to improving her community. Click here to learn more.
Health for the Holidays Challenge Returns!
The annual Health for the Holidays Challenge is back from December 1, 2025 to January 11, 2026. All PUSD employees and household members (18+) are invited to join individually or in teams of 4-6 for a fun, interactive wellness journey. Track your exercise, nutrition, and well-being activities to “pile up snow” and reveal a cheerful winter scene- plus boost your energy and resilience along the way.
You can sync your activity through Fitbit, Apple Health, and other devices, or use the Steps Converter tool if you don’t have a tracker. 121 prizes are up for grabs!
Registration is open through December 12. Sign up at this link!