Superintendent's Weekly Update

December 19, 2025

Dear Team PUSD,

As we head into winter break, I want to thank you for the work you’ve done this year and the care you show our students and families each and every day. Whether your break includes well-deserved time to rest or continued work supporting our schools and operations, please know how much your efforts are valued and appreciated.

This week, we’re sharing two reflections on the year behind us and the work ahead. The Winter issue of EmpowerEd looks back on my first year as superintendent and highlights the collective efforts shaping the next chapter of Poway Unified. You’ll also find the latest episode of Straight from the Supe below, where I share additional reflections on what we’ve learned, the decisions we’ve faced, and the responsibility we share moving forward.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to explore both when it fits your schedule. More importantly, I hope you’re able to recharge and reset as we look ahead to what’s next.

Thank you for your dedication, your professionalism, and the way you consistently show up for our students and for one another. I wish you and your loved ones a safe, restful, and meaningful winter break.

With gratitude,

Ben

Our Winter 2026 issue of EmpowerEd is now available! Visit the district's website to read about Cultures of Thinking, PUSD's efforts on fiscal responsibility, and much more!

Registration Now Open: Learning in the Age of AI – A Family Night

Registration is now open for Learning in the Age of AI: A Family Night, the next event in Poway Unified’s Family Engagement Series.

Our panel of experts will equip families with the knowledge and guardrails they need to confidently guide their children in the responsible use of artificial intelligence. You’ll learn how AI is being thoughtfully introduced in classrooms, how it supports learning, and what expectations are in place so you can reinforce healthy, ethical use at home. District leaders and educators will share clear, practical information and answer questions to help families navigate this rapidly evolving topic together.

Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Time: 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Location: Design39Campus

• Dinner provided
• Child care available
• We invite all families to join us for an informative, welcoming conversation focused on learning, transparency, and partnership.

Seating is limited so register here today!

This week, PUSD celebrated commencement ceremonies of several programs in our district, including Poway Adult School's mid-year high school graduates and adult school certification earners, and the Adult Transition Program and the High School Diploma Program at Abraxas High School.

You can see more in this week's Made Me Smile.

Ahead of the winter break, the district's Youth in Transition program hosted a distribution event, providing each YIT student with food and snacks, personal hygiene items, socks, a jacket, a holiday gift, plus a grocery and clothing prepaid card.

Thank you to Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church, North Coast Church, The Church of Rancho Bernardo, Kiwanis Club of Poway, HEY Operation, St. Gabriel's Helping Hands Ministry, Poway National Charity League, San Diego Church of Christ, BHMS ASES, PUSD student clubs, and our community members for supporting our students.

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

• December 22, 2025 - January 2, 2026 - Winter Break (District Recess)
• January 13, 2026 - Family Engagement Series: AI (Registration)
• January 19, 2026 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Non-student Day)
• January 26, 2026 - Professional Growth Day (Non-student Day)

Click here for the full calendar.