Superintendent's Weekly Update
November 7, 2025
Dear PUSD Families,
At this week’s Board of Education meeting, there were several exciting highlights to share!
Leadership Announcements
Please join me in congratulating two outstanding leaders on their new roles:
- Melissa Griffith, appointed as Associate Superintendent of Personnel Support Services
- Bonnie Gonzalez, appointed as Principal of Black Mountain Middle School
We’re thrilled to welcome both to these important positions. You can learn more about their experience and leadership on our district website.
Elementary Language Immersion Program Expansion
District staff shared an update on our efforts to expand PUSD’s Elementary Language Immersion Program. Our current Mandarin Immersion program at Adobe Bluffs Elementary and Spanish Immersion program at Valley Elementary continue to thrive, and recent parent surveys show strong interest in adding another Spanish Immersion option on the west side of Interstate 15.
Next steps include identifying an elementary school site with space to host up to 14 classrooms (two classes per grade level, TK through 5th), with a goal of launching two TK Spanish Immersion classrooms at a new site next year. There will be no changes to programming at Adobe Bluffs and Valley Elementary.
Artificial Intelligence in PUSD
District staff also presented on the exciting and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in PUSD classrooms and operations. The Board reviewed proposed policies related to AI, student use of technology, and employee use of technology — all of which will return for final approval at the December meeting.
Looking Ahead
Our Business Support Services team is now preparing for the First Interim Budget presentation at the December 11 Board meeting — an important milestone that helps guide planning for the 2026–27 school year and beyond.
These are just a couple of highlights from this week’s meeting. For more details, please view the Board Brief.
Sincerely,
Ben
Del Norte Alumna Wins $50K Scholarship
Del Norte High alumna Zinia Khattar has earned a $50,000 Davidson Fellows Scholarship for her groundbreaking research on mitochondrial health — the cellular “powerhouse” linked to diseases like Parkinson’s and diabetes.
Now starting at Harvard University, Khattar’s discovery of a key cellular pathway could pave the way for therapies that restore mitochondrial function. Her work reflects not only scientific talent but a passion for making a difference in the world. Read the full article here.
PUSD Ranks Among the Best in State and Nation
Poway Unified School District is celebrating outstanding recognition in the latest U.S. News & World Report and 2026 Niche rankings. From top-tier high schools that rank among the best in San Diego, California, and the nation, to an overall A+ district rating reflecting strong academics, college readiness, and graduation rates, PUSD continues to lead the way in educational excellence. Read more at this link.
Straight from the Supe, Straight to You!
Tune in to our latest take on our Straight from the Supe series, with our new video podcast with Dr. Ben Churchill!
Find and enjoy the latest episodes on your favorite streaming platform: Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.
Support the Dream to STEAM Campaign
The PUSD Foundation recently announced the launch of its annual Dream to STEAM giving campaign, which helps fund Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) opportunities for students across our district. Because Poway Unified receives the lowest per-pupil funding of any unified school district in San Diego County, the Foundation plays a vital role in bridging the gap to provide the experiences our students need to thrive.
Click here to learn more and donate today!