Superintendent's Weekly Update
November 21 2025
Team PUSD,
As we head into Thanksgiving break, I want to share two important updates released this week. We’ll provide more details soon, but here’s what you need to know now:
PUSD’s Latest Performance Ratings - The California Department of Education has published its annual California School Dashboard, and Poway Unified continues to demonstrate strong academic outcomes. The Dashboard provides a comprehensive look at school performance using color-coded ratings that reflect both current achievement and year-over-year growth. Ratings range from red (lowest) to blue (highest). Learn more here.
Across the district, PUSD’s results remain overwhelmingly in the blue and green categories, which indicate high performance and positive progress for students. These ratings reaffirm the effectiveness of our instructional programs and the dedication of our educators, support staff, and school leaders.
New State Fiscal Forecast - The state-level Legislative Analyst’s Office also released its economic outlook report this week, providing updated projections for California’s revenues and highlighting how these trends may affect school funding in the coming years. This information helps districts like ours anticipate both opportunities and challenges as we plan future budgets. Learn more here.
Next week, I’ll share with you a conversation with I had with our Associate Superintendent of Business Services, Eric Dill, to unpack what this means for Poway Unified. You'll learn what’s ahead, what to expect, and how we’ll continue planning responsibly. You can tune in to our conversation on our district podcast, Straight From the Supe, available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
As we move through this season of gratitude, I want to thank you for your partnership, your trust, and the numerous ways you support our students and schools every day. I am truly grateful for this community.
Wishing you and your family a safe and restful Thanksgiving break,
Ben
Spotify
YouTube
Apple Podcasts
PHS Seniors in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Next week, Poway High students Sofia Rosati and Emma Daniells will perform in the 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Sofia will be playing clarinet in the marching band for her third year in the parade, while Emma will be performing in the color guard group for the first time.
Hear from both students on how they got the opportunity to perform in New York City and what they're most excited for here.
Highland Ranch Choir Opens UCSD Basketball Game
On November 7, a group of Highland Ranch students kicked off a UCSD basketball game by singing the National Anthem. The students are part of the Stallion Singers, the campus' after-school choir group.
Congratulations Stallions!
PUSD Teachers Present at AP Conference
Congratulations to Katie McMillan and Andrea Woodward on their presentation "Nice Verbs! Improving student analysis with verbs and rhetorical choices” at the AP Annual Conference in Boston last month.
Katie and Andrea walked attendees through understanding rhetorical devices vs. rhetorical choices, and how accurate verbs improve student analysis. Their involvement in this national conference is just one example of the talented and dedicated educators we are proud to have in PUSD.
Students Excel in Unified Sports Tournament
Poway High hosted a Unified Sports Soccer Tournament on October 24, 2025, bringing together students to compete and connect through sports, promoting inclusion and a positive school culture. It’s an amazing effort that builds leadership, awareness, and acceptance across our campuses.
Watch all the highlights here, thanks to our talented Studio 701 filmmakers.
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!