Superintendent's Weekly Update

January 30, 2026

Dear PUSD Families,

This past week, many of our schools proudly participated in the Great Kindness Challenge. Across campuses in PUSD, as well across California and the country, students and staff focused on small, intentional acts of kindness that help build belonging, strengthen relationships, and reinforce the positive school cultures we value so deeply. It was uplifting to see kindness in action in classrooms, hallways, and throughout our community. It was a powerful reminder that who we are and how we treat one another matters.

In this week’s podcast episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with two of our outstanding teachers about how kindness plays a critical role in building connections and positive school environments. Their insights were a powerful reminder that compassion is one of the most important lessons we can model for our students. Please check it out at the links below.

We’d also like to thank everyone who participated in our recent Winter ThoughtExchange survey. We heard from more than 2,500 families, and your input is incredibly valuable. The themes and perspectives shared will help guide our work and inform important decisions in the months ahead. We look forward to sharing key results with you soon.

As part of that ongoing work, the Board of Education will hold a special budget workshop on February 12, 2026. The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the District Office. This workshop will provide an opportunity for the Board to review current fiscal projections, discuss priorities, and continue its thoughtful work to ensure long-term financial stability while keeping student success at the center of our decisions. As always, we appreciate the community’s interest and engagement in this important work, and we’re committed to keeping you updated as we develop the budget for the coming year.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping make our schools places where students and staff feel supported, connected, and valued.

Sincerely,

Ben

This week, Pomerado Elementary teachers Paula Allison & Alisha Thomson discuss The Great Kindness Challenge and reinforcing kindness in the classroom and at home!

Watch or listen on your favorite podcast platform!

We are proud to share that student board member Leanne Fan has been selected as a 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search finalist, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for high school researchers. Chosen from more than 2,600 entrants nationwide, Leanne was recognized for the originality and impact of her research on wound healing under simulated microgravity conditions for future space travel. Read the full story at this link.

Poway High School students Sophia, Ava, and Izzy Fodera, are all on the school's wrestling team and have a unique perspective when it comes to competition, whether it's against an opponent or each other. KUSI News recently highlighted the sisters and their experience as student athletes and supporting each other as both teammates and sisters. Watch their story here.

Poway Unified is proud to celebrate more than 80 student musicians who earned selection to prestigious statewide and regional honor ensembles through CASMEC and SCSBOA. Chosen through highly competitive auditions, these students are being recognized among the top young performers in California. This incredible achievement reflects their talent, dedication, and the strength of our music programs. Read the full story at this link.

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

• February 3, 2026 - Parenting Course: Using Your Strengths to Navigate Life's Storms (Register)
• February 3, 2026 - Career Speaker Series: Futures in Healthcare (Reserve your seat)
• February 11, 2026 - Parenting Course: Taming Your Child’s Tantrums and Meltdowns (Register)
• February 16 - 20, 2026 - Presidents Week (District Recess)

Click here for the full calendar.