By Dr. Heather Contreras, PVUSD Superintendent
Right now, our local public schools are not yet affected by the changes being talked about for the U.S. Department of Education. However, my fellow superintendents and I are paying close attention to make sure we are ready for any big changes in the future.
Our PVUSD community will need to support each other through any challenges to ensure schools are places of safety, connection,
inclusion and learning for our students of all ages and experiences. We also need to allow for growth, be understanding, and hold each other accountable.
My deep commitment to public education is generationally rooted and unwavering. My grandfather was a math teacher at Watsonville High School and Aptos High School, my father was a superintendent, and I have siblings who work in K-12 education and at the community college level. This exposure during my formative years to the power of education as the great equalizer was profound and has shaped my leadership.
I would like to provide a brief update regarding Measure M. Thank you again to our community for passing Measure M, which signifies an understanding of the promise that our students represent for a thriving future here in the Pajaro Valley.
The Measure M Bond Program Management Firm determination is still in process. PVUSD Facilities is making final lists of required health, safety and accessibility projects by site. And finally, a Measure M Toolkit is in the works for our site shared leadership teams regarding participatory decision-making process once the final site discretionary allocation amounts are determined.
Aptos High School
As I mentioned, the PVUSD commitment to all of our children and families, regardless of the circumstances, is to ensure that every child receives a comprehensive education in reading, writing, math, science, and the arts, along with whole-child support.
This approach will equip each student with the tools needed to graduate prepared for careers, college, and life. We remain steadfast in our commitment to our students and community, and we will hold ourselves accountable to these outcomes through ongoing collaboration, transparency, and honesty.
TOP PHOTO: Watsonville High School