1 Table of contents 11

April 2026 Volume 6 Edition 9

APRIL 2026 | VOLUME 6 | EDITION 9		1
COMMUNITY CONNECT		1
"Let's be reasonable and add an eighth day to the week that is devoted exclusively to reading." — Lena Dunham		1
Before I began working for PUHSD, I worked for a neighboring district in their Elementary Library Program. It was a truly rewarding experience that I am so thankful for...from the staff I collaborated with to the students who learned the love of reading. Books were a bridge to new worlds and ideas. Each day was filled with the joy of discovery, as students' eyes lit up when they found a book that resonated with them. The library was a haven for curiosity and creativity.		1
The libraries on our campuses are called “Learning Commons,” and they, too, provide spaces for our students to foster an environment of learning and inspiration. Michelle Isheim, our District Librarian, and all of her staff create opportunities for our students to explore new interests and develop critical thinking skills. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, the Learning Commons offer a dynamic environment where students can engage with technology, participate in group projects, or simply find a quiet corner to delve into a good book. It's a place where ideas flourish and every student has the opportunity to expand their horizons. Our commitment to nurturing a love for reading and lifelong learning is evident in the programs and resources available to our students.		1
Among other important recognitions, April is School Library Month, and we are truly thankful for our LC’s and staff, and celebrate their hard work and the invaluable role they play in our students' educational journeys.		1
In honor of School Library Month, find a good book, sit back, relax, and enjoy.		1
Happy April ~		1
April Board Meeting		1
Sarah Rath		1
Sarah Rath, Communications Officer		1
Superintendent Message		2
Happy April PUHSD!		2
I hope this newsletter finds you well rested following our Spring Break and that you had the opportunity to spend time with loved ones, creating new and special memories.		2
Before Spring Break, I had the opportunity to meet with groups of students on our campuses. We refer to these meetings as “Student Engagement.” Site staff assists in organizing a diverse group of students from all grade levels to gather in the Learning Commons to meet with District Administration, a few members of our Board, and me.		2
To say I am profoundly proud of our students and their ability to ask tough questions, articulate ideas, and share their pride in front of their peers and the adults present would be an understatement. Let me be the first to say that our students (your children) do a great job of advocating for themselves! Each session was a testament to the varied talents and perspectives that our students bring to the table. I am happy to share that a common theme across the sites was the healthy relationships between students and staff. Students report that staff genuinely care about them and want to help them achieve their goals.		2
I want to emphasize the importance of amplifying student voices within our District. Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and their perspectives are invaluable in shaping dynamic learning environments. Providing these opportunities and encouraging students to express their ideas, share their experiences, and engage in meaningful dialogue not only empowers them but also enriches all of our collective educational experiences. I tell them in the Engagement meetings that “as much as we tell you what to do, we are here to serve you.” By actively listening to and incorporating student feedback, we can create a school culture that is responsive, innovative, and supportive.		2
Thank you to all of the students who participated!		2
Thank you for your continued commitment to fostering an environment where all students thrive.		2
Have a great month,		2
Tom		2
MARCH 18, 2026		3
QUALITY SCHOOLS		3
STAFF IN-SERVICE		3
Congratulations		4
2026 PUHSD EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR		4
KRISTEN NAVE		4
ANNETTE MOLLICA		4
ASTELLE CLEERE		4
JORDAN TUCKER		4
TRINIDAD GARCIA		4
DEBORAH MCAULIFFE		4
DAVE LAWRENSON		4
LOUIS MARSTON		4
BLAINE WHITE		4
MATT RICKABAUGH		4
KIM BARRY		4
JEN WARD DIXON		4
The		5
P INT		5
PUHSD		5
We’re all here for the students because that’s...		5
SEAS N 3		5
Episode #1 (25-26) ~ Welcome Back!!		5
Episode #2 (25-26) ~ Clubs on Campuses		5
Episode #3 (25-26) ~ College Visits & More!		5
Episode #4 (25-26) ~ Maidu Virtual Charter Academy		5
Episode #5 (25-26) ~ Reflection on Fall 2025 Term		5
Episode #6 (25-26) ~ Career Technical Education (CTE)		5
Episode #7 (25-26) ~ Music in Our Schools		5
Episode #8 (25-26) ~ Performing Arts		5
Placer May 1, 2, 8, & 9 at 7:30 pm		5
Colfax April 17, 18 & 24 at 7:00 pm April 25 at 2:00 pm		5
Del Oro April 17, 18, 23 & 24 at 7:00 pm April 19 & 26 at 2:00 pm		5
From the desk of Crystal Eatherton, Director Child Nutrition Services Department		6
OUT & ABOUT IN THE DISTRICT		7
Colfax student, Xavier, getting HIS question chosen (out of 3,000+) for Mitt Romney to answer during the CMUNC trip to New York!!! Go Falcons!!!		9
CHOOL BUDGETS		10
A nearby school district’s Superintendent, Dr. David Roth, wrote the following commentary about state funding for school districts.		10
It’s time to raise base funding for California schools		10
David Roth ~ EdSource		10
California took an important step toward equity in school finance by implementing the Local Control Funding Formula. But more than a decade later, inflationary pressures, coupled with extreme funding disparities between districts, have created financial vulnerabilities that are leading to a climate of fiscal crisis in our public schools.		10
A growing number of headlines tell the story: Revenues are not keeping pace with costs, and cuts are on the way. Districts are experiencing ballooning deficits, and in districts such as the Buckeye Union School District, we are increasingly reliant on one-time funds to pay for ongoing programs. In the coming year, our elementary P.E. program will be cut in half, and the currently projected revenues will fall short of us maintaining library and counseling services past next year. Mind you, class sizes remain historically high, with as many as 28-34 students in elementary classrooms. We are more vulnerable to an economic decline than before the Great Recession, when K-3 class sizes were 20:1.		10
Continuing reading the article by clicking here...		10
Dr. Roth has put together data on California school funding trends. In looking at the data, it is pretty eye-opening and compelling, and it’s a story that needs more support at the local, county, and state levels. You can get a very quick analysis of your District being underfunded here: District Funding Gap Tracker		10
Bottom line, a lot of districts have watched Revenue Per ADA slide further and further below the statewide median over the last decade. When you layer that on top of declining enrollment, inflation, pensions, insurance, tech costs, and growing special education needs, it’s becoming an unsustainable situation for districts on the low end of the funding distribution.		10
Dr. Roth has built a set of tools at: Raisethebase.org Tracking the Underfunded Gap District Funding Trend Tracker District Revenue Comparison Report Methodology and Technical Analysis		10
THIS is what it's all about! Our Students! Shout out to Placer High School for being named a 2026 California Department of Education Distinguished School!!		11
Achievement Gap Closers: Schools that are accelerating academic progress for two or more groups that have been historically underserved, while also demonstrating achievement for all students that is above the state median, and maintaining or increasing academic performance for all students.		11
PUHSD Proud!		11
Placer Union High School District		11
13000 New Airport Road Auburn, CA 95603 Phone: 530.886.4400 Fax: 530.886.4449		11
LET’S		11
connect		11

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