October, 2026

Dear PVUSD Educational Community,

 

Over the past several years, we have been doing the hard and necessary work of strengthening PVUSD from the inside out. That work builds on a strong foundation created over many years by deeply committed educators and staff, students, families and community partners who have always believed in the potential of our students and the strength of this community. Their dedication, relationships and belief in what is possible are among PVUSD’s greatest assets. Together, we have made difficult decisions to strengthen our financial foundation, invested deeply in our people, listened to our community and strengthened how our schools and District support one another. Today, we move forward with greater alignment, clearer priorities and a shared commitment to improving outcomes for every student.

 

Our next phase is about turning that shared purpose into greater consistency and stronger outcomes. In partnership with our Board of Education, our Goals and Guardrails are creating greater clarity about the outcomes our community wants for students and the values that guide how we pursue them. Our responsibility now is to connect that direction from the Boardroom to the classroom, aligning our people, resources, partnerships and daily work around what matters most for students. We are encouraged by progress in academic achievement, graduation, attendance, English learner progress and other important measures, while recognizing that important work remains. We will continue to face challenges, and we will meet them by listening to students, educators and staff, families and partners, learning from evidence, strengthening what works and providing support where it is needed.

 

I am hopeful about what comes next. Our students are increasingly helping lead the way. Through student leadership, the Student Trustee, advisory groups and other opportunities to shape District decisions, students are not only at the center of our work; their voices, experiences and ideas are helping shape it. Our educators and staff bring this work to life every day, while our families and partners bring knowledge, relationships and resources that strengthen what we can accomplish together. Our Board continues connecting community vision and values to the outcomes we seek. We have a strong foundation, a clearer direction and an extraordinary community committed to the potential of every student.

 

Together, we are ready for what comes next. One Purpose. Every Student. 

With gratitude,
Dr. Heather Contreras
Superintendent, PVUSD