Headline News - Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Dear RUSD,

Significant Student Academic Results & Growth in 2024-25 State Test Results
Our students showed a powerful ability to build on their knowledge and skills year over year, with some of our largest gains coming from the same students tested across multiple years. This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the unwavering support of our community.

Results for 3rd-8th grade students show 81% meeting or exceeding standard in English Language Arts which is a 5% increase from 2023-24.
Results for 3rd-8th grade students show 79% meeting or exceeding standard in Math which is a 4% increase from 2023-24.
Results for 5th and 8th grade students show 68% meeting or exceeding standard in Science which is a 1% decrease from 2023-24.
When we follow student growth of the students that stay with us in RUSD, we see even larger increases:
We saw a 9% increase in the number of students in grades 4-8 meeting or exceeding standards in English Language Arts, growing from 73% in 2023-24 to 82% in 2024-25!
We saw a 7% increase in the number of students in grades 4-8 meeting or exceeding standards in Math, growing from 72% in 2023-24 to 79% in 2024-25.

Amazing! Big congratulations, everyone!

Bond Feasibility Survey

In response to the numerous facility needs identified by our Facilities Committee and outlined in our Long Range Facilities Plan, we are exploring future opportunities to meet the ongoing needs of our school facilities. To help with this process, a bond feasibility survey will be conducted in the near future by a professional surveying firm. The survey will help us gauge the community's interest in a potential 2026 bond and will ask for your feedback on specific projects under consideration, as well as the types of bond rates you would find acceptable. The results of this survey will be crucial in determining possible next steps for our community's future.

Committees and Task Forces are Starting Soon
Want to help shape our school's future? We're starting several important Committees and Task Forces soon. These site-based groups cover a range of topics, including: Tech Use and Mosaic, Wellness & Belonging, Visual & Performing Arts, Artificial Intelligence, Strategic Planning Collaborative, Local Control Accountability Plan, and Budget Advisory. You can find the sign-up forms and contact information in the last Headline News dated September 3rd. Feel free to email me at kmcgrath@reedschools.org and I’ll be happy to help.

Follow ReedSchools on Instagram
Just another great way to stay informed. Follow us here!

Marin County Office of Education Parent Ed Event on Zoom tonight.

Learn more here.

Kind regards,

Dr. Kimberly McGrath

Superintendent

Reed Union School District

"We are even stronger together!"

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The Board of Trustees reviewed the following items at the Board Study Session on September 6th and the Regular Board Meeting on September 9th:

Board Study Session
The Board of Trustees held a productive Board Study Session to discuss and review the District’s annual strategic priorities and metrics for the 2025-26 school year. Superintendent McGrath presented the priorities for this year with detailed objectives and metrics aligned with the Strategic Plan. Trustees also discussed the Superintendent’s goal setting and evaluation process, as well as Board professional development and conference opportunities.

Board of Trustees Update
At the Regular Board Meeting Trustees expressed gratitude to the leadership and staff for hosting engaging and successful back-to-school nights across all schools. Additionally, Trustees shared information about the meetings and activities they have attended including the board study session, thanking Dr. McGrath for the metrics and depth behind the strategic priorities for 2025-26. Additional meetings included the Foundation volunteer meeting, traffic safety, and the Tiburon Peninsula Traffic Alliance (TPTA) JPA meeting, serving over 500 of our students, including the new after school bus program. Also, trustees underscored the value and importance that Committees have in listening to the goals of our community and working to create solutions that make our District inclusive and thriving.

Report from Administrative Team
Del Mar Principal, Mr. Chad Stuart shared an update on the curriculum and theme at Del Mar this year “Nice Vibes Only” as well as the outstanding professional development with Fabian Ramirez, national speaker, focused on kindness and fostering a positive culture. Ms. Derby, Del Mar Music Teacher, also led her talented Intermediate Advanced Band Jazz students in an amazing live performance at the Board meeting. Her music students see and value music as a path in their education, participate in peer mentoring during recess, and also performed at the 30th anniversary of the Bel-Tib library.

Superintendent Update
District Superintendent, Dr. Kimberly McGrath thanked all of the people that made a smooth start to the school year happen and commended the incredible team. She also shared an update on the strategic plan, seeing great participation with the food service program, offering many opportunities to participate in RUSD committees, sharing MAP results with families, and also encouraging families that take the bus to download the new bus app – First View 1.0.

Review of 2024-25 CAASPP Test Results
Coordinator of Educational Services, Ms. Nicole Trickett presented information on the RUSD CAASPP Test Results for the 2024-2025 School Year, showing tremendous growth from last year in ELA at 81% (up 5%) and Math 79% (up 4%), showcasing the hard work staff put in and seeing students building on their skills from last year.

Approval of Bond Authorization for Community Survey
Jeff Small, General Manager, Capital Public Finance Group, presented information on the Community Survey to gauge public support for RUSD’s long-range facilities plan and the bond authorization needed to fund the plan. The Board of Trustees approved the inclusion of the bond authorization in the community survey.

Adoption of Resolutions No. 01 2025/2026 Sufficiency of Textbooks
and Instructional Materials
Following the Public Hearing, Superintendent McGrath, presented Resolution No. 01-2025/2026, Sufficiency of Textbooks and Instructional Materials. The Board of Trustees approved the sufficiency of textbooks and instructional materials consistent with the content and cycles of the curriculum.

Adoption of Resolution No. 02 2025/2026 Gann Limit
Chief Business Official, Dr. Chris Kim presented the Gann Limit calculations and the Board of Trustees approved and adopted the resolution.

Approval of Unaudited Actuals Financial Report
Chief Business Official, Dr. Chris Kim presented the District's Unaudited Actuals Financial Report for 2024-2025, and The Board of Trustees approved the report.

Approval of Prop 28, Arts and Music in Schools Funding, Annual Report
The Board of Trustees approved the Proposition 28 Arts and Music in Schools Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024/25 and supports the District’s Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) to facilitate the District’s Arts and Music program that is in place across all three school sites serving all students.

Approval of Legislative Talking Points
The Board of Trustees reviewed and approved the proposed legislative talking points representing the needs and challenges of the District as presented by Superintendent McGrath. The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday October 14, 2025.

RUSD Mission & Vision: Each student will be challenged and inspired to reach their fullest intellectual, social-emotional and creative potential to positively impact the world.