Headline News, October 29, 2025

Dear RUSD,

Our students and staff are buzzing with the excitement of the fall season as we wrap up a busy October and look ahead to November. This week’s newsletter shares ways to stay connected, support your child, and celebrate the unique strengths of every learner in our district.

November 4th (Election Day) Superintendent Coffee Talk at Rustic - Grab a coffee and come join Dr. McGrath at Rustic Bakery if you’re interested in hearing about district topics or just having the opportunity to ask questions and have a dialogue in person. It’s just another opportunity to connect with your Superintendent and your schools.

Our Inclusion Work - In October, students learned about learning differences such as dyslexia. Through videos and stories, they explored how everyone’s brain learns in unique ways and that people with dyslexia may find reading or writing challenging, but can excel with the right tools and support. October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time to raise understanding, advocate for resources, and celebrate the strengths of individuals with dyslexia. These lessons helped students build empathy, appreciation for diverse learners, and a sense of belonging for all.

Here are some Learning Disability and Dyslexia Resources that you can review with your child.
Here are some ways to continue the conversation at home:
- What does it mean to have a learning difference?
- What did you learn about how people with dyslexia learn best?
- Why is it important to understand that everyone’s brain works differently?
- How can we be supportive and kind to classmates who learn in different ways?

State Requirement to Send Information about Safe Storage of Firearms - There is a state requirement to communicate with parents and guardians about safely storing any firearms that may be in the home. Here is a link to information and resources.

Kind regards,

Dr. Kimberly McGrath
Superintendent
Reed Union School District
"We are even stronger together!"

The Board of Trustees reviewed the following items at the RUSD Board Meeting on October 14:

Recognition of Newly Tenured Staff – District Superintendent, Dr. Kimberly McGrath, introduced and recognized the newly tenured certificated staff.
Report from Administrative Team – Bel Aire Principal, Mr. John DiCosmo, reported on activities at the school including Mosaic and the SEL programming, student leadership opportunities, the REACH process for student support and progress monitoring, SMART goals, priority students, counselor engagement, and making a difference together.
Board of Trustees Update – Trustees shared information about the meetings and activities they have attended including the Reed back-to-school night, Towntastic, Run for Reed, Principal Tech Talk at Reed, Challenge Day at Del Mar, Mosaic Advisory Committee, Wellness Committee Task Force, Bond Council meeting and Bond survey review, PTA meetings, E2 Collaborative, The Ranch board meeting, SF2 meeting, and CSBA policy trainings.
Superintendent Update – Superintendent McGrath provided a recap of the RUSD safety procedures and community partnerships with fire, police, and emergency management. She also provided an update on the strategic plan, the upcoming Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) committee meeting, food service implementation, parent resources including MAP family reports and family guides, tech use, Mosaic and JLAC.
Temporary Athletic Team Coaches Compliance – Del Mar Middle School Principal, Mr. Chad Stuart, reported on Del Mar’s compliance with BP4127, outlining the Board’s direction and training requirement criteria for the temporary athletic team coaches at Del Mar.
English Language Learner (ELL) Program Report – Coordinator of Educational Services, Ms. Nicole Trickett, and Intervention Specialist/ELL Grade Level Coordinator (GLC), Ms. Jennifer Conde, presented the annual report for the District's English Language Learner (ELL) program, sharing that 22 out of 33 students reclassified, showing strong improvement in English language learning.
Curriculum Timeline and Update – Ms. Trickett presented a progress update on the 2025-26 curriculum review cycles, including the PK-5 Math Adoption of Amplify Desmos and the mCLASS Dibels Reading Difficulties Screener, as well as an overview of the two-year PK-8 literacy roadmap.
Enrollment Report – Chief Business Official, Dr. Chris Kim presented the latest enrollment report for October, sharing the District currently has a total of 1,027 students, including 376 at Reed Elementary, 312 at Bel Aire Elementary School, and 339 at Del Mar Middle School.
County Certification Report – Dr. Kim presented the County Certification Report and confirmed the Marin County Office of Education has reviewed and approved the 2025-26 Adopted Budget. Dr. Kim also shared that MCOE stated the District is deficit spending and that reserves are projected to fall below the Board Reserve Policy of 27% in the third year of the multi-year projection. The District will need to identify $1.75M in budget cuts over the next 2 years, through a combination of identifying revenue and expenditure reductions. The Budget Advisory Committee will also explore options to address this need.
Approval of Bond Council Agreement – Superintendent McGrath presented and the Board approved a contract for a law firm specializing in Bond Counsel services to support the District should it proceed with a bond measure.
Approval of Safety Plan for 2025-26 School Year – Superintendent McGrath presented and the Board approved the District’s Comprehensive Safety Plan.

The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday November 18, 2025.