Dear RUSD Community,

Next week, we’ll celebrate President’s Day and our mid-winter break. I hope you’re able to enjoy time with friends and family! "Kindness is the only service that will stand the storm of life and not wash out." ~ Abraham Lincoln

Congratulations to Mike Ghaffary
Our community is incredibly fortunate to have had five exceptional candidates step forward for the open School Board seat created by Sherry Wangenheim's resignation; the Board and I were deeply impressed by the caliber of every individual, as each truly reflected our shared values and vision. After a lengthy and thoughtful deliberation, the Board selected Mike Ghaffary. Mike was a high-quality candidate who brings a wealth of broad experiences and a heart for community engagement. His deep-rooted commitment to our community, combined with an unwavering dedication to our staff, students and families, makes him an invaluable addition to the School Board. Welcome Mike and Congratulations!"

Food Service
Thank you to those that responded to the survey. Your ideas and input are helpful. Thank you also to those that volunteered to participate in the Task Force. We will gather on February 25th and continue to brainstorm ideas for a long-term solution. Keep in mind that our collective vision for food service is to have healthy, nutritious food for our students within a larger nutrition program that includes the incorporation of our gardens, integrated educational opportunities, reduced waste, reduced use of plastics, compostable packaging, student leadership opportunities, and an overall healthy offering and message to our students. Together, we’ll get there!

YouthTruth Survey
We rely on information from YouthTruth to provide culture and belonging data, etc. The window for submissions is now closed and we are noting increased participation. Thank you! We will dive into the results, and we look forward to sharing the results.

Gathering Information for a Possible Bond
We completed a community survey to gather information about support for a possible bond on the November ballot as bonds are needed in schools to address facility needs. The survey results showed that there is community support and that the community responds to messaging. I am gathering an internal group to brainstorm marketing and communication ideas. If you would like to join, please feel free to email me. The Board will need to make a decision in June about a November addition to the ballot.

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

Follow Us On

The Board of Trustees reviewed the following items at the Regular Board Meeting on February 10:

Superintendent Update
The superintendent reported that the governor’s budget shows a modest COLA (about 2–2.4%), some one-time funds, and possible special education increases, but stressed that most new dollars are not ongoing and that TK is not truly “fully funded” for basic-aid districts, remaining about a $1M annual lift locally. She noted a potential structural change to the state Department of Education, confirmed Youth Truth survey timelines, and outlined next steps in bond exploration: forming an internal communications group, likely conducting a second poll in May, and targeting a June board decision for a possible November measure. She also summarized progress across key task forces. The AI group has drafted a vision and is moving toward guidelines and policy recommendations. The Mosaic task force has finished its work, with a staff-aligned plan on the agenda. The budget advisory group is deepening community understanding of school finance and will survey members on priorities. A visual and performing arts event is upcoming. Food service is being reopened as a task force due to a midyear vendor change, with strong community interest in healthier, lower-waste options and student leadership; dozens have responded to join or provide input.

Board of Trustee Updates
The Board welcomed Mike Ghaffary as the newly appointed RUSD trustee. Trustees welcomed the new board member, thanked all applicants, and encouraged broader community engagement ahead of the November election. They reported work on emergency preparedness, recreation/ranch governance, AI guidelines, budget advisory, and superintendent contract review, as well as participation in countywide training on parcel taxes, bond campaigns, the Brown Act, negotiations, and special education. Updates highlighted Youth Truth survey participation, campus recognition of Black History Month and Lunar New Year, strong results from math and robotics teams, and 8th-grade leadership at JLAC Action Day. Trustees flagged state budget uncertainty, potential parcel tax rule changes, and the need to plan for deficits, while site visits and local nonprofit events helped ground discussions of facilities needs and student services in a broader community context. The Board also recognized the November election cycle, which will include three open seats.

Foundation and PTA Reports
The Foundation reported 404 donations totaling approximately $1.66 million, with a 56% participation rate. The annual gala, “The Reed Derby: Racing Toward a Brighter Future,” will be held May 9 at Peacock Gap. A post-winter break phone bank is planned to increase participation. The PTA shared updates on board recruitment, yearbook sales transitioning to Square, a volunteer engagement survey, staff appreciation efforts, and a coat drive that collected 64 coats for families.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Wellness
Reed Elementary reported expanded SEL programming for Pre-K through second grade using the Kimochis curriculum and Zones of Regulation framework. Classrooms include calm-down spaces and asset-based practices. The Wellness and Belonging Committee is developing a scope and sequence to align SEL instruction across grade levels.

Strategic Plan and LCAP Updates
In year two of its six-year strategic plan, the District continues to align academic, wellness, food service, and technology initiatives. Highlights include arts and STEM integration at Del Mar, SEL evaluation at Bel Aire, reading screeners and math adoption at Reed, and focused supports through the LCAP for English learners, socioeconomically disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities. Attendance and chronic absenteeism remain priorities, supported by targeted interventions and family outreach.

Enrollment and Staffing
Current enrollment is 1,070 students, compared to 1,526 in 2016–17. Pre-K projections suggest approximately 80 students next year, which may reduce staffing needs. Kindergarten is projected at 102 students. Student-to-teacher ratios remain within historical norms. The District continues to monitor enrollment trends and staffing implications.

Bel Aire Mosaic Program Recommendation
The Mosaic Advisory Committee recommended transitioning from the Mosaic program to a year-round, CASEL-aligned SEL model with expanded counseling and community partnerships, citing participation, alignment, cost, and measurable impact considerations. The Board directed staff to pursue a scaled-down Mosaic option for approximately two classes in 2026–2027 while continuing development of year-round SEL programming.

School Counselor Position
The Board approved a revised job description and salary schedule and authorized recruitment for a part-time or full-time counselor serving all three campuses. The position will replace the vacant Bel Aire campus supervisor role beginning in 2026–2027 and aligns with the Wellness and Belonging action plan.

Bond Exploration Services
The Board approved engaging an architectural firm, to provide conceptual renderings and support community understanding of facility needs ahead of a planned June decision regarding a potential November 2026 bond measure.

Board Policy Updates
The Board approved updates to policies 1340, 1445, 5125, and 5125.1 to address state mandates related to immigration policies and student privacy. Language regarding sharing student information with military recruiters and employers below 11th grade was removed. Policy 5145.13 was recommended for removal. These updates were approved at first reading to meet state filing deadlines.

These FREE events are designed to support you and your families throughout the school year.

Let's Talk Parent Series
Community discussions take a deeper dive into the Let’s Talk topics on the website with guest facilitators and topic experts. Parents and caregivers have the opportunity to share their experiences and best practices in a safe, solution-oriented environment. Register for one of our community discussions here .

Marin County Office of Education
Discover a series of engaging and i nformative events designed for parents and caregivers, scheduled from January through March. These sessions offer valuable insights into child development, effective parenting techniques, and strategies to support your child's education.

2026 Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Parent Series
Join us for an informative series designed to empower parents and guardians with knowledge and tools to support students with special needs. Each session will cover essential topics in special education, featuring expert presenters and practical guidance.. Learn more here.

Strengthening Partnerships for Students with Disabilities
2025–26 Webinar Series Fourth Thursday of the Month from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. The California Department of Education, Special Education Division, in partnership with the Seeds of Partnership project, invite you to join this engaging webinar series. Sign up here .

Additional resources are available here.

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.