Dear RUSD Community,

New Principal at Bel Aire Next School Year
Mr. DiCosmo has resigned his position as Principal of Bel Aire Elementary School. We thank him for his service and dedication to our school district. This Spring, we will gather input and conduct interviews as we search for our next great leader. If you have input you would like to share, and if you are interested in being part of the interview process, please take a moment to fill out this survey.

March 16th Professional Development Day / Training was a Success
On Monday, the staff participated in professional development that focused on 3 research-based strategies that create high performance: belonging, consistency, and coherence. Then, we divided into subject-specific groups with a representative from each grade level to analyze skills that are difficult at each level and what we can do to remove obstacles in learning. Afternoon sessions were spent discussing instructional strategies and ideas for modernizing report cards.

Food Service Update
This afternoon, the Food Service Task Force is meeting to further explore our best options moving forward. Look for additional information coming soon.

Inclusion & Belonging
In February, students at Reed and Bel Aire explored stories that help us understand visual impairments and the many ways people experience and interact with the world. Through books and discussion, students learned how people with visual impairments use different tools, skills, and perspectives to navigate their environments and share their talents. Our librarians read several inspiring books, including My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay, Helen’s Big World, Six Dots, Song in the City, and The Pirate of Kindergarten.

Students also learned about the lives of Helen Keller, a writer and advocate who was both blind and deaf, and Louis Braille, who created the Braille system that allows people with visual impairments to read and write independently. Through these stories, students discussed empathy, inclusion, and how classrooms and communities can support everyone’s access to learning and participation, helping them understand that differences are a natural and valuable part of our community.

During Trimester 2, our 6th-grade students at Del Mar participated in an inclusive science lesson connected to vision, perception, and accessibility. Students explored how individuals with different learning and physical needs have sometimes faced barriers in scientific spaces, while also learning how those same differences can bring valuable perspectives and insights. The lesson encouraged students to begin reframing differences as strengths and to think about how accessibility and inclusion can expand opportunities for everyone.

Students also stepped into the role of problem solvers, generating thoughtful ideas about how scientific teams can be strengthened by intentionally including people with different abilities. Through discussion, they recognized how diverse perspectives can lead to stronger collaboration, creative problem-solving, and innovative thinking. In connection with Low Vision Awareness Month, the library will also feature a curated display of books that highlight experiences related to visual impairment, resilience, and inclusion. Here is a list of Disability Awareness books and resources and here are some talking points and questions you can share with your child.

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 Regular Board Meeting on March 10th:

Report from Administrative Team – Director of Student Services, Brian Lynch, and Special Education Inclusion Specialist, Meredith Quin-Harkin presented an update on the RUSD Inclusion Journey from 2023-2026 and shared practices and professional development for adopting an inclusive, asset-based, language and mindset across RUSD.
Superintendent Update – Superintendent McGrath provided a committee update including food services, the AI Task Force, and VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts), as well as the latest RUSD enrollment for 2026-27. She also shared an update on the progress from Nicole Trickett and Amy Smith looking at literacy, ELA, reading, writing, and objectives for the upcoming curriculum. Dr. McGrath also congratulated Del Mar Middle School, for being recognized at the state level as a “School to Watch”.
Board of Trustees Update - Trustees shared congratulations to Del Mar for being a "School to Watch" as well as information about the meetings and activities they have attended including JLAC Legislative Day, Tiburon Peninsula Traffic Relief JPA with an update on construction on Tiburon Blvd that will start late July / early August, campus visits, food services, and the Governors proposed budget withholding $5B, which does not directly affect RUSD as we are community funded, but does impact general funding.
YouthTruth Survey Results – Director of Student Services, Brian Lynch, presented an Executive Summary of the current Youth Truth survey results that was administered in January of this year, rather than November as in previous years. Areas of celebration include increased participation, results outpace other CA public schools and strong scores across belonging & peer collaboration, inclusion and culture. Areas of opportunity include communication & feedback, food services, academic engagement, staff needs, and professional development.
Board Meeting Format – The Board currently conducts its meetings in compliance with the Brown Act, which are open and accessible to the public, with proper notice and the opportunity for public comment in-person. Dr. Chris Kim, Chief Business Official, presented various options to enable live virtual broadcasting of Board meetings. The Board approved a mid-level integrated system that allows for live streaming with Zoom Webinar to facilitate public observation and transparency.
Bond Exploration and Tracking Poll – The Board discussed and authorized conducting a tracking poll to assess voter awareness, priorities, and potential support for a prospective bond measure to fund District facilities improvements for potential placement on the November 2026 ballot.
Approval of 2025-26 Second Interim Budget Report – Dr. Chris Kim, Chief Business Official, presented the Second Interim Budget Report for FY 2025-26 and the Board provided a Positive Certification as part of its approval of the budget revisions.
Approval of RUSD Transportation Plan – The Board adopted the Transportation Services Plan that provides school districts with a pupil transportation reimbursement equal to 60% of prior-year Home-to-School transportation expenditures, excluding capital outlay and non-agency costs.
Approval of Bids for Granada Reroofing Project – The Board approved the plans and specifications for the Granada Reroofing project to improve and extend the useful life of the facilities and authorized staff to advertise for bids and conduct the formal bid process in accordance with the law.
Revision and Approval of Classified Management Positions and Job Description – The Board adopted a resolution to eliminate specific classified positions for 2026-27 and create a new position for the Director of Information Systems, Educational Technology and Innovation, with a new Job Description and corresponding salary schedule.

The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2025.

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 .

March 25, 2026 | 6:30–7:30 PM (No Longer March 10th) Springtime Stress – Testing, Transitions, and the Road Ahead

As students face testing season and end-of-year transitions, Dr. Levine will offer tools to help them manage performance-related stress and approach future planning with confidence and emotional balance. Registration 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.