Capistrano Unified Begins 2017 with Community Engagement

Capistrano Unified School District provides for the education of nearly 50,000 students in seven cities and unincorporated areas throughout southern California. With over four million square feet of classroom and building space and a budget of more than $475 million, CUSD is one of the largest employers in the area and oversees a budget that is larger than any city in which we serve. (By the way, even with our budget, we remain nearly last in the nation in per-pupil funding).

Our work in building future leaders and preparing our students to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world is critical to ensuring our high standard of living as well as continued economic growth in the years ahead. To ensure education remains a top priority in the cities and neighborhoods we serve, we greet the New Year with a renewed commitment to building relationships throughout the community.

Last night our Chief Communications Officer, Ryan Burris, attended the Mission Viejo City Council meeting and addressed the Council during the public comment portion.

In part, Burris stated, "I want to affirm our commitment to working with each of you, as well as your staff, in support of the 6,800 students who attend our schools in Mission Viejo each and every school day. CUSD remains focused on serving our students through best practices in teaching and learning, college and career readiness, social and emotional well-being, health and safety and fostering 21st century learning environments."

With aging classrooms and school campuses across our District, we know that there will be some challenging but very important conversations about our schools in the year ahead. We value the participation of the communities we serve and look forward to these ongoing conversations. Together, we will find the answers to meet these challenges.

In the months ahead, our Board of Trustees, Superintendent and staff will be out in our communities engaging in the work of our cities to ensure that the importance of education remains at the forefront of everyone's minds.