By Superintendent Adrian Palazuelos, Ph.D.

As we embrace a new year it is only fitting to look back and reflect on our collective achievements over the course of 2016. The Fillmore Unified School District is committed to our mission and is working to ensure that “Every day we develop high-performing students who become engaged and productive members of society.” Our work is centered on this mission and on ensuring that we continue to meet the needs of our students. We are especially grateful for the Fillmore Unified classified, certificated, and management staff who provide inspired service in helping all of our students achieve success.

In 2016 Fillmore Unified celebrated the opening of two new programs, Preschool and Adult Education. The Preschool and Adult School provide additional opportunities for district staff to work directly with our families. Our district has benefited greatly from the ability to compete for state funding and provide direct services and programming in our community. Fillmore Unified received over $2 Million dollars from the State of California to open Preschool programs in our school district during 2016. To date we have programs at Piru Elementary, Rio Vista Elementary, Mountain Vista Elementary, and on the Sierra campus. Over the course of the next month we will be opening a Preschool at San Cayetano Elementary and at the Sespe campus.

Additionally, our district received over $500,000 to open an Adult School program on the Sierra campus. The Fillmore Adult School provides opportunities for district residents over the age of 18 to access English as a Second Language, Adult School Diploma, and GED courses. We have over 200 adults enrolled in the Adult School program and are exploring additional courses and programs to meet the needs of our community.

In 2016 our Board of Trustees approved the Long Range Facilities Master Plan and approved for Measure V to be placed on the ballot this past November. Leading up to the election we witnessed firsthand the outpouring of positive community support for our schools. Our community further demonstrated that support with Measure V passing with 72.88% approval at the polls. A heartfelt thanks to our community for their support of our schools.

Our work in creating new opportunities for families and enhancing our facilities are but a few examples of reflection on the last year. However, the greatest honor is serving as the educational institution for this community. The tremendous privilege of educating the youth of this community is what we are most thankful for. On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Fillmore Unified School District we extend a Happy New Year to the community we serve and look forward to an exceptional 2017.