VUSD Connections Newsletter: Final Newsletter of Year

  As we send out this final newsletter of the year, I find myself full of gratitude. Our high school and adult education graduates will be crossing the stage next week, stepping confidently into their next chapters. I hope every family member of our graduating seniors feels the promise of that moment. You helped make it possible. To our staff: thank you. Thank you for showing up every single day for our students, for our families, and for one another. The dedication you bring to this work does not go unnoticed. This year asked a great deal of you, and you delivered. As this final newsletter reaches your inbox, enjoy your summer. Rest, recharge, and embrace everything that makes this season restorative. We will see many of you very soon at graduation, and I cannot wait to celebrate together. With gratitude and pride,  Dr. Antonio Castro   May 28, 6 pm : Buena High School Senior Awards Night May 28, 5-8 pm : Special Education Parent Workshop June 2, 7 pm: El Camino Senior Awards Night June 4 : Last day of 2025-2026 school year Contact the district offices at 805-641-5000 for more information about these meetings. The 2026-2027 School Year Calendar is available on our   VUSD Calendar webpage .   Watch VUSD Graduations Live or Anytime Can’t attend graduation in person? Ventura Unified School District will live-stream all high school and Ventura Adult and Career Education (VACE) graduation ceremonies so families and friends can still be part of these important moments. All ceremonies can be viewed on the district’s YouTube channel   Recordings will remain available after each ceremony, so you can watch later or stream during graduation celebrations with family and friends. Graduation Schedule: Buena High School: June 2 at 4:00 PM  Ventura High School: June 3 at 3:00 PM  Pacific High School: June 4 at 10:00 AM  El Camino High School at Ventura College: June 4 at 12:30 PM  Foothill Technology High School: June 4 at 2:30 PM  Ventura Adult and Career Education (VACE): June 4 at 5:30 PM  We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 together, whether in person or online.   A reminder for High School Senior Families -- Graduation Photos  Please note that graduation photos will be handled differently this year. A flyer with details specific to your school has been attached. Please scan the QR code on your school's flyer to pre-register before your graduation ceremony. Following the ceremony, photos will be available to view and purchase through Monarch Photography.   Free Summer Meals for Children -- July 6 to 30, 2026 This summer, our Food and Nutrition Services team will be providing free lunch to children ages 1 to 18 at schools and community sites throughout the area. The program runs from July 6 to 30, 2026. Please  see the attached flyer f or a list of participating locations. Dates and times vary by site, and food must be consumed on site. Children do not need to be enrolled in Ventura Unified to participate. We are proud to support our community and ensure that every child has access to a nutritious meal this summer.     OCEAN After-School There are expanded learning programs offered for every elementary and middle school in Ventura Unified. Families who have already registered for OCEAN After-School for the 26-27 school year have either been given additional paperwork to complete or been notified they are on a waitlist. If you still want to sign up, there are spots at some schools available. Sign up on our OCEAN/ELOP webpage .   Student Passwords Changing at Start of the 2026-2027 School Year As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen network security and better protect student data, student passwords will now automatically reset at the start of each school year. Parents can view their student’s current password through the Aeries Parent Portal. After logging into the Parent Portal: • Click on Student Info  • Select Student Email Passwords  • The current password will be displayed on the page If a student forgets their password, school staff are always available to help them retrieve it. For students in 5th grade and below, teachers can also create QuickCards, which allow students to log in using a QR code and device camera instead of typing a password.     School Closures Advisory Committee Meeting #3 The School Closures Advisory Committee held its third meeting on May 21. During the meeting, committee members reviewed detailed information about district facilities and school sites across Ventura Unified. Topics included school site size and age, facility conditions, long-range facilities needs, historical bond investments, current and future bond-funded projects, unique campus features, environmental factors, and lease and rental revenue connected to school properties. To help keep our community informed throughout this process, as of May 21, we are now recording these meetings and those recordings are available on the district’s YouTube channel, and meeting presentations can be found on the district website. YouTube Recording   Meeting Presentation and Other Handouts         As we head into the final week of school, we encourage all students to finish strong. This time of year, is filled with important learning, end-of-year activities, celebrations, and opportunities to connect with peers and staff. Everyday counts, and consistent attendance ensures students don’t miss out on these meaningful experiences. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to making school attendance a priority. Your partnership plays a vital role in student success. As we look ahead to summer, we hope your family enjoys a well-deserved break filled with rest, fun, and time together. Let’s make these last days of the school year count.  Here today, ready for tomorrow.   Board of Education A special Board of Education meeting was held on Tuesday, May 26, and the discussion centered on the Governor's May Revised Budget.  The next regular Board of Education Meeting is planned for Tues. June 9. The agenda, including information on how to make public comments (which must be in person), locations, and the start times of both closed and regular sessions, will be available at least 72 hours before the regular board meeting date on the   Board Agendas and Minutes webpage .   All regular Board meetings are livestreamed and recorded. To view, please visit our Ventura Unified School District YouTube page .   If you would like to reach out to the Board members, their email addresses are available on the   Board webpage .    

Friday, May 29 2026

VUSD Connections Newsletter: Art Show Tonight, New M...

  Like many school districts across California, Ventura Unified continues to face ongoing budget challenges. These challenges are largely driven by declining enrollment due to low birth rates in our county and city, and the level of state and federal funding available to support public education. Even in a tight financial environment, our focus remains the same. We are working to ensure our schools are vibrant, stable, and prepared to support both our students and the dedicated staff who serve them each day. Every decision we make is guided by what is best for students and the long-term health of our district. We are also actively advocating for our schools. Members of our Board of Education and I have personally traveled to Washington, D.C., and Sacramento to meet with lawmakers to push for full funding of public education programs. We will continue to elevate the needs of Ventura Unified students at every level. Next week is VUSD All-Staff Appreciation week, with a focus on our Education Support Professionals on May 5 and our Certificated Employees on May 6. As we have collectively endured fiscal uncertainty over the previous years, families have asked, “What can we do to help?” One meaningful way you can honor our staff next week is by advocating for increased funding for public education at the state and federal levels. Hearing directly from families makes a difference to our elected officials. If you are interested, you can contact elected officials to share your support for strong, well-funded public schools. You will find contact information in the Budget Update section of this newsletter. In addition, you will find a template attached to this newsletter to get you started. We will continue to keep you informed as we navigate these challenges together. Thank you for your ongoing support of Ventura Unified and for being partners in your child’s education. Strong support for public education helps schools recruit and retain exceptional staff and continue providing high-quality learning for students now and in the future. Sincerely, Dr. Antonio Castro   May 6, 6-8 pm:  Mucho Mas Que Miercoles Meeting- Online May 6, 5 pm:  Indian Education Honoring Ceremony- California Lutheran University May 20, 6 pm:  African American Parent Council (AAPC) Family Dinner Celebration May 25-  All schools and district offices closed May 27, 5:30 -7:00 pm - DELAC Family Dinner Celebration Contact the district offices at 805-641-5000 for more information about these meetings. The 2026-2027 School Year Calendar is available on our   VUSD Calendar webpage .   Buena, Foothill, and Ventura Freshmen Athletic Info Nights Join our high schools as they inform incoming students about athletic programs, provide tryout information, answer questions, and introduce coaches/athletes. Buena- May 5 , 6-7 pm Buena Gym Foothill Technology High School- May 5 , 6-8 pm Foothill Campus Ventura- May 4 , 5:30-7 pm Tuttle Gym (Poli St) See the attached flyers for more information.    K-5 Math Programs Pilot Preview Night VUSD families and community members are invited to stop by and take a look at materials from I nnovamat  and  Amplify   on Tuesday, May 19. These two elementary math programs are being considered for adoption for the 26-27 school year. You can drop in at the VUSD Lobby anytime between 5:30 and 6:30 pm to review materials, ask questions, and share your thoughts. This is a chance to see how each program supports student learning and helps build strong math skills.  Tuesday, May 19 5:30-6:30 pm VUSD District Lobby  Flyers with more information are attached. We hope you’ll come by and take part.   TONIGHT!  VUSD Student Art Show Opening Reception The Ventura Unified School District invites students, families, staff, and community members to the annual Student Art Show Opening Reception. Come celebrate the creativity and talent of our students from across the district. Friday, May 1 Elementary and Middle School: 4:00–5:30 p.m. High School: 5:30–7:00 p.m. Vita Art Center, 28 W Main St, Ventura The exhibit will be on display May 1-3 , and many pieces will be available for  purchase . We hope you will join us in supporting our student artists and enjoying an evening of inspiring artwork.   Join the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee  VUSD is accepting applications for the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC ). The Committee is responsible for ensuring that bond revenues are used only as voters intended and for informing the public of bond expenditures. Community participation is an important part of this process. VUSD encourages those interested to apply and be part of supporting the responsible use of bond funds.  Applications are now open and are  due by Friday, May 15, at 4:00 PM.  Email your completed application to  j eannie.fiscalini@venturausd.org or mail to:   Ventura Unified School District   Attn: Jeannie Fiscalini   255 W. Stanley Ave.   Ventura, CA 93001     State and Federal Elected Official Contact Information If you would like to advocate for public schools to be fully funded (see Superintendent message above), here are the websites that contain contact information for those who serve our community.  Thank you in advance! U.S. House of Representatives  Julia Brownley   https://juliabrownley.house.gov U.S. Senator  Alex Padilla   https://www.padilla.senate.gov U.S. Senator  Adam Schiff   https://www.schiff.senate.gov  Federal leaders help determine funding for programs such as special education and other national education supports. Governor of California  Gavin Newsom   https://www.gov.ca.gov/contact/ California State Senator (Ventura area)  Monique Limón   https://sd19.senate.ca.gov California State Assemblymember (Ventura area)  Steve Bennett   https://a38.asmdc.org State leaders make decisions about school funding through the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and the overall state education budget. California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond   https://www.cde.ca.gov This office plays an important role in statewide education policy and advocacy.       School Closures Advisory Committee – Second Meeting Summary The School Closures Advisory Committee met on April 23 to review enrollment trends and school capacity. Highlights: Enrollment due to low birth rates continues to decline across the district Many schools are operating below capacity Capacity was reviewed using both permanent classrooms and total space, including portables The committee reached consensus on school scores and rankings for the first six criteria.  Next meeting:  Facilities overview of campus space use Following meeting:  Educational Services presentation on programs and relocation considerations Only Buena and Ventura High Schools have been taken off the list for consideration because, if they were closed, no other campus in the district could physically accommodate all the students and thier facilities' needs.   To review minutes, presentations, criteria scoring sheets, and to learn more, visit the School Closures webpage.    The next meeting will be held on May 21, 2026.        Finishing the School Year Strong! As we enter the final weeks of the school year, attendance remains key to student success. Our district goal is 97% attendance, and we have increased from 93% to 95%, a strong reflection of our collective effort and commitment. Each day in school is an opportunity for students to learn, grow, and stay connected to their teachers, classmates, and goals. Finishing the year strong means showing up, staying engaged, and taking pride in every accomplishment, big or small. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue closing the gap. When students are here today, they are truly ready for tomorrow!   At the Special Board of Education Meeting on April 28, the Board and Superintendent held a Governance workshop led  by a  California School Boards Association (CSBA) Governance consultant. The meeting included a discussion regarding CSBA Governance standards, Board goals, unity of purpose, roles and responsibilities, norms and protocols, and strategic priorities. The next Regular Board of Education Meeting is planned for May 12, 2026. The agenda, including information on how to make public comments (which must be in person), locations, and the start times of both closed and regular sessions, will be available at least 72 hours before the regular board meeting date on the   Board Agendas and Minutes webpage . All regular Board meetings are livestreamed and recorded. To view, please visit our Ventura Unified School District YouTube page .   If you would like to reach out to the Board members, their email addresses are available on the Board webpage .     CAPS Media Future Filmmaker Summer Program Is your child between the ages of 9 and 14 and wants to learn more about Live Action Video Production or Stop Motion Animation? No need to look further. Our partners at CAPS Media (which assists us with our El Camino High School ECTV program and high school graduation livestreams) are offering a summer program. Take a look at the attached flyer or visit   capsmedia.org to learn more.   

Saturday, May 02 2026

VUSD Connections Newsletter: Next School Closures Me...

  You may have recently heard about actions taken by the Board of Education regarding several District-owned properties. Here is a brief update on where we are and why this work matters. How we got here: Since 2019, the District has been reviewing properties no longer needed for school use A community advisory committee (7-11 Committee) studied options and provided recommendations to the Board of Education on October 21, 2020 In 2021, the Board declared Jewett Estate, Washington School, Avenue School and the District office location at 255 w. Stanley Ave. properties as surplus  Where we are now: On April 7, 2026, the Board identified specific development partners to enter into exclusive negotiation agreements for the following properties: Jewett Estate Avenue School site Washington School site Any final agreements will return to the Board for a public hearing, Board review and action Proposal details from the related request for proposal (RFP) will be shared publicly once negotiations are complete Why this matters: VUSD is facing declining enrollment due to changing county demographics that include aging communities, lower birthrates, and high cost of living. In addition, the District continues to confront rising operational costs (supplies, gas, utilities, healthcare, etc.)  The high cost of living impacts families and staff The Board is focused on using District assets to best support students and staff, including exploring options like workforce housing We understand these decisions are important to our community and will continue to share updates as the process moves forward. For more information, please visit our News & Updates webpage . Thank you for your continued partnership, Dr. Antonio Castro     April 15, 6:30 pm:  Indian Education Parent Advisory Committee Meeting- California Lutheran University April 16, 5:30 pm:  LCAP Advisory Committee April 30, 5:30 pm: District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) Meeting May 6, 6 pm:  African American Parent Council (AAPC) Family Dinner Celebration May 6, 6-8 pm:  Mucho Mas Que Miercoles Meeting- Online May 6, 5 pm:  Indian Education Honoring Ceremony- California Lutheran University May 25-  All schools and district offices closed Contact the district offices at 805-641-5000 for more information about these meetings. The 2026-2027 School Year Calendar is available on our   VUSD Calendar webpage .   Ventura High School Chalk Festival & Ceramics Sale  It’s that time of year again. Ventura High School’s annual Chalk Festival and Ceramics Sale is back, and you are invited to join us for a special evening celebrating student creativity. Public invited: Thursday, April 30, from 4:00–7:00 PM Enjoy chalk art, music, and food trucks. Bring your family, grab dinner, and experience the creativity on display. VHS art students will create large chalk “paintings” in front of the auditorium, offering a unique opportunity to see their work come to life. It’s a fun and inspiring event for all ages. Be sure to visit the Ceramics Sale, featuring handmade items like jewelry, bowls, mugs, and more, created by students in the ceramics program led by Mrs. Megan McKee. Want to support student artists? You can order a custom chalk drawing for your classroom or home by completing the Chalk Art Order Form by Monday, April 27: Come out and celebrate the talent and creativity of our students.   Spring Musicals Buena High School Spring Musical: You’re Invited! The Buena High School Drama Department proudly presents Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical ! Join us for a magical production filled with music, storytelling, and unforgettable performances by our talented students. Show Dates: April 16 & 17 at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM) April 18 & 19 at 3:00 PM (doors open at 2:30 PM) April 23 & 24 at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM) April 25 at 3:00 PM (doors open at 2:30 PM) A special sing-along performance will also be offered during the run. Tickets and additional information are available at  bhsdramaboxoffice.org. You can also follow Buena Theater on Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes highlights. Bring the whole family and support our students as they bring this beloved story to life on stage.   Ventura High School Spring Musical: You’re Invited! The Ventura High School Drama Department presents Bonnie & Clyde on the VHS Main Stage. This exciting production brings a powerful story to life through the incredible talent of our student performers. Show Dates: April 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM) April 19 & 24 at 2:00 PM (doors open at 1:30 PM) Ticket Prices: $10 Students/Children $12 Seniors $15 Adults This production is recommended for audiences ages 10 and up. Parental discretion is advised. Tickets are available at: https://our.show/bonnieandclyde2026 Come out and support our students as they showcase their hard work and talent on stage.   Save the Date: VUSD Student Art Show Opening Reception The Ventura Unified School District invites students, families, staff, and community members to the annual Student Art Show Opening Reception. Come celebrate the creativity and talent of our students from across the district. Friday, May 1 Elementary and Middle School: 4:00–5:30 p.m. High School: 5:30–7:00 p.m. Vita Art Center, 28 W Main St, Ventura The exhibit will be on display May 1-3, and many pieces will be available for purchase. We hope you will join us in supporting our student artists and enjoying an evening of inspiring artwork.   Join the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee  VUSD is accepting applications for the  Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC ). The Committee is responsible for ensuring that bond revenues are used only as voters intended and for informing the public of bond expenditures.  Applications will open on April 26 and are due by Friday, May 15, at 4:00 PM.  Email your completed application to  j eannie.fiscalini@venturausd.org or mail to:   Ventura Unified School District   Attn: Jeannie Fiscalini   255 W. Stanley Ave.   Ventura, CA 93001   VACE English Classes for All Levels Looking to improve your English skills? Ventura Adult and Career Education (VACE) offers English classes for all levels to support your learning goals. These flexible, online classes are available year-round, and you can start at any time. Whether you are just beginning or looking to build your skills, VACE is here to help you succeed. For more information, including class details and how to enroll, please see the attached flyer.   VUSD Board of Education Takes Action on Surplus Properties At a Special Board Meeting on April 7, 2026, the Ventura Unified School District Board of Education took action on three surplus properties: Jewett Estate, Avenue School, and Washington School. After reviewing proposals and hearing public input across multiple meetings, the Board identified partners to move forward with in the negotiation process. The Board voted unanimously to continue negotiations with Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation for the Jewett Estate and Ventura Housing for the Avenue School site. For the Washington School site, the Board voted 4-1 to move forward with City Ventures. The District will now begin negotiations with each selected entity. Before any final agreement is approved, a public hearing will be held, and the item will return to a regular Board meeting for action. While negotiations are ongoing, details remain confidential. Once complete, all proposals will be shared publicly. These efforts are part of the District’s responsibility to use its properties in ways that best support students and staff, while also addressing financial challenges and exploring opportunities such as workforce housing. For more information, visit our  News and Updates page :       School Closures Advisory Committee – Second Meeting The  Ventura Unified School District School Closures Advisory Committee will hold its second meeting on  Thursday, April 23  at 5:30 p.m. at the Education Service Center (255 W. Stanley Ave., Ventura, McAuliffe Room). Community members are welcome to attend and listen as the committee continues its work. Public comment will be available and limited in time. The meeting will include a review of district demographic data, including enrollment trends, projections, transfers, and student demographics, as well as information on new housing developments. The committee will also review district and school-site capacity relative to projected enrollment and begin site analysis, including scoring and key considerations. The agenda and all meeting materials will be posted on the School Closures webpage at least 72 hours in advance  on the School Closures Advisory Committee webpage .  Questions or comments can be submitted to VUSDSchoolsCommittee@venturausd.org   or shared directly with members of the Board of Education.   School Closures Advisory Committee – Meet Our Co-Chair In our last edition, we introduced Peggy Maryanski, Chair of the School Closures Advisory Committee. We are now pleased to introduce our Co-Chair, Sydney Traub. Sydney is a 9th-grade student at Foothill Technology High School and previously attended Montalvo Arts Academy and Anacapa Middle School. She brings an important student perspective to the committee, offering insight into how decisions impact students both in and out of the classroom. Sydney currently serves as Freshman Vice President at Foothill. Through this leadership role, she has developed skills in collaboration, communication, and community building. As Co-Chair, Sydney is focused on helping the committee stay grounded in facts and data while also recognizing the voices of students, families, and staff. She emphasizes the importance of respect, listening, and thoughtful discussion throughout this process, sharing, “I will also help by implementing the three most basic rules of classrooms: be respectful, listen to others, and take turns.” Sydney shared that while this work can feel heavy, she is confident that with strong collaboration and community support, the committee will be able to make thoughtful recommendations that support students now and in the future. For more information about the School Closures Advisory Committee, visit our News and Updates page .     Supporting Students with School Avoidance Regular school attendance is essential for student success. Our district’s goal is to achieve a 97% attendance rate, and every day in school makes a difference. We understand that some students may experience school avoidance or refusal, which can look like frequent complaints of illness, anxiety about attending school, or difficulty getting out the door in the morning. If your child is struggling, you’re not alone, and support is available. Start by talking openly with your child and listening to their concerns. Establish consistent routines at home, including regular bedtimes and morning schedules. Keep communication positive and focus on problem-solving. Partnering with your child’s school is key. Our staff can help identify underlying concerns and connect your family with support such as counseling, check-ins, or attendance plans. Together, we can help every student feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. If you need assistance, please reach out to your school office. We're here to help!   At the Special Board of Education Meeting on April 7, the Board took action on Surplus Properties (see the Budget section above). They also discussed the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). The next Regular Board of Education Meeting is planned for April 21, 2026. The agenda, including information on how to make public comments (which must be in person), locations, and the start times of both closed and regular sessions, is available at least 72 hours before the regular board meeting date on the   Board Agendas and Minutes webpage . All regular Board meetings are livestreamed and recorded. To view, please visit our Ventura Unified School District YouTube page .   If you would like to reach out to the Board members, their email addresses are available on the Board webpage .     CSU Channel Islands STEAM Carnival – Free Family Event Families are invited to the CSU Channel Islands STEAM Carnival on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 1 to 5 PM at California State University Channel Islands. This free, family-friendly event is open to PreK–12 students and their families and features hands-on activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). Students can explore engaging stations, connect with CSUCI students and faculty, and learn about college majors and careers in STEAM fields. Families will also have the opportunity to join a STEAM-focused campus tour and experience the university environment firsthand. Registration is encouraged. Families can sign up by scanning the QR code on the event flyer attached.    

Friday, Apr 17 2026