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Superintendent Search Process
Dear CUSD Staff, Families, and Community, Last week, after 38 years in education, Superintendent Stacy Yao announced her retirement. We thank her again for her steadfast commitment and leadership to our District. Following last night's Special Board meeting, we are sharing an update on the search for our next District Superintendent. In its commitment to a seamless transition and to selecting the most qualified successor, the Board of Education has decided to partner with a professional executive search firm. The timeline for the initial phase is as follows: Week of April 28: The District will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to leading search firms. Special Board Meeting on May 12: The Board will conduct interviews with prospective firms. This process will be guided by the Board's commitment to transparency and inclusion. Once a search firm is selected, it will facilitate a comprehensive outreach program to gather input from staff, parents, and community members. These insights will be vital in defining the qualities and priorities of the next Superintendent of CUSD. We will continue to provide updates as the search progresses. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Wednesday, Apr 29 2026
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Message from the CUSD Board of Education: Superinten...
Dear CUSD Community, On behalf of the Board of Education, we sincerely congratulate Superintendent Mrs. Stacy Yao on her retirement, effective June 30, 2026. We extend our deepest gratitude to Mrs. Yao for her outstanding leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the students, staff, and families of our District. Throughout her tenure, she has played a pivotal role in advancing academic excellence, fostering a supportive learning environment, and guiding the District through both opportunities and challenges with integrity and vision. Mrs. Yao joined CUSD in 2015 as the Director of Human Resources and, in the same year, was promoted to Associate Superintendent, reflecting her strong leadership and contributions to the District. During the District leadership transition, the Board appointed her Interim Superintendent in June 2020 and, subsequently, Superintendent in March 2021. Under her leadership, the District has achieved significant progress in advancing student achievement, strengthening community partnerships, navigating complex budget challenges, and reinforcing a strong commitment to equity and innovation. Superintendent Yao led our District in developing the “Portrait of a Learner” (POL) framework, which has advanced the Board’s vision for future-ready learning and equips students with the skills they need to succeed in college, the workforce, and in life. This work has brought national recognition to the Cupertino Union School District, and we are grateful to Mrs. Yao for her leadership. We sincerely thank her for her expertise and dedicated service to our District and wish her all the best in the next chapter of her life. She will always remain a valued member of our CUSD community. As we move through this important transition, please know that the Board remains fully committed to a thoughtful and transparent process in selecting our next superintendent. We are confident that, with the continued support and engagement of our community, we will identify a leader who will uphold our District’s values and goals. The Board will meet this week to discuss next steps, and we will keep you informed throughout the process. Together, we will ensure a smooth transition and a bright future for our schools, our students, and our community. Sincerely, Satheesh Madhathil President CUSD Board of Education
Tuesday, Apr 21 2026
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Congratulations Kennedy and Lawson: Recognized as CA...
Dear Lawson and Kennedy Communities, On March 10, 2026, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced the list of middle schools selected for the 2026 California Distinguished Schools Program. Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award has remained one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students. Two middle schools in the Cupertino Union School District were selected for this prestigious honor: John F. Kennedy Middle School (Achievement Gap Closers) Sam H. Lawson Middle School (Exemplary High Achievers and Achievement Gap Closers) The California Distinguished Schools program recognizes schools for their excellent work in one of three categories: Exemplary High Achievers, Achievement Gap Closers, and Beacons of Opportunity. Eligibility for the categories is determined by metrics generated through the California statewide accountability system for public schools, the California School Dashboard . The 2026 California Distinguished Schools were determined using data from the 2025 California School Dashboard. This honor is a testament to the dedication of our exceptional staff, supportive families, and inspiring students. CUSD is incredibly proud of our students and their achievements, which reflect our commitment to prioritizing future-ready learning, social-emotional wellness, and personalized instruction. Our strong instructional strategies, coupled with an incredibly supportive parent community, are the foundation for CUSD’s continued excellence and the targeted learning gains of every student. We look forward to celebrating Kennedy and Lawson at the CUSD Board Meeting on April 23. Staff, students, and families are invited to attend.
Wednesday, Mar 11 2026
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Immunization Clinic on March 20 and April 24
CUSD Immunization Clinics - Vaccines Required for School Open to all students and community members. Offering DTaP, Polio, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, TdaP, and more. Required for school entry: DTaP, Polio, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B Required for 7th grade: TdaP March 20th, 2026, 3-5 pm DeVargas Elementary 5050 Moorpark Ave, San Jose April 24th, 2026, 3-5 pm Nimitz Elementary 545 Cheyenne Drive, Sunnyvale Scan the QR code above or click here to register. Walk-ins are welcome. Note: An insurance card must be presented to receive coverage. Kaiser insurance is not accepted. MediCal is accepted for ages 18+. Minors will not be served without a parent or legal guardian present. CUSD students will not be turned away for lack of health insurance. [Thursday, Mar 12 at 1:06 PM] The first of two immunization clinics is coming up on Friday, March 20, from 3-5 pm at De Vargas Elementary. Open to all students and community members. Offering DTaP, Polio, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, TdaP, and more. Required for school entry: DTaP, Polio, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B Required for 7th grade: TdaP [Monday, Apr 20 at 10:20 AM] The second of two immunization clinics is coming up this Friday, April 24, from 3-5 pm at Nimitz Elementary School.
Friday, Feb 27 2026
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Parent Feedback Requested - Help Determine the CUSD ...
It’s planning season! As we look ahead to the next school year, we want to know: What is CUSD doing right? And where can we do better? From classroom resources to District-wide focus areas, your feedback helps drive our plans as we finalize our Strategic Plan and LCAP goals. By taking our Annual Parent Survey, you’re speaking directly to the Board of Education and helping staff set our goals for the upcoming school year. The survey is quick and anonymous, and families with more than one child enrolled in CUSD may submit a response for each child . CUSD hopes to receive input from all families. Please take a moment to: Click the form link. Share your feedback on our strengths and areas for growth - the survey will take less than 3 minutes! Submit by March 6. An anonymized summary of the feedback received will be shared during a Board meeting in the Spring. Thank you for helping us make CUSD the best it can be! [Sunday, Mar 1 at 4:28 PM] Dear Families, Thank you to those who have completed our CUSD Parent Feedback Survey. If you have not yet done so, please take approximately three minutes to complete this survey. The survey closes this Friday, March 6. Your feedback is incredibly valuable, and your responses help us develop our goals for the future. Thank you!
Thursday, Feb 05 2026
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Calling All TK–8 Students: Share Why You Love to Run!
Help Promote the Run for Great Schools 5K & Kids Dash Submissions are due by February 28, 2026 As we get ready for the 2026 CEEF/CUSD Run for Great Schools, we’d love to hear from our TK–8 students about why they like to run and what excites them about running . With parent permission, we invite students to share their story in a way that feels fun and creative for them. Students can help spread excitement and school spirit by submitting creative content such as: 🎥 Short videos (10–60 seconds) sharing why they’re excited for the run or what being active means to them, or running. Preferred Format: mp4 Photographs showing running or movement. Preferred Format: png, HEIC, jpg 🎨 Artwork or drawings showing running, movement, teamwork, or school pride. Preferred Format: scan, jpg, pdf ✍️ Written testimonials about fitness, community, or why they love their school 🏃 Running tips to encourage and motivate other participants Selected submissions may be featured at the event, on social media, or in school communications. Run for Great Schools - Creative Submissions Submit Here Our goal is to celebrate student voices and showcase the joy, creativity, and school spirit behind this event. While we won’t be able to feature every submission, we’d love to use selected pictures, words, drawings, quotes, and stories in our marketing and communications leading up to race day. Participation is completely optional, and submissions may be shared across CEEF/CUSD promotional materials. Thank you for helping us highlight what makes this event so special, and for supporting our students and schools! For more information, please review the attached FAQ. What is the Run for Great Schools 5K & Kids Dash? The Run for Great Schools 5K and Kids Dash is a fun, community-wide event that brings students, families, educators, and community members together to support excellence in CUSD schools. Proceeds benefit CEEF-funded programs, including grants that directly support classrooms. The 5K Run is a family-friendly event for all ages and fitness levels. Whether you choose to run, walk, jog, push a stroller, or simply cheer from the sidelines, everyone is welcome. The Kids Dash is designed for children ages 5 years and younger and focuses on fun, confidence, and participation—not competition. It’s a joyful way for students to feel included and celebrated. Sign up to run with us https://runtheday.com/register/detail/ceefcusd-run-for-great-schools-5k-2026-6e6/
Wednesday, Jan 28 2026
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Join the Kindness Challenge - Send a thank you note!
Show Your Kind The California Department of Education, in partnership with The Great Kindness Challenge (GKC), encourages California’s school communities to participate in the GKC, January 26 – 30, 2026 . The theme for the 15th annual GKC Week is Show Us Your Kind: "This uplifting theme invites everyone — students, teachers, staff, and parents — to express and capture the unique ways they bring kindness to life. Whether embraced as an entire school, within a single class, or by individuals, #ShowUsYourKind ! provides countless opportunities to demonstrate that kindness has the power tospark change, bring healing, and inspire a ripple of goodness." Two GKC checklists (school edition and junior edition) are attached - how will you show your kind? One way to create kindness is to send someone a thank you. Go to cusdk8.info/thankyou and send a thank you note to a CUSD staff member.
Monday, Jan 26 2026
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Calling all local businesses in our school community!
Your support can make a lasting impact on CUSD students. Become a sponsor of CEEF & CUSD’s 2026 Run for Great Schools 5K + Kids Dash and help empower youth through fitness and education! Run for Great Schools 5K and Kids Dash Event Details Saturday, March 28, 2026 8:30 AM Homestead High School This family-friendly event supports all 23 CUSD TK–8 schools and brings students, families, educators, and local businesses together. Support local education Connect with families and the community Be part of something meaningful For sponsorship information, contact @ceefcares or visit www.ceefcares.org for sponsor forms.
Tuesday, Dec 16 2025
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SAVE THE DATE - MARCH 28, 2026: CEEF/CUSD Run For Gr...
Join CUSD & CEEF for the 2026 Run for Great Schools + Kids Dash on Saturday, March 28 at 8:30 AM! Come together as a community to run, walk, cheer, and support the Cupertino Union School District (CUSD). All proceeds directly support the 23 CUSD schools. Follow @ceefcares to stay up to date with the newest updates.
Wednesday, Dec 10 2025