In this edition ...

• From the desk of Mr. Baier
• Board meeting review: Literacy Update, Resolution in support of LGBTQ+ students, Staff Housing Update and Options to Fund Purchase of Land, Second Interim Budget Report
• MVWSD is updating its math curriculum
• District Film Festival: April 1
• Safely securing firearms
• High Fives
  

From the desk of Mr. Baier

Dear Families,

MVWSD’s staff housing project is more than just a building—it’s an investment in the future of our schools and students. It will ensure that the high-quality staff members who have a huge impact on student achievement can live and work in Mountain View and become an even more integral part of our vibrant community. Thanks to Measure T (2020) and strong community support, this critical community asset is now taking shape.

Current renters

In just three weeks since the doors have opened, 35 units have been rented. We’re on track to meet our budgeted move-in goals by April 30. As you may have heard at the Board meeting last night, many of the new residents are teachers, in addition to our school support staff members.

Challenges & Next Steps

We are engaging experts in land use, real estate, and affordable housing to navigate the road ahead.  We are pushing forward, focusing on key areas. We are:

• gathering details on current renters, surveying staff, and reviewing rental rates. 
• making sure property management services are fully up and running, including vendors and maintenance teams. 
• crunching the numbers on the potential purchase of the land under the building that could reduce expenses and potentially lower rents for staff.
• Examining the potential for a non-profit to oversee the housing project long-term. 

All of this work is following a clear roadmap through June with public study sessions (March 27 and dates in April) and Board meetings (April 3, April 24) to finalize financial strategies and success metrics. The Board and staff are committed to transparency and thoughtful decision-making. These discussions are important explorations to lead us to decisions that will prioritize staff, students, and the MVWSD community. Read more in our Staff Housing Update presentation.

With key deadlines ahead, the district is focused on making smart, calculated choices that keep housing affordable and sustainable for staff. We appreciate your support of this important work.

Sincerely, 
Jeffrey Baier
Interim Superintendent

Literacy Update: MVWSD continues its focus on literacy by strengthening structured reading instruction and alignment with the Science of Reading. Teachers are using Amplify CKLA and Caminos for K-5, with a strong emphasis on phonics, knowledge-building, and intervention support. Training, coaching, and teacher-led groups help staff implement these strategies effectively. Next steps include expanding writing instruction with clear, structured lessons and boosting reading support, through increased reading intervention across all school sites. The district is also looking beyond academics, tackling attendance, behavior, and family support to create a stronger learning environment for all students. Click here to read the literacy presentation. 

Resolution in support of LGBTQ+ students:  In January of 2025, a federal district court judge vacated the extension of Title IX protections for sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. MVWSD is committed to supporting our schools in creating and sustaining inclusive spaces that promote a sense of belonging for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Click here for the Board of Trustees resolution. 

Staff Housing Update and Options to Fund Purchase of Land: MVWSD owns the staff housing building, and leases the land.  Purchasing the land would be a long-term investment that could reduce expenses and potentially lower rents for staff members. The Board voted to accept staff’s recommendations on funding sources. Should the Board decide to purchase the land, these funding sources could include Developer Fees and Capital Outlay funds, as well as funding from Measure T projects that will be paused. Pausing these specific projects now doesn’t mean they won’t happen at a later date. Read more about the Potential Options to Fund Purchase of Land and Action Steps In the Interim here.

Second Interim Budget Report: Twice a year, school districts submit an interim, financial report showing they can cover their costs for the current year and the next two years. Staff presented the 2024-2025 Second Interim Budget Report, showing the district’s financial status as of January 31, 2025 and considering  aspects such as attendance, spending, fund balances, reserves, and long-term projections. 

Right now, the district expects to end the year with a $46.5 million balance in the General Fund (Unrestricted), with $121 million in revenue and $124.5 million in expenses. That means a net decrease of about $3.5 million, but the reserve level is still strong at 37.36%. Read the budget report presentation here. 

MVWSD is updating its math curriculum

As typical with our curriculum cycles, it’s time to review and improve our mathematics program to ensure all students have strong learning opportunities, including acceleration if desired.

MVWSD is launching a two-year process to update math curriculum based on the latest research and best practices for math education. Our math curriculum was last adopted in 2015, and math placement criteria hasn’t been updated since 2021-22. To make this process inclusive, we’re seeking input from students, staff, and parents on math curriculum, instruction, pathways, assessments, and placement.

Please join the upcoming ThoughtExchange to share your thoughts from March 26 – April 4. This online survey will be open to all staff, parents, and students in grades 4-8. Additionally, there will be focus groups for more in-depth discussions with staff, students and parents. Your input matters!

District Film Festival: April 1

Please join us for the third annual District Film Festival, "Spotlight on Solutions," at 6:30 pm on April 1 at the Graham Middle School Auditorium. All students in grades K-8 were eligible to enter short films that explore real-world problems and showcase inspiring solutions. During the festival, the films that are selected as finalists will be screened and awards given. We are excited to see the results of students and their teachers implementing research, science and technology for this important issue. Please RSVP at this link.

Safely securing firearms

Providing our students and staff with a safe educational environment and a safe community is our shared priority. One way to accomplish this is to store firearms in a safe and secure manner, including keeping them locked up when not in use and storing them separately from ammunition. Parents and legal guardians are responsible for keeping firearms out of the hands of children as required by California law and City of Mountain View code.

California Penal Code Section 25100 mandates that in all homes where children live (or where children might reasonably be expected to enter), firearms must be safely stored. Gun owners can avoid criminal penalties by keeping their firearms in a locked container or secured with a locking device that renders the firearm inoperable. Ensuring firearms are securely stored prevents small children from accidentally accessing the firearm and prevents older children from using an unsecured firearm to commit school violence or suicide.

High Fives

C-SPAN’s StudentCam 2025

Graham Middle School 8th grader Nathaniel Yu has earned second prize in the Middle School division of C-SPAN’s prestigious StudentCam 2025 competition for his documentary, "Who's Watching Me? Threats to Our Data Privacy." This national competition encourages students to explore issues that matter to them through documentary filmmaking. To view Nathaniel’s documentary and the complete list of winning entries, click here. Congratulations, Nathaniel!

Women’s History Month 

March is Women’s History Month, and MVWSD is proud to honor the achievements and contributions of women throughout history and in our own community. Across our schools, students have engaged in a variety of activities celebrating women’s impact in science, the arts, leadership, and more. One highlight was the “Lunch and Learn” event at Bubb Elementary, where special women guests from our community who represented a variety of careers shared their experiences with our students and answered questions.

Communications Award

MVWSD was recently recognized statewide for its communications efforts. CalSPRA (California School Public Relations Association) awarded “Excellence in Communications” to three district projects: District Budget Infographic - Award of Excellence; Reputation Campaign - Award of Excellence; Transitional Kindergarten Video - Award of Merit. The California School Public Relations Association serves districts throughout the state.

Castro Event with Mountain View Academy & Stand4Global

Castro Elementary partnered with the Mountain View Academy and Stand4Global to organize a special event to provide essential resources and toys for the school community. Stand4Global donated essential resources, and MV Academy students and staff gathered donations. On Tuesday, high school students set up carnival games for Castro students to enjoy during recess and lunch, and families picked up their boxes. Thank you to the Castro team and our partners for supporting students and families!