A Mountain's View

Dec. 19, 2025

Dear Staff Members,

As we close out the first half of the school year (already!), I want to thank our students, staff, and families for the care, resilience, and partnership you bring to our schools each day. This has been a busy and meaningful stretch of learning, and I am deeply grateful for the dedication of our staff and the support of our community. I hope the upcoming holidays provide time for you to rest and reconnect. Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful, restorative holiday season!

Gratefully,
Jeffrey Baier
Superintendent

During their annual organizational meeting last night, the Board elected new officers: Charles DiFazio will serve as President; Lisa Henry as Vice President; and Ana Reed as Clerk.

Please click here to view the Trustees’ committee assignments.

The school-year calendar for next year is now available online here.

This year, property tax revenue growth—our primary funding source—declined sharply for the first time in six years, with assessed value growth dropping from an average of 8.79% over the past six years to 2.34% this year. The County Assessor has advised that we should expect two to three more years of similar or lower growth. As a result, like many neighboring school districts, MVWSD is planning for reduced revenue and necessary budget adjustments.

At the November 20 meeting, the Board directed staff to plan for $9 million or more in potential reductions for the coming year. To support this work, Orenda Education, a firm hired to evaluate district programs, has completed its information-gathering process, including school and district office visits, surveys of parents and staff, focus group interviews, and analysis of achievement and demographic data. Orenda will present its findings at a public meeting in early January.

In addition, MVWSD surveyed parents and staff to gather input on essential budget priorities and potential reductions, and feedback continues to be collected.

Staff will bring draft reduction options to the Board for discussion on January 15, incorporating input from staff, principals, teachers, families, and Orenda. Final recommended reductions affecting the 2026–27 budget are scheduled to come to the Board for action on January 29.

Learn more: Read about the budget, FAQs , and past presentations here.

Our District is saddened by the recent passing of former Trustee Rose Filicetti, a dedicated leader whose decades of service have left a lasting impact on the Mountain View Whisman School District. Ms. Filicetti served on the Board of Trustees from 1994 to 2004, guiding the District through a pivotal decade that included the historic merger of the Mountain View and Whisman school districts and the successful passage of both a District bond and a parcel tax to strengthen our schools.

Her work, both in Mountain View and throughout the region, was defined by integrity, commitment, and a deep belief in the power of public education. After her board service, Ms. Filicetti continued her support of students as the first Executive Director of the Mountain View Educational Foundation (MVEF), helping build a strong foundation for the organization we know today.

To honor her legacy, the Trustees established the Rose Filicetti Community Partner Award, an annual recognition for a community partner whose collaboration with MVWSD helps meet the needs of students and families. Read the resolution here.

The MVWSD Board of Trustees adopted a resolution honoring Special Education Awareness. During the 2025–26 school year, MVWSD is serving approximately 600 students formally identified with disabilities or requiring accommodations—along with many others who may identify as having a disability without an IEP or 504 plan. Humans are diverse, and all students deserve inclusion in the general education curriculum. Each member of our community has a role in creating inclusive schools. MVWSD is proud to celebrate the contributions of individuals with disabilities and to recognize the dedication of special education teachers, specialists, paraprofessionals, and staff who work tirelessly on behalf of students every day. Read the resolution here.

After a year of planning and action, MVWSD’s staff housing has reached cost neutrality and is projected to remain financially self-sustaining moving forward, and is 71% full and will soon have a waitlist.

The District purchased the land under The Sevens apartments—eliminating costly land lease payments—and entered into a partnership with Foothill-DeAnza Community College District to sell 50 units for use by their staff members. These actions have created a sustainable path toward lower rents and long-term housing stability for our educators and staff. The purchase of the land was fully covered by the sale of the units.

MVWSD has successfully transitioned staff housing to the non-profit MVW Residences Corporation Board, which is charged with managing this valuable real estate asset, setting budgets, lowering rents, and helping MVWSD, Foothill-DeAnza, and the City fulfill their housing priorities. This structure ensures Trustees and district staff can focus on student learning.

The staff housing non-profit board has approved the MVWSD Board of Trustees’ recommendation of significantly lower rents — a 21.9% averaged rental rates reduction — beginning Jan 1, 2026. For more information: mvwsd.org/housing

Schools are closed Dec. 22 through Jan. 4 for the holiday break. District office is open Dec. 22 and 23; closed Dec. 24- Jan. 4.

Teachers and school staff return to work on Jan. 5, and students return to school on Jan. 6.

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday season!

In January, the Mountain View Whisman School District will be opening student enrollment for fall 2026.

For CURRENT students in transitional kindergarten-7th grade: Parents will be asked by email to confirm enrollment from January 20 to February 6.

For families enrolling NEW students: Submit your child’s information during the enrollment period held January 20 to February 6. Please check www.mvwsd.org/register for details about school information meetings held in January.

Meetings will be held in person with childcare and Spanish translation provided. Meetings will also have a virtual link option. Click here for details: mvw.sd/26meetings

Click here to learn which program is right for your young learner: mvwsd.org/kinderready

Register here for email updates about registration: http://mvw.sd/help

Please check www.mvwsd.org/register for how to locate your neighborhood school, how to explore school options and the four steps to register.

District office employees and school administrators teamed up with the SPARC Center to collect 40 blankets, 15 stuffed toys and 35 gift cards for underserved MVWSD students and their families.  The grant-funded SPARC (School Parent Activities and Resource Center) at Graham Middle School provides a home base for at-risk families from all schools.

We are several trees closer to achieving green campuses as part of our ongoing Outdoor Learning projects.

This past Saturday, Bubb Elementary hosted a festive Community Tree Planting Day with support from Canopy and the City of Mountain View.

Students, parents, staff and community members gathered to plant new trees around Bubb's campus. Students also enjoyed fun, educational activities.

The Landels Holiday Fair was festive! Students, families, and community members alike filled the MUR with rows of festive displays. Vendors sold handmade soaps, ornaments, jewelry, baked goods, and more! A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers and organizers who made this joyful event possible!

Holiday fairs are an honored holiday tradition across our schools with events at many campuses.  

Earlier this December, the Castro/Mistral campus transformed into a glowing wonderland for their annual Festival of Lights—complete with warm chili, sweet treats, face painting, carnival games, crafts and even a visit from Santa!

Thank you to our students, families and the many helping hands who made the evening so joyful and memorable. We loved celebrating with you!

Stay connected with us!