In this edition ...

• From the Desk of Mr. Baier
• Board meeting review: Budget reductions, audit report
• Staffing changes
• High Fives
• Student registration for the fall starts next week

From the Desk of Mr. Baier

Dear Families and Staff Members, 

Since September, we have been discussing the district’s budget challenges with you. To plan for a stable future, we are preparing for $9 million or more in potential reductions for the coming year. This requires careful, responsible choices—protecting what matters most for students, even if it means scaling back in other areas. We are tightening our belts because financial conditions have changed, namely, property tax revenue that funds our schools isn’t growing as it has in the past.

Our priority remains clear: keep students at the center of every decision. Thank you for your engagement throughout this process. Your input, along with Orenda Education’s independent review of our programs, has helped guide this work.

Below, you can read more about the reductions discussed at last night’s meeting. Please share your feedback through our survey. Community input will inform the final recommendations presented to the Board on January 29. While these are understandably anxious times, I am confident we will, together, continue making thoughtful decisions. I am grateful for your questions, your engagement, and the shared care we all have for our students and their futures.

Gratefully,
Jeffrey Baier
Superintendent

Board meeting review: Budget reductions, audit report

Budget reductions: The Board had a robust discussion about the presentation of proposed areas of reductions in the 2026-27 budget. To learn more about why it’s critical that MVWSD reduce its spending to respond to financial conditions and the process so far, click here. 

Click here to learn more about each of the proposed areas of reductions in the 2026-27 budget. 

** Your voice continues to be essential in helping us understand the community’s priorities and ideas about the budget. Please click here (English) / click here (Spanish) By Jan. 20  to share your thoughts and considerations about proposed budget reductions. Your input will help inform the final recommendations to the Board of Trustees on January 29.

Next step: Final recommendations impacting the 2026–27 budget will come to the Board for action at its meeting on January 29.

2024–25 Audit Report: The Board reviewed the district’s annual financial audit for the prior fiscal year. The independent audit confirmed no concerns with MVWSD’s practices in following all state and federal requirements for the responsible and efficient management of public funds.

Staffing changes: Supporting continuity for student; making the best use of staff expertise and district resources

Ms. Acantha Aragon Contreras will resign her role as principal of Jose Antonio Vargas Elementary effective January 20. At this time her family needs her. She must prioritize time and care for her daughter, who has special needs. She will be transitioning to another position within MVWSD, returning to teaching special education—work that has always been close to her heart. We are grateful for Mrs. Aragon Contreras’ flexibility, dedication, and expertise, and we appreciate her continued commitment to serving students in our district.

We extend sincere appreciation to Ms. Swati Dagar who will serve as interim principal at Vargas for the remainder of the year. Through her work as Director of Student Services —and as a former principal at Theuerkauf Elementary—she brings deep experience and a strong commitment to students and families. Her leadership will continue to support a stable and positive transition.

Ms. Karin Jinbo, current Director of Health and Wellness, will be adding student services responsibilities to her role moving forward. She will oversee both wellness and student services. Ms. Jinbo has been with MVWSD since 2020, as both the Director of Student Support Services and Special Education, and Director of Health and Wellness.  

High Fives

Top credit ratings from Moody’s

MVWSD has received top credit ratings from Moody’s Investors Service, confirming the district’s strong financial position and responsible long-term planning. Moody’s rated MVWSD’s general obligation bonds Aaa/Aa1 with a positive outlook.

These high ratings will save the taxpayers millions of dollars in interest costs.  Moody’s expressed confidence in MVWSD’s financial strength, noting the district’s proactive budget adjustments to reduce future deficits. The rating reflects a strong local economy, high household income, and solid community support. Overall, the rating affirms MVWSD’s careful financial stewardship and long-term stability.

School Board Member Recognition Month

January is School Board Member Appreciation Month, and we are grateful for the dedication and service of our school board members: Devon Conley, Charles DiFazio, Lisa Henry, William Lambert, and Ana Reed. They volunteer countless hours to make thoughtful, often complex decisions that shape the direction of our schools—always with students at the center. Their commitment, leadership, and willingness to serve reflect a deep care for our students, staff, and community, and we sincerely thank them for their steady guidance and public service.

Celebrating Community & Belonging with Alphabet Rockers:

We were thrilled to welcome the Alphabet Rockers to the stage! The Grammy- and Emmy-winning artists joined Stevenson and Theuerkauf students in a joint assembly. The Stingrays and Cheetahs had an absolute blast dancing, singing and beatboxing together in their rainbow and tie-dye outfits as they celebrated the theme: Be Curious. Be You. Belong. Build a bridge to build community. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped the Stingrays and Cheetahs kick off 2026 in such a fun and colorful way!

The Best Things About MVWSD, According to Students

We asked our students what they liked most about going to school in MVWSD, and their thoughtful answers remind us of the impact we make every day. Check out this video to hear what they had to say!

Battle of the Belt Super Bowl:

Bragging rights and a large, shiny belt were on the line as the Bears and Panthers met on the field for the Battle of the Belt Super Bowl! Before winter break, both Graham and Crittenden held flag football intramurals. Earlier this week, the winning teams from each school faced off in a highly anticipated championship game hosted and facilitated by the Mountain View Police Activities League (MV PAL). After a close and competitive matchup, the Bears took home the belt, and the Crittenden administrators wore Graham red the following day. A huge thank-you to the staff and volunteers whose efforts made this event possible, and congratulations to both teams on a very exciting finish! 

Student registration for the fall starts next week

Bright futures start here! On January 20, the Mountain View Whisman School District will be opening student enrollment for fall 2026. Learn how your student can grow and thrive in our caring preschool–8th grade learning community.

Preschool Parent Information Night: January 29 (English) and February 5 (Spanish). Click here for details:  mvw.sd/26meetings.

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. 

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.