In this edition ...

• Board meeting review: Construction, Budget, 231 Grant staff housing
• Strategic plan kickoff
• Parcel tax exemption for seniors
• Community Health Fair at Mistral: Sept. 19
• High Fives

From the Desk of Mr. Baier

Dear Staff Members and Families,

This is my favorite time of the year. Bright-eyed students meet their excited teachers, classrooms come to life, and schools are filled with the energy and possibility of a new beginning. In the midst of learning new routines and organizing school supplies, friendships take shape, students and staff connect, and excitement builds for all that we will accomplish together.

This year, work continues through The MVWSD Way—our shared commitment to providing every student with the highest-quality educational experience. It means keeping students at the center of every decision we make, every lesson we teach, every conversation we have, and every dollar we spend. Our goal is clear: better experiences, stronger learning, and better outcomes for every student.

The work we do today matters—not only for the students in our classrooms now, but for the students and families who will be part of our community for years to come. I’m excited for all that lies ahead and honored that you entrust your students to us. 

Sincerely, 

Jeffrey Baier
Superintendent

Board meeting review: Construction, Budget, 231 Grant staff housing

Construction Update

The Trustees heard an update on construction projects.

Roofing Upgrades (Crittenden, Graham, Landels, Theuerkauf, Bubb, Imai, Mistral)

Crews are finished or are finishing the last areas of the new roofs. New shingles have replaced aging materials with lighter-colored surfaces that improve campus heating and cooling efficiency.  A few areas will continue to be worked on around the district as final pieces are finished. 

Outdoor Learning Projects

At Graham, Landels, Monta Loma, Stevenson, Theuerkauf, Crittenden, portions of the blacktop areas will remain temporarily unavailable during landscaping, site work, painting, and equipment installation. Work behind the fences will continue until early November. Construction of Outdoor Learning Projects at Castro/Mistral, Bubb, Imai is scheduled for Summer 2027. For more information: mvwsd.org/construction

Budget Considerations

MVWSD is in a strong financial position today because of reserves that were built intentionally. However, ongoing expenses continue to exceed ongoing revenue, and reserves and one-time funds provide only temporary support. Without ongoing changes, projections show reserves falling below the Board’s policy level within four years.

As a Community Funded (Basic Aid) district, MVWSD receives most of its revenue from local property taxes. Slower growth in assessed property values means slower revenue growth, even as the costs of serving students continue to rise.

The District made significant reductions last year, primarily in District Office staffing and custodial services, but a structural deficit remains. Because more than 80% of the District’s budget is invested in people, future reductions will require careful consideration of staffing models, programs and service levels.

This work will take place through a public process over the coming months, including opportunities for stakeholder engagement and feedback. The Board is expected to review potential reductions and their impacts throughout the fall, with recommended reductions in December, and final Board action planned for January. The goal is to make thoughtful decisions now that protect MVWSD’s long-term financial health while keeping students and high-quality instruction at the center of our work. 

231 Grant staff housing agreement 

Before MVWSD had its own staff housing, it contributed $600,000 to a Santa Clara County-based partnership with other local school districts to provide 12 units of affordable housing to our employees, located at 231 Grant Ave, Palo Alto. Due to factors such as lower rental rates and the convenient location of MVWSD staff housing at the Sevens, employees have not signed up to lease 231 Grant units as initially anticipated. Trustees approved an amendment to receive full reimbursement and relinquish priority leasing for 231 Grant units.

Opposing an ICE Detention Center in Santa Clara County 

MVWSD joined a countywide collective effort to support our immigrant students and families by stating in a resolution their formal opposition to the development of the Gilroy ICE Detention Center. 

Strategic Planning Process Kicks Off

MVWSD is looking ahead to the future! This year, we are beginning the exciting work of developing our next strategic plan — a six-year roadmap that will focus our priorities, strengthen alignment across the District and help ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

At its Aug. 6 work session, the Board of Trustees kicked off the strategic planning process with K12 Coalition, the organization facilitating the District’s work.

We are not starting from scratch. Our new strategic plan will build on The MVWSD Way and the findings of the systems study completed in December 2025. Together, these provide a strong foundation for identifying what matters most, strengthening our systems and instruction for every student, and turning our shared commitment to students into focused action. The result will be a clear six-year roadmap with priorities, goals, strategies and measures that allow us to celebrate progress and continually improve.

Our community will help shape where we go next. A 31-member Steering Committee representing our schools, employees, parents, community partners, District leadership and the Board will meet throughout the year to use feedback to help develop the pieces of the plan and elevate stakeholder voices.

There will be many opportunities for everyone to participate. An online survey open to all stakeholders is planned for October. Focus groups for teachers, administrators, staff, students, parents, and community members will take place in November and February. Before the plan goes to the Board for approval, the draft will also be posted online so the community can provide another round of feedback.

Throughout the process, the Board will review community feedback, discuss proposed priorities and goals, and help guide the plan toward completion. The final strategic plan is scheduled to come before the Board in March 2027.

The first Steering Committee meeting is Sept. 9, marking the next step in this important work. We are excited about what lies ahead — and we want you to be part of it. Watch for opportunities to share your feedback and priorities as we build MVWSD’s future roadmap.

If you're 65 or older, or if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security, or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may qualify for an exemption from Measure AA/the parcel tax on your main home.

If you are currently receiving an exemption for the previous tax, Measure B, your exemption will be transferred to Measure AA. There is no need to reapply.

Please view requirements and complete the form here: http://mvw.sd/parcel. If you have any questions or need assistance with the exemption process, please contact us.

Community Health Fair at Mistral: Sept. 19

Join Assemblymember Marc Berman and MVWSD for a free Community Health and Wellness Fair featuring health screenings, vaccinations, kids’ activities, food, school supplies, backpacks, diapers and other family resources.

The event is Saturday, Sept. 19, from 1–3:30 p.m. at Gabriela Mistral Elementary School.

For more information, please call (650) 324-0224 or visit ASMDC.ORG/CP-HEALTHFAIR. Giveaways are on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking is limited. Please consider carpooling, walking, or biking.

High Fives

Educators learning “The MVWSD Way”

Just like students, adults learn best when they’re moving, sharing, and collaborating! Our teachers did just that as they dug into curriculum, grade-level expectations, and strategies for a successful year ahead.

At the heart of this work is The MVWSD Way—our shared commitment to high-leverage practices that drive student engagement, deepen learning, and help every student succeed.

Throughout the year, our teachers will continue working together on MVWSD Way initiatives to strengthen instruction and ensure every student receives rigorous, high-quality first instruction.

District All Hands Meeting 

Just like our students love seeing their friends on the first day of school, our staff members joyously reunited at the All Hands meeting. There were plenty of smiles, hugs, laughter and sporting school colors as colleagues from all across MVWSD came together to reconnect and celebrate the start of a new year.

Graham Wins National PTA School of Excellence Award

Graham Middle School was recently named a 2025-2027 National PTA School of Excellence, one of only 321 PTAs and schools nationwide to be recognized. National PTA’s School of Excellence program supports and celebrates partnerships between PTAs and schools that strengthen connections with families and work to improve the educational experience and school environment for every child.

A team of three parent volunteers focused on the National PTA standard of Welcoming All Families. They created a one page parent resource guide for new families. The guide includes a list of parents who volunteered to help new families learn about Graham in Spanish, German, Hindi, Mandarin and Russian. They also conducted surveys to learn Graham PTA's strengths and areas for improvement.

Please join us in congratulating the staff and the PTA for their collaborative efforts to make Graham Middle School a wonderful place to learn, play and grow.