2025-2026 Annual
REPORT
Table of Contents Governance Focused on Students
4
CVUSD at a Glance
5
A Year of Progress, Partnership, and Purpose
6
Leadership in Service of Every Student
7
Investing in Education
8
Investing in the People Who Serve Our Students Developing the Next Generation of Educators
10
Growing the Team That Supports Our Students
10
Supporting a Merit-Based Workforce
11
Supporting Beginning Teachers, Strengthening
11
Classrooms
Learning, Innovation, and Opportunity Grading Update Building More Equitable and
12
Accurate Grading Practices
34
Expanding the Dual Language Immersion Pathway
12
Creativity at Every Grade Level
13
Cooking Up College and Career Opportunities
13
Student Wellness, Safety, and Belonging Advancing Equity Through Data and Action
14
Advancing WIES through Culturally and
14
Linguistically Responsive Teaching Healthy Smiles Support Student Success
15
Preparing for Phone-Free Learning
15
Partnerships and Community Community Partnership Brings New Canyon Fields
16
to Life Investing in the Future: The Castro Valley Schools Futures Fund Creating a Stronger Digital Front Door
17 17
Governance Focused on Students
SARA E. RAYMOND
GARY C. HOWARD
DOLLY ADAMS
MICHAEL KUSIAK
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
TRUSTEE
FIRST TERM: 2013 TERM EXPIRES: 2026 AREA: 4
FIRST TERM: 2020 TERM EXPIRES: 2028 AREA: 1
TRUSTEE
TRUSTEE
FIRST TERM: 2020 TERM EXPIRES: 2028 AREA: 5
FIRST TERM: 2016 TERM EXPIRES: 2028 AREA: 2
FIRST TERM: 2022 TERM EXPIRES: 2026 AREA: 4
LAVENDER WHITAKER
TRUSTEE AREA MAP
AREA FOUR
SCARLETT EVERSON STUDENT BOARD MEMBER 2025-2026
AREA FIVE
Honoring Trustee Lavender Lee Whitaker During the 2025–26 school year, Castro Valley Unified School AREA TWO District recognized Trustee Lavender Lee Whitaker for her service to the students, families, staff, and community of CVUSD.
AREA THREE
AREA ONE
Throughout her time on the Board of Education, Trustee Whitaker approached her role with thoughtfulness, care, and a strong commitment to public service. She brought an important perspective to Board discussions, asked meaningful questions, and remained focused on decisions that supported students and strengthened the district. Her service reflected a deep belief in the value of public education and the importance of ensuring that every student has access to opportunities, support, and learning environments where they can thrive. She also valued the voices of families, employees, students, and community members and recognized the essential role each plays in the success of CVUSD schools. Trustee Whitaker concluded her service on the Board in May 2026. CVUSD extends its sincere appreciation for the time, energy, and leadership she contributed during her tenure. We thank Trustee Lavender Lee Whitaker for her dedication to Castro Valley students and for her service to the CVUSD community. Her contributions will remain part of the district’s ongoing work on behalf of every student.
2025-2026 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 5
CVUSD at a Glance
The Castro Valley Unified School District is located in Alameda County, California about 25 miles east of San Francisco. CVUSD operates 16 schools: one state preschool, nine elementary schools (TK-5), two middle schools (6-8), one continuation high school, one comprehensive high school (9-12), one adult school, and one accredited Virtual Academy (9-12). Our District consists of multiple pathways and programs to fit students’ learning styles and passions. Our students get access to comprehensive curriculum and rigorous instruction to support the whole child, through academics, career technical education, athletics, arts, extracurricular activities, social-emotional growth, and more. Our district has a diverse student population, with students from a wide range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Enrollment Preschools
Elementary Schools
Middle Schools
High Schools
Castro Valley Adult & Career Education
32
4,478
2,181
3,054
1,531
(Alma Preschool, Special Education Preschool)
Characteristics
42.6%
12%
Socioeconomically Disadvantage
English Learners
96%
Graduation Rate
16.6% 12.5% Reclassified as English Proficient in 2025-26
586
Certificated Staff
Student Demographics
Student Receiving Special Education Services
65
Languages Spoken in CVUSD
507
Classified Staff
Staff Demographics
Asian
35.4%
Asian
20.5%
Hispanic or Latino
24.2%
Hispanic or Latino
14.875%
White
17.6%
White
42.67%
Two or More
10.4%
Two or More
10.4%
Filipino
4.2%
Filipino
African American
4.0%
African American
9.395%
Not Reported
3.7%
Not Reported
9.71%
Pacific Islander
0.4%
Pacific Islander
0%
American Indian or Alaska Native
0.1%
American Indian or Alaska Native
1.565%
0%
A Year of Progress, Partnership, and Purpose Dr. Nia Rashidchi Dear Castro Valley Unified Community, As I reflect on my first year serving as Superintendent of Castro Valley Unified School District, I am filled with gratitude, pride, and optimism for all that we accomplished together during the 2025–26 school year. Although I have been part of the Castro Valley Unified family for many years, serving as Superintendent has been both an incredible honor and a profound responsibility. This past year reaffirmed what I have always believed: our greatest strength is our people. Every day, I witnessed the dedication of our teachers, classified staff, administrators, Board of Education, families, community partners, and, most importantly, our students. Together, we embraced a shared vision of ensuring that every student has equitable access to high-quality, rigorous learning opportunities in schools where they feel safe, welcomed, challenged, and valued. Throughout the year, we remained focused on improving student achievement while strengthening the systems that support the whole child. Some of our most meaningful accomplishments grew from the collective work taking place across every school and department. We expanded our early literacy efforts to help students build strong foundational reading skills. We continued implementing equitable grading practices to provide more accurate and meaningful measures of student learning. We strengthened support for multilingual learners, advanced our work to address disproportionality, and invested in welcoming, inclusive, equitable, and safe learning environments for every student. We also continued exploring how innovation can support teaching and learning. This included thoughtful planning around the responsible use of artificial intelligence in education and the adoption of a districtwide cell phone policy designed to support student focus, engagement, relationships, and well-being. These efforts reflect our commitment to preparing students not only for today’s classrooms but also for tomorrow’s world. None of this work would have been possible without the partnership of our families and community. Throughout the year, I had the privilege of visiting classrooms, attending performances and athletic events, celebrating student achievements, meeting with parent and caregiver groups, listening to staff, and engaging with community organizations. These experiences deepened my understanding of what makes Castro Valley such an extraordinary place to live, learn, and work. While I am proud of what we accomplished during this first year, continuous improvement remains at the heart of public education. We will continue strengthening student outcomes, expanding opportunities, supporting our outstanding employees, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that every student graduates prepared for college, career, and life. This annual report provides a snapshot of the progress, partnerships, and accomplishments that shaped the 2025–26 school year. Each story reflects the dedication of the people who make CVUSD a remarkable place for students to learn and grow. Thank you for the trust you placed in me during my first year as Superintendent. It is truly a privilege to serve this community. I look forward to building upon the strong foundation we have established and continuing our work together on behalf of every CVUSD student. With gratitude,
Dr. Nia Rashidchi Superintendent Castro Valley Unified School District
2025-2026 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 7
Leadership in Service of Every Student “Our shared responsibility is to ensure that every decision, every resource, and every system supports students in learning, belonging, and reaching their full potential.”
Executive Cabinet
Led by Superintendent Dr. Nia Rashidchi, the Executive Cabinet provides strategic leadership across Castro Valley Unified School District. Cabinet members work collaboratively to align instruction, student support, personnel, operations, facilities, and financial resources with the district’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to highquality learning opportunities for every student. Throughout the 2025–26 school year, the Executive Cabinet partnered with the Board of Education, district and school leaders, employees, families, students, labor partners, and community organizations to advance district priorities and respond to the evolving needs of CVUSD schools. The team’s shared leadership supported progress across the district—from strengthening teaching and learning and expanding student wellness services to developing the Facilities Master Plan, supporting employees, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and improving communication and access for families. Working across departments, Cabinet members helped turn districtwide priorities into coordinated action while keeping student achievement, belonging, well-being, and opportunity at the center of decision-making.
SUZY CHAN
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT
Business Services
NIC MCMASTER
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT
Educational Services
DR. RAUL ZAMORA
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT
Human Services
Our Commitment to Empowering Every Student's Journey: Excerpts from our Strategic Directions Our Vision
Our Mission
Our students are compassionate, critical thinkers who are empowered to self-advocate, explore their passions, and are prepared to thrive as contributing members of our ever-changing and diverse world.
We work together to provide safe, challenging, innovative, and culturally responsive learning environments to ensure that all our students feel respected and supported to achieve their unique academic potential and explore their individual talents.
Our Core Values
We are committed to… providing safe, inclusive learning environments that empowering students to thrive in their own academic create a community where all students, families, and journey. staff are welcomed and treated with kindness, respect, embracing the gifts and talents of all students so they and dignity. may pursue academic excellence. uplifting students through access, equity, diversity, antideveloping a team who plays an active role in students' racism, and human rights. academic achievements, social and emotional well-being, engaging all community voices to participate in and makes positive contributions in our students' lives. supporting independent, capable, and compassionate future leaders.
Investing in Education: Where Our Funding Comes From Castro Valley Unified School District’s daily educational and operational needs are supported by a mix of local, state, and federal funding that can be either restricted or unrestricted. Restricted funds refers to money that has been designated for specific purposes, while unrestricted funds can be used more flexibly.
TOTAL 2025-2026 REVENUE: $169,777,475 LOCAL CONTROL FUNDING FORMULA (LCFF) (STATE AID) $ 50,541,337
3.1%
The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) is a funding system used to allocate funds to public schools. LCFF allocates funds based on the specific needs of students, with additional funding provided for students from lowincome families, English learners, and foster youth. This funding model aims to address educational disparities and provide additional resources to schools serving disadvantaged students.
$
16.3%
PROPERTY TAXES $ 39,897,069
LCFF is funded through a combination of State General Fund, Education Protection Account/Prop 55 and Local Property Tax Revenue. To meet each district’s target, the state first credits each district with its share of local property tax revenue and Education Protection Account/Prop 55. The state provides funding to cover the remaining amount.
5.0%
23.5%
29.8%
22.4%
OTHER STATE $ 37,948,081
The amount paid by the state is dependent on enrollment. Funding from the state does not fully cover the cost of educating students in Castro Valley.
LCFF (EDUCATION PROTECTION ACCOUNT/PROP 55) $ 27,619,720
Additional Grant Funding* PROGRAM Education for Homeless Children & Youth Grant
Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program (SBHIP) The Education Protection Account (EPA) was created in Literacy Screenings Professional Development Grant November 2012 by Proposition 30 and it was implemented in 2013 and was amended by Proposition 55 in November 2016. Bay Area K-16 Revenues generated from Prop 55 are deposited into a state System of Support for Expanded Learning (SSEL) account called the Education Protection Account.
FEDERAL $ 5,207,617
Federal money helps provide vital services in specific areas, including special education, Title 1, and English Language Development.
OTHER LOCAL REVENUE $ 8,563,652
All other funding sources combined make up the remainder received. This includes gifts, donations, and fees that are used for very specific needs.
AMOUNT OF FUNDING $ 43,087 $ 42,861 $ 69,474 $ 40,000 $ 6,235
Tri Valley Community Foundation Opioid Grant
$ 181,230
Children & Youth Behavioral Health Initiative Grants (CYBHI)
$ 449,223
Behavioral Health Bridge Grant
$ 73,400
Rotary Club of Castro Valley
$ 3,000
Castro Valley Education Foundation
$ 20,635
Castro Valley Arts Foundation
$ 120,665
Castro Valley Sanitary District
$ 18,240
Classified School Employee Teacher Credentialing Program
$ 26,400
Teacher Residency Implementation & Expansion Grant
$ 800,000
Strong Workforce Program Grants
$ 123,776
Career Technical Education Incentive Grant
$ 554,181
Facilities Modernization at various sites
$ 2,561,266
Total
$ 5,133,673
*Grants awarded are not included in total revenues.
2025-2026 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 9
How Funds Are Used
TOTAL 2025-2026 EXPENDITURES: $174,678,656 Based on 2025-2026 Unaudited Actuals
1.9%
SALARIES & BENEFITS $ 141,036,026
Last year, about 81 cents of every dollar spent was used for teaching and learning support such as educators, counselors, librarians, special education, educational support and central office.
1.7%
1.9% 1.5%
10.4%
SERVICES & OTHER OPERATING EXPENDITURES $ 18,118,079
About 10 cents of each dollar was spent on professional development, expended learning opportunities program, special services for students with disabilities such as nonpublic school/agency, mental health services
CUSTODIAL, MAINTENANCE, GROUNDS & OPERATIONS $ 3,344,475
80.7%
About 2 cents of each dollar was spent on maintaining and cleaning school grounds and buildings.
NUTRITION SERVICES $ 3,280,773
About 2 cents of every dollar provided nutritious meals for students.
BOOKS AND SUPPLIES $ 2,961,053
ALL OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES $ 2,119,956
About 2 cents of each dollar was spent on classroom supplies, textbooks, books and reference materials, printing and graphics
A little more than 1 cent per dollar went to pay for services related to technology such as chomebooks, teacher devices and software
UTILITIES $ 2,667,218
TRANSPORTATION $ 1,151,075
Power, water, and sewer for all district buildings costs about 1.5 cents per dollar.
Expenditures
Buses and drivers hired as contractors to safely transport students’ daily cost the District about close to 1 cents per dollar last year.
General Fund expenditures are illustrated using a dollar bill, visually breaking down how each cent of the dollar is allocated.
81¢ SALARIES & BENEFITS
Last year, about 81 cents of every dollar spent was used for teaching and learning support such as educators, counselors, librarians, special education, educational support and central office.
PROGRAMS & 10¢ STUDENT SPECIALIZED SERVICES
About 10 cents of every dollar supported expanded learning, mental health, professional development, and specialized student services.
MAINTENANCE & 3.4¢ FACILITIES, UTILITIES
About 3.4 cents of every dollar was spent on custodial services; maintaining school grounds and buildings; and providing power, water, and sewer for District facilities.
SUPPLIES & 2.9¢ BOOKS, TECHNOLOGY
About 3 cents of every dollar supported classroom supplies, textbooks, books and reference materials, printing and graphics, Chromebooks, teacher devices, software, and other technology services.
2¢ NUTRITION SERVICES
About 2 cents of every dollar provided nutritious meals for students.
.7¢ TRANSPORTATION
Buses and drivers hired as contractors to safely transport students’ daily cost the District about close to 1 cents per dollar last year.
Investing in the People Who Serve Our Students Developing the Next Generation Growing the Team That Supports Our Students of Educators During the 2025–26 school year, CVUSD’s Teacher Residency Program entered its fourth year of preparing aspiring educators to become successful classroom teachers. The program included 14 Mentor and Resident pairs, with two Residents advancing through CVUSD’s Classified Teacher Program. This pathway provides current classified employees with an opportunity to build upon their experience serving students while working toward a teaching career. Mentor teachers participated in professional learning designed to help them guide and support Residents throughout the year. Many brought previous experience working with student teachers through CVUSD’s residency program or California State University, East Bay. By pairing aspiring teachers with experienced CVUSD educators, the program provided Residents with sustained, hands-on classroom experience, professional guidance, and a deeper understanding of the students and community they hope to serve. The Teacher Residency Program also strengthened CVUSD’s efforts to develop a highly qualified and diverse educator workforce prepared to support student learning and success.
CVUSD remained a destination district during the 2025– 26 school year, attracting talented educators and employees drawn to its strong schools, steady enrollment, professional opportunities, and commitment to students. To connect qualified candidates with employment opportunities, the Human Resources team hosted a certificated job fair in March and a classified job fair in June. The district also expanded its pool of certificated and classified substitute employees, helping schools maintain continuity and support students when regular employees were absent. During the year, CVUSD hired 82 classified employees across 25 job classifications, and 14 current employees earned promotions within the district. CVUSD also welcomed 92 certificated employees, including 27 elementary teachers, 18 secondary teachers, 26 special education teachers and service providers, two counselors, two social workers, two teachers on special assignment, four adult school teachers, eight summer school teachers, and three administrators. These new hires and internal promotions strengthened the district’s ability to provide high-quality instruction, specialized services, safe and welcoming schools, and reliable support across departments. As the CVUSD team continued to grow, the district remained focused on recruiting, developing, and retaining the people who support students every day.
2025-2026 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 11
Supporting a Merit-Based Workforce
CVUSD operates under a merit system to ensure that classified employees are selected, promoted, and retained based on qualifications, demonstrated ability, and job performance. The system supports fair and consistent employment practices while helping the district recruit and retain highly qualified employees who serve students, schools, and departments. The Personnel Commission is an independent, three-member body responsible for overseeing the district’s merit system. Working in partnership with Human Resources, the Commission establishes rules for classified employment; supports job classification and recruitment processes; oversees examinations and eligibility lists; and considers matters within its authority involving classified employees. Through this work, the Personnel Commission promotes fairness, transparency, equal opportunity, and professionalism across CVUSD’s classified workforce.
MONICA LEE
VANESSA PETERSON
Supporting Beginning Classrooms
TONI WILKERSON
Teachers,
Strengthening
Through the Tri-Valley Teacher Induction Program (TVTIP), CVUSD supported beginning educators with job-embedded professional learning, individualized coaching, and guidance from experienced teachers. During 2025–26, the program supported 50 teachers whose work reached approximately 165 classrooms each day and more than 4,740 students districtwide. TVTIP helps new educators connect professional learning with classroom practice, strengthen instructional skills, build confidence, and develop habits that support long-term success in the profession. In May 2026, CVUSD celebrated 25 elementary, middle, and high school educators who completed the induction journey. By investing in beginning teachers, CVUSD strengthens instruction, supports teacher retention, and creates a lasting impact for students across the district.
Learning, Innovation, and Opportunity Grading Update Building More Equitable and Accurate Grading Practices During the first year of district-wide implementation, CVUSD secondary educators continued the important work of strengthening grading practices so that grades more accurately reflect what students know and are able to do.
Standards-Based Grading Using Equitable Practices focuses on three foundational areas: proportional grading, meaningful opportunities to redo or retake assessments, and separating academic achievement from nonacademic behaviors such as participation, punctuality, and work habits. These practices are designed to provide students and families with clearer information about academic progress. They also give students additional opportunities to learn from feedback, demonstrate growth, and show mastery of essential course standards. During 2025–26, educators collaborated within departments and course-alike teams to examine grading practices, develop consistent expectations, and identify areas requiring further alignment. An early review of first-semester grading patterns at Castro Valley High School showed shifts in grade distribution, including fewer students receiving failing grades. District leaders and educators will continue reviewing the data to better understand the results and inform future implementation. In 2026–27, CVUSD will continue building consistency across secondary classrooms. This work will include full implementation of proportional grading, clearer communication of grading and redo or retake practices, and continued collaboration among teachers who teach the same courses. Changing long-established grading systems takes time, reflection, and partnership. CVUSD remains committed to practices that maintain high expectations while ensuring grades provide an accurate and equitable picture of student learning.
Expanding the Dual Language Immersion Pathway During the 2025–26 school year, our Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program at Vannoy Elementary proudly expanded into third grade. This milestone marked the continued progress of our pioneer cohort, whose students completed their third successful year in the program. They continued to grow as confident bilingual and biliterate learners, demonstrating academic achievement and language development in both English and Spanish. The DLI program remained a thriving strand within the Vannoy Elementary community, serving more than 200 students in transitional kindergarten through third grade. A dedicated team of nine DLI teachers worked collaboratively to provide high-quality, research-based instruction that supported both content mastery and language development. Throughout the year, CVUSD continued planning for the program’s expansion by one grade level annually. The district’s long-term vision remained focused on developing a complete K–12 dual language pathway, providing students with opportunities to achieve advanced levels of bilingualism, biliteracy, and crosscultural competence. Planning also began to support a smooth transition into the upper elementary grades and, eventually, into secondary schools. This pathway will allow students to continue their dual language journey and work toward earning recognition through the California State Seal of Biliteracy. We celebrated the continued growth of the DLI program and the commitment our students, families, and staff demonstrated to multilingual education.
2025-2026 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 13
Creativity at Every Grade Level Creative Foundations
Elementary students benefited from year-long music instruction in grades 1–3 and dedicated visual arts instruction in grades 4–5. Districtwide Empowerment Assemblies and partnerships with the Mobile Museum of Tolerance and Walt Disney Family Museum provided additional cultural enrichment across elementary schools. Preschool, transitional kindergarten, and kindergarten students participated in expanded creative experiences through artist residencies and classroom-based arts lessons. Grant funding also supported dedicated dance and visual arts instruction at Title I elementary schools.
Expanded and Inclusive Opportunities
Middle school arts programs grew in response to increasing student interest. Canyon Middle School added choir, band, and strings sections, continued its World Music courses, and installed a new ceramics kiln. Creekside Middle School also expanded access to instrumental music and visual arts. Adaptive arts programming supported students in Extensive Support Needs, Special Day Class, and Functional Life Skills programs through collaborative projects and in-person instruction. Additional ceramics resources further increased opportunities for hands-on artistic exploration.
Advanced Pathways
At Castro Valley High School, students gained expanded opportunities in Dance, Guitar, and Orchestra while continuing to participate in established Ceramics, music, and performing arts programs. CVUSD also worked to ensure that students in specialized learning environments had access to meaningful arts experiences. Tailored visual arts instruction reached students at Redwood High School, Castro Valley Virtual Academy, and the Roy Johnson Adult Transition Program. Together, these programs strengthened CVUSD’s commitment to making creativity and artistic expression an important part of every student’s educational experience.
Cooking Up College and Career Opportunities Castro Valley High School’s new Culinary Arts facility transforms a former metal shop into a state-of-the-art culinary learning environment that brings classroom instruction and real-world experience together. Supported in part by state funding through the Career Technical Education Facilities Program (CTEFP), the project expands opportunities for students to explore careers in culinary arts, hospitality, and food service. The facility is organized around two complementary learning environments. A flexible instructional space features a dedicated teaching and demonstration station, along with movable stainless-steel tables and seating that can be reconfigured for classroom instruction, demonstrations, collaborative learning, and catered events. The adjoining culinary lab provides students with hands-on experience in a commercial kitchen setting, with seven fully equipped cooking stations, including an ADA-accessible station, supported by a scullery, dry storage, instructor office, and dedicated laundry facilities for linens. A serving area with a service window further extends learning beyond the kitchen, creating opportunities for students to operate a café-style program and experience food preparation, ordering, service, and customer interaction. More than a new teaching kitchen, the facility creates an industry-inspired learning environment where students can build technical skills, collaborate, serve their school community, and gain meaningful experience that connects education with future college and career pathways.
Student Wellness, Safety, and Belonging Advancing Equity Through Data and Action During the 2025–26 school year, CVUSD took an important step toward creating more equitable systems of support for students by developing and beginning implementation of its Comprehensive Coordinated Early Intervening Services Plan for Significant Disproportionality. CVUSD was identified as significantly disproportionate following three consecutive years in which Black/African American students were overidentified for special education services under the disability category of Other Health Impairment. In response, the district conducted a comprehensive review of quantitative and qualitative data to better understand the systems and practices contributing to this disproportionality. The analysis identified four primary areas requiring greater consistency: implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports; culturally responsive instruction and practices; meaningful two-way partnerships with parents/caregivers and alternatives to suspension and other exclusionary disciplinary practices. The district identified 63 focal students, known as CV Scholars, who will receive intensive, coordinated academic, attendance, behavioral, and social-emotional support. Although these students will receive focused resources, the resulting improvements to district systems are intended to benefit every CVUSD student. All schools will participate in this work, with Castro Valley Elementary, Canyon Middle School, Creekside Middle School, and Castro Valley High School serving as focus schools. Initial implementation began in 2025–26, with full implementation planned for 2026–27. The plan includes a more consistent districtwide Multi-Tiered System of Supports, staff professional learning, culturally responsive practices, restorative approaches to discipline, improved family partnerships, progress-monitoring tools, and clearer intervention processes before students are referred for special education evaluation. This work reflects a fundamental commitment: when students are struggling, CVUSD must first examine and strengthen the systems surrounding them. By addressing inequities directly, the district is working to ensure that every student receives appropriate, timely, and effective support. Source: CVUSD Significant Disproportionality Plan
Preparing for Phone-Free Learning During the 2025–26 school year, CVUSD developed a new policy to reduce digital distractions and create more focused, connected learning environments. Student, staff, and family feedback gathered through a districtwide ThoughtExchange, community forums, and staff discussions helped shape the expectations. Beginning in 2026–27, personal electronic devices will be turned off and stored throughout the school day at elementary and middle schools. At the high school level, devices will be turned off and stored during instructional time, with supervised access permitted during designated breaks. Accommodations will remain available for documented medical needs, Individualized Education Programs, and Section 504 Plans. The policy reflects CVUSD’s commitment to helping students remain present, engaged, and connected while supporting focused instruction, meaningful interaction, and student wellbeing.
2025-2026 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 15
Advancing WIES through Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching During the 2025–26 school year, we advanced our commitment to Welcoming, Inclusive, Equitable, and Safe (WIES) spaces by embedding Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching (CLRT) through a train-the-trainer model. Each school site designated 1–2 WIES Leads, who received targeted training throughout the year from our DEI Coordinator and SEL/ABAR TOSA. These leads then facilitated best-practice sessions with their site colleagues during staff meetings and, at CVHS, within Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Professional development focused on Sharroky Hollie’s 16 Most Misunderstood Cultural Behaviors, with the primary objective of serving all students—particularly historically underserved Black/African American and Hispanic/Latine students. These sessions provided dedicated space for educators to reflect on current practices and align instruction with the evolving needs of our student population. Educators were encouraged to view student behaviors through an assetbased lens rather than a deficit lens, recognizing that certain classroom behaviors stem from cultural norms rather than disruption or defiance. By validating and affirming cultural identity, CLRT enables educators to meet students where they are and adapt instructional approaches to ensure equitable access to the curriculum for every learner.
Healthy Smiles Support Student Success During the 2025–26 school year, CVUSD partnered with Big Smiles to bring oral health assessments and preventive dental care directly to elementary schools. The partnership helped families meet California’s Oral Health Assessment requirement while reducing transportation, scheduling, and access barriers. From February 23–27, 2026, students received on-campus assessments and services such as cleanings, fluoride treatments, X-rays, sealants, fillings, and referrals for follow-up care. In the program’s first year, 95 students completed their required Oral Health Assessment through Big Smiles, and 120 students received dental examinations or services. Districtwide, 572 assessments were submitted—up from 330 the previous year. By bringing care directly to students, CVUSD helped more children remain healthy, comfortable, and ready to learn.
Strengthening Inclusive Special Education Supports During the 2025–26 school year, CVUSD strengthened student support, program alignment, and operational stability across Special Services. A key accomplishment was the relocation and expansion of the Moderate Special Day Class flow-through program at Jensen Ranch Elementary. The transition aligned specialized instruction and services with students’ Individualized Education Program goals while supporting access to the least restrictive environment. Students maintained connections with familiar peers and staff while benefiting from coordinated academic, social-emotional, and communication supports. All permanent, full-time special education positions—including Education Specialists, speech-language pathologists, and school psychologists—remained filled throughout the year. This staffing stability supported consistent instruction, case management, and compliance assistance across schools. CVUSD also provided training in evidence-based programs, including Sonday, SPIRE, and Unique Learning System, and partnered with the Diagnostic Center Northern California to offer professional learning for certificated and classified staff. This work strengthened inclusive practices and advanced CVUSD’s commitment to high-quality IEPs and equitable access to learning for every student.
Partnerships and Community Community Partnership Brings New Canyon Fields to Life
A major partnership between Castro Valley Unified School District and the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District transformed the athletic fields at Canyon Middle School into a modern, accessible space for students and the broader community. The $14.9 million project was jointly funded by CVUSD and HARD, with each agency contributing $7.45 million. The district’s contribution included Measure G and state reimbursement funds. Construction began in April 2025 and was completed in summer 2026. Covering approximately 7.6 acres, the new facility features synthetic turf with natural olive-pit and sand infill. The flexible design can accommodate four full-size or eight smaller soccer fields, along with two overlaid baseball and softball fields. Multiple base and pitching distances allow the space to serve students and athletes of different ages. Additional improvements include bleachers, scoreboards, batting cages, dugouts, walking paths, drinking fountains, a bottle-filling station, bioretention areas, and three accessible entry points along the south side of the campus. A new community entrance plaza further strengthens the connection between the school and the surrounding neighborhood. The project provides Canyon students with an enhanced environment for physical education and school athletics while expanding high-quality recreational opportunities for Castro Valley residents. It is a lasting example of what can be achieved when local public agencies work together to invest in students and community well-being.
2025-2026 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 17
Investing in the Future: The Castro Valley Schools Futures Fund
During the 2025–26 school year, CVUSD celebrated the creation of the Castro Valley Schools Futures Fund, a new foundation established to expand opportunities for students and strengthen the connection between our schools and community. The Futures Fund was created with a forward-looking purpose: to bring together families, alumni, local businesses, community organizations, and supporters who believe in the potential of every CVUSD student. Through charitable contributions and community partnerships, the foundation will help provide resources and opportunities that complement the district’s educational programs. As public schools face increasingly complex needs and limited funding, community partnerships can make a meaningful difference. The Castro Valley Schools Futures Fund will create an additional avenue for supporters to invest directly in student success, innovation, enrichment, and educational experiences across the district. The foundation’s work will be guided by a commitment to equity, transparency, and serving students throughout CVUSD. As the organization grows, it will develop partnerships, establish fundraising opportunities, and identify areas where community support can have the greatest impact. The launch of the Castro Valley Schools Futures Fund marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for CVUSD. Its creation reflects what has always made Castro Valley special: a community that values its schools and comes together to help students learn, grow, and prepare for their futures. We look forward to seeing the Futures Fund grow into a lasting source of opportunity and support for generations of CVUSD students.
Creating a Stronger Digital Front Door CVUSD launched redesigned district and school websites during the 2025–26 school year, creating a more consistent and user-friendly online experience for students, families, staff, and community members. For many families, a school or district website is the first place they look for calendars, contact information, enrollment materials, program details, Board information, emergency updates, and other essential resources. The redesign focused on making this information easier to find and access from a computer, tablet, or mobile device. The new websites provide a consistent structure across the district while allowing each school to highlight its own identity, programs, news, and community. Improved navigation and updated page designs help visitors locate frequently requested information with fewer steps. The platform also supports accessibility and translation tools that help make district information available to a broader range of users. Launching the websites was only the beginning. District departments and school teams will continue reviewing and updating their pages, improving content, and responding to feedback from the people who use the sites. By strengthening CVUSD’s digital presence, the district is improving transparency, access, and communication—and creating a more welcoming online connection to its schools and services.
Looking Forward: Building on Our Progress CVUSD Culture Starts With Us—Every Interaction Matters Cell Phone Policy Implementation Family and Community Engagement Instructional improvement Expanded Learning and Attendance Recovery Equity, Belonging, and Student Outcomes
Contact Us cv.k12.ca.us 510-537-3000 4400 Alma Ave., Castro Valley