SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) held its fourth annual state of the district on Wednesday, March 18, which saw keynote speaker Michelle Trujillo and results from the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) surveys.

Superintendent Todd Cutler gave an overview of the board priorities and the vision of the district, which included looking to the future, forming strong connections and improving performance.

Cutler also touched on the Measure U bonds, which have recently been used for the softball field at South Tahoe Middle School. Up next are projects at Tahoe Valley Elementary School and South Tahoe High School, with Phase 2 including Meyers and Sierra House.

Future facilities projects are also looking to increase sustainability. They have a $22 million project for updating the boilers, windows, lighting and installing solar panels across the district.

Associate superintendent Alan Reeder noted that Cutler was nominated for the upcoming awards for the Association of California School Administrators in region 2, which would add another award for the year in addition to their Golden Bell Award.

Reeder noted that there’s been an increase in proficiency across math, science and English/Language Arts, though they are still looking to reduce chronic absenteeism in the district. The district experienced a decrease in overall students this year, and the school’s current budget is about $64 million, according to chief financial officer Kelly Buttery.

This year, the school is also undergoing a study and audit for its special education programs, with results sometime in May or June, after interviews with parents and students in special education.

During the table discussion, LCAP survey data was presented on the three topics: high expectations for all students, family engagement and 95% attendance for all students. There was an increase of 5% for students reporting that school is preparing them for future success, bringing the total to 86%. 92.7% of parents also report feeling welcome, up from 87%, though 27% of parents report they do not have opportunities to provide input. Still, 36% of students say they don’t like going to school every day, though 95% of staff report actively building connectedness with students.

Michelle Trujillo, the keynote speaker, is the co-founder of Center for Learning and Well-Being, an author and lifelong editor. She grew up and taught in Carson City, and said, “Very rarely do I get to work with a district I feel connected to.”

Trujillo spoke to the importance of strong and intentional connections, along with believing in students. She praised the district for cultivating connections and noted that she used to teach with Cutler back in the day.

Cutler ended the night by saying, “We’re not always going to agree, but we have to work together,” and urging people to keep momentum going.