District News

Recent discussions about closing the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) and eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs have raised concerns. While no immediate changes affect our district, we are closely monitoring developments and will provide updates if conditions change affecting our schools and programs.

U.S. Department of Education

Only Congress can fully abolish the USDOE, but funding and responsibilities could shift to other agencies. Many key programs, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), existed before the department was created in 1980. IDEA provides federal grants for special education, though federal funds reportedly cover only about 10% of actual costs.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Campbell Union School District and the State of California remain committed to safe, inclusive learning environments. Guided by our Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism Statement, we work to remove systemic barriers and ensure equitable opportunities for all students to fully benefit from public education.

State Response

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond opposes federal education funding cuts, particularly for special education and Title I programs. The California Department of Education is exploring ways to offset potential funding gaps to protect essential programs.

District Response

To ensure financial stability, we are maintaining all federally funded programs while preparing for potential funding changes. Budget reserves can buffer the impact and provide short-term support for critical programs, including:

• Special Education: Services for students with disabilities. 
• Title I Programs: Support for schools serving low-income students. 
• Child Nutrition Programs: Free or reduced-price meals for eligible students. California currently provides universal meals for all, but may not be able to continue that without the federal fund.

Staying Informed

We encourage our community to stay engaged. We will continue to provide updates as we remain committed to delivering a high-quality education and helping every student reach their highest potential.

As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms industries, Campbell Union School District (CUSD) is taking proactive steps to ensure students are prepared for the future. Speaking at the AIM FOR IMPACT summit, Superintendent Dr. Shelly Viramontez stressed that education must evolve along with technology to meet the demands of an AI-driven workforce.

“We’re embracing our core value of ‘We Are Learners’ by actively exploring how AI can enhance teaching and learning,” Dr. Viramontez said. “We are inviting staff to learn more about AI, its applications and potential for strengthening students’ skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability.”

Recognizing that AI is already woven into daily life, she added, “Even our youngest students are engaging with AI—whether they’re interacting with Alexa, learning from YouTube, or independently exploring digital tools.”

For CUSD, responsible AI integration is a commitment to innovation and student empowerment. By breaking down traditional learning silos and integrating real-world applications, the district is working to reimagine education to ensure every student is equipped for success—no matter what the future holds.

At our schools, we believe students should have a voice in making positive changes. One example is how we’re tackling school cleanliness.

In student surveys from 2023 and 2024, many rated school cleanliness lower than expected. To understand why, district administrators invited students to participate in focus groups. Students’ insights were enlightening. They noted common issues like littering in shared spaces, messy bathroom habits, and a lack of awareness about the hard work custodians do each day.

When asked how to improve cleanliness, some students suggested more adult intervention. However, through discussions and empathy interviews with custodians, students realized the importance of taking responsibility for their school environment.

Working together, students and staff developed solutions, including:

• Student-led cleanliness campaigns to promote responsibility
• Incentive programs to align with the schools’ Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS)
• Signage to create awareness and expectations on keeping shared spaces clean
• Acknowledgment and appreciation for custodial staff
• Better maintenance strategies for bathrooms and high-traffic areas

“By giving students a role in solving real problems, we empower them to take responsibility and build pride in their school community,” said Superintendent Shelly Viramontez. “With these new initiatives, we expect to see a cleaner, more respectful environment that benefits everyone.”

Want to support these efforts at home? Encourage your child to take responsibility for their surroundings and appreciate those who help maintain them.

“Student engagement is a phrase being used frequently to ensure students are more than passive learners, rather active participants in their education. We want students to own their learning,” said District Superintendent Shelly Viramontez. “We want to give them a voice in decisions that impact their school experience, foster a sense of ownership, confidence, and engagement in their learning.”

Across our schools, students are stepping into leadership roles, sharing their perspectives, and making meaningful contributions to their school communities. 

Here are a few ways this shift is making a difference.

Superintendent’s Student Council: A quarterly meeting with two student representatives from each school and the Superintendent. The agenda is co-created to allow students to share their perspectives and learn more about the district. This council has been instrumental in providing some improvement ideas. One instance was the suggestion to move from individual packets of condiments to larger dispensers to reduce trash and improve campus cleanliness as students reported these packets being stepped on in the hallways and smeared in the bathrooms. We began piloting this improvement idea earlier this school year.

Creative Problem Solving: During their AIM Innovation sessions and science classes, students regularly engage in creative problem solving and critical thinking learning experiences. Students identify and develop empathy for a challenge at school or in the community, collaborate and design possible solutions, then refine and share their solutions. Many of these learning experiences will be highlighted with the greater community at the annual Arts, Innovation and Music Showcase. Please mark your calendars to come out and see the innovative and creative work of our students.  The AIM Showcase will be held March 20, from 4:30 until 6:30 pm at Monroe Middle School.

Student Focus Groups: Surveys are only one way in which teachers and school administrators obtain feedback from students. The adults conduct focus group sessions with students in order to gain greater understanding of low ratings on the student survey.