July 24, 2025
The Board of Trustees for Pope Valley Union Elementary School District (PVUESD) recently submitted its formal response to the 2024–2025 Napa County Civil Grand Jury report. The Board was required to respond to Findings F1–F8 and Recommendations R1–R6. Here are the key takeaways from the Board’s response:
- Commitment to Oversight and Transparency – The Board affirmed its commitment to oversight and strategic direction. Initiatives include a long-term Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), collaboration with county and legal education partners, and professional development efforts to ensure long-term stability.
- Strengthening Bilingual and Special Education Services – The Board outlined several steps taken by the current administration to hire bilingual staff, introduce on-demand interpretation services, and expand bilingual content across communications. Support for students with disabilities has also been expanded through the hiring of a credentialed special education director and the launch of a new Learning Center.
- Addressing Transportation Reliability – In response to transportation reliability issues, the District has purchased a new gas-powered minibus and is reviewing fleet needs and staffing. These steps were made possible by the improved financial stability established under the current administration.
- Navigating Community Division with Integrity – The Board acknowledged the community’s divided sentiment during this period of change. While respecting diverse viewpoints, they reaffirmed their support for the Superintendent’s reforms, emphasizing unity grounded in facts and a collective focus on student safety, success, and inclusive governance.
- Long-Term Strategic Planning Underway – In response to the Grand Jury recommendations, PVUESD is actively developing a bilingual, community-informed long-term strategic plan centered on student achievement, operational effectiveness, and transparency. This includes ongoing partnerships with Napa County Office of Education, CSBA, FCMAT, and School and College Legal Services (SCLS).
The Board’s response reflects a strong commitment to stable and forward-thinking leadership focused on student achievement. As the District continues to move ahead, the Board remains dedicated to transparency, unity, and long-term success for all students and families.