July 1, 2025
Last week, Superintendent Kim Kern submitted a response to the 2024-2025 Napa County Civil Grand Jury report. Superintendent Kern was invited to respond to Findings F4-F8 and Recommendations R3-R6. Here are the key takeaways from the response:
- Improved Student Safety and Accountability – The Superintendent agreed with the Grand Jury’s recognition of the significant changes implemented to stabilize the district, focusing on student safety and improved academic outcomes.
- Bilingual Support for the Community – One of the Grand Jury’s findings was the lack of communication infrastructure for Spanish-speaking families. The Superintendent highlighted the substantial improvements made in bilingual support services, including the hiring of a bilingual teacher and the introduction of on-demand language interpretation services to ensure all families have equal access to information and engagement opportunities.
- Transportation Concerns and Improvements – The Superintendent reaffirmed the steps already taken to address the transportation concerns. This includes purchasing a new gas-powered minibus to improve service reliability, as well as plans to hire additional staff and explore alternative transportation solutions. Ensuring consistent and dependable transportation remains a priority.
- Community Engagement and Trust – Addressing the community’s divisions, the Superintendent stressed the importance of fostering unity through open communication and proactive engagement.
The Superintendent’s response underscores a clear commitment to continuous improvement in all aspects of district operations, including academic achievement, community engagement, and fiscal responsibility. As the district moves forward, efforts to maintain transparency and enhance educational outcomes will continue to be a central focus.
We invite you to read Superintendent Kern’s full response on the Napa County Superior Court website.
