Sebastopol Union School District
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Dear SUSD Families,
The LCAP is a three-year plan that describes the goals, actions, services, and expenditures to support positive student outcomes that address state and local priorities. The LCAP provides an opportunity for local educational agencies (LEAs) to share their stories of how, what, and why programs and services are selected to meet their local needs. The LCAP is required to identify annual goals, specific actions, and measure progress for student subgroups across multiple performance indicators, including student academic achievement, school climate, student access to a broad curriculum, and parent engagement. School districts and charter schools are required to obtain input from educational partners, including parents and the community, in developing, revising, and updating LCAPs.
For 2026–2027, the plan focuses on two key goals: Academic Success and Support, ensuring that all students have access to high-quality instruction and the resources they need, and Culture, Climate, and Community Engagement, promoting a safe, inclusive, and connected school environment.
We have put together more information for you that can be found on our website. The LCAP Hub is where you can find our detailed goals and actions, mid-year update, needs assessment, data, and more.
In Partnership,
Sara Gramm, Molly Bulwa & Rachel Lasek
SUSD Administration
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As we approach our upcoming CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress) testing, we want to share a few reminders about how families can best support their 3rd-8th-grade students during this time.
CAASPP is an important tool that helps us understand how well students are mastering grade-level standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics. The results provide valuable information that guides instruction, supports school improvement efforts, and helps ensure all students are on track for success.
While the assessment is important, it is equally important that students approach testing with confidence, not stress. We encourage families to help create a calm and positive mindset at home.
Remind your child that this is simply an opportunity to show what they know and how much they have grown throughout the year.
You can support your child by ensuring they get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, arrive at school on time, and feel encouraged to try their best. We want to avoid placing pressure on performance; instead, we celebrate effort, persistence, and a positive attitude.
Our testing weeks for 3rd-8th grades are:
April 20-24 (ELA)
April 27-30 (Math)
May 4-8 (5th & 8th Grade Science)
We have developed schedules that allow for testing periods each morning, limiting the time spent each day on testing. Our goal is for students to work in short, efficient time blocks each day, rather than extended testing all day long.
It is helpful to ensure appointments are scheduled at alternate times so that students aren't absent and end up feeling behind.
Together, we can help our students feel confident, supported, and ready to do their best. Thank you for partnering with us!
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Following our recent budget meeting with representatives from staff, Site Council, DELAC, SEF, and Wellness Committees, we want to continue to keep our community informed about the steps we are taking to ensure the long-term financial stability of our district.
As part of our current budget planning, we have already identified a number of reductions. However, in order to meet the state requirement of certifying a positive budget not only for the current year but for the next three years, we must identify an additional $300,000 in cuts to the general fund. This is a difficult but necessary step to ensure we remain fiscally solvent and able to continue serving our students effectively.
We will be presenting our finalized Fiscal Recovery Plan to the Board in May, which will include the previous reductions to Certificated and Classified Staffing that were approved in March, as well as additional recommendations that include:
- Reduced Professional Development Contracts
- Reduced Cleaning & Maintenance Contracts
- Reduced Curriculum & Instructional Materials Contracts
We want to reiterate that these decisions are not made lightly. Every reduction represents a real impact on programs, services, or supports that contribute to a well-rounded educational experience for our students. Our focus remains on minimizing impacts to classroom instruction, maintaining reasonable class sizes, and preserving critical student supports wherever possible.
It is also important to note that the Governor’s May Budget Revision will provide updated information about state funding levels for the upcoming year. This may help us to have a clearer picture of what resources will ultimately be available.
We remain committed to transparency and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Thank you for your continued support and partnership during this challenging time.
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Bond Projects-
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Park Side- Work continues on the Office and Safety Entry, as well as required ADA upgrades to two bathrooms. The work is scheduled to be completed in June.
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Brook Haven- Portables are being placed in the back corner of the property in anticipation of CASTLE's temporary relocation during construction on the Park Side upper campus. A district facility barn is scheduled to be completed in June in the same location to replace the aging "Bus Barn" near the Park Side MPR.
Citizens Bond Oversight Committee-
The purpose of the Citizens’ Oversight Committee (COC) is:
- To inform the public concerning the expenditures of bond revenues • COC is not granted the power to determine how bond funds may be spent • COC need not even be considered advisory to the Board
- Actively review and report on the proper expenditure of taxpayers’ monies for school construction (Annual Report)
- Advise the public as to whether a school district is in compliance with the requirements of Proposition 39 EC 15278(b)
Our Bond Oversight Committee met on March 24 to review current and upcoming projects. The spring update can be found at the link below.
Members of the committee include:
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Chris Kim, Parent
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Mina Martinovich, Community Member at Large & Parent
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Karen Miller, Community Member At Large
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David Roth, Parent & Site Council Member
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Myriah Volk, Chamber of Commerce, Business Organization
The committee will be presenting an Annual Update in the Fall to the SUSD board.
Bond Refinancing- The district is in the process of refinancing a set of Bonds that were approved by voters in 2012. This refinancing takes advantage of current lower interest rates and will save taxpayers over $600,000. More information to come once the refinance is finalized.
As always, we are incredibly grateful for the community support that allows us the opportunities to enhance our district facilities to serve the needs of our students and the greater community.
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Katie Nelson, English Language Development teacher, has earned a Sebastopol Rotary Teacher of the Year Award for 2026. Mrs. Nelson has taught in Sebastopol for 5 years, and 15 years prior in the San Francisco Unified. At Park Side & Brook Haven, Mrs. Nelson supports students across grade levels and is known for creating a safe, welcoming space where English Language Learners build confidence and thrive.
By preparing students with key vocabulary and partnering closely with teachers, Mrs. Nelson ensures every student can fully participate and succeed. As one colleague shared, “She creates a bridge between the world they’ve left behind and the new one they are learning to navigate.”
To add to the celebration and appreciation, Mrs. Nelson was also awarded high honor certificates from Supervisor Lynda Hopkins office, as well as Sebastopol Mayor Jill McLewis. Both spoke on the importance of teachers and the immeasurable role they play in our students' lives.
Flexible, compassionate, and committed to equity, Katie Nelson truly embodies a Teacher of the Year, and we are proud to honor her hard work and dedication to Sebastopol Union Schools.
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Our BHS quads just got an upgrade!
Thanks to developer fee funds, we’ve enhanced the space with new turf and modern seating areas, creating more room for students to gather, eat, and connect. As our enrollment continues to grow, these improvements help us make the most of every inch of campus while creating inviting spaces that keep student comfort and community at the center.
Developer fees are funds collected from new housing and commercial development in our community, helping our schools expand and improve facilities to support growing student populations.
We’re excited to see this space come to life each day!
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Sebastopol recently welcomed a special group of middle school students from its sister city, Takeo, Japan, as part of a meaningful cultural exchange that continues to strengthen international friendships. During their visit, the students were immersed in local classrooms, building connections with their peers and experiencing daily school life firsthand.
A highlight of the visit was a beautiful performance of a traditional Japanese dance, shared with Park Side students, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Takeo. At the middle school, visiting students also took part in a lively assembly, where the crowd-favorite event—a spirited staff vs. student volleyball game, which brought laughter and excitement to all.
These exchanges go far beyond a single visit; they foster understanding, empathy, and global awareness among students, creating lasting memories and friendships that span continents. This year is especially significant, as Sebastopol World Friends celebrates its 40th anniversary- four decades of nurturing cross-cultural connections and enriching the community through international partnership.
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One way to help expand our student support services and address our district’s budget shortfall, is for SUSD to participate in the California Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI).
What This Means for Families
Schools can now bill insurance for covered student mental health services, including:
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
- Mental health screenings and assessments
- There is NO impact to your insurance coverage, copays, or deductibles.
- California health plans are required to reimburse public schools for covered mental health services for students under age 26.
Why This Matters
- When insurance covers services, those reimbursements help offset district costs.
- This allows us to protect classroom funding and stretch general fund dollars during challenging budget times.
- Families without insurance — or whose plans don’t cover services — will continue to receive support at no cost.
The Bottom Line
- Students get timely access to mental health support.
- We can sustain strong student support systems our community values.
- It’s a win-win for students and schools.
What to Expect
- You may be asked to provide your student’s insurance information.
- If we plan to bill your insurance, you will receive notice and be asked to sign the required paperwork.
If you have questions, please contact your site administration or school counselor.
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April 25- Apple Blossom Parade
May 4-8- Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week
May 20- Brook Haven Spring Concert & Open House, 5pm
May 21- Park Side Open House, 6pm
June 4- Brook Haven Promotion, 2pm
June 4- Last Day of School
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If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.
- (707) 829-4570
- 7611 Huntley, Sebastopol, CA
- www.sebastopolschools.org
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