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Dear CUSD Staff,
I am thrilled to formally introduce myself as the new Superintendent of Cabrillo Unified School District. I visited every school site last week and met many of you already! It is an incredible honor to join a district that truly creates spaces where students learn, find their passions, and achieve their dreams. CUSD is known for its dedication, talent, and commitment to excellence in education. Not to mention the amazing topography. What a beautiful place to live, work, and go to school!
First and foremost, I want to commend each of you for the achievements and successes of our district. They are a testament to the hard work, creativity, and passion that you bring to your roles every day. Your unwavering commitment to nurturing and helping our students discover their dreams and believe they can come true is inspiring. I am excited to be part of such a talented team of educators and staff. As we embark on this journey together, I am filled with optimism and enthusiasm for what lies ahead. I firmly believe that by working collaboratively, we can build on our successes and address any challenges with innovative solutions. Our collective efforts will ensure that every student in our district receives the highest quality education and the support they need to thrive.
I also want to acknowledge the difficult financial challenges our district is currently facing and the ongoing salary negotiations. I understand the uncertainty and concern this situation may cause, and I want to assure you that addressing these issues is a top priority for me. I am committed to working diligently with all educational partners to find equitable solutions that honor the hard work and dedication of our staff while maintaining the financial health of our district. This week the CUSD and CUTA negotiations teams will meet to hopefully come to a resolution.
On May 30, 2024, the Chair of the Fact Finding Panel – who was mutually appointed by CUTA and CUSD – completed and submitted his Fact Finding Report to the parties. In accordance with state law, the Report’s findings of fact and recommended terms are first submitted in writing to CUTA and CUSD privately before they are made public.
State law requires that the “public school employer shall make such findings and recommendations public within 10 days after their receipt.” Accordingly, information regarding the factfinding report can be found on our District website by clicking the following link:
www.cabrillo.k12.ca.us/our_departments/human_resources/labor_negotiations
My leadership philosophy is rooted in open and transparent communication. I am committed to fostering an environment where every voice is heard and all perspectives are valued. I believe that the best ideas often come from those who are closest to our students and the day-to-day operations of our schools. Therefore, I encourage you to share your insights, suggestions, and concerns with me. Together, we can create a positive and inclusive atmosphere that benefits our entire school community. In the coming weeks, I look forward to visiting each of our schools, meeting with staff, and getting to know you personally. I am eager to listen to your experiences, understand our schools' unique strengths and needs, and work alongside you to support our students' growth and success.
Thank you for the warm welcome I have already received and for your continued dedication to our students. I am excited about the future of Cabrillo Unified and confident that, together, we will achieve great things. Your passion, expertise, and commitment are the foundation of our success, and I am proud to be part of this exceptional team. Let us embrace this new chapter with enthusiasm and a shared vision for excellence. I look forward to working with you all and supporting you in every way I can. Please don’t hesitate to contact me via email at [email protected].us or on my cell at (650) 445-8008.
Warmly,
Amber Lee-Alva
Superintendent
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