SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE

On behalf of the NUSD Board of Trustees, welcome to the NUSD website!  The information provided allows the reader to get a glimpse of the many attributes of Novato’s public schools and opportunities for staff, student, parent, and community involvement.  We are committed to a quality education in a safe learning environment.  We partner with parents, business, School Fuel (our foundation), and the community to achieve excellence.

Parcel Tax
Our ongoing parcel tax, first passed in 1992, supports:

• Class size reduction
• Technology
• Visual & performing arts
• Libraries
• Counselors
• Attracting and retaining quality staff

We are grateful to the Novato community for guaranteeing quality programs for students.

Facilities Bond
In 2001, the Novato voters passed a facilities bond for $107 million dollars.  Classroom renovation, technology upgrades, compliance with American with Disabilities Acts (ADA), and state-of-the-art athletic fields have become a reality for our staff and students...more

Award Winning Programs
NUSD offers parental choice in our 16 schools. A variety of programs are in place to meet individual student needs:

• 8 elementary schools
• 3 middle schools
• 3 high schools
• 1 K-12 Independent Study
• 1 K-8 Charter

Within these schools the course offerings ensure student achievement is realized. Some of the programs we offer include:

• Award winning music programs
• Gifted & Talented (GATE), Honors & Advanced Placement (AP)
• English Learner programs
• Marin School of the Arts at Novato High (Visual & Performing Arts CDE Demonstration School)
• Communications Academy at SMHS

Parents as Partners
Shared decision making has long been a tradition in NUSD.  Leadership among our talented parents abounds.  Opportunities for shared governance and problem-solving occurs through a variety of opportunities:

• North Marin Council PTA
• PTA – Parent Teacher Associations
• Site Leadership Teams (SLT)
• District English Learners Advisory Committee (DELAC)
• Bond Citizens Oversight Committee
• Parcel Tax Oversight Committee
• District Advisory Committee
• Blue Ribbon/Diversity/Wellness Committee
• Budget Advisory Committee
• GATE Advisory Committee
• Special Education Parent Advisory (through Marin County Office of Education)

Join us in shared leadership to benefit the students in NUSD.

Strategic Plan
In 2004, the NUSD trustees adopted a Strategic Plan, “Achievement for All…Our Call to Action,” to guide student achievement, finance, operations, facilities, and community and culture.  It is a specific plan with identified goals, objectives, activities, and targets timeless for achievement.

Academic Achievement
With a focus on:

• High School Improvement
• Enhanced student achievement for all students

Finance
With a focus on:

• Fiscal solvency/enhanced revenue sources
• Enhanced compensation for staff

Operations
With a focus on:

• Enhanced communication
• Maximize district efficiencies

Facilities
With a focus on:

• Modernization projects
• Hamilton land conveyance

Community & Culture
With a focus on:

• Bullying prevention
• Discrimination free & safe environment

The plan is a living document reviewed and updated by Trustees annually. The complete plan is available online. NUSD Strategic Plan

Student Achievement

We are extremely proud of our student achievement.  On standardized measures our students outscore their constituents in the state and are among the top performers in Marin.

8  California Distinguished schools

In 2005-06, 86% of our 10th grade students passed the English/Language Arts portion of the California High School Exam (CAHSEE).  87% of our 10th graders passed the math portion of the exam.

Our students score very well on the STAR tests.  Our middle school Algebra students are near the top in the state of California with 97% scoring at the proficient (35%) or advanced level (62%)  Our high school math students consistently score above the Marin County average.

In 2005-2006, 39% of our English Learners passed the California English Language Development Test (CELDT).

98% of our students attend post-secondary education institutions

The NUSD Board of Education is committed to providing policy direction to ensure students have the best educational opportunities.  Trustees adopted the Strategic Plan to lead NUSD into the future.

Please visit our schools to confirm what our website reflects [SCHOOL WEBSITES]. Our pride in achievement and collaboration will become yours.

Dr. Jan La-Torre Derby