Superintendent’s Letter

Dear San José Unified Community,

In spite of challenges, San José Unified School District, in many ways, is the most successful urban school district in the State of California. Our test scores this past year showed significant gains in mathematics in our elementary schools and huge growth in language arts at many of our schools in our state Academic Performance Index (API). Our high school graduation requirements are among the most rigorous in the nation and our students have risen to the occasion and graduate in large numbers well prepared for higher learning. Last spring, we surveyed our graduating seniors regarding their plans for higher education and found that out of 88% surveyed, 96% of them plan to attend higher education. This includes 52% going on to a four-year university and 44% moving on to community college. Additionally, we have a large number of our schools that are award-winning and have been recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools or California Distinguished Schools.

The smooth operation of a large school district is challenging and we are proud to have been recognized, two years in a row, for being one of the best managed school districts in the state. Thanks to the voters of San José, we have successfully passed two bonds for school construction that have allowed us to modernize our facilities and provide the type of quality classrooms and structures our students need and deserve. The San José business community has been supportive of our students and provides many partnerships that assist us in providing a top quality education to all of our students, regardless of socio-economic background. Our School Board members and staff are absolutely committed to insuring that our students have the opportunity to thrive and succeed in school and we provide necessary interventions for students if they need additional support and help with learning. We have a unique school district that provides a variety of options and choices for our students and their families through our Magnet programs, including visual and performing arts, International Baccalaureate, Montessori, Spanish Language Immersion and a Science Magnet.

All of these programs are possible because we listen and encourage parent participation and community involvement through our public engagement program, and strive to be responsive to our students’ needs.Our commitment to you is a safe, healthy learning environment that allows us to provide opportunity and excellence for each and every child we serve. Working together, we can open a world of excitement and possibilities for our students.

Don Iglesias
Superintendent