Vicki Ben-Yaacov

Literacy lies at the core of our dedication to social justice at GUSD. Through our Literacy Initiative, we emphasize teacher training and comprehensive data collection. In just one year, we have witnessed substantial enhancements in English proficiency among all student groups, with notable strides made by our English language learners. Thanks to the hard work of our exceptional teachers and staff, we have reclassified more students than ever within this short span.

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GUSD is the first district in Santa Barbara County to establish the partnership with Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy, offering a comprehensive STEAM program to all K-6 students. With the support of DPEA, I envision GUSD developing a flagship STEAM program that seamlessly integrates with our science, math, and literacy curricula. This initiative aims to inspire and prepare students with essential skills in STEM, fostering a foundation for lifelong learning and innovation.

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Launched in Fall 2020, the Dual Language Immersion program at GUSD has proven to be immensely successful in nurturing bilingualism and academic excellence among our students. Through a carefully structured curriculum, students have the unique opportunity to learn both English and Spanish from an early age. Our commitment to academic rigor and cultural enrichment ensures that every child in the program achieves bilingual proficiency while excelling academically across all subjects.

GUSD has implemented a comprehensive social-emotional curriculum aimed at supporting students' behavioral and mental health. This initiative includes teacher training to help students set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, make responsible decisions, and understand and manage emotions. These efforts are designed to foster a supportive and inclusive school environment where students can thrive academically and emotionally.

GUSD is dedicated to integrate sustainability into all aspects of our operations. This commitment is evident in our transition to electric buses, installation of solar systems, reduction of single-use plastics, and expansion of campus tree planting. All facility upgrades are carefully planned to bolster climate resilience across our campuses. Furthermore, some schools have implemented lunch compost programs, and all schools participate in garden programs, fostering environmental stewardship among students and staff. These initiatives are integral to promoting sustainable practices and nurturing a culture of environmental responsibility.

GUSD's Expanded Learning Program provides affordable afterschool programs across all campuses and summer enrichment opportunities for all students. Participants can engage in arts and crafts, organized games and sports, and other developmentally enriching activities. These programs also emphasize social-emotional learning and mindfulness, including dedicated quiet time for students to concentrate on homework, reading, and quiet activities.

In 2020, Goleta residents passed Measure M Bond, enabling GUSD to upgrade our school facilities. Since then, our team has worked tirelessly to enhance our facilities, including installing new roofs, HVAC systems, pavement improvements, playground upgrades, classroom modernization, and the addition of STEAM classrooms. All projects are proceeding according to schedule. You can track all progress on GUSD website: Measure M. 

Universal Transitional Kindergarten is a crucial program aimed at bridging the achievement gap, particularly among young students from underrepresented communities. A robust TK program helps prepare our youngest students for the classroom environment, building the resilience and skills they need for instruction and peer interactions. Despite being mandated by the State government, GUSD, as a Basic Aid district, did not receive state funding to introduce this new grade level. Our team worked diligently to reallocate funding to ensure the program's success.