Highlights from the April 13 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education

At their regular meeting on April 13, the Board of Education welcomed the Tustin Public Schools Foundation and their new Executive Director, Young Park.

The Board then honored some exceptional staff and students. Hewes Middle School was recognized for earning the California Distinguished School award for closing the achievement gap and delivering exceptional student performance. Legacy Magnet Academy was also celebrated for being named a California Exemplary Dual Enrollment School, recognized for its outstanding program that provides students with access to college-level coursework. Principal Agnes Vasquez (Arroyo) and Dual Immersion TOSA Alondra Diaz (SMA) were honored as Top Leader and Top Teacher of Orange County by Parenting OC. The Board also recognized its student board members, Safiya Nawaz and Nina Hung (BHS), Leah Green and Connor Waibel (FHS), Anthony Ruiz and Emily Juarez (Hillview), Carson Carter and Katally Lin (LMA), and Indaiah Lowe and Sienna Harvey (THS) for their dedication to highlighting their campuses throughout the year. To conclude the recognitions, our student board members surprised Rina Lucchese, Director of Communications, with a special acknowledgment for her continued support in guiding and preparing them for their Board presentations.

Following these celebrations, the Board heard from Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, Grant Litfin, Ed.D., and TOSA Megan Lund, who shared an overview of the impact of TUSD’s robotics program. The Board enjoyed a video presentation created by Heideman students Victoria, Dean, Jesus, Michael, and Rogelio, who highlighted robotics' influence on their lives, motivating them to teach coding to TK and kindergarten students. To close the presentation, senior Gianna Kozak (BHS) shared how robotics has helped her grow into a leader both on campus and beyond.