Press Releases
- 10.3.24 LVJUSD Takes Steps to Transition to By-Trustee Area School Board Elections
- 8.29.24 LVJUSD Selects New Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services
- 8.9.24 LVJUSD's Dayana Albornoz Recognized as an Alameda County Teacher of the Year
- 8.5.24 LVJUSD Welcomes New Administrators to the 2024-25 School Year
- 7.1.24 Two LVJUSD Board of Education Seats Up for Reelection this November
10.3.24 LVJUSD Takes Steps to Transition to By-Trustee Area School Board Elections
LVJUSD Takes Steps to Transition to By-Trustee Area School Board Elections
October 3, 2024 - Livermore, CA - At the October 1, 2024 Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) Board meeting, current Board trustees unanimously approved a resolution to begin the process of transitioning from at-large school board elections to by-trustee area elections starting in 2026. On behalf of the Board, President Emily Prusso shared, “We [the Board] are committed to maintaining an attitude of fairness and representation across our entire district. It is important to us that this change does not divide us, but rather strengthens our differences.”
Under the current at-large system, school board members are elected by voters from the entire district. A transition to by-trustee area elections will require the determination of distinct geographic areas, each with its own representative elected by voters from within that area. Key benefits to by-trustee area elections include:
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Enhanced Representation: Each neighborhood or area within the district will have a dedicated representative, ensuring that the diverse voices of the community are reflected on the school board.
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Increased Accountability: Board members will be more directly accountable to the constituents in their specific district, allowing for more focused and localized attention.
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Greater Engagement: With representatives drawn from specific areas, residents may feel more connected and involved in the decision-making process, fostering a stronger sense of community involvement.
“We realize this is a considerable change from how we have historically elected board members, however, it is not dissimilar to what many other public agencies and neighboring school districts have shifted to over the last several years to better align with the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA). We are committed to providing our community with comprehensive information about the process and engaging their input and feedback along the way,” expressed Superintendent Torie Gibson.
Trustee-area maps will be created in order to establish clearly outlined areas for voting purposes. LVJUSD has selected a demographer who will use the most recent census data from 2020 to create draft maps that, by law, have relatively equal populations for each area. Community members will have several opportunities to provide input and feedback throughout the process, including five local public hearings. The adopted map will then be presented to the County Committee on School District Organization for final approval. All local public hearings will take place in the LVJUSD Board Room at 685 E. Jack London Boulevard; dates and times are listed below and have been posted to the LVJUSD website.
Public Feedback Opportunities:
Pre-Map Public Hearing 1: October 15 at 7:00 p.m.
Pre-Map Public Hearing 2: October 17 at 9:30 a.m.
Map Consideration Hearing 1: November 7 at 9:30 a.m.
Map Consideration Hearing 2: November 18 at 5:30 p.m.
Public Hearing and Adoption of Trustee Area Map: December 10 at 7:00 p.m.
County Committee on School District Organization Hearing: TBD (within 60 days of map adoption)
Additional information and updates can be found on the LVJUSD website. Questions or comments can be directed to the superintendent’s office by calling (925) 606-3281 or by emailing communityengagement@lvjusd.org
8.29.24 LVJUSD Selects New Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services
Michelle Pechette
LVJUSD Selects New Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services
August 29, 2024 - Livermore, CA - The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) will round out its executive cabinet team with the selection of Michelle Pechette as its Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services. She will fill this previously vacant position tasked with providing critical direction on the educational curriculum and programming for the district. Pechette was selected after a robust interview process facilitated by a panel that included representatives from site administration, district leadership, union leadership, and the school board.
With experience in both elementary and secondary education, Pechette has been a teacher, elementary and middle school principal, and district-level director for early childhood education prior to her most recent role as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for the Amador County Unified School District and the Amador County Office of Education. Among her many responsibilities in her educational services role, she was responsible for developing and implementing district wide educational programs; creating and leading the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) which provides additional support for underserved students; and overseeing professional development of certificated staff.
“I consider myself to be a collaborative leader as I greatly value building strong relationships with educators, parents, students, and the community. I look forward to joining a district that offers such a diverse range of educational programs and opportunities for students and working with the strong leadership team already in place,” expressed Pechette.
Pechette earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University and her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University. Her passion for education is reflected not only in her professional pursuits, but also in her family life. Pechette is a proud mother of four adult children, one of whom has followed in her educational footsteps as a secondary math teacher.
Pending board approval on September 3, 2024, Pechette is slated to join the LVJUSD executive team starting October 1, 2024.
Photos courtesy of LVJUSD:
Photo #1: Michelle Pechette
8.9.24 LVJUSD's Dayana Albornoz Recognized as an Alameda County Teacher of the Year
Dayana Albornoz
Dayana Albornoz Recognized as an Alameda County Teacher of the Year
August 9, 2024 - Livermore, CA - The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) is pleased to announce that Dayana Albornoz, fifth grade teacher at Lawrence Elementary, has been recognized as an Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) 2024 Teacher of the Year. Announced earlier this week in an ACOE press release, Albornoz is one of 19 honorees selected by 17 participating districts and regional occupational programs across the County who have been recognized for their individual dedication and excellence in the classroom.
Albornoz has been an educator for 17 years, and has spent her last seven years at Lawrence. “Ms. Albornoz epitomizes the essence of effective teaching; fostering an environment where students flourish academically and personally. She empowers her students by encouraging them to take on leadership roles which instills a sense of responsibility and ownership over their education. Her classroom radiates positivity, cultivating a safe and supportive space where students feel motivated to excel,” shared Principal Kristie Starkovich.
Albornoz is known not only as an exceptional educator, but also a trusted leader within the school community. She has mentored LVJUSD colleagues through her involvement in committees such as Lawrence’s Instructional Leadership Team and Leader in Me Student Lighthouse Team. Albornoz has also helped to mentor and inspire the next generation of educators in her work with California State University East Bay’s aspiring educator program.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to represent the beautiful community of Livermore as their Teacher of the Year. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, this achievement reflects the collaborative efforts and support I have received from my colleagues to be honored at this level. I did not reach this milestone alone and would like to acknowledge my principal, fellow educators, and the exceptional teachers with whom I work daily. Together, we strive for excellence in education,” expressed Albornoz.
Albornoz and fellow Teacher of the Year honorees will be recognized at ACOE’s 35th Annual Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts.
8.5.24 LVJUSD Welcomes New Administrators to the 2024-25 School Year
Jennifer Burkholder
Janine Mains
Ashley Sprader
Kayla Wasley
LVJUSD Welcomes New Administrators to the 2024-25 School Year
August 5, 2024 - Livermore, CA - In addition to welcoming a new superintendent this school year, the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) announces two new administrators to the LVJUSD team as well as the promotion of two internal staff members to leadership positions at school sites. “Leadership changes provide opportunities for new perspectives and energy that are important for the growth and continuous improvement of an organization. We are excited for our new administrators to join us in our efforts to serve Livermore students best,” remarked Dr. Torie Gibson, Superintendent of Schools.
Croce Elementary School
Jennifer Burkholder, who most recently served as the vice principal at Christensen Middle School for three years, has relocated just a few blocks away to lead Croce Elementary as principal. No stranger to Croce, Burkholder began her LVJUSD career there in 2014 as the lead behavior analyst. “I am thrilled to return to Croce and apply my diverse experience as a special education teacher, behaviorist, and vice principal to the strong foundation of student success that exists. My teaching experience has taught me the importance of individualized learning, inclusive practices, and working as a team to meet the unique needs of our students. ,” expressed Burkholder.
Christensen Middle School
Janine Mains has stepped into the role of vice principal at Christensen Middle School, a position previously held by Burkholder. Having served as LVJUSD’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Director, Mains brings knowledge and support for Christensen’s AVID program which helps to prepare students to be college-ready. “I am excited to join the Christensen team and look forward to supporting all of our students reaching their full potential,” shared Mains. Her added experience as a former elementary and secondary teacher and educational technology instructional coach will benefit both students and staff alike.
Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy
Ashley Sprader, a Granada High alumna, is new to the LVJUSD team and brings 18 years of educational experience to her role as STEAM Magnet Program Coordinator at Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy. Sprader has successfully led award-winning grant initiatives and contributed to various local and county-wide educational committees and programs. Her diverse career also includes roles as a preschool teacher, school counselor, district behaviorist, PBIS Coordinator, and Student Services Coordinator. “Contributing to the growing success of Marylin’s STEAM magnet program is something I look forward to. I am excited to join a team of dedicated staff who share my belief in creating impactful and positive learning environments for all students,” expressed Sprader.
District Office
Kayla Wasley will officially join the executive leadership team later this month as LVJUSD’s Assistant Superintendent of Business Services. Wasley brings a wealth of fiscal leadership experience from the K-12 sector. Serving as a Chief Business Official (CBO) for school districts since 2015, Wasley’s more than ten years of business leadership also includes her most recent role as the Director of External Business Services for the El Dorado County Office of Education. In her financial leadership positions, Wasley has aided districts in overcoming budgetary challenges; worked collaboratively with educational leaders, school boards, and employee associations on budget priorities; and prioritized transparency and understanding about school finances to both our internal and external communities. “I believe that a key component to fiscal transparency is the ability to communicate complex information in a way that can be easily understood to all educational partners. I look forward to working collaboratively in the best interest of Livermore students,” stated Wasley.
These new administrators, along with district and site leaders, teachers, and support staff will welcome students in grades TK through 12 to the first day of school on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. This shift to an earlier start date to the 2024-25 school year aligns LVJUSD more closely with its neighboring districts and allows for the last day of school to conclude on May 29, 2025.
Photos courtesy of LVJUSD:
Photo #1: Jennifer Burkholder, Principal of Croce Elementary School
Photo #2: Janine Mains, Vice Principal of Christensen Middle School
Photo #3: Ashley Sprader, STEAM Magnet Program Coordinator, Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy
Photo #4: Kayla Wasley, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, District Office
7.1.24 Two LVJUSD Board of Education Seats Up for Reelection this November
Two LVJUSD Board of Education Seats Up for Reelection this November
July 1, 2024 – Livermore, CA – Two seats on the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) Board of Education will be up for reelection this year on the November 5, 2024 ballot. The five trustees of the Board serve staggered four-year terms. Currently, the seats up for reelection are held by Board Clerk Kristie Wang and Board Trustee Yanira Guzmán. Both Wang and Guzmán do not plan to seek reelection in lieu of other professional and personal pursuits.
Members of the community who are interested in a candidacy can view the District’s website for a Board Trustee Candidate Information form that includes links to details about the district, roles and responsibilities of public service as a board member, and the election process. Also included is a meetings calendar; timelines for candidates; conflict of interest and campaign reporting requirements; City of Livermore regulations regarding campaign signs; and the California Fair Political Practices Commission rules.
Interested parties may obtain and complete all filing documents from the office of the Alameda County Registrar of Voters between July 15, 2024 and August 9, 2024, which is the official candidate nomination period. Serving on the local Board of Education is a meaningful way to contribute to one’s community. Being a trustee of the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District does not require a degree in education or a background in politics. It does require a sincere interest and strong investment in the community and the education of its children.
For additional information or questions, please contact Jennifer Arias at jarias@lvjusd.org or 925-606-3283.