Press Releases

April 3, 2025 - Livermore, CA -  Lawrence Elementary, part of the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD), has been honored as a 2025 California Distinguished School by the California Department of Education (CDE). This prestigious recognition is awarded to schools that demonstrate exceptional student performance or significant progress in closing the achievement gap. Lawrence Elementary earned this distinction for its outstanding academic achievements, as reflected in its 2024 California School Dashboard results, where students showed impressive growth, scoring an average of 55 to 61 points above standard in both English Language Arts and Math.

Distinguished Schools are also evaluated on strong student engagement and positive school climate. Principal Kristie Starkovich emphasized Lawrence’s commitment to fostering both academic excellence and personal growth. “Developing strong learners who excel academically has always been a priority for us. Equally important is the cultivation of leadership skills and a deep sense of belonging among our students and staff, which we have strengthened through our Leader in Me program,” expressed Principal Kristie Starkovich.

Adding to its accolades, Lawrence was also certified as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School, and further distinguished as a Lighthouse Honor Roll School by FranklinCovey Education earlier this year. These recognitions reflect Lawrence’s implementation of the Leader in Me program with fidelity coupled with its high academic outcomes as recognized by the CDE. 

Since adopting the Leader in Me program in 2016, Lawrence has focused on empowering and equipping students with the leadership and life skills needed to thrive and contribute in the 21st century. This includes developing learners who take initiative, plan ahead, set and track goals, value differences, communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, are considerate of others, and contribute to society. “Our students have gained the ability to manage their own learning and set significant goals. These are skills that will benefit them throughout their academic journey and into adulthood. Our families have noticed positive changes at home, such as increased confidence and leadership skills in their children,” shared Starkovich.

Superintendent Torie Gibson emphasized the dedication and commitment that led to the school’s achievements, stating, "Lawrence's recognitions as a 2025 California Distinguished School and Leader in Me Lighthouse School are the result of exceptional instruction, careful analysis and responsiveness to student data, and a well-established culture of leadership and pride where students, staff, and families feel empowered and responsible for their school's collective success. We couldn't be prouder of the Lawrence community for these well-deserved honors!" 

For more information on this year’s California Distinguished Schools, see the CDE’s March 25, 2025 press release. 

Photos courtesy of  California Department of Education & LVJUSD

Photo #1: California Distinguished School Logo

Photo #2: Lawrence Elementary Visit: Principal Kristie Starkovich, Lawrence students (left to right: Zoe Burdios, Caleb Navas, Carlos Quintero), and Les the Labrador pictured with Franklin Covey board member, Joel Peterson who visited the school to see the Leader in Me program in action.

January 7, 2025 - Livermore, CA- New student enrollment is now open for those who wish to enroll with the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) for the 2025-26 school year. Parents of students who will be new to the district and are not currently attending a LVJUSD school can begin the enrollment process online at www.livermoreschools.org/newstudentenrollment. The website includes informational videos available in both English and Spanish that explain the enrollment process in detail, including the necessary documents and immunizations required for students to become fully enrolled.

On February 26th from 2 to 6 p.m. and February 27th from 3 to 6 p.m., the district will hold its annual enrollment fair at the Robert Livermore Community Center (4444 East Avenue). The fair will provide parents of new elementary students with the opportunity to submit required enrollment documents, meet principals and staff (including bilingual staff), and learn about programs and services provided by the district and community organizations. Staff from child nutrition, health services, before-and-after school programs, the Livermore Library, and AXIS Community Health will be among those on site to share more information about how they support students and families. “We realize that for many parents, especially those who are enrolling their children for the first time in school, the enrollment process can be overwhelming. Our enrollment fair is a one-stop-shop where parents and guardians can ask questions, feel supported, and get excited about becoming part of the LVJUSD family,” expressed Tracie Christmas, Director of Student Services. Those unable to attend the enrollment fair can bring required documentation to their designated school site beginning March 3rd.

With the state’s continued expansion of the Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) program, LVJUSD welcomes children turning four years old on or before September 1, 2025 to enroll for TK for the 2025-26 school year. Children turning five years old on or before September 1, 2025 are eligible to enroll for kindergarten. “The expansion of UTK will open new opportunities for our youngest learners to access publicly funded education. We are excited to welcome a vibrant group of TK students to our district in the upcoming school year and look forward to partnering with families to support their children's early learning journey,” shared Michelle Pechette, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services. 

In addition to new student enrollment, priority intra-district transfer requests can be submitted on the district’s website from January 6 to January 30. Parents or guardians interested in having their student attend a school other than their school of residence can complete an online Intra-District Transfer Request Form. Students must be currently enrolled or have completed the new student enrollment online form before an intra-district transfer request can be processed. Requests received by January 30, 2025 will be given priority consideration based on space availability. Visit the LVJUSD website at www.livermoreschools.org/enrollment for more details.

For additional information and support regarding enrollment and transfers, please contact LVJUSD’s Student Services Department at (925) 960-2990.

Photos courtesy of LVJUSD:

Photo #1- Excited kindergarten student.

Photo #2 - Parent and staff engagement at 2024 Enrollment Fair.

December 19, 2024 - Livermore, CA - The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) Board of Education welcomed two new board members, both of whom took their oaths of office at the December 17, 2024 LVJUSD Organizational Board Meeting. Deena Kaplanis and Christiaan VandenHeuvel filled the seats formerly held by Yanira Guzmán and Kristie Wang. Wang now represents District 4 on the Livermore City Council. 

A first term for both Kaplanis and VandenHeuvel, they will join Board President Emily Prusso, Board Clerk Steven Drouin, and Trustee Craig Bueno in completing LVJUSD’s five-person school board. “We look forward to onboarding our newest board members and establishing supportive and collaborative relationships that will help us provide the best oversight of our district’s financial and educational goals,” expressed Board President Emily Prusso.

Kaplanis, a Livermore resident for nearly 14 years, is a local chiropractor and small business owner. As a mother and aunt to school-aged children, Kaplanis has been an active volunteer for Junction Avenue TK-8’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and youth soccer and little league teams. Through their family businesses, Kaplanis and her husband have routinely donated both their time and financial resources to support schools, teachers, students, and the community. When asked about her goals as a new board member, Kaplanis stated, “I hope to represent the community well by working hard to serve the families of Livermore and enhance their experiences in the district. My goal is to help the district reach financial stability and improve programs that prioritize student achievement and prepare students for their futures.”

VandenHeuvel has worked in Livermore for over 20 years and resided in the city for more than a decade. In addition to having children who currently attend and have graduated from LVJUSD schools and a spouse who is a special education teacher, VandenHeuvel’s ties to public education have included substitute teaching and parent volunteerism. He has held leadership roles on school site council and as a parent teacher student association (PTSA) president. “I am honored to serve on the Board and am eager to contribute to creating a learning environment where every student feels valued and has the resources they need to thrive. My focus will be on fostering equity, collaboration, and innovation within our schools as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. My professional background as a pastor and director has also taught me the importance of thoughtful leadership and compassionate problem-solving, which I hope to bring to the board,” shared VandenHeuvel.

Kaplanis and VandenHeuvel are likely to be the last trustees elected by way of an at-large board election. Pending the Alameda County Committee on School District Organization’s approval of the Olive 2 area map adopted by the LVJUSD Board at Tuesday’s meeting, LVJUSD will transition to by-trustee area board elections starting in 2026. The adopted map identifies five distinct areas, each of which will be represented by one trustee. Voters in each area will elect a board member who resides in their area, allowing for broader representation across the city. This structure emulates the board elections of neighboring school districts such as Pleasanton, Dublin, and San Ramon, as well as the by-district elections of the Livermore City Council. 

The date and details of Alameda County Committee on School District Organization’s public hearing for final approval of LVJUSD’s transition to by-trustee area elections will be posted to the LVJUSD website once received.

Photos courtesy of LVJUSD:

Photo 1: Dr. Gibson facilitates Oath of Office for VandenHeuvel and Kaplanis.

Photo 2: Dr. Gibson facilitates Oath of Office for VandenHeuvel and Kaplanis.

Photo 3: Board President Emily Prusso and Clerk Stevin Drouin.
 

November 15, 2024 - Livermore, CA - Justin Enright, music director for Livermore High School (LHS), was presented with the Frank Sumares Outstanding Jazz Educator Award by The California Music Educators Association (CMEA) Bay Section on Friday, November 15, 2024 at an awards ceremony at San Jose State University. Named after Frank Sumares, a celebrated jazz educator and musician, the award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to teaching and promoting jazz music. 

Recipients of the award have been selected for their excellence in teaching, mentoring, and advancing jazz as an art form within educational settings. The award emphasizes the impact of educators who not only teach musical techniques but also cultivate an appreciation for jazz culture and history among students. “I am humbled by this recognition from CMEA Bay Section. It is an honor to have my name added to a list of Bay Area colleagues who I look up to and deeply respect,” expressed Enright.

Since joining Livermore High in 2016, Enright has steadily grown the jazz band and orchestra programs in both student participation and level of achievement. In 2023, LHS band and orchestra students were invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of the National Band and Orchestra Festival. And earlier this year, LHS music ensembles and Enright took home the two top honors, Festival Sweepstake and Instrumental Sweepstakes, from the 2024 Worldstrides OnStage Heritage Festival, beating out more than 35 other ensembles across the country. 

“We’re incredibly proud of Justin Enright for being recognized by the California Music Educators Association with the Outstanding Jazz Educators Award. His dedication to fostering a dynamic jazz program has enriched our students’ musical experiences and elevated the arts in our community. This honor is a testament to his passion and commitment to excellence in music education,” shared Livermore High principal, Roxana Mohammed.

Photo courtesy of CMEA Bay Section

Photo: Justin Enright

Click Here to Download the Press Release

LVJUSD Adopts Student-Driven Climate Change Resolution

November 7, 2024 - Livermore, CA - In recognition of youth advocacy and environmental education, the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) has approved a student-driven Climate Literacy Resolution that recognizes the importance of climate education that equips students with essential knowledge and skills to tackle climate change. Authored and championed by high school students, the resolution represents a milestone in youth-led action within the community and is a direct outcome of the Livermore Youth Climate Summit (LYCS), a collaborative initiative hosted in the fall of 2023  by the Quest Science Center with support from LVJUSD, the City of Livermore, Livermore Area Recreation and Parks District, and the Tri-Valley Air Quality Climate Alliance.

Driven by increasing student interest following the 2023 LYCS, Quest created a new Tri-Valley Youth Climate Action Program where four young leaders emerged —Claire Gresham and Alexander Pepper, recent graduates of Granada High School, and Shrish Premkrishna and Thaarak Sriram, currently seniors at Livermore High School— who made it their mission to create a climate literacy resolution for the district.

Under the guidance of Quest mentors, the road to the resolution began with conducting a survey to gauge the perspectives of their peers and teachers regarding climate literacy. With over 600 responses from across LVJUSD’s high school communities, the survey revealed overwhelming support for enhanced climate education, setting the stage for further steps. “To watch these students take the initiative they have has been an inspiration. Quest Science Center looks forward to continuing to support the District and its students in achieving the goals outlined in the resolution,” expressed Quest mentor, Vaughn Draggoo. 

Students also arranged meetings with the superintendent and board members who provided their perspectives and suggestions for creating a resolution that garnered support from the Livermore Education Association (LEA), whose leaders appreciated the student-led initiative’s commitment to collaboration and long-term impact. “When I joined our district, the students brought me up to speed on the tremendous amount of work they had put into the process of creating the resolution. I greatly valued their dedication and supported their efforts wholeheartedly,” remarked Superintendent Torie Gibson.

Following a detailed briefing and discussion by Draggoo, Premkrishna, and Sriram at the October 15, 2024 Board of Education meeting, the resolution was formally approved by the Board, cementing climate literacy as a district priority. Tricia Pontau, Sustainability Manager for the City of Livermore, attended the meeting and provided comment on the City’s support of resolution, “In conjunction with the City of Livermore’s Climate Action Plan that outlines key strategies for reducing emissions and preparing our community for climate impacts, the City is deeply committed to working with LVJUSD to provide students with opportunities to apply their climate knowledge in real world ways.” She went on to share examples of how students have already engaged with city officials in regard to climate and sustainability efforts which included conducting lighting efficiency studies and measuring urban heat islands using custom mobile temperature sensors.

The resolution highlights the power of student-led advocacy and reinforces LVJUSD’s commitment to fostering future-ready leaders. Through collaborative initiatives like this, LVJUSD continues to exemplify the role of education in addressing global challenges, empowering students to effect real change. “Passing this resolution gives me absolute faith that the future of Livermore and beyond will be eternally stable in the hands of our new generation, the young adults and students who cared enough to push for this,” expressed Claire Gresham, a key student leader who made this happen. 

Full text of the resolution can be found here.

Photo Courtesy of LVJUSD

Photo 1: Thaarak Sriram (left) and Shrish Premkrishna (right) presenting the climate resolution to the LVJUSD Board of Education.

Click Here to Download Press Release

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:

• 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.

• Increased Accountability: Board members will be more directly accountable to the constituents in their specific district, allowing for more focused and localized attention.

• 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 17 (date amended) 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.

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.