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Welcome Back, Sierra Stars: A Message of Hope and Partnership for the Year Ahead

As the new school year begins, I want to take a moment to share a few reflections from the board table — and to invite you, our amazing community, to step into this season of fresh starts with us.

First and foremost, we are incredibly grateful to Dr. Lori Grace, who joined Sierra Unified last year and has quickly become a guiding light for our district. After several years marked by turnover and turbulence, we now have a Superintendent who is not only here for the long haul, but who truly believes in the strength of this community. Dr. Grace brings experience, professionalism, and a clear vision for what Sierra can become — and we, as a Board, are fully behind her. She’s been laying a solid foundation, step by step, and we are beginning to see signs of new growth all around us. The path forward is long, but the direction is right. We are on our way back to excellence.

That same spirit of renewal can be felt at every campus. At Sierra Jr./Sr. High, Principal Matt Toews begins his second year with confidence, clarity, and a commitment to student success. With a year of leadership under his belt, exciting initiatives are on the horizon — and with the support of our community through Measure U, students now have access to a beautifully updated and modernized library. This is just the beginning. As construction continues in the coming years, we ask for your patience and continued support as we invest in the future of our students.

At Foothill Elementary, we proudly welcome Principal Mrs. Swisegood and Vice Principal Ms.Christy Godin-Been to the team. Both come with a passion for education, a love of community, and a determination to help every student reach their fullest capacity. They are eager to get to know our families and become part of the Sierra story. (And Foothill’s library has a few fun surprises waiting for students too — go take a look!)

Mr. Anthony Abrams is in his third year at Sierra Alt Ed leading the way with patience and kindness. Carefully taking every student’s unique needs into account, and aiming them towards their highest potential. While steadily leading the charge at Sierra @ Home, Sierra pre-school and all things Alternative and Adult Ed, Mr. Abrams supports our most at-risk youth with dedication and understanding.

All across the district, we are surrounded by exceptional people — from administrators and teachers to aides, custodians, transportation staff, and everyone in between — who show up every day with one mission: to help your child succeed. Their commitment is real. Many of them are raising their own families right here in this community.

So I ask: are you part of the success story? Are you partnering with our staff in positive, meaningful ways? Whether it’s waving to the bus driver, getting to know (and working with) your student's teacher, being patient during drop-off and pick-up, or offering a smile and a kind word to those you see on campus, joining PFA or volunteering — your presence and input matters. Your example matters. These small acts of connection are the foundation of a thriving school culture.

This district means the world to me, and I know it does to many of you. It’s time for clean slates and open hearts. We can’t undo the past, but we can write the future — together. Forgiveness, humility, and shared responsibility will take us where we need to go.

Let’s be clear: leadership matters. But it cannot stand alone. Our schools are the heart of this community — a place where we gather, grow, and celebrate our youth and culture. We are working hard to rebuild that sense of unity and belonging. But it will take all of us — staff, students, families, and neighbors — to make it happen. It will take humility, collaboration, and courage from all of us. So let’s ask ourselves: “Am I part of the solution to success at SierraUSD?”

Welcome back. Here’s to a new year, a fresh chapter, and a stronger Sierra — together.

Kindly,

Cortney Burke

SUSD Board President

SUSD Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

August 7, 2025 Sierra Jr/Sr High School Library Modernization Funded by Measure U

2025-29 BOARD GOALS

the role of the school board

The role of the school board is to ensure that school districts are responsible to the values and beliefs, and priorities of the communities. Boards fulfill this role by performing five major responsibilities: setting direction, establishing an effective and efficient structure, providing support, ensuring accountability, and providing community leadership as advocates for children, the school district, and public schools.

Our authority as school board members is only as we sit as a board, and by majority decision of the board. Individually, we have no authority. Additionally, the school board has only one employee – the superintendent. A good way to consider the role of the governance team of the district is that we are the direction-setters, taking the input of the educational professionals and setting the “what” for the district. Our superintendent, while part of the governance team, is the “how”, and determines how the “what” is accomplished. The school board does not determine the how.

View Most Recent Board Meeting Agenda

	The community elects their school board to be their voice in the local school district. We appreciate your input and support! There are many ways to provide this input. Informally, you are welcome to share thoughts and ideas with us at school functions, or when you see us at the grocery store!
A more formal way to provide input or share your thoughts is by attending the school board meetings and speaking during public comment at the beginning of each meeting. Board meetings are held monthly on the second Monday at 5:00pm, with workshops typically held the fourth Monday of the month at 5:00pm. While we cannot comment or take action during public comment, you will have three minutes to share your comments and have an audience of the entire board.
	Our district has many other ways you can be involved. We have Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) meetings, parent clubs, school site councils, various community input committees, and online surveys. We encourage everyone to please take the time to get involved! If you are unable to attend meetings in person, you can review board agendas, minutes and links to the podcasts we post of each meeting and workshop here on the website, as well as find information available on social media.
Board of Trustees Cortney Burke President cburke@sierrusd.org Ben Kimbler Vice President bkimbler@sierrausd.org James Hoak Clerk jhoak@sierrausd.org Ginger Cardoza Member gcardoza@sierrausd.org Connie Schlaefer Member cschlaefer@sierrausd.org Joe Denham Member jdenham@sierrausd.org Wes Qualls Member wqualls@sierrausd.org