Update from the Superintendent

San Marcos Unified School District News

Addressing Student Mental Health

At SMUSD, we are in the second year of our mental health program, Let’s Face It. Together., a partnership between SMUSD and the City of San Marcos.

This program offers resources for students, staff, and families, including a 24/7 crisis text line and free healthcare navigation support through our partner Care Solace.

Check out our new video featuring SMUSD students sharing their stories and how Let’s Face It. Together. has served them:

Thank you, San Marcos! SMUSD Bond Measure JJ

We are pleased to report that Measure JJ has obtained the required 55% of voter support, which means the measure passed. This will bring in $324 million, plus $96 million in State matching funds that will provide much-needed upgrades to our oldest, aging facilities. Thank you to our San Marcos community for your support!

We will continue to keep you updated on how this measure is working to bring modern, safe, up-to-date learning environments to our San Marcos students.

For details and answers to frequently asked questions about the bond measure, please click here.

Stay Safe, San Marcos: January class & upcoming Safety Sweep

As announced at the beginning of this school year, SMUSD is proud to roll out our new e-bike permit program this year at several schools. The joint Stay Safe, San Marcos safety campaign with City of San Marcos & the San Marcos Sheriff’s Office aims to address safe riding, driving, and walking, throughout our community.

We realize that the New Year may present a need to offer an additional e-bike class for potential new riders. Please click here for the upcoming January class & Safety Sweep information.

photo of ribbon cutting at flip the switch event

SMUSD "Flips the Switch" on Energy Infrastructure and Upgrades Yielding $40 million in Savings

The San Marcos Unified School District (SMUSD) has launched a district-wide fleet electrification project with ENGIE North America to enhance sustainability and energy efficiency. This includes upgrading energy infrastructure, introducing 33 electric buses, and creating a new transportation center with solar power, battery storage, and 40 eBus charging stations, with infrastructure for 35 more. Additionally, district-wide improvements include LED lighting, solar installations, battery storage, and HVAC upgrades, projected to save $40 million in energy costs over the contract's term.

Download the ParentSquare App today!

ParentSquare is the primary communication platform for all school communication throughout SMUSD, utilizing email, text, and app notifications. We encourage parents to download the mobile app and update their preferences on when and how they are notified, including allowing texts & app push notifications.

If you are the parent or guardian of a high school student, encourage them to receive real-time emergency alerts and important notifications directly on their devices by downloading the StudentSquare app! For details, please click here.

SMUSD IN THE NEWS

CBS Ch. 8 News was out at the recent Flip the Switch ribbon-cutting event. Check out the full story here!

As our school year continues, we thank you for your support and involvement with your students' school experience. Whether it is checking on their emotional and mental wellness, or encouraging them for the next big test, we are grateful for your engagement and support as we work together to pursue an excellent educational experience for all SMUSD students.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Break, Nov. 25th-29th, and we look forward to seeing you again on Monday, Dec. 2nd!

Sincerely,

Dr. Andy Johnsen

Superintendent