Note from Superintendent 10/23/24
Dear PYLUSD Students, Staff, Parents, and Community Members,
The purpose of this communication is to address a myriad of lies and misperceptions that have unfortunately been spreading throughout the community during this election season. Psychologists often refer to the "Illusion of Truth Effect," which states that if a lie is repeated often enough, it becomes accepted as truth. As your school superintendent and educational leader, it is my responsibility to provide our school community with accurate information to counter misinformation.
FACT #1: ENROLLMENT IS INCREASING!
- Our District’s enrollment had been declining every year for the past 8 years, totaling a reduction of over 3,000 students.
- However, this year, while over 90% of school districts in Orange County experienced declines in enrollment, PYLUSD saw an increase.
- This increase of more than 480 students beyond our projected budget provides over $6 million in new and ongoing funding for our schools!
- Additionally, we will have 6 fee-based preschools by the end of this year, up from just 1 at the beginning of last year.
FACT #2: STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT IS INCREASING!
State test scores show more PYLUSD students than ever are performing at or above grade level.
- PYLUSD Mathematics scores increased by 2.47%.
- PYLUSD English Language Arts scores increased by 0.57%.
- Socioeconomically Disadvantaged students saw a 6.43% increase in Mathematics.
- Students with Disabilities saw a 2.48% increase in Mathematics.
- Socioeconomically Disadvantaged students saw a 3.29% increase in English Language Arts.
- Students with Disabilities saw a 1.26% increase in English Language Arts.
- Additionally, AP exam scores are up, and over 500 more students took AP exams compared to last year.
FACT #3: THE ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL OF COMPUTER SCIENCE (OCSCS) AT BERNARDO YORBA IS PYLUSD’S ONLY CHARTER SCHOOL
- Over 95% of teachers at Bernardo Yorba Middle School voted to transition into a charter school (OCSCS).
- OCSCS serves students in grades 6-8 from anywhere within PYLUSD who are interested in attending.
- OCSCS provides free transportation to students within district boundaries.
- OCSCS offers state-of-the-art innovation labs, where students gain skills to prepare them for high-paying jobs in the future.
FACT #4: THE UNIVERSAL SPORTS INSTITUTE (USI) SERVES OVER 500 PYLUSD STUDENTS DISTRICT-WIDE
- USI serves 100+ Parkview students daily.
- USI offers free speed and agility classes, as well as sports psychology classes, to 350+ PYLUSD students before and after school.
- USI provides services to 40+ students with special needs.
- USI supports 80+ OCSCS students who are concurrently enrolled.
- USI is now operating at a profit.
- USI is not just for “a few elite athletes” — it’s for all students!
FACT #5: THE DISTRICT IS IN THE PROCESS OF EXPANDING THE VALENCIA KITCHEN
- The district is considering two options: building a new facility at a cost of $4-6 million or utilizing the space where the old kitchen existed at a cost of $1-2 million.
- No funds have been diverted from this project to any other projects.
- The district has the necessary facility funding to complete this project.
FACT #6: THE DISTRICT CONTINUES TO IMPROVE OUR FACILITIES AND PUT KIDS FIRST
- For the first time in 66 years, PYLUSD installed field lights at El Dorado High School.
- PYLUSD installed new HVAC systems in all high school gymnasiums.
- Through a grant, PYLUSD acquired 7 new electric school buses to improve air quality and enhance transportation services for students and the community.
- PYLUSD completed improvements to the Esperanza High School Theatre, benefiting our performing arts programs.
In summary, thank you for choosing truth over misinformation and for standing with us as we continue to Put Kids First in everything we do. Your support ensures that we can keep building a stronger, more successful future for all of our students.
It’s an honor to serve as your superintendent of schools.
Alex Cherniss, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
Putting Kids First