FJUHSD presents annual education-services update highlighting 95% graduation rate, CTE gains and flat CAASPP trends

Fullerton Joint Union High School District officials presented an annual Educational Services and Assessment update at the board meeting, outlining student outcomes, local indicators and priorities for the 2025–26 school year.

Assistant Superintendent Sylvia Kaufman opened the presentation with an overview of the district profile, reporting enrollment of roughly 12,600 students districtwide and identifying key subgroups: more than 61% of students are socioeconomically disadvantaged, more than 1,300 are served in special education, and the district has over 1,100 English learners (more than 700 long‑term English learners). "These data conversations help with planning," Kaufman told trustees during the presentation.

Director of student support services Alan Witten summarized climate and wellness work that staff say contributed to reduced exclusion and suspension days. Buena Park High School’s principal earlier reported a site‑level suspension decline of 67% compared with the previous year.

Dr. Porter and Ed Services leaders reviewed college and career indicators. Career technical education (CTE) enrollment was reported at 4,826 students; the number of students completing a CTE pathway rose to 656 from 396 the prior year, and staff reported more than 2,600 CTE certifications—a 122% increase. The district also reported strong AP and IB participation: thousands of AP exams were taken (an increase year over year) with pass rates that remain high; 522 students earned a seal of biliteracy and 396 earned the seal of civic engagement.

On statewide testing, presenters said CAASPP (state) results have been largely flat in recent years. "It's been flatlined for our district," Dr. Porter said, while also noting the district remains above county and state averages in some areas. The presentation included context that statewide trajectories are similar and cautioned against overinterpreting single‑year shifts.

Trustees pressed staff for longitudinal, cohort analyses to determine whether the same students demonstrated growth over time. "You're actually asking the direct question that our department's currently looking in. Hilda Arredondo is looking into that right now," Dr. Porter said, describing efforts to pull prior scores and build cohort datasets while noting challenges from student transfers between feeders.

Trustees also asked staff to include CAA (California Alternate Assessment) data for students with the most significant disabilities in future presentations; a trustee requested that CAA data be added to better reflect outcomes for students on alternative pathways to a diploma.

The report closed with district priorities for 2025–26: mental health and wellness, behavioral improvements, college and career readiness (including expanded work‑based learning and certificates of completion), targeted support for foster youth and English learners, and continued emphasis on best‑first instruction and data‑driven planning. Staff said the district will provide status updates at future board presentations.

Next steps: Ed Services staff will continue compiling cohort analyses and return with updated indicators in future board reports.