Placer Union High School District outlines priorities in first annual State of the District
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Summary
Board President Jessica Spade and Superintendent Tom O'Malley outlined priorities including teaching quality, dual-enrollment growth, adult-education gains, school safety partnerships and steps to address declining enrollment and budget pressures.
Board President Jessica Spade and Superintendent Tom O'Malley presented the Placer Union High School District's first annual State of the District message, stressing academic rigor, expanded college and career opportunities and measures to protect programs amid declining enrollment.
"Our mission is simple. Every student graduates prepared for college, career, and life," Spade said, framing the district's goals around student readiness. Superintendent Tom O'Malley highlighted adult-education gains and career-pathway expansion: "Placer School for Adults continues to change lives, from helping over 4,000 adults earn diplomas and job skills to launching a new truck driving program that leads directly to high paying careers." He also said dual-enrollment participation "is nearly doubled in 3 years," pointing to increased student access to college credit at no cost.
The district described multiple programmatic strengths. Spade said all district schools hold WASC accreditation, signaling external validation of academic standards. Officials noted 24 career pathways across 12 industry sectors and emphasized extracurricular offerings, including award-winning music and theater, competitive athletics and FFA, as part of a broad education strategy.
School safety was highlighted as a continuing focus. O'Malley said the district partners with the Auburn Police Department and the Placer County Sheriff's Office to provide resource officers on campuses and relies on site safety committees to oversee emergency planning and preparedness.
Leaders acknowledged financial pressures tied to a regionwide enrollment decline. Spade said "budget challenges are real," and described steps the district is taking to protect student programs: a retirement incentive, a budget advisory group and targeted cost-saving measures. The presentation did not record any formal board vote on those measures during the address.
The presentation closed with thanks to Colfax High and Wade Wolf for hosting the event and with holiday greetings from district leaders.
The district did not announce a formal vote or new policy during the address; officials framed the message as an update on priorities and ongoing efforts to sustain educational offerings.