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Simi Valley Unified spotlights Vista Fundamental and Hollow Hills, highlights attendance and intervention goals
Summary
Principals from Vista Fundamental and Hollow Hills presented school spotlights on enrollment, intervention programs, assessments and engagement initiatives; both schools reported strong CAASPP proficiency relative to statewide averages, targeted SMART goals and active PTA support.
Vista Fundamental Principal Brandy Young told the Board the school serves 557 students and is using IXL and DIBELS to individualize instruction, with SMART goals that aim for 90% of K'2 students to meet grade-level benchmarks by June 2026 and a 3% math proficiency increase in grades 3'5. "Our teachers work really hard, and I think the data shows," Young said, describing pull-out RTI groups, a tiered intervention program, and a makerspace that requires about 60 weekly volunteers.
At Hollow Hills, Principal Heather Godfrey and PLC coach Caroline Hardeman outlined a "Road to 72" goal for CAASPP in both ELA and math and described the use of STAR, Freckle and interim assessments to create flexible groupings and daily interventions. Godfrey described a leadership initiative where students complete a job-application process for campus roles and noted almost 50% of the school is classified as socioeconomically disadvantaged; she credited Measure X-funded fencing and new classroom furniture for improving safety and learning spaces.
Both principals emphasized community and PTA engagement: Young said Vista raised about $70,000 last year through a fun run that funds school programs, and Godfrey said many arts and STEAM offerings are PTA-sponsored. Trustees praised the presentations and asked staff to capture and share promising practices across district campuses. The board did not take action on programmatic changes during the meeting; the spotlights were informational.
