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New Haven Unified highlights dual immersion, expanded college partnerships and staff supports in strategic plan update
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Thompson and district staff presented year-two progress on NHUSD’s three-year strategic plan, noting expansion of dual enrollment and dual-immersion transitions, science-of-reading rollout, professional development improvements, reductions in para vacancies and upcoming Measure N facilities projects.
At the May 5 meeting, New Haven Unified district leaders reviewed accomplishments and next steps in the district’s three-year strategic plan, focusing on the second year of an ongoing cycle and progress across five goals: student achievement, student supports, employee engagement, family engagement and facilities.
Superintendent Dr. Thompson described the district as being in the "revise and celebrate" stage of the plan and introduced specific accomplishments: expanded dual enrollment with Cal State East Bay, a districtwide science-of-reading professional-development rollout in K–5, growth in the Mandarin dual immersion program and a new central kitchen serving improved meals.
Assistant Superintendent (We) Stevens detailed Goal 1 work: expansion of dual enrollment and college-credit opportunities, professional development tied to academic growth, and a plan to extend Mandarin immersion through middle school. Staff noted improved LCAP-survey responses, with more than 80% of staff reporting professional development that met their needs for the first time in seven years.
District presenters described Goal 3 initiatives to reduce staff vacancies and create career pathways: a targeted effort reduced para vacancies from about 60 to fewer than 10 through recruitment, paraprofessional-to-teacher pathways and stipend support for credentialing programs. The district also described investments in digital onboarding (Form K12) to speed hiring and reduce no-shows.
Under Goal 4, leaders highlighted family-service assistants deployed to school sites to help parents access information and resources, increased parent engagement events and the launch of a district mobile app. Goal 5 work covered facilities and Measure N projects: audio-enhancement systems with safety features and real-time translation in classrooms, new playgrounds, and planning for Logan High School modernization and field improvements at CCMS and IVCMS.
Board members asked clarifying questions about family service assistants (staff confirmed they are available at all sites, with some sharing between two schools) and about coaching and mentoring following professional development (staff said TOSAs and instructional coaches provide follow-up and site-based coaching). The presentation closed with the board acknowledging next steps for continued implementation and measurement efforts.
What happens next: staff will continue the planned rollouts, pursue the Logan High School modernization timeline, and provide updates to the board on implementation milestones and staffing pathways.
