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Superintendent highlights Juneteenth observance, summer school and new ASB leaders
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Sheehan reported summer-school progress, reminded the community that Juneteenth (June 19) is a holiday, introduced incoming ASB leaders and outlined professional-development priorities including AI policy and grading practices.
Dr. Kimberly Sheehan, the district superintendent, told the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District Board that summer school is in its third week and that students will be off for the Juneteenth holiday on June 19.
"Juneteenth commemorates 06/19/1865, a day when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned that they were free more than 2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation," Sheehan said, urging staff, students and families to reflect on the day's significance.
Sheehan introduced incoming Associated Student Body leaders — Lila Cassidy as ASB president and Kendall Hertel as vice president — and updated the board on professional-development priorities for 2025–26. She said staff work will focus on the district's profile of a graduate, research-based instructional strategies, cycles of inquiry, AI policies and grading practices.
On grading, Sheehan noted that recent statewide conversations have paused and that local districts retain control: "So, right now the word is that, grading policies and practices are local decisions." She also reminded families to complete residency and data confirmations ahead of the fall "pirate checkout" process.
The superintendent's report served as a preview of district priorities for the upcoming academic year and emphasized ongoing work to align curriculum, support English learners and expand dual-enrollment opportunities.
