SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – As summer comes to a close, Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) is excited to welcome students, families, and staff back for the first day of school on Monday, August 24, 2026.
“This is one of my favorite times of the year,” said Superintendent Dr. Todd Cutler. “There is nothing quite like the excitement of welcoming our students back into our schools. Every summer, hundreds of LTUSD employees work behind the scenes to prepare our classrooms, campuses, and programs, and we can’t wait to see our students return.”
This school year brings several exciting opportunities for students across the district.
Elementary students and teachers will begin using a new TK–5 mathematics curriculum designed to build deeper understanding, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The curriculum provides teachers with embedded instructional resources, professional learning, and intervention supports while also offering more rigorous challenges that help prepare every student for future success. The adoption of the new curriculum reflects the LTUSD Board of Education’s priorities of ensuring high levels of student achievement and preparing every student for college, career, and life.
“Our Board of Education has made student preparation and performance a top priority,” said Dr. Cutler. “This new curriculum gives our teachers outstanding tools to support every learner while challenging students to think critically, persevere through complex problems, and develop the skills they will need for the future.”
LTUSD is also pleased to welcome two outstanding new school leaders. Becky Berry joins Tahoe Valley Elementary School as principal, and Tiffany Allison begins her first year as principal of Sierra House Elementary School. Both bring a passion for student success, strong instructional leadership, and a commitment to building welcoming school communities.
Families will also notice significant progress on Measure U construction projects. Modernization work continues at Tahoe Valley Elementary School and South Tahoe Middle School, where crews have been working hard throughout the summer to improve learning environments for students.
“We know our campuses have looked especially busy this summer,” said Dr. Cutler. “The construction represents an investment in our students’ future. Our contractors and district staff have been working tirelessly, and we are confident our schools will be ready to welcome students on August 24.”
LTUSD also begins the new school year by recognizing its employees’ dedication. This year, the district was able to provide every LTUSD employee with a 2.5 percent salary increase, reflecting the Board’s commitment to attracting and retaining exceptional teachers, support staff, administrators, and classified employees who serve students every day.
“Our people are what make LTUSD special,” Dr. Cutler said. “We are grateful for every employee who chooses to serve our students and families. Investing in our staff is an investment in the success of our students.”
As the first day of school approaches, LTUSD encourages families to watch for school-specific welcome events and communications from their schools.
“We are looking forward to another incredible year of learning, growth, and opportunity,” said Dr. Cutler. “On behalf of our Board of Education and the entire LTUSD team, welcome back! We can’t wait to see our students on August 24.”
-Lake Tahoe Unified School District