LTUSD board hears from Washoe Tribe and Sierra House students

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - During its March 9 meeting, the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) trustees received a presentation from the Washoe Tribe and Sierra House Elementary students, finances, and new South Tahoe High programs.

During his report, LTUSD Superintendent Dr. Todd Cutler encouraged community members to attend the upcoming State of the District Community Conversation that will be held on March 15, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the South Tahoe High School (STHS) Student Union. Refreshments and snacks will be provided as well as childcare for elementary-age children.

Sierra House Principal Karin Holmes brought students Kaylee Klym, Kayla Sukha, Juliana Milton, Lee Davis, and Everett Henderson who shared about opportunities that make Sierra House special. The students highlighted community events, ski days at Heavenly, and the Buddy Program. Kaylee invited everyone to tune into 93.9FM at about 8:10 a.m. on school day mornings to hear Sierra House Weather Kids give their daily forecast. She appreciates being part of the Weather Kids program because she likes going on the radio with Howie Nave. Trustee Turnbull added that the diversity of opportunities at Sierra House reflects the Board's vision of “discover and foster the unique talents and potential of all students.”

Principal Holmes and her staff provided an update on the Single Focus math program at Sierra House. They reported on improved collaboration and data analysis to meet each student where they are and bring them to the next level.

Herman Fillmore, the cultural, language, and resource director of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California informed the Board about the history of the Washoe Tribe and their indigenous lands. Mr. Fillmore suggested strengthening the partnership with LTUSD and including the history of the Washoe Tribe in the LTUSD curriculum. He said he appreciates teachers, including Michelle McLean from the Career Technical Education team, who have reached out to him to provide presentations to students. He also wanted to bring this to the Board for District-wide support. Board members are interested in strengthening the partnership.

Dr. Cutler invited Laura Ingram and Cardin Juarez-Evans, who are members of the Mescalero Apaches Tribe to speak. Cardin is an STHS student and he expressed a sincere desire to learn more about his ancestors and their traditions.

LTUSD Associate Superintendent Dr. Alan Reeder provided a brief data update about STHS. He noted that high school has a higher rate of graduation than the California State average. Principal Zunino reported that at STHS, the Single Focus program is working to create a collaborative culture in order to better support student achievement. He highlighted three new programs, Advisory, Flex, and the Student Wellness Center that will help the high school achieve its goals.

The Board approved the FY 2022-23 Second Interim Financial Report. Associate Superintendent, Andrea Salazar, reported that the District will be able to meet its financial obligations for the next three years. She explained that the District was in a cost-cutting phase due to declining enrollment and attendance. The cost-cutting should be achieved through retirement and attrition of staff.

In the photo above, pictured left to right: Trustee Reilly, Everett Henderson, Sofia Marroquin, Kaylee Klym, President Mansfield, Lee Davis, Trustee Turnbull, Kayla Sukha, Juliana Milton, Trustee Kemper, Trustee Hetherton

The meeting can be viewed on the District YouTube link at https://www.youtube.com/c/LTUSDMeetings/videos.