LTUSD holds inaugural State of the District and Community Conversation

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif - Almost 150 members of the community attended Wednesday's first of what Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) leaders hope to be the annual State of the District/LCAP Community Conversation.

Attendance was more than double expectations and attendees heard a presentation from LTUSD leadership, participated in interactive tabletop conversations and heard from local leaders.

LTUSD Superintendent Dr. Todd Cutler, Associate Superintendent Andrea Salazar, and Associate Superintendent Dr. Alan Reeder provided an overview of the District on the budget, facilities, sustainability, technology, and education, including test scores.

School attendance is down in South Lake Tahoe and has been since the pandemic, Dr. Reeder said as he presented data on student performance. LTUSD is looking for ways to work with parents and community members to improve attendance since student success and test scores are directly related to each other.

The interactive tabletop conversations focused on three topics, and everyone in attendance participated in answering the questions: What are we doing well? What do you recommend for the future? and What is getting in the way of student success? The District will take those answers and provide a summary. Common comments were that people liked improved communication from LTUSD, they would like to see more support for student mental health needs, and had the desire to see diversity, equity, and inclusion training.

A panel discussion wrapped up the evening with Jude Wood, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe City Manager Joe Irvin, Bill Martinez, executive director of the Family Resource Center, Chris Proctor, Barton Health's director of community benefits, and Laura Metune, senior director of government rations at Lake Tahoe Community College. They all spoke of how each of them interacts with LTUSD and how important it is for collaboration for the success of students in South Lake Tahoe.

Dr. Cutler pointed out that the future success and health of a community are dependent on these partnerships and the focus on children and their education. Proctor reiterated this and pointed out that the shared goal of providing for the health, safety, and wellness of the children in the community is a top priority for both organizations. He noted that the three cutting-edge wellness centers in local schools illustrate the District’s commitment to the mental health needs of their students.

Attendees also shared ideas for topics for future LTUSD Community Conversations. LTUSD plans on holding three Community Conversations a year along with the annual LTUSD State of the District/LCAP Community Conversation.

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