Please note: This revised newsletter includes a correction to an administrative name/title. | | |
As we wrap up the 2024–25 school year, I want to take a moment to thank our incredible students, families, educators, support staff, and Board of Education. This year has been filled with growth, progress, and partnership—and I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished together.
This is one of my favorite times of year. Across our schools, we’re celebrating milestones, promotions, and graduations. It’s a season to recognize just how far our students have come and to cheer them on as they take their next steps. I look forward to joining many of our school communities over the next two weeks to celebrate our students in person.
Thank you for being such an important part of the Manteca Unified community. When families, students, and schools work together, our children thrive.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025! We’re proud of you—and excited to see what’s ahead.
Wishing you a joyful, safe, and well-deserved summer.
Stay tuned for Manteca Unified’s upcoming annual report, Smart Actions and Decisions, which will be released in June. In it, we give voice to the many success stories from around the district, note key achievements, financial information, goals in our strategic plan, and future priorities.
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Dr. Clark Burke
Superintendent
Manteca Unified School District
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Strategic. Stable. Student-focused.
Manteca Unified Earns Global Recognition for Fiscal Excellence - Again.
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For the fourth year in a row, Manteca Unified School District has earned global recognition for outstanding financial responsibility.
Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.—a world-renowned credit rating agency—has reaffirmed MUSD’s strong ‘Aa2’ rating, signaling the district’s exceptional fiscal health and very low credit risk.
Why does this matter to families? Because smart financial planning helps drive what matters most: student achievement.
Behind the scenes, this recognition reflects the District’s thoughtful, strategic approach to budgeting—an approach that ensures classrooms are equipped, teachers are supported, and students have what they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
This rating is more than just a financial milestone. It reflects Manteca Unified’s commitment to making every dollar count—ensuring students, teachers, and classrooms have the resources they need today, while planning for the schools and programs they’ll need tomorrow.
With thoughtful budgeting and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, MUSD continues to invest in safe, welcoming campuses, modern learning environments, and programs that support student success.
“This recognition isn’t about numbers—it’s about trust. It shows that Manteca Unified is using public funds wisely, making sure every dollar goes toward what matters most: creating safe, welcoming schools and strong educational opportunities for all students,” said Chief Business & Information Officer, Victoria Brunn. “We remain dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of financial responsibility—because our students deserve nothing less.”
Strategic financial leadership is helping Manteca Unified fund the future—while supporting student achievement today.
| | Summer Learning Opportunities! | | |
At Manteca Unified, we’re committed to helping students of all grade levels stay engaged and ready for the new school year. Our Summer Hub is packed with opportunities designed to prevent summer learning loss and keep students progressing toward grade-level standards.
Explore resources like Online Learning, Social-Emotional Learning, College and Career Exploration, Summer Camps, Clubs, and much more.
📚 Don’t miss out—check out the Summer Hub and find the right fit for your student today!
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MUSD's Nutrition Education Department serves lunch all summer long!
Starting May 28 through July 18, lunch will be served Monday-Friday. For more information, including locations and times, click the button below!
June is National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month - come eat with us this summer!
Stay tuned for Summer BBQ and Farmers Market dates and times.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
In Manteca Unified, our Superintendent Dr. Clark Burke accepted a nomination from Board President Schluer for the University of South Carolina Mental Illness Needs Discussion (MIND) Club’s #SpeakYourMIND Ice Bucket Challenge. Originally the club launched the challenge to raise a few hundred dollars to support mental health awareness, but the challenge went viral and has now hit the national news.
After Dr. Burke took the challenge, several of our Manteca Unified leaders have also stepped up to raise awareness for the importance of mental health.
At Manteca Unified, we believe every student can achieve with access to the right tools and support. For this reason, our Department of Health Services acknowledges the importance of both physical and mental health by providing trained and certified nurses and counselors throughout the district.
| | Updates from the May Board of Education Meeting | | | | |
Announcing MUSD's
Assistant Superintendents
The Manteca Unified School District Board of Education has proudly approved the appointment of three highly accomplished leaders to the newly established roles of Assistant Superintendent: Victoria Brunn, Clara Schmiedt, and Melanie Greene.
This new leadership structure, which will take effect on July 1, 2025, reflects the District’s ongoing commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and student success. The Assistant Superintendent positions will succeed current certificated roles that are set to retire, streamlining the District’s leadership model to better support long-term goals.
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Model Schools Recognition
At the May Board meeting, the Board officially recognized Manteca Unified's Model Schools.
We are proud to announce that Calla High School and New Vision High School have been named 2025 Model Continuation High Schools, and Yosemite Community Day School has been named a 2025 Model Community Day School by the California Department of Education!
Across California, only 74 of 429 continuation schools and just 9 of 359 community day schools were named Model Schools — and Manteca Unified is proud to be home to three of them!
These recognitions reflect the tireless dedication of our educators, counselors, classified staff, and administrators who work every day to create safe, supportive, and inspiring environments where all students can thrive.
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Student Board Recognition
On May 7, the 2024-25 Student Board Members were recognized for their service to Manteca Unified.
The Student Board serves as the voice of our student body, representing their peers at Board of Education meetings. At each meeting, members share highlights from our comprehensive high schools and engage in meaningful dialogue with the Board about student needs and interests. Their insights are vital to the Board’s decision-making process and contribute greatly to shaping our student-centered approach.
Congratulations and thank you, Annette Dubois (EUHS), Gavin Miller (LHS), Kristine Timario (MHS), Samanpreet Singh (SHS), and Abigail Torres (WRHS)!
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Classified Training
Certification Program (CTCP)
Manteca Unified proudly recognized a group of classified employees who completed the Spring 2025 Classified Training Certification Program (CTCP)!
This program, adopted by the Board in 2017, empowers classified staff to grow their leadership capacity by learning directly from District leaders.
Over six weeks, these incredible individuals strengthened their leadership philosophy and gained tools in team building, vision-driven strategic planning, high-performance strategies, interview skills, and more.
We are proud to invest in the leadership potential of our classified staff—they are essential to our success and the heart of our school communities!
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Facility Updates
At the May Board meeting, the MUSD Board of Education approved the authorization for the design process to begin on the renovation projects at August Knodt and Stella Brockman Elementary Schools.
The Board also accepted the final completion of the pool renovation projects at Weston Ranch and Sierra High Schools! We look forward to sharing these new facilities with students this summer.
| | Looking for a New Opportunity? | | |
At Manteca Unified, there's a role for everyone!
We're currently hiring for a variety of positions, including Multiple-Subject Teachers, Paraprofessionals (Classroom Aids), School Site Assistants, Office Support Staff, Nutrition Service Assistants, Visual and Performing Arts Teachers, Custodians, Bus Drivers, and more!
| | Join our Team as a School Bus Instructor! | | |
Do you (or someone you know) have a passion for safety and love working with people? Do you know someone who is currently certified to train bus drivers OR has 5 years of experience as a school bus driver?
Under the leadership of our awesome Director of Transportation, you'll train and guide new drivers in safely operating school buses and other district vehicles. But that’s not all—you’ll also be behind the wheel, transporting amazing students on scheduled routes, making a real difference every day!
Help support students during boarding and drop-off and enjoy a rewarding role where every day is a new adventure.
🚦Train. Drive. Inspire. Apply today and become a vital part of staff and students’ journey!
| | Student & Staff Highlights | | Celebrating our School Communicators | |
Each year on the second Friday in May, the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) recognizes the essential contributions of school communicators across the nation. At Manteca Unified, we’re proud to celebrate our in-house experts, the Community Relations & Engagement team, who work behind the scenes every day to keep families informed, involved, and connected.
This March, our communications team represented Manteca Unified at the California School Public Relations Association (CalSPRA) annual conference, where Coordinator Lindsay Harris and Supervisor Caitlin Pearsall were featured presenters. They shared how MUSD’s communication strategies align with district goals, prioritize student achievement, and leverage data to increase impact. At the awards gala, the team's hard work was recognized with ten awards for excellence and merit in school communications.
| |  | California Continuation School Conference | |
Manteca Unified is proud to announce that New Vision Counselor Alyssa Mendoza was recently recognized as Support Person of the Year by the California Continuation Education Association (CCEA) at the annual CCEA Conference.
Ms. Mendoza was selected for this award based on student input and the impact she has had on their education and lives – specifically how she goes above and beyond for them.
Manteca Unified is also proud to share that Michele Bryson, Principal at Calla High School, presented on Calla’s Directed Studies (DS) class and their Model School Culture at the CCEA annual Conference!
Calla High School and New Vision High School were both honored as 2025 Model Continuation Schools by the California Department of Education. Yosemite Community Day School was also recognized as a Model Community Day School.
| | Thank you, Instructional Materials Center (IMC)!
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Big things are happening behind the scenes to get ready for the next school year!
Our incredible team at the Instructional Materials Center (IMC) is already hard at work preparing and organizing classroom resources for every K-8 student across the district. This massive effort starts months in advance to ensure that by the time our school librarians return from summer break, everything is ready to go!
This summer alone, over 550 pallets of materials will be delivered to school sites, along with more than 30 pallets of brand-new Dell devices for incoming 5th and 9th graders. Plus, our newest learners—Kindergarteners—will receive their own devices, which they'll use all the way through 4th grade!
We want to give a huge THANK YOU to our behind-the-scenes heroes: the IMC technicians, Jessica Castaneda, Kathy Houbein, and warehouseman James Hansen.
Your hard work and dedication make it all possible!
| | | EUHS Yearbook Attends National Conference | |
In April, the East Union Phenix Yearbook editors for the 2025–2026 school year traveled to Seattle to attend the JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention—one of the nation’s largest gatherings of student journalists.
During the multi-day event, the editors joined thousands of students from across the country in workshops focused on photography, writing, design, and leadership. They returned home inspired and ready to lead next year’s yearbook with fresh ideas and sharpened skills.
Beyond the sessions, the students also had the opportunity to explore Seattle’s iconic landmarks, including the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Science Center—creating lasting memories and strengthening their connection as a team.
“This trip wasn’t just about journalism,” shared yearbook advisor Ms. Cabrera. “It was about growth, creativity, and seeing the world through the eyes of young storytellers. These students came back energized and ready to create a yearbook that captures the spirit of our school.”
Congratulations to our Phenix Yearbook editors for representing Manteca Unified with pride and passion!
| | Lancers Celebrate Academic Achievement! | |
East Union High School celebrated the hard work and dedication of 415 outstanding students!
This group of stellar students received a 3.5 GPA or higher for all 3 trimesters for the school year. To celebrate, students got to attend a special lunch with their counselors, Principal Eric Simoni, and Vice Principal Andrew Lee.
A special shoutout to the Class of 2025 Valedictorian, Johnie Valencia, and Salutatorian, Damien Horat —your achievements inspire us all!
| | | Congratulations to HOSA Advisor of the Year, Cheryl Behler! | |
Manteca Unified is proud to share that our very own Cheryl Behler has received the Advisor of the Year award from HOSA - Future Health Professionals.
HOSA is one of many Career Technical Education programs we offer at Manteca Unified to ensure stud ents graduate college and career ready. In HOSA, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in various health careers under industry professionals.
This summer, MUSD HOSA will attend the HOSA International Leadership Conference, which will feature competitive events and leadership opportunities for HOSA members.
Congratulations MUSD HOSA and Ms. Behler on this incredible recognition and opportunity!
| | In Case You Missed It: Manteca Unified Stories | | | | RoboPlay Competition 2025 | |
RoboPlay Competition 2025 was a massive success!
This annual competition for Manteca Unified high schools participating in C-STEM math was hosted at Weston Ranch High School!
The event celebrated student creativity and ingenuity. Students crafted technology and robotics utilizing special coding resources offered by Manteca Unified in partnership with the University of California, Davis.
Students had the opportunity to compete with other sites in the district, complete with judges and awards. Students in the program prepare for the competition throughout the year at their respective school sites.
| | | | MUSD Hosts Inaugural Career Technical Education Business Summit | |
More than 150 high school juniors and seniors from Manteca Unified School District gathered last week for the district’s first-ever Career Technical Education (CTE) Business Summit, a dynamic, hands-on event designed to help students bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world careers.
Throughout the day, students rotated through a series of interactive sessions focused on career readiness. These included a financial literacy presentation on the difference between credit and debit and the importance of building a strong credit score, a resume writing workshop led by industry professionals, a networking and post-secondary planning session where students met potential employers and colleges, and an interviewing skills workshop that gave them the opportunity to practice and receive feedback from professionals across a range of industries.
Adding a special touch to the day, professional headshots were taken by students from Manteca High School’s Advanced Digital Communications class, allowing participants to walk away with images they can use on LinkedIn and other professional networking platforms.
| | | | 30th Annual Medieval Faire | |
Nile Garden Elementary School celebrated a historic milestone last week as it hosted the 30th Annual Medieval Faire, an unforgettable educational tradition that has captivated students, staff, and families for three decades. The event, led by legendary 7th-grade teacher Tim Lewis, better known as "King Lewis the Wise," brings history to life in a way that textbooks simply cannot.
"It has been a wonderful 30 years, and I have had the time of my life doing this. I’ve had the privilege of watching these students not only learn about history but experience it in a way that sticks with them for a lifetime." - Tim Lewis
Since 1995, Tim Lewis has guided his students on a journey back in time to the medieval period, using immersive learning, creativity, and heart. Through role-playing, interactive exhibits, and historical reenactments, students actively engage with key aspects of medieval society, including art, literature, government, and social structures. The Medieval Faire allows students to experience history firsthand, making it an event that is as educational as it is memorable.
Thank you, King Lewis, for your passion and commitment to our students. Manteca Unified wishes you a wonderful retirement.
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Graduation & Promotion Celebrations
May
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Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Our Department of Community Relations and Engagement will be photographing each graduation and promotion ceremony throughout the district. If you see us at graduation, we're happy to take your family's photo!
To access photos completely free, please visit the link below!
Please note: photos may not be uploaded until 24 hours after your child's ceremony. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
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Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
It stands as a powerful reminder of resilience, the ongoing pursuit of justice, and the importance of freedom for all. Recognized as a federal holiday, Juneteenth invites us to reflect on our shared history and celebrate African American culture and achievements.
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MANTECA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT |
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Superintendent's Cabinet
Dr. Clark Burke, Superintendent
Roger Goatcher, Deputy Superintendent
Victoria Brunn, Chief Business and Information Officer
Clara Schmiedt, Executive Director of Secondary Education
Jenni Andrews, Executive Director of Elementary Education
Dr. Jody Burriss, Senior Director of Special Education
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MUSD Board of Education
President Stephen J. Schluer, Area 6
Vice President Cathy Pope-Gotschall, Area 5
Board Clerk Marie Freitas, Area 4
Eric Duncan Sr., Area 1
Kathy Howe, Area 2
Bob Wallace, Area 7
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Our Vision
Every student works to achieve grade level standards, feels safe and is supported to realize individual success.
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Our Mission
Through smart actions and decisions, MUSD will work together using meaningful, measurable and aligned data for all students to achieve mastery of grade level standards in all subjects based on their unique educational pathway in a safe environment inclusive of design, security and climate.
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