It is with great pride and pleasure that I welcome you to the El Segundo Unified School in this, my fourth year, as Superintendent of El Segundo schools. As both a former Principal and Assistant Superintendent in El Segundo, I have witnessed first-hand our community’s unfailing commitment to the students and families of El Segundo. We are a small district of five schools and a preschool, but size does not inhibit the unlimited aspirations of those who serve the students in this community. Community vision that collegiality, collaboration, and individual attention to each student’s needs lays the groundwork necessary to ensure each student lives up to his or her full potential. As you browse through our web site, you will become familiar with many of the people who make this vision possible.

 

The Board of Education has established rigorous goals for superior educational programs that address the needs of all students, as well as created an environment that supports teachers and staff while providing the resources to guarantee the success of all district programs. The community-at-large is an integral part of the success of our schools, as evidenced by the extensive school modernization program completed after the passage of multi-million dollar bond measures. Although two of our school sites were constructed during the 1920’s and 1930’s, the renovation process labored to preserve the history and architectural splendor of early El Segundo. Most recently, the community passed Measure M to restore the high school's historic theatre and athletic staduim.

 

Each school site benefits from strong, effective Parent Teacher Associations, as well as the support of the El Segundo Educational Foundation and the City of El Segundo that make a direct annual financial contribution to the district. The city of El Segundo is a gateway to the South Bay region and the greater metropolitan Los Angeles area. Many Fortune 500 companies headquartered in El Segundo, along with many local small businesses, avidly support our schools not just financially, but also by drawing upon the expertise of their talented professionals to enrich student educational experiences. And we are especially proud of the district’s close relationship with the City of El Segundo with whom we share a common vision for student success both academically and as productive community members.

 

The synergy created by these close relationships has built a community that can be proud of the many awards bestowed upon its schools. El Segundo High School was recognized as a California Distinguished School in 2007. Furthermore, El Segundo High School hosted its 6 year visit by the Western Association of College Accreditation (WASC) committee, who awarded the high school the most prestigious 6-year rating. Richmond Street and Center Street Elementary Schools were also recognized as California Distinguished Schools in 2008. Center Street also enjoyed the rare honor of being named a “Scholar Honor Roll School” in 2009, one of 697 schools in California to win this award from the California Business for Education Excellence and the Just for Kids – California. Also reflecting the rigor and excellence of all ESUSD programs are the 2009 Statewide Rankings, with three of our schools receiving 10s and Center Street receiving a 9. Our community can also feel pride and pleasure in the many intangible rewards we derive from creating an environment in which individuals can grow up to make contributions to their families, friends, and society.

 

I look forward to the 2010-2011 school year, and believe that working together alongside the community, the El Segundo Unified School District will fulfill its mission of serving as a “gateway” for learning in the 21st Century for the children of El Segundo.

 

Geoff Yantz, Ed.D.

Superintendent