October 29, 2024 

New Student Registration for the 2025-2026 School Year and

Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten Information Nights

            (Novato, CA)… The Novato Unified School District (NUSD) announced that new student registration for the 2025-2026 school year will officially open on November 1, 2024.  NUSD has online registration that can be accessed on the NUSD website at https://nusd.org/enroll/.  In addition, Transitional Kindergarten eligibility has been extended to include children who have their fifth birthday between September 2, 2025, through September 1, 2026.

Parents of incoming Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergartner students for the 2025-26 school year are invited to attend an Information Night.

Incoming Transitional Kindergarten Students

Thursday, December 5, 2024, 7-8 pm

NUSD District Office

Incoming Kindergarten Students

Thursday, December 12, 2024, 7-8 pm

NUSD District Office

These events will take place in the Board Room at the NUSD District Office, 1015 7^th Street, Novato. The Information Nights will also be livestreamed on NCTV’s YouTube Channel and will be recorded and posted on the NUSD website.

In addition, registration support will be available 6-7 pm at the District Office on both evenings.  To help the registration process, please bring the required paperwork which includes proof of:

• Address
• Age of student
• Immunizations

Students enrolling in Kindergarten for the 2025-26 school year are required to have their fifth birthday on or before September 1, 2025.

Students enrolling in Transitional Kindergarten for the 2025-26 school year are required to have their fifth birthday between September 2, 2025, and September 1, 2026.

Priority enrollment at NUSD takes place between November 1, 2024, and March 3, 2025, offering the best chance for your student to attend their neighborhood school. By registering early, the likelihood that your student will secure a spot at their neighborhood school increases, reducing the chance of being overflowed or reassigned to another school due to space limitations. 

Schools reach capacity on a first-come, first-served basis, so early registration is key to ensuring your student can attend their neighborhood school rather than being placed in another school until a spot opens at their neighborhood school. In the event of an overflow, a student will be placed on a priority waiting list for their neighborhood school based on their registration date.

For more information, please contact your neighborhood school or Karina Leoni, Education Services, kleoni@nusd.org or 415 493-4250.

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October 4, 2024

NUSD Refinances Bonds Saving Taxpayers $1.2 Million

(Novato, CA) … The Novato Unified School District (NUSD) completed the issuance and sale of refunding general obligation bonds last summer with a net savings to Novato taxpayers of over $1.2 million.  Due to low bond interest rates, NUSD determined it was prudent to refund the eligible Series 2014A bonds.  The term of the new issued Bonds is the same as the Series 2014A bonds and will be paid in full in August 2029.  The interest rate, or true interest cost, of the issuance was 2.84%.

Investor reception was further helped by a credit rating from Moody’s Investors Service of “AA1”, reflecting a positive change in credit rating. The Proceeds from the sale from the Refunding Bonds will pay the principal of the prior bonds upon redemption thereof and pay all closing costs associated with the refunding and issuance of the Bonds. Closing costs were $175,665.

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. will act as the Paying Agent with respect to the Refunding Bonds and as Escrow Agent with respect to the Prior Bonds.  Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is the Underwriter and Government Financial Services is the financial advisor.

The district issued General Obligation bonds totaling $107,000,000 as approved by the voters in the 2001 election.  Bond Series 2014A had been fully issued prior to the refunding. The newly issued bonds totaled $22,085,000.

“Through the competitive bidding process, NUSD received 15 bids for the Series 2014A refinance.  This is a testament to the strong financial health of NUSD and our “AA1” bond rating,” commented Joshua Braff, NUSD Chief Financial Officer.

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September 9, 2024

Novato Unified School District and Sonoma State University Announce Year 2 of Teacher Residency Program

     Novato, CA – Novato Unified School District (NUSD), in partnership with Sonoma State University, is excited to announce the launch of the second year of its Teacher Residency Program. This initiative provides an enriching pathway for individuals aspiring to become elementary school teachers in both English-instruction and dual-immersion classrooms.

The Teacher Residency Program offers an intensive preparation experience for candidates who will be embedded in either Lynwood Dual Language Immersion School or Lu Sutton Elementary School. Participants will benefit from hands-on learning opportunities under the mentorship of experienced educators, as well as receive a generous monthly stipend and scholarships.

“We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Sonoma State University and offer this fantastic opportunity to future educators,” said Francesca Whitcomb, NUSD Executive Director of Human Resources. “Our program equips teacher candidates with the skills and experience they need to thrive in the classroom and make a lasting impact on our community.”

Information Sessions: Two informational events will be held for interested candidates:

• Monday, September 16, 2024, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
  Lu Sutton Elementary School
  1800 Center Rd., Novato, CA
• Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
  Lynwood Elementary School
  1320 Lynwood Dr., Novato, CA 

Eligibility:
Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree or be expected to graduate by Spring 2025.

For additional information, please contact:

• Rick van Adelsberg, Residency Recruiter: rickvanadel@gmail.com
• Francesca Whitcomb, NUSD: fwhitcomb@nusd.org
• Jess Joseph, NUSD: jjoseph@nusd.org

Interested individuals can also visit the program page for more details and application information at Sonoma State Residency Programs. 

About Novato Unified School District
NUSD is committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative learning environment for students and educators alike. Through partnerships like the Teacher Residency Program, the district aims to build a strong pipeline of highly qualified and passionate teachers ready to serve the community.

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August 30, 2024

NUSD Names Experienced Professional as New Director of

Maintenance and Operations

            (Novato, CA) … The Novato Unified School District is proud to announce that JC van Rooyen has accepted the position of Director of Maintenance & Operation pending Board of Trustees approval at their regular board meeting on September 10, 2024. Mr. van Rooyen replaces Mr. Tony Albini who accepted a position in another organization.

JC van Rooyen joins NUSD from Miller Creek School District, where he served as Assistant to the Chief Business Official (CBO). During his tenure, he spearheaded the establishment of digital-based solutions that significantly enhanced operational efficiency and effectiveness. Notably, he led the implementation of a rental software platform, Facilitron, which modernized district-wide operations and marked a milestone in advancing technological solutions for improved productivity. His hands-on experience with maintenance and operations, including daily management of transportation programs and the development of deferred maintenance databases, makes him an invaluable asset to our district.

Prior to his work in education, Mr. van Rooyen had a celebrated career with Levi Strauss & Co., where he held multiple senior leadership roles, including Director of Product Operations & Digital Tools. In this capacity, he defined and delivered a multi-year product roadmap, led the end-to-end delivery of digital tools capabilities, and played a key role in streamlining enterprise-wide processes. His ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects has been a hallmark of his career, driving continuous process improvements and fostering strong stakeholder relationships.

Dr. Tracy Smith, NUSD Superintendent, expressed confidence in Mr. van Rooyen’s ability to lead the district’s maintenance and operations efforts: “JC’s diverse background and demonstrated success in both the educational and corporate sectors make him uniquely qualified to take on this role. We are thrilled to have him join NUSD and look forward to the positive impact he will make on our district.”

JC’s academic credentials include a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Management from Cape Peninsula University of Technology in South Africa, along with certifications in Product Management and Product Leadership from Product School in San Francisco, CA.

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August 26, 2024

NUSD Food and Nutritional Services Receives State Recognition for Local Foods Initiative

            (Novato, CA) … The Novato Unified School District (NUSD) is proud to announce that Food and Nutritional Services Department (FANS) was awarded a state certificate of recognition from our primary vendor, Goldstar. This prestigious recognition celebrates the successful implementation of the Local Foods for Schools initiative, funded by a state grant.

At the beginning of last year and continuing into this year, NUSD FANS was awarded grant money specifically aimed at purchasing locally produced foods. By utilizing these funds, FANS has been able to significantly contribute to building a competitive and resilient local food supply chain that benefits not only our district but also the wider community we serve.

“Our commitment to sustainability has always been at the forefront of our efforts. We have ensured that the foods introduced into our program through this grant will continue to be a staple in our offerings to students even after the grant money has been fully utilized,” commented Cody Williams, Director of Food and Nutritional Services. “This long-term vision underscores our dedication to maintaining a sustainable food program that supports local producers and provides our students with fresh, healthy food options,” added Mr. Williams.

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August 7, 2024

NUSD Announces Novato High School Assistant Principal

            (Novato, CA) … The Novato Unified School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Jahon Miles as Assistant Principal at Novato High School.  His appointment was approved by the Board of Trustees on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at their regularly scheduled board meeting and is effective immediately.

Mr. Miles comes to NUSD from the Stockton Unified School District, where he has been for the past eight years.  Serving as an elementary school teacher, he was instrumental in implementing data-driven assessments, fostering inclusive classroom environments, and leading various school initiatives. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.

Jahon is known for his ability to build strong relationships within the school community. He believes that successful education is rooted in strong partnerships between teachers, students, and parents. His democratic leadership style and commitment to listening to and valuing input from staff will be a significant asset to Novato High School.

Mr. Miles holds a Master’s degree in Sports Management from Southern New Hampshire University, an Administrative Credential from the Teachers College of San Joaquin, and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of the Pacific.  Mr. Miles is replacing Mr. Jim Larson who accepted a position at the Marin County Office of Education.

Novato High School Principal, Dr. Liz Seabury, expressed confidence in Mr. Miles’ ability to enhance the educational experience at Novato High School. “Mr. Miles’ extensive experience and passion for education make him an excellent fit for our team. We are thrilled to welcome him and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our school community.”

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June 27, 2024

NUSD Refinances Bonds Saving Taxpayers $1.2 Million

            (Novato, CA) … The Novato Unified School District (NUSD) has completed the issuance and sale of refunding general obligation bonds with a net savings to Novato taxpayers of over $1.2 million.  Due to bond interest rates being low, NUSD determined it was prudent to refund the eligible Series 2014A bonds.  The term of the new issued Bonds is the same as the Series 2014A bonds and will be paid in full in August 2029.  The interest rate, or true interest cost, of the issuance was 2.84%.

Investor reception was further helped by a credit rating from Moody’s Investors Service of “AA1”, reflecting a positive change in credit rating. The Proceeds from the sale from the Refunding Bonds will pay the principal of the prior bonds upon redemption thereof and pay all closing costs associated with the refunding and issuance of the Bonds. Closing costs were $175,665.

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. will act as the Paying Agent with respect to the Refunding Bonds and as Escrow Agent with respect to the Prior Bonds.  Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is the Underwriter and Government Financial Services is the financial advisor.

The district issued General Obligation bonds totaling $107,000,000 as approved by the voters in the 2001 election.  Bond Series 2014A had been fully issued prior to the refunding. The newly issued bonds totaled $22,085,000.

“Through the competitive bidding process, NUSD received 15 bids for the Series 2014A refinance.  This is a testament to the strong financial health of NUSD and our “AA1” bond rating,” commented Joshua Braff, NUSD Chief Financial Officer.

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June 26, 2024

NUSD Announces New Director of Special Education

            (Novato, CA) … The Novato Unified School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Dawn Mawhinney as the next Director of Special Education starting July 1, 2024.   Her appointment was approved by the Board of Trustees on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at their regularly scheduled board meeting.

Ms. Mawhinney most recently served as the Director of Educational Services at Sonoma Valley Unified School District. Previously, she worked for Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District for nearly 24 years, serving as a social studies teacher from 1997 to 2013 and assistant principal in 2013-14 at Rancho Cotate High School; principal at Evergreen Elementary School from 2014 to 2016; and principal of Technology High School from 2016 to 2021. She was named the California League of High School’s Educator of the Year in 2004 and was principal of Technology High School when it won a National Blue Ribbon award.

Dawn is known for her experience in producing and supporting change efforts that improve outcomes for students. Her ability to listen to educational partners, provide strong professional development programs and align MTSS practices will be an asset to all students, staff and parents in Special Education and beyond.

Ms. Mawhinney earned her B.A. in Geography from California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt and her M.S. from Dominican University.  Dawn is replacing Angela Williams who accepted a position with the North Coast School of Education.

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June 12, 2024

Hamilton K-8 School Awarded Gold FIDE Chess School

by International Chess Federation

            Novato, CA – The Novato Unified School District announced that Hamilton K-8 School is one of 22 Schools world-wide and the only school from within the United States to be awarded as a Gold FIDE Chess School.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE), the world governing body of chess, recognized Hamilton K-8 School as a Gold FIDE Chess School in its inaugural recognition of chess schools that show a commitment to educational chess. This differs from traditional chess instruction as it specifically seeks to use chess as an educational tool with applications in learning math, logic, and social sciences, to name a few.

Hamilton was the only school selected from the United States, (out of 22 awards) making this a remarkable achievement.

“What makes our club special is that we really try to make chess accessible to everyone and try to engage kids with chess in multiple ways. Our primary goal is to inspire them to want to learn more about it and have fun. We do this through traditional chess learning, and through incorporating chess variants and non-traditional puzzles that inspire thinking.  We also use in class strategies that focus on team building through chess,” says Abel Talamantez. Chess Program Director at Hamilton.

Mr. Talamantez continued, “While we take great pride in our competitive team, this educational approach has really sustained a community of players in which chess has become part of the culture of the school. This educational approach aligns with the mission and values of RISE Scholars, Inc., the non-profit organization which sponsors the program and others at the school.”

Hamilton now looks forward to collaborating with some of the other award-winning schools, as well as continuing to develop events and programs open to the entire Marin scholastic chess community.

Click HERE to see the 22 award winning schools from around the world. For more information on Hamilton Chess and Rise Scholars: www.hamiltonchess.org and www.riseforthekids.org

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Photo of Hamilton Chess Students

June 11, 2024

Novato Unified School District Achieves Significant Reduction in Chronic Absenteeism

Novato, CA – The Novato Unified School District (NUSD) is proud to announce a major achievement in reducing chronic absenteeism through the Decreasing Chronic Absenteeism Network (d.CAN). The initiative has successfully decreased the district’s K-8 chronic absenteeism rate from 18.50% in the 2022-2023 school year to 7.7% in the 2023-2024 school year, exceeding the initial goal of 9%.

Key highlights of the d.CAN impact include:

• Chronic Absenteeism Reduction: The district achieved a -10.8% decrease in chronic absenteeism from 2022-2023, which is now just ~1% higher than pre-pandemic rates.
• Improvement Across Schools: Significant improvements were observed across all participating schools, with several moving from red to green on the California Dashboard for Chronic Absenteeism.
• Student Group Improvements: All student groups saw a reduction in absenteeism, with notable decreases among Hispanic, Filipino, and multi-racial students.
• Attendance and Academic Engagement: The district’s K-8 April attendance count increased from 93.83% to 95.39%, 2022-2023 to 2023-2024 respectively, resulting in more students being present and engaged in learning.

Superintendent Dr. Tracy Smith expressed her pride in the district’s efforts, stating, “This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and community. The d.CAN initiative has made a tangible difference in our students’ lives, ensuring they are present and prepared to learn each day.”

The d.CAN initiative focused on continuous improvement strategies, addressing attendance drivers through enhanced communication, fostering a positive school culture and climate, and establishing robust attendance structures and routines.

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, including excused and unexcused absences, over an academic year. This can equate to approximately 18 days in a typical 180-day school year.

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