Fillmore Unified Attends Annual CSBA Conference

Superintendent Christine Schieferle, and Board Member Tricia Gradias

Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle, Assistant Superintendent Educational Services Dr. Isaac Huang, Board Members Olivia Palacio, Lucy Rangel and Tricia Gradias, and Student Board Member Olivia Nava attended the California School Boards Association (CSBA) annual conference in Sacramento.

Superintendent Schieferle and Board Member Gradias both presented as part of the California Collaborative For Education Excellence (CCEE), highlighting the great work Fillmore Unified is doing developing professional learning communities.

The Ventura Office of Education said, “So proud of the work at Fillmore Unified School District being highlighted at the annual conference of the California School Boards Association in Sacramento. Great job, Superintendent Schieferle, and school board Vice President Tricia Gradias!”

The California School Boards Association (CSBA) is a nonprofit organization that represents and supports elected school board members across the state. It provides governance training, advocacy, and resources to help school boards create strong educational systems. Each year, CSBA hosts its Annual Education Conference (AEC), the largest gathering of California school board members and education leaders. The conference offers workshops, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities focused on policy, leadership, and improving student outcomes.

Fillmore Unified Student Board Member Olivia Nava

Fillmore Unified Student Board Member Olivia Nava, along with and Student Board Members from across the state, also attended the conference. As the Student Governing Board Representative, she had the opportunity to participate in the The Student Board Member One-Day Program.

The Student Board Member One-Day Program is a full-day pre-conference workshop held at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento.

During the day, student board members from across California work in small groups to learn about the roles and responsibilities of student board representatives, the fundamentals of good governance, district budgeting, strategies for community engagement, and how to effectively advocate for student concerns and funding — including best practices in communication and presenting information to a school board.

The program aims to build students’ governance, leadership and advocacy skills while connecting them to the broader education policy community through the larger conference.

Student Board Members from across the state

Special Education Appreciation Month

The Board of Trustees has proclaimed December as Special Education Appreciation Month. This month recognizes the dedication of special education staff and highlights the importance of inclusion in creating equitable, supportive learning environments for all students. We celebrate the hard work and dedication of our incredible team, whose commitment helps every student feel valued and able to thrive.

A Thanksgiving Message From Superintendent Schieferle

Dear FUSD Families,

As we head into a well-deserved break and holiday, I want to take a moment to express my appreciation and gratitude for your partnership and support. Each day, you play an essential role in the success of our students by ensuring they arrive at school ready to learn, and working with us to create safe, caring, and enriching school environments.

Our schools thrive because of the strong relationships between families, staff, and students. Your involvement, trust, and support make a meaningful difference in your child’s experience and in the culture of our district.

I truly believe that by working together, communicating openly, celebrating our successes, and facing our challenges as a team, FUSD will continue to be a place where students, staff, and families feel valued, respected, and inspired. I believe in us!

As I reflect on my own personal blessings this Thanksgiving, I am deeply grateful for my health, my family, and the privilege of serving the communities of Fillmore and Piru. Thank you for being such an important part of FUSD.

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving. I look forward to welcoming back students and staff on December 1.

Sincerely,
Christine Schieferle, Superintendent
Fillmore Unified School District

FHS Athletic Complex Update

Progress continues on schedule at the Fillmore High School Athletic Complex! Last week, the storm drain catch basin was set, and rebar installation at the gym footings was completed—ready for concrete to be poured. The community can look forward to seeing “vertical” construction begin by the end of the month as the new Athletic Complex continues to take shape!

Storm drain catch basin lowered into place.

Rebar installation at the gym footings

Free Community Meals for all kids 18 and younger, Monday, November 10, 2025 [English/Spanish]

Free Community Meals for all kids 18 and younger

Monday, November 10, 2025

Mountain Vista Elementary

918 5th St

Dates & Time

Monday, November 10, 2025

11:00-11:30

Comidas Comunitarias Gratuitas para todos los niños menores de 18 años

Comidas serán servidas en

Mountain Vista Elementary

918 5th St

Fechas y Horario

10 de Noviembre de 2025

11:00-11:30

Flashes vs Cerritos First Round CIF at home Friday, November 7th, 2025 TICKET PURCHASE ONLINE ONLY!

Congratulations Flashes Football for advancing to CIF First Round! 🏈 Join us this Friday, November 7th, 2025 at home in Flashes Field as we take on Cerritos High. 🎟️ Tickets are ONLY available for purchase through GoFan — no cash sales will be accepted at the gate. Use this link or scan the QR code below: https://gofan.co/event/5254950?schoolId=CA18822

Flashes Win 115th Rivalry vs Santa Paula 45-8

The Fillmore Flashes put on an impressive performance, defeating the Santa Paula Cardinals by a score of 45-8 in the 115th edition of the rivalry. Congratulations to the team for your dominant victory, and a special thank you to all the players and coaches for bringing the Leather Helmet trophy back home to Fillmore — where it belongs. Go Flashes!⚡️⚡️⚡️💪🔵⚪️🏈

Photo credit: JOE LUMAYA/SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Fillmore players and cheerleaders pose for a photo with the Leather Helmet Trophy after the Flashes defeated Santa Paula 45-8 victory on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, at Ventura High School's Larrabee Stadium. Additional photos at https://www.vcstar.com/picture-gallery/sports/high-school/2025/10/31/photos-fillmore-routs-santa-paula-in-115th-rivalry-football-game/87003825007

The Fillmore Unified School District would like to thank to the City of Fillmore for hosting this year’s Trunk or Treat event in downtown Fillmore. Our FUSD had a wonderful time joining the community in this fun and festive celebration. Trunk or Treat is a family-friendly Halloween tradition where community members decorate their car trunks with creative themes and hand out candy to children in a safe, walkable environment.

164 Fillmore High Seniors Accepted to California State University Channel Islands

Please join the entire Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) in congratulating the 164 Fillmore High Seniors (that’s nearly 70% of the senior class) who have been provisionally accepted to California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI). FUSD and CSUCI have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding designed to expand higher education opportunities for Fillmore High School students. Through this partnership, eligible Fillmore High graduates will be granted priority admission to CSUCI, supporting a seamless transition from high school to college. The agreement reflects both institutions’ shared commitment to increasing college access, promoting academic success, and encouraging students from the Fillmore/Piru community to pursue four-year university degrees close to home.

🎃👻 Get ready, Fillmore! The City of Fillmore’s Annual Trunk or Treat is back on October 29th! 🍬

🕔 Sensory Friendly Hour: 5–6 PM

🎃 Main Event: 6–8 PM

📍 Central Avenue – Downtown

Enjoy free candy, decorated trunks, and family fun for all ages! Organizations, clubs, and residents are encouraged to register their vehicles and join the fun by decorating their trunks for our community! 🚗

💙 Look for teal pumpkins at participating trunks — they’ll be offering non-food treats to ensure children with food allergies or dietary restrictions can safely enjoy the night.

🎃👻 ¡Prepárate, Fillmore! El Trunk or Treat Anual de la Ciudad de Fillmore regresa este 29 de octubre! 🍬

🕔 Hora Sensible: 5–6 PM

🎃 Evento Principal: 6–8 PM

📍 Central Avenue – Centro de la ciudad

¡Disfruta dulces gratis, cofres decorados y diversión familiar para todas las edades! Invitamos a organizaciones, clubes y residentes a registrar sus vehículos y unirse a la diversión decorando sus cofres para los niños de nuestra comunidad. 🚗

💙 Busca las calabazas color teal en los cofres participantes — allí se ofrecerán premios sin comida para que los niños con alergias alimentarias o restricciones dietéticas también puedan disfrutar de la noche de manera segura.

This is not a Fillmore Unified School District sponsored event, and Fillmore Unified School District accepts no liability or responsibility for this event.

FUSD Child Nutrition Wins Sustainability Award

On Friday October 17, 2025, Fillmore Unified School District’s Child Nutrition Department was honored by Food Service Sustainability Solutions and Senior Vice President Kim Eger with the K-12 Best in Class Partner in Environmental Stewardship Award. Each year, the firm recognizes one school district in California for exceptional leadership in sustainable food-service practices, and this year, Fillmore Unified School District earned the distinction for its outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship.

In 2022, Food Service Sustainability Solutions installed a food-waste dehydrator at Fillmore High School, followed by a second installation at Rio Vista Elementary School. The initiative, led by the Child Nutrition Services Department, was designed to divert back-of-house food waste from landfills and convert it into a compost accelerant or animal feed. The dehydrator uses heat, air and agitation to dramatically reduce food-waste volume, transforming roughly 100–125 pounds of scraps into 10–12 pounds of a dry, coffee-ground-like material.

This recognition reflects Fillmore Unified’s broader commitment to sustainability and student wellness. The district continues to advance its mission by promoting scratch cooking, reducing reliance on pre-packaged and processed foods, and offering healthier, fresher meal options. These efforts align with the district’s dedication to environmental responsibility and student health — and they come at a pivotal moment for California schools.

With the passage of AB 1264, California is setting a first-in-the-nation standard to phase out “ultra-processed foods” from school menus. The law directs the state to define “particularly harmful ultra-processed foods” and requires schools to begin phasing them out by 2028.

Thanks to our partnership with Chef Brigaid, Fillmore Unified is already ahead of the curve, our Child Nutrition team has been focusing on fresh, scratch-prepared meals and reducing reliance on packaged and processed items. This work not only aligns with the new legislation but also supports our commitment to providing students with wholesome, nourishing food every day. Fillmore Unified’s early adoption of best practices in waste diversion and whole-food kitchens positions us as a model for California districts moving into this new era of school food.

Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle said, "Congratulations to the Child Nutrition Department for this award, and thanks to all our staff, students and families who support making our lunchrooms greener, healthier and future-ready.”

Did You Know Fillmore High Offers College Level Courses Right Here In Fillmore?

Yes. Fillmore High School offers Ventura College courses at Fillmore High School’s campus in Fillmore, California. Coming in the Spring 2026, Ventura College is offering courses in Art (Drawing and Composition), Chicano Studies, and an Introduction to Welding. Classes are open to the public via the Ventura College website, but priority is given to current Fillmore High students.