2025 Fillmore Adult School Annual Winter Awards Ceremony

Fillmore Adult School Principal Blanca Mendieta said, "Fillmore Adult School’s Annual Winter Awards Ceremony was a wonderful celebration of our students’ achievements. We honored their hard work and were inspired by speakers who shared their powerful stories of success. Superintendent Schieferle, Assistant Superintendent Huang, and Fillmore Adult School staff would like to wish everyone a joyful holiday season. Classes will resume on Monday, January 12.”

Superintendent’s Roundtable

Superintendent Schieferle and Fillmore Unified School District administrators hosted a Superintendent’s Roundtable with students from Fillmore Middle School, Sierra High School, and Fillmore High School. Superintendent Schieferle shared her educational journey and district goals. Students had the opportunity to share feedback on what they thought was going well at their schools, what they would like to see changed, and current challenges. Student feedback is shared with the Governing Board and Superintendent Schieferle follows up with students on actions taken by the board. Superintendent Schieferle said, "We thank our students for sharing their school experiences with us and we value their advocacy for their education. I look forward to additional roundtable discussions with students throughout the school year.”

📚 Did You Know? 📚

Nearly half of Fillmore High's Class of 2025 took college courses while still in high school—that's 43% of our seniors earning college credit before graduation! Even more impressive: 34% completed multiple college courses, and participation has grown 3.6x since 2018.

Our students aren't just preparing for college—they're already succeeding in it! Thank you to Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) for partnering with us to make this possible.

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