LTUSD Board Approves Major Initiatives for Student Success

UPDATE: The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) Board of Education has just confirmed critical updates aimed at enhancing student success and safety during their meeting on October 9, 2025. With a focus on immediate educational improvements, the Board approved the 2025–26 Certification of Standards-Aligned Instructional Materials, ensuring students have access to high-quality resources.

The Board’s commitment to student achievement was highlighted by presentations from Principals Hether Hart and Justin Zunino. They emphasized goals that prioritize curriculum development and professional training, which are essential for elevating academic performance across the district. In addition, Dr. Alan Reeder revealed vital fall i-Ready assessment data for grades K–8 in reading and math, crucial for guiding future instructional strategies.

SCHOOL SAFETY IS A PRIORITY: The LTUSD Board reviewed significant updates to the 2025–26 School Site Safety Plans. New measures now include adaptations for students with disabilities, opioid prevention protocols, and comprehensive response plans for violent incidents. Notably, Barton Health representatives introduced “Stop the Bleed” kits for every school site, enhancing campus readiness in emergencies.

ENERGY INITIATIVES ON THE HORIZON: The Board also reviewed a groundbreaking proposal from Veregy, an energy services firm, aimed at advancing LTUSD’s sustainability goals. The project will focus on district-wide upgrades to solar energy systems and smart technology, projected to save the district $996,200 annually. This initiative is pivotal for achieving the district’s commitment to carbon neutrality, with a vote scheduled for October 23, 2025.

In operational updates, Chief Business Officer Kelly Buttery announced that LTUSD will streamline its records retention processes, aligning with guidelines from the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO). Additionally, Public Information Officer Teresa Schow shared that a new LTUSD website is set to launch by March 2026, enhancing communication outreach.

The Board celebrated the success of the 2025 Fund Our Future campaign, which achieved over 90% completion of Family Income Survey forms. This accomplishment could potentially secure up to $500,000 in additional funding for LTUSD schools, showcasing the community’s collaborative efforts.

In community engagement, Board members reflected on successful recent events, including the Homecoming Parade. Student Board Member Arya Saini highlighted the football team’s recent victory and shared plans for their upcoming presentation at the California School Boards Association Annual Education Conference in December.

As the LTUSD Board prepares for its next meeting on October 23, 2025, these developments underscore a robust commitment to enhancing education and safety for students in South Lake Tahoe. Stay tuned for more updates as the district continues to prioritize student success and community engagement.

For more insights, view the full meeting on YouTube.