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Community Cornerstone from Supt. Dr. Tracy Smith - October 29, 2026

Posted Date: 10/29/26 (09:41 AM)
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Community Cornerstone

from Superintendent Dr. Tracy Smith

October 29, 2026
Dear NUSD Families and Community Members,

There are so many ways that our parents partner with the school system and community to best serve our students. One clear example is parent-student conferences at the elementary level. At these meetings, parents and teachers learn more from each other as they work together to help their student thrive in class. Another example is our district wide minimum day today. By rearranging an earlier dismissal for your student(s), staff members get the opportunity to learn and grow together as individuals and teams. Without this minimum day, we would not get this time for our own growth and exploration that help make our teaching and learning systems stronger. We thank you all for your partnership in all the ways!

You can also partner with us by staying informed on what is happening at the school site, classroom and district level by reading our newsletters and communication. Please see below for crucial information regarding our upcoming budget reduction process and resources for preparing for upcoming winter storms.

Sincerely,

Dr. Tracy Smith
Superintendent, Novato Unified School District

Budget Reductions Process

Novato Unified must make $6.5 million in ongoing budget reductions to ensure long-term financial stability. At the October 20 Board meeting, we discussed a process for making these difficult decisions in phases.

Under this approach, district staff will bring forward prioritized reduction recommendations at the November 17, December 1, and December 15 Board meetings, with additional meetings in January if needed. Trustees will consider and vote on recommendations at each meeting until the district reaches its reduction target.

We are committed to transparency and communication throughout this process. Before each Board meeting, we will share the proposed reductions and their potential impacts with staff and families. Meeting agendas and livestreams are available on our website. Public comment will be available at every meeting, and we will track approved reductions and progress toward our $6.5 million goal.

We recognize these decisions will be difficult and appreciate your continued commitment to our students and one another as we work through this process together.

Prepare Your Household for Winter Storms

Preparing now can help your family respond to power outages, road closures, and other storm-related disruptions. Marin County’s El Niño and Winter Storm Guide offers practical steps to help households get ready. 

Plan to meet your household’s basic needs for at least three to five days: 

  • Stay informed. Sign up for AlertMarin to receive emergency notifications. 
  • Make a plan. Create a household emergency plan that includes children, older adults, pets, and anyone who may need additional assistance. 
  • Gather supplies. Build a go bag and stay box with food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, chargers, and other essentials. 
  • Know your risks and routes. Consider how flooding, landslides, power outages, or road closures could affect your home and travel. Identify alternate routes. 
  • Update school contacts. Confirm your emergency contact information is current with school administration so you can receive timely updates about school-day disruptions. 
  • Check on your Neighbors. Build connections now to help each other during an emergency. 

Find more information on the Weather Together Site.
 
During an emergency, visit the Marin County Public Emergency Portal for current conditions and instructions.

Modeling the Way Reminder

“Modeling the Way” is an NUSD employee recognition program, and anyone can nominate an employee. Do you know someone who is going above and beyond to help make NUSD amazing? Please tell us about them! Nominate our exemplary staff members for our Modeling the Way program by filling out the form here. 

Stellar employees will be honored monthly from October to May. Thank you for helping to recognize staff members for their acts of kindness and outstanding professionalism!