Superintendent Monika Hazel Reading to students at William H. Frazier Elementary school.
The Fallbrook Union Elementary School District (FUESD) is excited to announce impressive academic progress for the 2023-2024 school year, highlighted by significant gains in reading and math proficiency and a notable reduction in chronic absenteeism. Recent data from the California Department of Education (CDE) reveals that FUESD has achieved one of the highest increases in student achievement in the state, marking a standout year for the district and Superintendent Monika Hazel in her inaugural year at the helm.
At the beginning of the school year, Superintendent Hazel organized a vibrant pep rally to honor the dedicated staff, fostering a spirit of teamwork and celebration of the hard work ahead. This event set a positive tone for the year, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that would lead to success.
Assistant Superintendent Tavga Bustani presented the impressive academic data at the October 3rd school board meeting, accompanied by two students and a parent. These gains in test scores reflect more than just numbers; they are the result of FUESD’s commitment to personalized education. The district has prioritized getting to know each student by name, strength, and need, allowing teachers to tailor instruction and build meaningful relationships with students and their families.
Parent Cindy Jimenez spoke about her daughter’s transformation throughout the year, noting significant improvements in both academic performance and self-confidence, highlighting the positive impact of the district’s initiatives.
The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) results showcase remarkable achievements across the board. English Language Arts (ELA) scores increased by 5%, while math scores rose by 6%, surpassing both county and state averages. Individual schools showed significant improvements: La Paloma Elementary reported a 10% increase in ELA proficiency, with 63% of students meeting or exceeding state standards. Live Oak Elementary and Maie Ellis Elementary saw gains of 8% and 6%, respectively. In math, San Onofre School experienced an impressive 11% increase, achieving proficiency for 73% of its students, while William H. Frazier Elementary improved by 7%.
In addition to academic improvements, FUESD has made significant strides in reducing chronic absenteeism. The district-wide chronic absenteeism rate decreased by 9%, with William H. Frazier Elementary achieving a remarkable 20.68% reduction. La Paloma and Live Oak Elementary Schools also reported substantial declines, reflecting the district’s efforts to create engaging and supportive school environments.
Superintendent Hazel emphasized the district’s holistic approach to education, stating, “Our emphasis on creating a positive, inclusive school culture, combined with strategic intervention support and student goal-setting, has fostered both academic success and improved attendance. We know that when students are present and engaged, their potential is limitless.”
FUESD’s extraordinary achievement has caught the attention of the California Department of Education, which recently interviewed Superintendent Hazel and Assistant Superintendent Bustani regarding these gains.
FUESD Governing Board President, Ricardo Favela, also shared his and the Board’s excitement for the District’s growth, “Guided by a united vision, the Board set its focus on student achievement. Seeing the immediate results and the success of our students has been extremely encouraging. I couldn’t be more proud of our district’s incredible achievements this year. The remarkable progress in academics and attendance is a true testament to the dedication of our teachers, staff, students, and families. It’s a strong reminder of what we can achieve together, and I’m excited for the bright future ahead for our students and community.”
The success of FUESD is a testament to the collaborative efforts of educators, students, parents, and the entire Fallbrook community. As Superintendent Hazel reflects on her first year, she expresses her heartfelt gratitude for the collective dedication that has made these accomplishments possible, stating, “Together, we are creating a brighter future for our students, and this year’s results are just the beginning. We will continue to set clear goals, provide engaging instruction, and ensure that all students are prepared for the future.” She acknowledges the outstanding teachers, hardworking support staff, dedicated parents, inspiring principals, and brilliant students, whose combined efforts have contributed to this remarkable success.
FUESD has been featured in several articles highlighting our success: