AR 2024-2025

This is the plain text version of our Annual Report. It is provided to support screen readers and translation tools. For the fully designed version, you can view or download the [PDF here].

Superintendent’s Update

On behalf of the Del Mar Union School District, it is my privilege to share our Annual Report and reflect on the progress of the past school year. From classrooms alive with curiosity to the joy of new beginnings in modernized schools, this was a year that demonstrated the power of DMUSD’s shared vision.

Central to that vision is Destination 2028!, our strategic plan that guides every step we take. This bold roadmap emphasizes what matters most, every student at the center of learning. We know that children learn best when they are actively engaged, when their voices matter, and when they are empowered to explore, create, and lead. Across DMUSD, we see evidence of this daily: students setting goals, collaborating with peers, and developing the skills, mindsets, and competencies outlined in our Portrait of a Learner.

Our commitment is clear in that every child deserves an extraordinary education that nurtures their genius, sparks their curiosity, and supports their well-being. This Annual Report highlights the ways we are living that promise, from innovative instructional practices to intentional facility design, from strong community partnerships to the extraordinary dedication of our teachers and staff.

As we look ahead, I am deeply grateful to be part of a district where students come first and where innovation and excellence define our work. Together, we will continue advancing the goals of Destination 2028!, ensuring that every DMUSD student is inspired, supported, and prepared for the future.

Sincerely,

Marisa Janicek

Confidence, Connection, and Ownership

We believe every child should feel confident, connected, and excited about learning. We are focused on helping students develop both agency, which is the power to take ownership of their learning, and belonging, which is the feeling of being valued and included.

Students have opportunities to explore their interests, set goals, and reflect on their progress. They are encouraged to think creatively, solve problems, and share their learning in ways that are meaningful to them.

Just as important, we create welcoming spaces and experiences where every child feels a sense of community. From student leadership opportunities to activities that inspire collaboration and connection, we want each student to know they belong.

When students feel they belong and have voice in their learning, they thrive both in school and beyond.

Igniting genius, empowering students

9 elementary schools

students served 3,526

Board of Trustees

Gee Wah Mok, Esq, President

Alan Kholos, Esq, Clerk

Katherine Fitzpatrick, Member

Bill Porter, EdD, Member

Doug Rafner, Esq, Member

Scores Keep Climbing

DMUSD remains at top 1% in the state

California State Assessments:

English Lanuage Arts: DMUSD 82%, State 47%

Math: DMUSD 83%, State 36%

Science: 75%, State 31%

*DMUSD Data reflects 2025 preliminary performance levels. State data represents 2024 performance levels as 2025 state data has not yet been released.

A Global Stage for Learning & Thinking

DMUSD is proud to be recognized as a leader in shaping the future of education. In February 2025, we hosted the inaugural Leading a Culture of Thinking Summit at Pacific Sky School, welcoming educators from the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Guided by internationally renowned researchers Dr. Ron Ritchhart and Mark Church, participants explored ways to foster deep learning, while our educators shared how we nurture critical thinking for both staff and students.

In April, our innovation was highlighted at the prestigious ASU+GSV Summit, where Del Mar Heights and Pacific Sky schools were selected and featured in the Innovative School Tours. Visitors experienced firsthand how our student-centered environments spark collaboration, creativity, and agency, noting the depth of learning evident across classrooms.

Together, these summits showcase DMUSD’s commitment to innovation, expertise, and preparing students to thrive in a complex, changing world.

DMSEF helps fund STEAM+

The DMUSD STEAM+ program provides robust and engaging instruction for students in the arts, science, physical education, and interdisciplinary learning. STEAM+ credentialed specialists facilitate rich, authentic learning experiences that prepare students for a future where they will think, innovate, and create.

The Del Mar Schools Education Foundation (DMSEF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that raises funds to support additional specialized credentialed teachers in the DMUSD STEAM+ program.

>> Donate now! <<

Destination 2028!

DMUSD's Strategic Plan

Destination 2028!
DMUSD's Strategic Plan

The 2024–2025 school year marked the second year of implementation for our Destination 2028! strategic plan. At the heart of this plan is the Portrait of a Learner, which articulates our community’s aspirations, identifying the skills, mindsets, and competencies we seek to develop in every DMUSD student. This vision serves as our North Star, guiding the work of our district as we prepare students to thrive in a dynamic and ever-evolving world.

These core competencies describe the skills and mindsets our students need for success:

Adaptability

Critical Thinking

Global Citizen

Emotional Integrity

Learner’s Mindset

Depth of Knowledge

Our strategic plan is anchored by four Levers that bring Destination 2028! to life. Priority Actions for each lever are updated annually and help us focus our collective energy and resources to fulfill the promise outlined in Destination 2028!

1. Learning Experience

2. Responsive and Caring Culture

3. Stewardship of Resources

4. Design Influence

To articulate the desired outcomes for our Portrait of a Learner and each Lever of our strategic plan, DMUSD has developed a District Scorecard in partnership with Learner-Centered Collaborative. The Scorecard is an actionable framework, shaped by community input, that measures progress in strategic focus areas and guides ongoing improvement. It will be updated annually, as it measures what matters most in DMUSD and serves as a communication tool for our educational community.

From the Scorecard...

Professional learning opportunities strengthen skills related to core competencies and provide choice and leadership options:

94% of teachers have participated in Cultures of Thinking professional learning

Access to STEAM+:

100% of K-3 students have 120 minutes/week of STEAM+ and 100% of 4-6 students have 180 minutes/week of STEAM+

Small Classes: student-to-teacher ratio

99% 22:1 in K-3 and 100% 27:1 in 4-6

>> View the full interactive scorecard <<

Facilities Update

Del Mar Hills Academy

Reopened August 2025

Full building modernization

All new classrooms/learning studios designed for flexibility and collaboration

Energy efficient and environmentally conscious - solar power, natural light, fresh air, high-efficiency systems

New Innovation Center, STEAM+ sciece lab, and art studio

Improved front entry and equitable access to the front of the school and the field with accessible ramps

Carmel Del Mar School

Modernization Design phase: community meetings held Spring 2025

Classroom/learning studio modernizations

Roofing, HVAC, and infrastructure upgrades

MUR and common learning space modernizations

Anticipated construction start 2026

Ashley Falls School

Modernization Design phase: community meetings held Spring and Fall 2025

Classroom/learning studio modernizations

Roofing, HVAC, and infrastructure upgrades

MUR and common learning space modernizations

Anticipated construction start 2026/2027

Future Ready

Artificial intelligence and digital literacy are being embraced as essential tools to prepare students for the future. Teachers are thoughtfully integrating age-appropriate technology to support creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Students are not only learning how to use digital tools, but also how to evaluate information, practice online safety, and understand the role of AI in daily life. By combining strong foundational skills with responsible technology use, we empower students to become curious, confident, and ethical digital citizens, ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Funding

The District budget supports the priorities of the strategic plan, Destination 2028!, and the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). Through a commitment to proactive and responsible fiscal planning and the maintenance of a strong reserve for a community funded district, DMUSD maintains the high quality academic program that our district is known for.

Revenue & Expenditures

(2025-2026 Adopted Budget)

Revenue & Expenditures
(2025-2026 Adopted Budget)

Total Revenue: $81,157,657

84.9% LCFF Sources

1.2% Federal

8.3% State

5.6% Local

Expenditures: $80,773,638

83.7% Personnel

2.6% Materials and Supplies

13% Operations

.7% Other

VISION: The unrelenting pursuit of the extraordinary school experience. MISSION: To ignite genius and empower students to advance the world.

Facilities Funds

$186 Million Districtwide Projects

Classrooms/Learning Studios and Shared Learning Spaces
Outdoor Learning Spaces
Play Structure Replacements
Field Improvements
Facility Improvements & Modernizations