By Tom Bennett, Superintendent

Atascadero Unified School District

As the new superintendent of Atascadero Unified School District, and on behalf of our Board of Trustees and dedicated staff, it is my distinct honor and pleasure to welcome you to the 2025-26 school year. Whether you are a returning member of our school community, new and joining us for the first time this year, or a longtime member of our supportive Atascadero community, we are thrilled to have you as part of the Atascadero Unified family!

I am genuinely excited to have the opportunity to serve this remarkable district. I look forward to collaborating alongside our outstanding team of educators and support staff and to partnering closely with the parents and families who form the heart of our schools. Together, we will ensure a high-quality educational experience for our students and work to build a strong future for our district and community.

Before we look ahead, it is important to recognize those who helped lay the foundation for where we are today. On behalf of the entire district, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to our former superintendent, Mr. Tom Butler, and former executive assistant, Mrs. Stacey Phillips. Their dedication, vision, and service left a lasting impact on Atascadero Unified. We thank them sincerely for their many years of leadership and unwavering commitment to our students and staff. Thank you!

The 2025-26 school year marks a unique and exciting time for our district. We are entering a season of growth—not only in our programs and facilities but also in the strength of our relationships and the clarity of our shared purpose. It will be a year of listening, learning, and working together to shape a collective vision for our future.

At the heart of our work this year will be building meaningful relationships across our schools and community. We are committed to engaging families, staff, students, and community partners through transparent conversations and collaborative planning. To support this effort, we will host a series of local town hall meetings, visit school sites, and create opportunities for open dialogue. These efforts are designed to foster meaningful relationships and a collaborative, engaged community within a welcoming climate and positive culture—one in which all voices are heard, valued, and respected. Together, we will support the needs of our students, empower our staff, and build a district that continues to grow stronger through unity and shared purpose.

In addition to town hall meetings, we will soon launch a series of surveys to help us gather important input from our students, parents, teachers, and support staff. The insights we collect will help us identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement and ensure that we are making informed decisions that reflect the needs and hopes of our entire community. I sincerely ask everyone to participate when given the opportunity. Your feedback will help shape district decisions and provide the foundation for long-term planning and growth. Once the data is collected, we will share the results and use the information as a guide for future improvements.

Another exciting focus this year will be the improvement and modernization of our learning environments. Thanks to the incredible support of our community and the passage of our School Facilities Bond Measure, we now have the resources to expand, upgrade, and enhance school sites across the district. This investment will help ensure that all students have access to safe, innovative, and welcoming facilities that promote academic success and personal development. We are deeply grateful for your continued trust and partnership in creating exceptional learning spaces for all. I look forward to sharing the impact of this community partnership with you in the months ahead.

As we work to strengthen relationships and improve facilities, we also hope to begin the critical process of developing a new Strategic Plan for Atascadero Unified School District. This plan will reflect the voices of our community and provide a clear roadmap for the future. It will define our shared vision, establish long-term goals and priorities, and guide decision-making and resource allocation in the years ahead. With the active involvement of our families, staff, and community members, we will create a clear plan that serves all students well and supports a thriving district.

We are fortunate to be guided by a dedicated Board of Trustees, whose leadership and commitment to the success of our students and district often go without notice or appreciation, despite their vital role. We look forward to partnering with our Board of Trustees this year as a unified team to navigate opportunities, address challenges, and pursue the goals that matter most for our schools and community.

In closing, I want to thank you—our families, educators, support staff, students, and community partners—for your support, encouragement, and commitment to the success of Atascadero Unified School District. Your involvement and care make a profound difference in the lives of our students and in the future of our district. It is a privilege to serve in this role, and I look forward to getting to know each member of our community and to a year filled with meaningful connection, shared learning, and exciting progress.

I hope you all find time to rest and relax this summer—and then buckle up! It is going to be an exciting school year, and it all begins on August 13!

ATASCADERO NEWS MAGAZINE

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