Meet Superintendent Christi Barrett, Ph.D.

2022-2023 End-of-the-Year Reflection

Dear HUSD Families,

As we come to the close of another remarkable school year, I want to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to each and every one of you for your unwavering support and dedication. Together, we have achieved incredible milestones and navigated through unprecedented challenges, ensuring that our students receive the highest quality education and support. Your partnership and commitment to our shared mission of fostering academic excellence and personal growth have made this year truly exceptional.

Here are just a few highlights of the remarkable accomplishments we have achieved together this year:

• Our Transportation team saved the day when over 600 students from an Orange County school district were stuck in Big Bear with no way back home. Our bus drivers, possessing the rare licensing necessary to drive in inclement weather, were called upon to bring the kids safely back home.
• Our facilities team utilized Measure X funding to initiate and complete multiple renovation projects, including the Idyllwild Administration building; Hamilton exterior projects and athletic field; Winchester, Little Lake, Ramona, and Whittier modernizations; and air conditioning systems at various HS gymnasiums. 
• Over 500 teachers completed LETRS, a specialized literacy training. In support of improving outcomes for all kids, we’ve also doubled the amount of literacy support at all sites this year!
• Elementary literacy proficiency has grown from 16% to 28% of students meeting standards since the 21-22 school year. 
• We’ve reduced the number of Second Graders not meeting grade level expectations by 22% since the 21-22 school year and beginning readers have averaged 550 Lexile points of growth this year!
• Sixty-four percent of tested students in Grades 3-12 met or exceeded their expected growth in reading comprehension in the first half of the year and we have doubled the number of American Indian or Alaska Native students reading at grade level across the District.
• The District expanded and began the development of new Career Technical Education pathways, including First Responder, Viticulture, and Water Technology, so that students can explore various career options and gain practical skills and certifications in high-demand industries.
• Our schools maintained rigorous academic programs, including International Baccalaureate (IB), dual language programs, multiple placements in the county mock trial competition, the obtainment of Questbridge scholarships, and a first-place title in the county Academic Decathlon competition. As a result of our rigorous academics, HUSD students have been accepted to top universities and colleges and we look forward to celebrating many of our college-bound students with banners along Florida Street throughout this summer.
• HUSD remained competitive through its athletic programs with many teams winning league and a few, including the Hemet High Girls Soccer and West Valley Girls Swim, winning CIF and becoming the first teams in their school’s history to do so. 
• Our teams earned distinguished awards for excellence and innovation, including a Golden Bell Award for Technology Services and a Model Continuation HS award for Alessandro HS.
• The District recruited and retained exceptional staff to serve our students and families through the HUSD Teacher Residency Program with Alder Graduate School.

We firmly believe that education is a collaborative effort that extends beyond the walls of our classrooms. The involvement of families and the support of our community play a vital role in creating a nurturing and enriching learning environment for our students. As we embark on the summer break, I encourage you to take this time to rest, rejuvenate, and create beautiful memories with your loved ones. Enjoy the warmth of the sunshine, explore new adventures, and embrace the joy of learning in every experience. We look forward to welcoming you back in the fall, refreshed and ready for another incredible year of growth and achievement.

On behalf of the entire Hemet Unified School District, I wish you a safe, relaxing, and joyful summer vacation. Thank you for your ongoing partnership, and we are excited to continue our journey together in the upcoming school year.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Dr. Christi Barrett

Superintendent