Dr. Jennifer Hawn, Superintendent
Dear CUSD Families and Staff,
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year. What a privilege it is to write to you as the new Superintendent of the Cupertino Union School District. Today is August 13th, the first day of school, and also my first day as your Superintendent. I can tell you that there is no better way to start a new school year than surrounded by students, families, and educators who care so deeply about the work of learning together. You may not know me yet, but I feel as though I already know so many of you. I have spent months studying our District, watching Board meetings, reviewing our academic data, and learning everything I could about what makes CUSD exceptional, because I wanted to arrive not as a stranger but as a partner who is ready to champion this work alongside you from day one.
What I have found is a District with a remarkable foundation. Our schools consistently rank among the best in California. Our Portrait of a Learner reflects exactly what I believe education at its best should look like, preparing students not just with academic knowledge but with the competencies they need to navigate and contribute to a rapidly changing world. This year, we build on that foundation by focusing on two competencies that are deeply connected: the Resilient Learner, who perseveres through challenges and grows from setbacks, and the Global Contributor, who acts with purpose and makes a meaningful difference in our schools, our community, and beyond. These are not abstract ideals. They are the qualities I will be looking for when I visit classrooms, and they are the qualities that will carry our students far beyond their time with us.
Our District Priorities, Future-Ready Learning, Community-Wide Engagement, Fiscal Responsibility, and Sense of Belonging, will guide everything we do this year. A new superintendent also brings a fresh set of eyes, and I look forward to taking a thoughtful look at all of our programs and operations to identify where we are thriving, where we have opportunities to grow, and how we can ensure every resource is working as effectively as possible for our students. Thanks to our voter-approved Measure Z Bond Program, we are actively improving the physical environments where our students learn and our staff work every day, with projects underway across our campuses that address critical infrastructure, safety systems, and learning spaces. Alongside this facilities work, I will be looking closely at our budget to pursue the financial stability that protects and strengthens our instructional program for the long term.
To our families and staff, I want you to know that your partnership is at the very heart of everything we do, and I look forward to what we will accomplish together. Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year, and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Office of the Superintendent
Dr. Jennifer Hawn, Superintendent
408-252-3000 extension 61-200
Erin Lindsey, Senior Director of Communication
408-252-3000 extension 61-206Nancy Mak, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
408-252-3000 extension 61-200