Superintendent

Dear CVUSD Community:

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year!

There is always something special about the beginning of a new school year. Our campuses come back to life, classrooms fill with students, activities and athletics begin again, and we are reminded of the key objective that inspires us: empowering every student to succeed. As we prepare to welcome our students back, I am excited about the year ahead and grateful for the dedicated people whose commitment makes Conejo Valley Unified School District such a special place.

One of our greatest strengths is our people. Across CVUSD, we have an experienced and dedicated team of teachers, classified staff, administrators, support staff, and district employees who care deeply about our students and our community. Whether someone is teaching in a classroom, supporting a student, preparing meals, maintaining our campuses, coaching a team, working in an office, or leading a school, every person contributes to our success.

We may have different responsibilities and work in different schools and departments, but our purpose is the same: doing great things for kids.

As we begin this year, we will continue to hold high expectations for our students while also providing the support they need to be successful. Every student comes to us with different strengths, interests, challenges, and goals. Our responsibility is to provide opportunities and choices that allow students to discover those strengths and prepare for whatever comes next.

For some students, that path will lead to a four-year university. For others, it may be community college, career technical education, the skilled trades, military service, entrepreneurship, or entering the workforce. Our job is to make sure students graduate from CVUSD prepared, confident, and ready to take the next step.

We also know that great schools are about much more than academics. Students need to feel connected to their schools. They need adults who know them, challenge them, listen to them, and care about their success. Creating safe, welcoming campuses where students feel valued and supported remains an important part of our work.

At the same time, we will continue to pursue new, innovative ways to expand opportunities for our students. From academics and the arts to athletics, career education, technology, specialized programs, and our growing International Baccalaureate opportunities, we want students and families to have meaningful choices throughout their CVUSD experience.

None of this happens without partnership. Our families and community play an important role in the success of our schools. I encourage you to stay connected, attend school events, ask questions, share ideas, and participate in the vibrancy of our schools. Strong schools are built when employees, students, families, and the community work together.

We have much to be proud of in CVUSD. At the same time, strong organizations never stop looking for ways to improve. We will continue listening, learning, adjusting, and asking ourselves how we can better serve our students and families.

Most importantly, I hope we never lose sight of the simple purpose behind all that we do. Every morning, thousands of students walk onto our campuses trusting us with a part of their future. That is an incredible responsibility and an equally incredible opportunity.

Thank you to our employees for choosing to work in CVUSD and for the commitment you show our students every day. Thank you to our families for trusting us with your children. And thank you to our community for continuing to support our schools and public education.

I am excited to see our students return and to watch the stories, accomplishments, friendships, and opportunities that will define the 2026-2027 school year.

Let’s make it a great year for our students.

Sincerely,
Dr. Mark McLaughlin
Proud Superintendent of the Conejo Valley Unified School District