Straight from the Supe with Superintendent Ben Churchill

Rheia Alschbach, Director of Capital Planning, and Jessica Kimbrell, Director of Facilities Design and Construction, discuss their favorite aspects of their work, what a facilities master plan entails, and how they juggle multiple projects across Poway Unified School District.

Westview High School teacher Jose Lucero discusses what being named a District Teacher of the Year means to him, how he approaches education, and why he became a teacher.

Melissa "Missy" Lathram from Sunset Hills Elementary School shares why she became an instructional assistant and what being named a District Classified Employee of the Year means professionally and personally.

Superintendent Ben Churchill discusses the latest issue of Poway Unified's EmpowerEd magazine and what it means to be a human-centered school district.

Mesa Verde Middle School science teacher Cherene Askar shares what being named a District Teacher of the Year means to her and her journey to find her passion for teaching.

Josh Bess, teacher at Willow Grove Elementary, shares what being named a district teacher of the year means to him and how it reflects his approach to teaching.

Zachary Manlapid, director of choirs at Mt. Carmel High School, and Patrick Coleman, department chair of arts and electives at Del Norte High School, discuss the importance of arts education and creating spaces for students to thrive creatively.

Traci Jackson, math teacher on special assignment, and Melissa Yu, math teacher at Meadowbrook Middle School, share their approach to high-quality, innovative math instruction and breaking down misconceptions about mathematics in school.

Chief Technology Officer Armando Obregon breaks down Poway Unified’s technology plan and how the district is working to ensure students are prepared for the future of education inside and outside of the classroom.

Instructional Assistants Lizette Vega Pineda, from Twin Peaks Middle School, and Jaimee Gopen, from Morning Creek Elementary School, discuss the role of IAs at Poway Unified and their incredible work to support students.

Shelley Petersen, Associate Superintendent of Learning Support Services, and Danielle Perkio, teacher at Mesa Verde Middle School, discuss Cultures of Thinking and how the teaching method is elevating student success at Poway Unified School District.

Eric Dill, Associate Superintendent of Business Support Services at Poway Unified, provides an update on the district’s budget and financial goals.

Poway Unified Senior Publications Technician Darryl Yee discusses how his early career roles compare to life at a school district and the incredible work of his publications team.

Oak Valley Middle School teacher Andrew Middleton delves into his life as a concert photographer, finding career passions, and how he mentors students to embrace the process.

Pomerado Elementary School teachers Paula Allison and Alisha Thomson discuss the Great Kindness Challenge and the importance of building kindness into each day for students at school and at home.

Poway Unified students Emily and AJ discuss life as a senior and how to power through the last year of high school while avoiding "senoritis."

Michelle O'Connor-Ratcliff, Poway Unified School District Board of Education President, shares her thoughts on the board's mission and how PUSD's board members work together to represent their community's priorities while remaining student-focused.

Poway Unified School District Career Education Specialist Jamal Felton discusses preparing students for the job market and the importance of helping them defining their "why" to identify their "what."

Superintendent Dr. Ben Churchill reflects on his first year at Poway Unified School District, and discusses how the district is delivering on student success, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement.

Melvetta Owens, Director of Preschool and Before and After School Programs at Poway Unified, discusses early childhood education and what parents can expect.

We speak with Amy Fousek, Director of Educational Technology at Poway Unified, about artificial intelligence in education and how PUSD is preparing students for an AI future in the classroom.

Associate Superintendent of Business Support Services Eric Dill discusses the Legislative Analyst’s Office 2026-27 Fiscal Outlook and how that impacts Poway Unified School District.

Midland Elementary Principal Matt Hunt discusses Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and his experience as a father and school administrator.

Students Carter and Bailey discuss their involvement in Poway Unified's Superintendent's Student Advisory Council, and how their experience in debate and theater have strengthened their communication abilities.

Hans Becker, principal at Rancho Bernardo High School, discusses the campus’ efforts to facilitate connections between students and their peers through a variety of offerings, and the school’s “Many Stories, One Stampede” motto.