Superintendent Juan Cabral hosts his third State of the District
By David James Heiss
Redlands News Collective
Photo by David James Heiss
Superintendent Juan Cabral presents during his State of the District address.
In his third annual State of the District address, Redlands Unified School District Superintendent Juan Cabral unveiled details of his "Portrait of a Graduate" vision and "EMPOWER" initiative, while highlighting the rollout of a Spanish-English Dual Language Immersion program at McKinley Elementary School this fall.
The event, held Feb. 24 at the Blackhawk Bistro multipurpose room at Citrus Valley High School, included prerecorded video messages from each school board member.
Cabral expressed optimism that test scores, graduation rates, attendance, and overall student achievement statistics are trending upward. “Our students are performing in the classroom. They're coming to school every day, and they're taking care of business,” Cabral said. “Our staff, who are overworked and tired every day, are giving our kids what they need, and we're grateful to them.”
Cabral acknowledged an "interesting" year of challenges but emphasized that metrics like test scores, attendance, and graduation rates are finally “going in the right direction.”
The district cabinet outlined several key objectives, including providing middle school intervention for math and ensuring students are proficient in reading by third grade. Board member Candi Olsen elaborated on the literacy goal in her message.
Photo by Rebecca Maschack
Guests listen to Superintendent Juan Cabral during the State of the District at Citrus Valley High School.
“Why third grade? Because reading is a foundation for everything that comes next,” Olsen said. “After third grade, students are no longer learning to read. They're reading to learn.” According to Olsen, 88% of children who are not proficient in reading by third grade struggle to catch up academically.
Beyond literacy, Cabral noted the district strives for 2 percentage points in incremental improvements toward a 94% graduation rate and 92% attendance rate. He emphasized that the goal is not just a diploma, but ensuring students evolve into critical thinkers who have a clear plan for life after high school.
Board member Jeannette Wilson provided a video segment explaining the critical impact attendance has on student learning, while School board Clerk Melissa Ayala-Quintero discussed the long-term benefits of the new dual language immersion program.
“This program reflects a work goal that gives students a chance to learn in both English and Spanish,” Ayala-Quintero said, noting that research shows such programs lead to strong academic growth and cross-cultural understanding.
Board Vice President Patty Holohan expressed the district’s gratitude for the passage of the $500 million Measure D bond. “This bond represents a promise to modernize our schools, improve safety and create spaces where students can learn,” Holohan said. She pointed out that school sites now feature signs with QR codes that link visitors to a website explaining how bond funds are being utilized at each campus.
School board President Michele Rendler highlighted the district’s accolades, including a Golden Bell Award for its Bridge Adult Transition program.
The "EMPOWER" initiative Cabral referred to serves as an acronym for: Effective Communication & Collaboration; Mindset & Growth; Problem Solving & Critical Thinking; Online Citizenship & Global Awareness; Wellness & Life Skills; Exploration Curiosity, & Creativity; and Reflection & Goal Setting. “'Empower' is a vision. Each letter represents a set of qualities and competencies we want to see in every [student],” Cabral said.
As Cabral ended his remarks, he again noted that “the metrics” are “going in the right direction.” However, during his remarks, Cabral did not directly address recent fiscal challenges, such as an anticipated $17 million budget shortfall compounded by declining enrollment, or the board’s recent decision to authorize layoffs for 138 employees.