OVERVIEW
During the 2023 – 2024 school year, the Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) continued to make significant strides to meet the needs of all of its students in the areas of academic performance, well-being, and personalized pathways toward success for all students post pandemic. Under the direction of the Governing Board, Superintendent, and Executive Team’s 5 Strategic Goals, MUSD served over 10,700 littles, students and adult learners at 2 child development centers, 10 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 1 comprehensive high school, 1 alternative high school, 1 middle college high school, 1 adult education facility, 1 community college extension, Elmwood Correctional City, and Santa Clara County Main Jail.
#WEAREMUSDFAMILY
The Milpitas Unified School District and community has high expectations, multiple pathways for success, and nurtures an environment that fosters resilience, creativity, self efficacy, critical thinking and thoughtful leadership. Milpitas High School (MHS) is the second largest high school in the Bay Area and largest in Santa Clara County. MHS has been particularly noted for its achievements, with a 94% graduation rate and strong proficiency scores in reading (78%), science (62%), and mathematics (61%). It has earned championships in robotics, debate, golf, wrestling, public speaking, cross country, softball, and badminton. Its creative arts programs have performed internationally and have graduates who are professional thespians and musicians. The district’s strategic goal of developing pathways for career readiness is evident, as 10% of high school students are dually enrolled in both high school and college-level courses. This initiative aims to grow, prepare students for the workforce, and higher education by integrating college preparatory coursework with career technical education.
The Milpitas Unified School District has a diverse student population, where English Language Learners constitute about 12.4%. The most recent data of ethnic distribution is as follows:
- Asian: 67.3%
- Hispanic: 19.8%
- White: 4.0%
- Black: 1.9%
- Two or more races: 6.2%
- American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.3%
- Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.5%
The district’s diversity score is 0.63, reflecting a moderately diverse student population compared to other districts in California.
Financially, MUSD manages its resources efficiently with a stellar credit rating. Our revenue per student ($16,585) is below the state median.
MUSD always seeks multiple sources to enhance its services to students, families and communities which includes applying for grants, special events for fundraising, legislative advocacy and community-based initiatives. MUSD has secured $2.82 million in grants over the past three months to support its educational goals.
OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The Milpitas Unified School District holds a commendable position within the state of California. According to the latest rankings, MUSD is ranked 174th out of 504 school districts in the state, placing it in the top third of all districts. This ranking is based on various factors including academic performance, graduation rates, and extracurricular offerings. We have also received a variety of awards, including:
California Distinguished School Awards
- 2024 California Distinguished Schools: Thomas Russell Middle School
- 2023 California Distinguished Schools: Mattos, Curtner, Pomeroy, Sinnott Elementary Schools
- 2021 California Distinguished Schools: Rancho Milpitas Middle School
- 2020 California Distinguished Schools: Rose and Curtner Elementary Schools
- 2014 California Distinguished Schools: Sinnott Elementary School
U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools List
- 2024 US News and World Report Best High Schools in Nation: Milpitas High School
- 2023 US News and World Report Best High Schools in Nation: Milpitas High School
- 2022 US News and World Report Best High Schools in Nation: Milpitas High School
- 2021 US News and World Report Best High Schools in Nation: Milpitas High School
- 2020 US News and World Report Best High Schools in Nation: Milpitas High School
California Model Continuation School Awards
- 2024 California Model Continuation High School: Calaveras Hills High School
- 2019 California Model Continuation High School: Calaveras Hills High School
California League of Educators Middle Schools to Watch
- 2022 California League of Schools Middle Schools to Watch: Rancho Milpitas Middle School
Additional Awards, Honors & Recognitions
- 2023 Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE) Honor Roll District: Milpitas Unified School District
- 2023 Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) State Superintendent of Year: Cheryl Jordan
- 2023 Hoffman Award: Milpitas Middle College High School
- 2022 California Pivotal Practice Award: MUSD EducatEverywhere
- 2020 California School Boards Association (CSBA) State Board Member of the Year: Chris Norwood
- 2019 Golden Bell Award: MUSD Love4Literacy Program
- 2019 Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE) Honor Roll District: Milpitas Unified School District
OUR CHALLENGES
The Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) faces several post COVID challenges. Some of the key challenges include:
- Diverse Student Needs:
- English Language Learners (ELLs): With around 12.4% of students being ELLs, MUSD needs to provide sufficient resources and support for language acquisition while ensuring these students do not fall behind academically.
- Special Education: Meeting the needs of our growing population of special education students requires more funding than the federal, state, and local government currently provides
- Mental Health and Well-being:
- Addressing the trauma, mental health, and well-being of students continues to grow as social media, hate speech and other negative activities increase. Mental and behavioral health are keys to campus safety, stopping self harm, eliminating social media addiction, and preventing life changing drug use. Providing adequate counseling services, mental health programs, and creating a supportive school environment are essential to student success.
- Achievement Gaps:
- The district continues to address achievement gaps between different student groups, particularly between students with high attendance and minimal barriers and others.
- Funding and Resources:
- Adequate funding is a perennial issue in order to balance our budget while providing necessary programs and services. Funding shortfalls can impact everything from student outcomes, classroom resources to staff salaries and facility maintenance.
- Staffing and Professional Development:
- Recruiting and retaining qualified teachers is a high priority across the country and support staff is crucial, especially in specialized areas such as special education and ELL instruction. In the era of Artificial Intelligence, ongoing professional development is also necessary to keep staff updated on best practices and new teaching methods.
- Technology Integration:
- Integrating technology into the classroom effectively can be challenging. Ensuring that all students have access to necessary devices and internet connectivity is critical, particularly highlighted by the shift to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Community Engagement:
- Engaging with a diverse community and ensuring that parents and guardians from all backgrounds are involved in their children’s education can be challenging. Effective communication strategies and community outreach programs are necessary to foster collaboration and support.
- Infrastructure and Facilities:
- Maintaining and upgrading school facilities to provide a safe and conducive learning environment is a continuous challenge. Older buildings will require significant investment to meet current and future educational/safety standards.
SUMMARY
Overall, MUSD is dedicated to providing quality education and innovative opportunities, ensuring students are well-prepared for their futures as responsible citizens, regional industry professionals, community leaders, entrepreneurs and lifelong learners. On a daily basis, there are problems to be solved. By understanding the problems, our strengths, and addressing ongoing challenges through strategic planning, community involvement, and leveraging all available resources.
I believe MUSD will continue “Building A Culture of We” that will strive to deliver a world-class education system for all its employees, families, students and adult learners. For more details on the district’s programs and achievements, please visit MUSD.org.
This article is solely the opinion of Chris Norwood, long time Milpitas resident, and MUSD governing board trustee 2014 – Current.
