FUSD Back to School Nights

Over the past two weeks, Fillmore Unified School District welcomed students and families to campus for Back to School Nights across all schools. Parents connected with teachers, explored classrooms, and learned about all the exciting plans for the 2025-26 school year. Thank you to the many families who attended. Your support and partnership strengthens our schools and our community.

Denise Berrington Joins FUSD as Assistant Superintendent of Business Services

Denise Berrington is a seasoned school business leader with more than 17 years of experience in California public education. She specializes in fiscal stewardship, facilities management, transportation, energy efficiency, and long-range planning, and has a strong record of leading organizational improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and support student success.

Most recently, Denise served as Director of Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation for Moorpark Unified School District, where she led a team of 75 employees, oversaw multimillion-dollar construction projects, and managed district-wide safety initiatives. She secured more than $7.5 million in grants to modernize HVAC systems and $6 million to launch one of the county’s largest clean-energy school bus programs, driving major sustainability and efficiency gains.

Prior to that, she spent nearly 12 years with the Fillmore Unified School District in various leadership roles, where she built a strong foundation in facilities and organizational management. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her collaborative leadership style, ability to build strong teams, and strategic approach to aligning operations with district-wide goals.

Denise holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern Utah University and is completing her MBA with a concentration in Finance. She completed a certificate from the USC School Business Management Program, earned her School Business Finance Certificate through CASBO, and is a CASBO Certified Chief Business Official (CBO).

New Fillmore High Athletic Complex Update

Construction has officially begun!

Exciting progress is underway for the Fillmore Unified School District as construction has officially begun on the brand-new 43,000 square-foot athletic complex that will serve Fillmore’s high school students. Thanks to the support of the communities of Fillmore and Piru in passing Measure G, this vision is becoming a reality. This new facility, adjacent to the Flashes Stadium, represents a major investment in our students’ future and is a great example of your tax dollars at work. With a projected completion date of December 2026, the complex will provide modern athletic spaces to support our student-athletes for years to come.

Site grading actively underway

Construction crews have already made significant progress at the site. The old baseball field turf has been pulverized in place and mixed into ground. Site grading is actively underway, with heavy machinery preparing the land for future development. The transformation is evident when comparing the current cleared and leveled site to the architectural renderings of what’s to come—a state-of-the-art athletic complex complete with updated facilities, expanded parking, and landscaped areas to welcome students, families, and the community.

December 2026 Completed Athletic Complex Rendering

As we move forward, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our community members for their support, trust, and vision. This project is a direct result of your investment in our schools and our students’ futures. We encourage everyone to check out our website and follow us on social media for the latest construction updates, photos, and progress reports as this exciting journey continues. Together, we are building something extraordinary for generations of students to come. Go Flashes!

August 28, 2025

Dear FHS Community,

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has informed the Fillmore Unified School District (“District”) that on August 27, 2025, at approximately 8:45 a.m., Kevin Reynolds, a Chemistry Teacher at Fillmore High School (“FHS”), was arrested on charges of unlawful possession or control of inappropriate images as defined by Penal Code sections 311.11 and 311.1.

At this time, we do not have information that any current or former students are involved in these allegations. However, the seriousness of these charges are not taken lightly. As the legal process moves forward, we want to make it clear that Mr. Reynolds will not be returning to any District campus.

Please know that the District is working closely with the relevant authorities and will continue to cooperate fully with their investigations.

Our top priority remains ensuring a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment for all of our students. The District is actively working to secure an alternate teacher to continue delivering high-quality instruction for the remainder of the school year.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate this matter. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Roger Adams, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Student Services at 805-524-8029.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting the well-being and success of our students.

Sincerely,
Christine Schieferle, Superintendent

28 de agosto de 2025
Estimada comunidad de FHS:

La Oficina del Fiscal de Distrito del Condado de Ventura ha informado al Distrito Escolar Unificado de Fillmore (“Distrito”) que el 27 de agosto de 2025, aproximadamente a las 8:45 a. m., Kevin Reynolds, maestro de química en la escuela secundaria Fillmore (“FHS”), fue arrestado por cargos de posesión o control ilegal de imágenes inapropiadas según lo definen las secciones 311.11 y 311.1 del Código Penal.

En este momento, no tenemos información de que ningún estudiante, actual o anterior, esté involucrado en estas acusaciones. Sin embargo, la gravedad de estos cargos no se toma a la ligera. A medida que avanza el proceso legal, queremos dejar claro que el Sr. Reynolds no regresará a ningún campus del Distrito.

Le informamos que el Distrito está trabajando estrechamente con las autoridades pertinentes y continuará cooperando plenamente con sus investigaciones.

Nuestra principal prioridad sigue siendo garantizar un entorno de aprendizaje seguro y de apoyo para todos nuestros estudiantes. El Distrito está trabajando activamente para conseguir un maestro suplente que continúe impartiendo una enseñanza de alta calidad durante el resto del año escolar.

Agradecemos sinceramente su comprensión y apoyo durante este proceso. Si tiene alguna pregunta o preocupacion, no dude en comunicarse con el Sr. Roger Adams, Superintendente Adjunto de Recursos Humanos y Servicios Estudiantiles, al 805-524-8029.

Gracias por su continua colaboración para apoyar el bienestar y el éxito de nuestros estudiantes.

Atentamente,
Christine Schieferle, Superintendente

School Starts Tomorrow August 13, 2025.

On Monday, August 11, 2025, Fillmore Unified School District held its annual all-staff welcome event at Fillmore Middle School to kick off the new school year. From 7:30 to 8:00 a.m., all certificated, classified, and administrative staff enjoyed breakfast, followed by a program led by Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. that included a welcome messages, the introduction of new staff, celebrations of district goals, service recognitions, and performances by the Fillmore High School Band and Pep Squad. The event emphasized the district’s commitment to student-centered decision-making, collaborative culture, and continuous improvement, setting the vision and focus for the year ahead as part of a week of professional development and training for staff.

Superintendent Schieferle's 2025-2026 School Year Welcome Message [English/Spanish]

August 11, 2025

Dear FUSD Community,

Welcome back to the 2025-2026 school year! I hope your summer was filled with quality time with loved ones and that you are ready for a great school year.

All staff have been working diligently to prepare for the year ahead, and we are eager to partner with you to make this school year one of growth, achievement, and opportunity for all students.

This school year, we will remain committed to student academic success and creating safe and respectful schools where every student can thrive. We acknowledge that some of our families and students are experiencing anxiety and fear due to recent immigration activities. Please be assured that we are prepared to support our students and their families, providing them with the available resources. Please don't hesitate to reach out; we are here for you.   We also recognize the critical role of mental health and are dedicated to offering expanded resources to support emotional well-being and long-term resilience. Additionally, we will continue to invest in facility improvements across our school district. Below are some highlights:

Student Academic Success

  • Full-time bilingual community liaisons at all school sites

  • Free online academic tutoring available 24/7

  • Reading Intervention teachers at all elementary schools

  • Restorative Practices Teacher at Fillmore Middle School

  • Block schedules with built-in academic support at Fillmore Middle and Fillmore High schools

  • Differentiated academic support within the school day at all elementary schools

  • Expanded Independent Study Program with customized schedules and curriculum

  • No-cost after-school program until 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday

  • No-cost enrichment programs during school breaks

  • No-cost after-school sports program at Fillmore Middle School

  • Preschool programs for children ages 2.9 months to 4 years

  • College/university field trips to promote a college-bound culture

  • Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathways at FHS

  • STEM Electives, including robotics, medical detectives, and video production at FMS

  • Community College Dual-Enrollment classes during the school day and after school at FHS

  • UCSB Early Academic Outreach Program at FHS and FMS

  • CSUCI Guaranteed Admission at FHS

 Mental Health Support

  • Wellness Centers at FMS, FHS, SHS, Piru, San Cayetano, and Mountain Vista Schools

  • Counselors at all sites; full-time social workers at Fillmore Middle and Fillmore High Schools

  • New Telehealth options for students

 2024-2025 Facilities Improvements

  • Rio Vista School: New 200-meter all-weather track

  • Fillmore High School (FHS): New varsity baseball field, new restroom building, and flex space at the School Farm

  • Piru School: New HVAC in the cafeteria, new shade structures, and restroom building, new school sign

  • San Cayetano School: New HVAC in cafeteria, new furniture in every classroom, office redesign and upgrade, and new shade structure

  • Mountain Vista: new shade structure and upgrades to landscaping

 2025-2026 Facility Improvements

·         Fillmore High School: career center relocation and renovation, two new shade structures, library patio renovation

  • Fillmore Middle School: New student and teacher furniture in every classroom, new office furniture and drywall, new outside tables, upgraded landscaping

  • Mountain Vista School: new outside patio tables and umbrellas

  • All Schools and Facilities: upgrade and expand security cameras for school safety

 Future Projects

  • Fillmore Middle School (FMS): New paint and HVAC in the gym, new outdoor shade structures.

  • Fillmore High School (FHS): New athletic complex (projected completion date December 2026), locker room remodel to include girls' locker room, and kitchen upgrades

  • Transportation Department: Charging stations for new electric buses

Great things are happening in our school district!  It is important that we continue to work together, build relationships with each other, and maintain our collective focus to do what is best for our students. They are counting on us!

Please join and support our School Site Councils, English Learner Advisory Committees, Parent Booster Clubs, and volunteer opportunities. Connecting with these organizations and school staff is vital to your child’s success. I look forward to seeing our students back to school on Wednesday, August 13, and am confident we can make this school year a safe and positive experience for everyone.

Sincerely,
Christine Schieferle,
Superintendent  

 

11 de agosto de 2025


Estimada comunidad de FUSD:


¡Bienvenidos de nuevo al ciclo escolar 2025-2026! Espero que hayan pasado un verano lleno de tiempo de calidad con sus seres queridos y que estén listos para un excelente año escolar.
Todo el personal ha estado trabajando diligentemente para prepararse para el próximo año y estamos ansiosos de asociarnos con usted para hacer de este año escolar uno de crecimiento, logros y oportunidades para todos los estudiantes.

Este año escolar, mantendremos nuestro compromiso con el éxito académico de nuestros estudiantes y con la creación de escuelas seguras y respetuosas donde cada estudiante pueda prosperar. Reconocemos que algunas de nuestras familias y estudiantes están experimentando ansiedad y temor debido a las recientes actividades migratorias. Les aseguramos que estamos preparados para apoyar a nuestros estudiantes y familias y brindarles los recursos disponibles. No duden en contactarnos; ¡estamos aquí para ustedes! También reconocemos la importancia de la salud mental y nos dedicamos a ofrecer más recursos para apoyar el bienestar emocional y la resiliencia a largo plazo. Además, seguiremos invirtiendo en mejoras de las instalaciones en todo nuestro distrito escolar. A continuación, se presentan algunos puntos destacados:

Éxito académico estudiantil

  • Enlaces comunitarios bilingües a tiempo completo en todos los sitios escolares

  • Tutoría académica en línea gratuita disponible 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana

  • Profesores de intervención de lectura en todas las escuelas primarias

  • Profesora de prácticas restaurativas en Fillmore Middle School

  • Horarios en bloque con apoyo académico integrado en las escuelas Fillmore Middle y Fillmore High

  • Apoyo académico diferenciado dentro de la jornada escolar en todas las escuelas primarias

  • Programa de Estudio Independiente Ampliado con horarios y currículo personalizados

  • Programa extraescolar gratuito hasta las 6:00 p. m., de lunes a viernes

  • Programas de enriquecimiento sin costo durante las vacaciones escolares

  • Programa de deportes extraescolares gratuito en Fillmore Middle School

  • Programas preescolares para niños de 2,9 meses a 4 años

  • Excursiones universitarias para promover una cultura universitaria

  • Caminos de Educación Técnica Profesional (CTE) en FHS

  • Optativas STEM, que incluyen robótica, detectives médicos y producción de video en FMS

  • Clases de inscripción dual en colegios comunitarios durante el día escolar y después de la escuela en FHS

  • Programa de extensión académica temprana de la UCSB en FHS y FMS

  • Admisión garantizada de CSUCI en FHS

 

Apoyo de salud mental

  • Centros de bienestar en las escuelas FMS, FHS, SHS, Piru, San Cayetano y Mountain Vista

  • Consejeros en todos los sitios; trabajadores sociales de tiempo completo en Fillmore Middle y Fillmore High Schools

  • Nuevas opciones de telesalud para estudiantes


Mejoras de las instalaciones 2024-2025

  • Escuela Rio Vista: Nueva pista para todo clima de 200 metros

  • Fillmore High School (FHS): Nuevo campo de béisbol universitario, nuevo edificio de baños y espacio flexible en la granja escolar

  • Escuela Piru: Nuevo sistema de calefacción, ventilación y aire acondicionado (HVAC) en la cafetería, nuevas estructuras de sombra y edificio de baños, nuevo letrero escolar.

  • Escuela San Cayetano: Nuevo sistema de calefacción, ventilación y aire acondicionado (HVAC) en la cafetería, muebles nuevos en cada aula, rediseño y modernización de la oficina y nueva estructura de sombra.

  • Mountain Vista: nueva estructura de sombra y mejoras en el paisajismo


Mejoras de las instalaciones 2025-2026

  • Escuela Secundaria Fillmore: reubicación y renovación del centro de carreras, dos nuevas estructuras de sombra, renovación del patio de la biblioteca

  • Escuela secundaria Fillmore: Nuevos muebles para estudiantes y maestros en cada aula, nuevos muebles de oficina y paneles de yeso, nuevas mesas exteriores, paisajismo mejorado.

  • Escuela Mountain Vista: nuevas mesas y sombrillas para el patio exterior

  • Todas las escuelas e instalaciones: actualizar y ampliar las cámaras de seguridad para la seguridad escolar

 
Proyectos futuros

  • Fillmore Middle School (FMS): Nueva pintura y HVAC en el gimnasio, nuevas estructuras de sombra al aire libre.

  • Fillmore High School (FHS): Nuevo complejo deportivo (fecha de finalización prevista para diciembre de 2026), remodelación de vestuarios que incluirá vestuarios para niñas, reubicación y mejoras en la cocina.

  • Departamento de Transporte: Estaciones de carga para nuevos autobuses eléctricos


¡Están sucediendo grandes cosas en nuestro distrito escolar! Es importante que sigamos trabajando juntos, forjando relaciones y manteniendo nuestro enfoque colectivo para hacer lo mejor para nuestros estudiantes. ¡Cuentan con nosotros!
Por favor, únase y apoye nuestros Consejos Escolares, Comités Asesores de Estudiantes de Inglés, Clubes de Apoyo para Padres y oportunidades de voluntariado. Conectar con estas organizaciones y el personal escolar es vital para el éxito de su hijo/a. Espero con ansias ver a nuestros estudiantes de regreso a clases el miércoles 13 de agosto y confío en que podemos hacer de este año escolar una experiencia segura y positiva para todos.

Atentamente,
Christine Schieferle, Superintendente