Superintendent's Update Page
Dear Families and Staff,
Welcome to the 2025–26 school year in the Anderson Valley Unified School District! It is with great pride and excitement that I welcome you to our community of learners, where tradition, innovation, and student success go hand in hand.
In Anderson Valley, we value our diversity and strive to be an inclusive community where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported. We believe school should be a place for fun, learning, and growing; we love to support our students as they lay foundations for pursuing their dreams.
This year brings continued growth and exciting improvements across our campuses. At AVHS, we are thrilled to see the all-weather track taking shape and recently completed renovations to classrooms and science labs that will provide students with modern, engaging learning spaces. Planning is also underway for an anticipated full renovation of the high school gym. Meanwhile, AVES is preparing to unveil a brand-new kitchen and upgraded facilities designed to better serve our elementary students. These projects reflect our commitment to creating safe, vibrant, and inspiring environments for all learners.
I invite you to join us in making this a year of learning, connection, and shared success. Here’s to a fantastic 2025-26 school year!
Fondly,
Kristin Larson Balliet
Superintendent
Back to School Letters from Your Principals
Welcome, New Staff!
We are thrilled to announce many wonderful additions to our team! Please welcome them to our beautiful AVUSD community.
Joel Casillas will be joining us at AV Jr/Sr High as our new PE teacher and Athletic Director! Joel is an avid athlete and a strong supporter of school sports. Students will love him!
Charlene Rowland has joined us as our second Agriculture teacher. Charlene is an experienced agriculture teacher who enjoys welding and ag mechanics!
Nathan McMath will be teaching music at both AV Jr/Sr High and AVES. Nathan grew up in Anderson Valley and went to our schools! Recently, he has taught music abroad in many countries. He will be a fantastic addition to our team.
Liz Cornejo will join AV Jr/Sr High as office assistant. Liz previously worked for AVUSD as a bilingual specialist; we are thrilled to have her rejoin our team!
Important Dates - Mark Your Calendars!
Please also save this 2025-26 Student & Parent Calendar for your reference all year!
August 4, 5:00 PM District Safety Meeting at AVHS Library
August 11, 9:00-1:00 7th & 8th grade Registration & Schedule Pick-Up
August 12, 9:00-1:00 9th-11th grade Registration & Schedule Pick-Up
August 15 at 3:30 PM AVES Orientation
August 18 First Day of School!!!
Concerned About Safety?
Your children are precious and it is our job to keep them safe! If you have any concerns or questions about school safety, please join us for an informational meeting and a Q&A this coming Monday, August 4th, in the AVHS Library at 5:00 p.m. Both principals and the superintendent will be present to share information and talk with parents.
FFA & Food Bank
We are so proud of all the FFA does for our kids and community!
The Victory Garden delivered 200 lbs of produce (broccoli, cabbage, kale, green onions, Swiss Chard, kohlrabi, zucchini, and cucumbers) and fruit (peaches and Santa Rosa plums) for distribution [to the local Food Bank].
What excess produce or canned food could you donate to your food bank?
The federal government has cut funds to all food banks and even nutrition programs.There are so many people all over the country that are in need.
What can you do? Even small donations can help.In Anderson Valley 200 families are helped by the food bank twice a month.
(Written by FFA teacher Beth Swehla)
We Value ALL Our Families: Immigration Support and Updates
Please find links to additional information for families below:
- National Immigration Law Center: “Know Your Rights” (English | Spanish | Additional Languages)
If you would like to be more involved at school, please contact your school’s principal, Ms. Jenny Bailey at AVES or Mr. Heath McNerney at AV Jr/Sr High, or our district superintendent, Ms. Kristin Larson Balliet. We are deeply grateful for our AVUSD families.
With respect,
Kristin Larson Balliet
Superintendent
Anderson Valley Unified School District
AVUSD IN ACTION
BETTER TOGETHER!
