November 22, 2024 Introductory Message from Superintendent Churchill
Dear PUSD Families,
I am honored and humbled to be your new Superintendent. During my initial meetings with the PUSD Board of Education, they communicated the community's priorities for the leadership qualities sought in the next Superintendent. Those qualities include integrity, strong communication skills, and the ability to foster meaningful, engaging relationships with PUSD’s exceptional staff and highly engaged families. I strive to embody these qualities daily, and will continue to prioritize them as I move into this new role. I am officially starting on December 2 and could not be more excited.
In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey argues that leaders must “first seek to understand, then to be understood.” I have outlined a series of transition activities to the Board; these activities are intended to facilitate deep understanding of the context of public education in PUSD, primarily by engaging in ‘listening and learning’ activities during the first several months of my tenure. The listening and learning phase will quickly turn to leading, but establishing a solid understanding of the district is crucial before thinking about ways to strengthen the already positive work occurring here.
Poway Unified School District’s vision is to create culture and conditions to empower world-class learners. As your superintendent, it is my intention to work tirelessly until our vision and mission are realized.
This is my 29th year of successful experience in public schools, charter schools, and international schools. For the last eight and a half years, I’ve served here in San Diego County as the Superintendent of Carlsbad Unified School District. Prior to our move to Southern California, I served as the Chief Academic Officer for a large school district in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, overseeing all aspects of teaching and learning in 27 schools for 25,000 students in grades Pre-K through 12. I’ve also previously served in the roles of assistant superintendent, high school principal, high school assistant principal, and English teacher.
My family and I currently reside in Carlsbad. My wife is an elementary school teacher, and we have two teenage daughters. We love the ocean, and spending time outside with our dogs.
PUSD is an outstanding district with committed parents, excellent teachers and staff, and a tradition of excellence. It is my goal to lead Poway Unified from excellent to exceptional, and to build on PUSD’s reputation as a national model for innovation and achievement. I look forward to partnering with you on the work ahead.
I wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday. I can’t wait to get started after the break!
Respectfully, and with great excitement,
Dr. Ben Churchill
Superintendent
