• Read: PGUSD Superintendent of Schools’ Goals
• Review: PGUSD Administration Organization Chart

Dear Pacific Grove Unified School District Community,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! I hope you and your family had a joyful and restful summer.

As I enter my third year as your superintendent, I am filled with gratitude and excitement. Whether you are a returning member of our school community or joining us for the first time, I warmly welcome you to what promises to be another impactful and inspiring year in PGUSD.

This year, we continue our commitment to building a Culture of We, rooted in our three core values: Belonging, Safety, and Prosperity. These values are the foundation for everything we do. I’m deeply proud of the meaningful progress we made together last year—and as we look ahead, we do so with purpose, honoring how far we’ve come and embracing the opportunities that lie ahead.

 

Last year, I began my welcome message with a question: Can people truly prosper if they don’t feel they belong? That question continues to guide our work. Thanks to your care and dedication, we have seen real change—student belonging is up, reports of racial bullying are down, and more families feel seen, heard, and supported. Most importantly, our students feel the difference—and they are telling us so.

I invite you to watch this short video to hear directly from our students as they share, in their own words, the changes they are seeing and experiencing across our campuses.

 

Together, we made significant strides in our cultural proficiency work, and I’m inspired by our staff’s commitment to maintaining that momentum. This year, we will continue with even more intention—strengthening restorative practices, expanding inclusive curriculum, and ensuring every child feels safe, valued, and supported in their learning journey.

 

Our shared success was evident in the incredible achievements of our most recent graduates. I am filled with pride and admiration for the Class of 2024 who, collectively, will be attending more than 70 colleges, universities, and trade schools across California, the nation, and the world this coming year. They represent the very best of PGUSD: equity, excellence, and opportunity. Their success is not by accident. It is the result of years of collaboration between families, educators, and support staff—working in unison to support student growth and belonging. What we’re doing is working. Let’s keep doing it.

As we enter this next chapter, PGUSD remains focused on preparing students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We’re doubling down on what works: meaningful learning, strong relationships, and deep community engagement. Our vision is alive and well—and this year, we will build on our shared foundation with renewed clarity and focus.
Throughout the summer, many of our educators engaged in professional learning in preparation for the year ahead. At the elementary level, teachers will be implementing a new English Language Arts curriculum (EL Education) with a focus on developing critical thinkers and compassionate citizens. At the middle and high school levels, educators will continue deepening their work in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to ensure high levels of learning for all students.

Meanwhile, our Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation (MOT) team worked tirelessly to enhance facilities across the district. Given the scope of the projects and a very active summer schedule, a few upgrades remain in progress and will be completed in the coming weeks. We appreciate your patience as we finalize these improvements in support of student safety, comfort, and learning.

As always, this year we remain focused on creating opportunities for students to excel and families to stay connected. You can expect increased communication, inclusive events, and open dialogue—all aimed at strengthening the connections that make PGUSD such a special place to learn and grow.

While we celebrate our progress, we know the work continues. I invite each of you to join me in doubling down on our shared commitment to Belonging, Safety, and Prosperity. Because this work—of building a culture of care, trust, and excellence—belongs to all of us.

As the spirit of Ubuntu teaches us: I am because of you, and you are because of me.

Let’s show the world what’s possible when we lead with heart and hold ourselves accountable—not just for the past, but for the future we’re building together. What we’re doing is working. Let’s keep doing it.

It is an honor to serve as your superintendent. Thank you for trusting us with your children, and thank you for partnering with us as we continue this important work.

 

Let’s make this another outstanding year—together.  Please feel free to reach out to me or any member of our cabinet team should you have questions, feedback, or simply want to say hello. We are here to serve you and remain available and open. Please don’t ever hesitate to contact my office.

With gratitude and excitement,
Dr. Linda Adamson

Superintendent of Schools
Pacific Grove Unified School District
Putting Students First 
ladamson@pgusd.org