Grossmont Union High School District - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD), established in 1920, is a public school district in eastern San Diego County, California, serving high school and adult education students. The district's mission is to empower each student to build the best future, guided by its core values of caring, collaboration, and innovation. GUHSD covers approximately 465 square miles and operates nine comprehensive high schools, three charter high schools, one continuation high school, a regional occupational program, and special education and adult education services.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

GUHSD aims to provide a safe, supportive, and collaborative school environment for its students.

The district focuses on enhancing student safety and wellness across all campuses.

GUHSD is committed to improving communication between staff, parents, students, and the community.

The district emphasizes relevant, equitable, and high-quality educational programs that empower each student.

Specialization Areas

GUHSD specializes in providing comprehensive high school education and adult education services.

The district emphasizes creating a safe and supportive learning environment.

GUHSD delivers innovative technologies that drive creativity and connection in the classroom.

Target Markets

GUHSD primarily targets students in grades 9-12 within its geographical boundaries.

The district also serves adult education students.

GUHSD strives to provide equitable education to a diverse student population.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

For the 2024-25 school year, Grossmont Union High School District plans to spend $302,309,923.

$47,424,987 is tied to actions/services in the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), and $269,525,290 is not included in the plan.

The total revenue projected is $302,309,923, of which $232,033,415 is Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), $27,111,222 is other state funds, $29,784,382 is local funds, and $13,380,904 is federal funds.

In 2024-25, the district is projecting $36,522,268 based on the enrollment of foster youth, English learner, and low-income students.

In the 2016-17 school year, the district had a total revenue of $317.6 million, with 56.0% from local sources, 37.5% from state sources, and 6.5% from federal sources, translating to a per-pupil revenue of $14,527.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

Health Career Pathways: This program promotes the development of a qualified healthcare workforce, focusing on academic rigor, health career projects, community activities, guest speakers, and field trips.

Development Stage: Ongoing.

Target Market/Condition: Students interested in healthcare careers.

Expected Timeline: Continuous.

Key Features and Benefits: Three-year science sequence, hands-on experience, and community involvement.

Medical Terminology and Public Health Online Classes: The district aims to increase student participation in these online classes.

HESI Program: The district aims to have at least 15 East County students complete the HESI program.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

GUHSD is adopting the HPE GreenLake edge-to-cloud portfolio.

The district utilizes a learning management system.

Every student is provided with a Chromebook, and teachers receive a new laptop every four years.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Dr. Kirsten Vital Brulte: Superintendent. Previously served as Superintendent of Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) for eight years.

Sandra Huezo: Interim Superintendent. Previously served as the Director of Human Resources and associate superintendent of Human Resources for the Poway Unified School District.

Dr. Paul Dautremont: Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services.

Collin McGlashen: Director of Public Affair & Legislative relations.

Ryan Burke: Assistant Superintendent.

Recent Leadership Changes

Mike Fowler was appointed Superintendent in May 2024 and stepped down in 2025.

Mary Beth Kastan was the superintendent from July 2022 and resigned at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.

Theresa Kemper was the superintendent from July 2020 until her retirement in July 2022.

Carrie Gaeir was appointed as the next Principal of El Capitan High School, assuming her role on July 1, 2025.

6. Competitive Analysis

Major Competitors

The report mentions comparisons to other districts such as San Diego Unified, San Marcos Unified, and Poway Unified.

7. Market Analysis

Market Overview

GUHSD serves over 16,000 students in grades 9-12.

The district is ethnically diverse, with approximately 53% of students being White and 47% identifying as Latino, African-American, Asian, Filipino, Pacific Islander, and Native American.

8. Strategic Partnerships

GUHSD partners with community businesses and local agencies to support the growth and community involvement of students with special needs.

The district collaborates with the statewide Health Workforce Initiative (HWI), the SDCOE CTE department, LiveWell San Diego - East Region, and the regional Health and Science Pipeline Initiative (HASPI).

GUHSD partners with ENGIE to modernize its bus fleet and transition to electric buses.

9. Operational Insights

GUHSD is the largest employer in eastern San Diego County, with 2,300 employees and hundreds more hourly employees.

The district is focused on modernizing facilities and strengthening student wellness and academic achievement programs.

GUHSD emphasizes providing innovative technologies that drive creativity and connection in the classroom.

10. Future Outlook

Strategic Roadmap

GUHSD is focused on expanding its high-quality educational programs and delivering on the promise of providing every student with what they need to succeed.