There are 13 community schools in the Tustin Unified School District. Under the direction of the district Community Schools Coordinator, there are 10 Community School Specialists who serve in the following schools.
TUSD Community Schools Coordinator | Kris Posavec | kposavec@tustin.k12.ca.us
Benson Elementary | Kristina Moore | krmoore@tustin.k12.ca.us
Beswick Elementary | Carrie Murillo | cmurillo@tustin.k12.ca.us
Columbus Tustin Middle School | Jorge Osorio | josorio@tustin.k12.ca.us
Estock Elementary | Rhonda Parks | rparks@tustin.k12.ca.us
Guin Foss Elementary | Kristina Moore | krmoore@tustin.k12.ca.us
Heideman Elementary | Gia Meade | rmeade@tustin.k12.ca.us
Hillview High School | Jamie Joyce | jjoyce@tustin.k12.ca.us
Loma Vista Elementary | Maura Vaughn | mvaughn@tustin.k12.ca.us
Nelson Elementary | Megan Venezia | mvenezia@tustin.k12.ca.us
Sycamore Magnet Academy | Elizabeth (Liz) Diaz | erdiaz@tustin.k12.ca.us
Tustin Ranch Elementary | Maura Vaughn | mvaughn@tustin.k12.ca.us
Tustin High School | Pat Hsieh | phsieh@tustin.k12.ca.us
Utt Middle School | Jamie Joyce | jjoyce@tustin.k12.ca.us
A Community School Specialist implements and manages the Community Schools model. They focus on integrating academic, health, and social services to support the whole child, family engagement, and community partnerships. Responsibilities include:
Leadership and Coordination
Serve as the primary contact for all community school activities
Collaborate with school leadership to develop and implement a comprehensive Community School Plan
Identify and coordinate resources, services, and supports through community partners and integrate into the school environment.
Family and Community Engagement
Establish and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, government agencies and businesses to support school goals.
Facilitate programs and activities that increase parent and family engagement in the school community.
Ensure regular communication with stakeholders about available services, programs, and progress.
Student and Family Services
Conduct assessments to identify and respond to the needs of students and families.
Coordinate with service providers to deliver comprehensive supports such as mental health services, after-school programs, academic tutoring, health services, and more.
Track the effectiveness of services and programs; use data to refine and improve offerings.
School Climate and Culture
Promote an inclusive and supportive school environment where all students feel safe, respected, and valued.
Implement positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) and other strategies that contribute to a positive school climate.
Provide/coordinate training and professional development for staff on community school strategies, family engagement, and cultural competency.
Sustainability and Advocacy
Assist in securing and managing grants and other funding sources to sustain community school initiatives.
Advocate for policies at the district and state levels that support growth and sustainability of the Community Schools model.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Collect and analyze data related to student outcomes, family engagement, and the effectiveness of services to guide decision-making.
Prepare regular reports on the progress and impact of community school efforts, sharing successes and areas for improvement.
Overall, the Community School Specialist is a vital role that ensures the successful integration of resources, services, and partnerships to create a supportive and enriching environment for students, families, and the broader school community.