Jason Engelund

Parent, Artist, Volunteer

Arts in Schools Project Created 2015 

A.R.T.s ~ Art Resources for Teachers website, Creator and Managing Editor 2017 - 2023 

Jason Engelund’s artworks are represented by Ideel Art Gallery Paris, London. Engelund’s artwork is held in the permanent collection of the Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art and his artworks have been represented by galleries in Los Angeles, London, Berlin, Oakland and San Francisco. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, he has exhibited in the USA and Europe. Engelund's studio practice expanded through his residency in France in 2022.

Engelund was awarded the Individual Artist grant by the Sustainable Arts Foundation and was a recipient of a grant from Crayola to provide best practices in arts education to public school teachers. Engelund is a founding member of the California College of the Arts Center for Art and Public Life where he worked for eleven years creating and managing programs for artists and diverse communities to collaborate on resolving real world issues. The reach of these art projects creating social justice solutions expanded and successfully helped address pressing humanitarian needs around the world.

Engelund received his Bachelor of Fine Arts with Distinction from the California College of Arts and Crafts and received his Master of Fine Arts from the University of California, Davis.

Visit the artist's website at JasonEngelund.com

Mr. Dustin Gacherieu

Director of Human Resources and former Principal Jensen Ranch Elementary

Arts in Schools Administrative Leader

"My life was forever changed by my experiences in the arts in Castro Valley Schools. As an arts educator, it is my desire to bring quality arts education experiences to every student in Castro Valley."

Dustin Gacherieu, principal of Jensen Ranch Elementary School is a product of the Castro Valley Unified School District. He attended Saint Mary’s College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a minor in Performing Arts, Master of Arts Degree, and Teaching Credential. Mr. Gacherieu began his teaching career at Chabot Elementary School in Castro Valley where he taught fifth grade, fourth grade, and kindergarten. Additionally, he served as lead teacher, student council advisor, intervention coordinator and track/volleyball coach. Perhaps Mr. Gacherieu is most widely known for the 14 musical productions he directed at Stanton and then Chabot Elementary School. Knowing that he wanted to be an educational leader, Mr. Gacherieu returned to Saint Mary’s College to earn his Administrative Services Credential.

My wish is that the newly formed District's Arts Committee brings together people who are passionate about the arts to ensure integration of the arts in our curricula, especially in elementary schools and  seek opportunities to honor, recognize and acknowledge our students' and staff's creativity."