DAVIS—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond visited two campuses in the Davis Joint Unified School District (USD) today to highlight investments supporting students from early education through career-connected learning.
“Today, I had the incredible opportunity to join these TK students for the first 15 minutes of their very first day in the classroom—and then to see where that educational journey can lead,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “At Davis Senior High School, students on the award-winning Citrus Circuits robotics team showed us a robot they built and the impressive skills they are developing through the program. From a child’s first day in the classroom to preparing students for the careers of the future, our schools should open doors to learning, discovery, and opportunity.”
Accompanied by Davis Joint USD Superintendent Matt Best, Superintendent Thurmond began his visit at North Davis Elementary School, where he toured a new early childhood education facility, visited transitional kindergarten (TK) and early education classrooms, and joined students and teachers. It is one of five new facilities in the Davis Joint USD designed to expand learning opportunities for the district’s youngest students.
Superintendent Thurmond then visited Davis Senior High School, where he met with students from Citrus Circuits (FRC Team 1678), the school’s award-winning, globally competitive robotics team. Students showcased a robot they designed and built, demonstrating not only their technical and engineering expertise but also the leadership, teamwork, and public speaking skills they develop through the program.
Citrus Circuits operates out of Davis Senior High School’s engineering and robotics center and connects students to local Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways. Completed in 2023, construction of the 7,800-square-foot facility was supported by $3 million from a State CTE Facilities Grant with matching funds from a local bond measure.
More information about TK/Early Childhood Education and CTE can be found on the California Department of Education website.