Superintendent

A Letter from the Superintendent

Dear PUSD Families,

It is a privilege to serve as Superintendent of the Poway Unified School District. Every day, I am inspired by the dedication of our students, families, staff, and Board of Education. The warm welcome I received has grown into a deep appreciation for the people, community spirit, and shared values that make PUSD such an exceptional place to live and learn.

From the beginning, I committed to listening and learning—to understanding our district’s strengths, challenges, and aspirations. That commitment remains at the heart of my leadership. Through classroom visits, school events, community conversations, and time spent with students and staff, I continue to learn from the vibrant and diverse voices that make Poway Unified a destination district.

Our vision—to create the culture and conditions to empower world-class learners—guides all we do. I see this vision come to life every day through innovation in classrooms, caring relationships, and high expectations for every student. I am proud to lead a district that champions academic excellence, and equally prioritizes the well-being, belonging, and growth of every learner.

In alignment with this vision, our Board of Education has adopted clear district goals in three priority areas: Student Success, Community Engagement, and Fiscal Responsibility. These goals guide our strategies and investments—from expanding academic pathways and student support systems, to strengthening communication and partnerships with families, to ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources. We are committed to continuous improvement and transparency as we pursue excellence in each of these priority areas.

My career in education spans three decades in public, charter, and international schools. Prior to joining PUSD, I served as Superintendent of the Carlsbad Unified School District for more than eight years. Before moving to Southern California, I served as Chief Academic Officer in a large suburban district near Chicago, overseeing teaching and learning for 25,000 students. I have also served as an assistant superintendent, high school principal, assistant principal, and English teacher. These roles have shaped my values and deepened my belief in the transformative power of public education.

Thank you for your partnership, trust, and ongoing support. Together, we will continue to build on PUSD’s strong foundation and ensure every student is empowered to thrive—today and in the future.

With gratitude and commitment,
Dr. Ben Churchill
Superintendent, Poway Unified School District