State Superintendent Joins Celebration

August 18, Livermore, California – Superintendent Kelly Bowers welcomed more than 1,250 employees to the start of the school year at the 7th Annual Back-to-School Kick Off event this morning. State Superintendent Tom Torlakson joined the festivities to congratulate the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) for earning the Bay Area News Group 2016 Top Workplace Award.

Employees were welcomed to the Kick Off by the enthusiasm of cheerleaders and Shooting Stars from both Livermore High School and Granada High School, and were greeted by School Board members as they entered the celebration, held at the Robert Livermore Community Center. The two-hour event included a continental breakfast, prizes, and activities that provided recognition and inspiration for the District’s staff. Bay Area educator, stand-up comedian, and motivational speaker, Nina G entertained the group while sharing her message that positive mentors matter for students. State Superintendent Tom Torlakson joined the resounding finale, as the entire LVJUSD staff thanked the Livermore community for its ongoing support, especially for passing Measure J. The celebratory event was made possible through the generosity of community support.

The Kick Off was established by Superintendent Kelly Bowers as a way to begin the year with all employees. “It takes a dynamic team to serve more than 13,000 students and families,” says Dr. Bowers. “The Kick Off is one of the ways we show each and every member of our team that they are valued and appreciated.” Bowers continued, “I’m grateful for our incredible employees.”

The 2016 – 2017 academic year begins after a positive summer for the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District. In June, the Livermore community passed Measure J, authorizing a $245M facilities bond measure that will modernize and enhance every classroom in the District. In July, the Bay Area News Group recognized the District as a Top Workplace award winner. The recognition as a Top Workplace is based on an anonymous employee survey conducted by Workplace Dynamics and is a highly coveted award among Bay Area employers.

On Monday, August 22, the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District will welcome over 13,000 students to the first day of the 2016 – 2017 school year. “This is going to be a great year for Livermore,” says School Board President Craig Bueno.