Courtesy Photo
From left to right: LAEF Board Secretary Christine Coxhill, LAEF Donor Relations & Development Manager, Lauren DeNinno, LAEF Board Treasurer Troy Yoshida, LAEF Board Chair Kendra Jones, LAEF Emeritus Board Member Sean Payne, LAEF Executive Director Carrie Logue, LAEF Board Vice Chair Matt Herrick, LAEF Community Outreach Specialist Amelia Nicholls, Los Al USD Superintendent Dr. Andrew Pulver, LAEF Program Coordinator Yolande Davies and LAEF Board Advisor Shelley Riekenberg.

More than 220 community members, civic leaders, educators, and district partners joined Los Alamitos Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Andrew Pulver for the annual State of the District breakfast, hosted in partnership with the Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF), on Thursday, October 9, 2025. The event opened with inspiring student performances, featuring a quartet from the Los Alamitos High School String Orchestra and sophomore Maddie Diggle’s moving rendition of the National Anthem.

Prior to Dr. Pulver delivering the State of the District address, LAEF presented a $154,264 donation to support Innovation Grants across the district. LAEF received 108 proposals from Los Al USD staff and awarded 70 grants designed to bring creative, student-centered ideas to life in classrooms. Since 2013, LAEF has contributed more than $3.6 million to the district, underscoring a long-standing partnership dedicated to advancing educational excellence and opportunities for all students.

Following the check presentation, Dr. Pulver shared the District Priority Goals for 2025–26, emphasizing Los Alamitos USD’s unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. The goals focus on passionately pursuing academic achievement, cultivating a thriving and safe culture, fostering collaborative relationships, strategically managing financial resources, and providing high-quality facilities that support student success.

He also highlighted several extraordinary achievements across the district. All nine Los Alamitos USD schools have earned the prestigious distinctions of California Distinguished School and Gold Ribbon School. Notably, 89 percent of graduates completed Advanced Placement (AP), Career Technical Education (CTE), or dual-enrollment college courses, and 94 percent pursued post-secondary education. He also noted that Los Alamitos USD’s 17 Career Technical Education courses have recently been recognized by the County for the highest percent growth in CTE enrollment, reflecting the district’s strong commitment to preparing students for success in college, career, and life.

During his address, Dr. Pulver reflected on the district’s unique history, noting how the intentional unification of three distinct communities shaped the strong, collaborative culture Los Alamitos USD embodies today. Centered around this year’s theme, For Good, he spoke about how the theme represents the lasting impact of the work done each day across the district.

“Delivering the State of the District address is a profound privilege,” said Dr. Pulver. “Every day, I see the extraordinary power of what happens when our community unites with purpose. For Good is more than a theme; it reflects who we are as a district. The connections we build, the lives we touch, and the moments we create together leave a lasting impact that reaches far beyond our classrooms. Los Alamitos Unified continues to be a place where remarkable things happen every day, For Good.”

Dr. Pulver also provided updates on key district enhancement projects, including ongoing classroom and restroom renovations at Los Alamitos High School and plans to modernize the school’s Performing Arts Center.

He concluded his address with an emotional video inspired by the theme For Good, which captured the heart of Los Alamitos Unified. The video illustrated how the everyday actions of students, staff, and families create lasting impact and highlighted the power of connection, the importance of relationships, and the many ways this community continues to invest in one another.

The event was attended by parents, PTA groups, district staff and administration, school board members, LAEF’s board of directors, and local city and elected officials. The breakfast took place at On The Greens at Navy Golf Course, and all net proceeds supported LAEF. The presentation was video-recorded and will be made available on the District’s YouTube channel.

“We are pleased to collaborate with Dr. Pulver once again to bring our community together to celebrate the achievements of our district. LAEF extends its heartfelt gratitude to our Legacy Sponsor, Alamitos Eye Care, and our Valedictorian Sponsors: Clean Wave Express Carwash, Erickson-Hall, Epson, Simon Law Group, and the Orange County Department of Education. Their generous support has been instrumental in making this event a success,” said LAEF Executive Director Carrie Logue.

LAEF is the non-profit partner of Los Alamitos Unified School District. LAEF enhances educational excellence by providing after-school and summer enrichment programs to children in grades Pre-K to 12. LAEF provides significant funding for mental health/wellness and Innovation & STEAM Grants, as well as igniting new programs and providing valuable resources, to impact all students. For additional information on LAEF, please call (562) 799-4700 Extension 80424 or visit www.LAEF4Kids.org.