As we begin 2026, Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District is building real momentum. From our Golden Bell Award-winning comprehensive counseling program to expanded career pathways and strengthened academic supports, our schools are proving that when we invest strategically in both people and systems, students thrive. Guided by our mission to educate and inspire all students to achieve their unique potential, and supported by a Board of Education committed to student success, we’re moving forward with clear priorities and measurable progress.
Academic Excellence drives our work. This year, students across our District have access to rigorous instruction, expanded college and career readiness opportunities, and comprehensive academic interventions designed to meet them where they are. Our recent Golden Bell Award for secondary counseling reflects a district-wide commitment to preparing students not just to graduate, but to succeed in college, careers, and life beyond high school. We’re seeing the results in increased student achievement, higher completion rates in advanced coursework, and stronger post-secondary preparation across all our schools, outcomes made possible by the Board’s strategic vision and unwavering support for programs that serve students.
Our people make the difference. Every achievement in our District begins with the dedication of our teachers, classified professionals, administrators, counselors, and support staff who show up for students every single day. Their expertise, commitment, and care create the learning environments where students thrive. Through our District Leadership Academy, now serving both classified and certificated employees, we’re growing leadership capacity at every level and strengthening a culture built on collaboration, trust, and continuous improvement. The Board of Education’s investment in professional development ensures our team has the tools, training, and support needed to deliver excellence in every classroom and on every campus.
Strategic resource management powers our progress. With the Board of Education’s fiscal oversight and commitment to responsible stewardship, we’re able to sustain what’s working while investing in what’s next—from classroom technology and instructional materials to the professional learning that keeps our staff at their best. This stability allows our educators and staff to focus on what matters most: teaching and supporting students. We’re also deepening partnerships with families, businesses, and community organizations that connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities and help students envision their futures.
Safety remains foundational. Our comprehensive approach to school safety, from continuously trained officers to site-specific protocols and regular campus assessments, means families can trust that their students are learning in secure, well-supervised environments where both physical and emotional safety are priorities. Our classified staff, administrators, and site teams conduct ongoing evaluations of each campus’s unique needs and adjust our approach accordingly, ensuring every school is a place where learning can happen.
Looking ahead, our focus remains clear: academic excellence, career-connected learning, leadership development at all levels, and the community partnerships that open doors for students. The Board of Education’s strategic direction, combined with the daily dedication of every district employee, positions us to continue this momentum.
Thank you to our Board of Education for their leadership and vision. Thank you to every teacher, classified professional, administrator, and staff member who gives their best to our students. And thank you to our families and community partners for your continued collaboration in this work. Together, we’re not just preparing students for the future—we’re helping them create it.
Sincerely,
Dr. Natasha Baker
Superintendent, Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District
