This week (Classified School Employee Week), we celebrated our classified and confidential employees—the quiet strength operating behind the scenes in our schools and district office. With warm smiles and tireless efforts, they help keep our school district running smoothly each day.

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Twin Rivers Unified School District today announced a new Workforce Housing Project initiative to help address housing challenges faced by its faculty and staff. The innovative project aims to provide affordable, below-market-rate rental units to support the district’s workforce.

 

To further support its employees, the district is partnering with SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union to provide ongoing financial literacy programs and resources to help employees achieve their long-term financial goals and work towards homeownership.   

 

Local and state leaders, educators, and community members gathered at the proposed housing site, 1251 Chuckwagon Drive, Sacramento, to mark this milestone for the district and its workforce.

 

“This project is about more than just housing—it’s about investing in the people who shape the future of our students,” said Dr. Steve Martinez, Superintendent of Twin Rivers Unified. “Like so many districts across the state, the lack of quality housing poses a significant challenge to attract and retain the best educators and staff to support our students. By addressing housing challenges, we are creating stability for our educators and staff and providing them with an opportunity to build savings that we hope will better position them for homeownership in the future.”

 

The project is part of a larger initiative to improve employee retention and recruitment while strengthening ties between schools and the communities they serve.

 

The Workforce Housing Project aligns with Twin Rivers Unified’s commitment to providing comprehensive support for its employees. Basim Elkarra, Twin Rivers Board President, highlighted the significance of the development: “This project demonstrates how innovative solutions can make a tangible difference in the lives of our employees and their families. It’s a proud moment for our district and our community.”

 

Josh Smith, VP of School and Community Relations at SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, underscored the broader impact of the project, stating, “We are honored to partner with Twin Rivers Unified on this transformative initiative. Financial literacy and supporting school employees and their families is our mission at SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union. By providing local educators with stable housing and financial support, we can help more families attain homeownership and help build generational wealth and thriving communities. This project is a testament to the power of collaboration.”

 

The Workforce Housing Project is designed by KYA Architects and 19Six Architects, and will include modern, sustainable units that cater to the needs of district employees. The project is in its initial phase and the district is currently conducting a feasibility study.

 

 

MCCLELLAN, Calif. - Sacramento City Council has recognized Twin Rivers Unified School District (TRUSD) with a resolution honoring the district for its longstanding commitment to excellence in education, diversity, and community service. The resolution recognizes TRUSD’s achievements in promoting educational equity, sustainability, and community support throughout its vast service area, which spans 120 square miles and includes neighborhoods such as Arden Fair, Del Paso Heights, North Natomas, North Highlands, and Rio Linda. TRUSD serves nearly 25,000 students representing 50 languages across 52 school sites and is supported by more than 3,000 dedicated staff members.

 

Superintendent Steve Martinez expressed his gratitude for the Sacramento City Council’s recognition, stating, "This resolution is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and community partners who make Twin Rivers a district of excellence. We are deeply committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, promoting sustainability, and providing our students with the opportunities they need to thrive. We are grateful to the Sacramento City Council for honoring our work and our shared commitment to Sacramento’s future.”

 

Key highlights from the Council's resolution include TRUSD’s 92% graduation rate, which exceeds state and county averages, and its dramatic 17% increase in graduation rates since 2012-2013. Additionally, the district has reduced its dropout rate from 19.4% in 2011-12 to just 4.0% today. Programs such as Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), Career Technical Education (CTE), and Advanced Placement (AP) courses contribute to this academic success, with 77.4% of AVID seniors meeting college entrance requirements in the 2023-2024 academic year.

 

In addition to academic achievements, TRUSD stands out for its commitment to equity, diversity, and sustainability. The district’s K-8 Dual Language Immersion Program, 1:1 student-to-device ratio, and pioneering electric school bus program exemplify this dedication. TRUSD’s fleet now includes 78 electric buses, and the district has secured $9.2 million for future environmental initiatives.

 

The district’s We Are TR Foundation raised $20,000 in scholarships last year and aims to double this support to $40,000 for the 2024-2025 school year.

 

In recognition of TRUSD's accomplishments, the Sacramento City Council commended the district for its leadership and dedication to building a brighter future for the Sacramento community through a robust commitment to diversity, educational excellence, sustainability, and public service.