About Our District

In the 1950's Hesperia was little more than a stop on the railroad line, a sleepy little desert community. During this decade, a large developer discovered the potential of the desert and bought and developed a large tract of land in Hesperia. A hotel and restaurant were built and a large promotion campaign resulted in the purchase of lots in the desert by people from all over the country.

The town of Hesperia (Greek: "Star of the West") was incorporated in 1988, although historically the name has been on record for 100 years. Hesperia varies in elevation from 2800 to 3100 feet. Hesperia's steady growth is attributed to its relatively low property prices, its rural environment, and its commuting proximity to job centers in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Bernardino, and Riverside. As a result of this growth, our student population increased in its cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity and in size. Currently, the Hesperia Unified School District has a student population of over 20,000.

The Hesperia School District unified in 1987. Prior to that, it served elementary students only. Secondary students attended schools in the Victor Valley High School District

District Goals

- Implement the Facilities Master Plan in acquiring school sites, planning and building schools, and adding capacity at current schools to meet both the long- and short-term facilities needs of our growing district.

- Continue our instructional improvement activities, with an emphasis on secondary schools, to progress toward our district goal of all schools reaching 800 on the State Academic Performance Index (API) by the year 2010. Promote school-to-career programs, which enable students to pursue post-secondary academic or vocational options.

- Closely monitor enrollment and the budget and make timely adjustments to staffing, services, programs and budgets to keep the district solvent and operating efficiently.

- Recruit and retain quality staff members who demonstrate competence, caring, enthusiasm and a positive, collaborative attitude. Maintain the highest standards for all district employees while striving to improve and develop productive and positive relationships with our employees as individuals and through CSEA and HTA by open lines of communication and pursuit of common interest goals for the benefit of the students of our District.

- Communicate with parents and encourage their involvement in order to build a strong working home/school partnership that promotes children who are healthy and ready to learn; strong families; and safe homes and schools.

- Communicate our district core values, programs, activities and achievements to both our parents and our community. Celebrate with our current and retired employees our 20th anniversary as a unified district this year.

Core value

Emphasis on Student Learning

We believe that all students can learn and that all students will have access to a positive and challenging learning environment.

Build Home, School and Community Partnerships

We believe in strong partnerships and regular communication with parents and community members to help our students maximize their individual potential.

Safe and Clean Schools and Facilities

We believe that students and staff should be housed in learning and working environments that are clean and safe.

Quality People/High Standards

We believe in recruiting and retaining highly qualified employees who maintain high moral and ethical character and consistently exhibit a positive example, exemplary attitude, genuine caring and enthusiasm.

Fiscal Responsibility

We believe it is our responsibility to spend the funds entrusted to us to obtain the greatest educational opportunities for our youth. We must also protect and preserve the fiscal health of the District while maintaining a prudent reserve. To achieve these ends and to maintain the public’s trust, we will engage in clear, honest and open dialogue with all stakeholders in a professional, cooperative and problem-solving manner.

Principled Relationship with Employee Bargaining Units

We believe in principled relationships and meaningful negotiations with employee groups that advance student achievement, employee interests, and the District’s core values.

Long Term Stability

We believe that the long term stability of quality programs, leadership, teachers and classified staff is essential to the long-term success of our students and District.