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MPUSD Featured in National Book on Transforming School Districts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2026

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Marci McFadden

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MPUSD Featured in National Book on Transforming School Districts
Recognized alongside leading districts for advancing student learning and well-being

Monterey, CA - The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District has been featured in a new national education book, Whole Learners, Whole Systems: Transforming School Districts for Adolescent Thriving, highlighting the district as a model for designing systems that support both student learning and well-being.

Authored by Sarah Fine, Santiago Rincón-Gallardo, and Michael Fullan, the book showcases a select group of school systems across the country that are rethinking traditional approaches to education. MPUSD is recognized alongside leading education systems across California, including Anaheim Union High School District, Fresno Unified School District, Lindsay Unified School District, Oakland Unified School District, and Shasta County Office of Education.

“This has always been our aim to build one of the finest school districts in the nation,” said Superintendent PK Diffenbaugh. “To see MPUSD included in this work affirms the direction we’ve taken together as a community, and the impact our schools are having on students.”

The chapter, “MPUSD: An Ecosystem for Adolescent Learning and Well-being,” describes the district’s transformation over the past decade from a more fragmented system into one grounded in coherence, student-centered learning, and strong leadership.

“This recognition reflects the work happening across every classroom, school, and department in MPUSD,” said Diffenbaugh. “It speaks to what’s possible when we focus on the whole child and build systems that truly support students.”

The book highlights several key elements of MPUSD’s approach, including:

  • Student-centered learning experiences that foster purpose and engagement
  • Career technical education pathways connected to real-world opportunities
  • Embedded mental health and wellness supports
  • A districtwide culture of belonging and connection
  • Leadership development grounded in the belief that leadership is the lever
  • Systemwide alignment to ensure coherence across schools

According to the authors, MPUSD has created environments where students are “actively shaping their educational journeys,” supported by opportunities that connect learning to their interests and future goals.

The publication also points to the district’s sustained commitment to equity, collaboration, and continuous improvement as key drivers of its progress over time.

MPUSD’s inclusion in the book places it among a select group of districts nationwide recognized for transforming education systems to better serve students.

As MPUSD continues to build on this momentum, the district remains grounded in a clear and consistent goal: to become one of the finest school districts in the nation through strong leadership, meaningful student experiences, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

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