Dear Live Oak School District Families and Community,

As I extend my warmest greetings to each and every one of you, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead this school year. It is with great humility and joy that I step into the role of Superintendent of Live Oak School District for my second year, joining this esteemed community of educators, staff, and families.

First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality that I have already received. Your kindness and generosity have made me feel truly at home, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve such a vibrant and close-knit community.

As we move into this new chapter together, we do so during a time of growing uncertainty at the national level. Ongoing discussions in Washington, D.C. about federal spending and deficit reduction are creating significant instability for education funding across the country. While we remain focused on fiscal responsibility here at Live Oak, we are also preparing for the possibility of reduced or delayed federal support, particularly in areas such as Title II, Title III, Medicaid reimbursement programs, and nutrition programs. We will continue to keep you informed and advocate strongly for the resources our students need and deserve.

In light of recent national developments related to immigration enforcement, I want to take this opportunity to reassure our community—especially our immigrant families—that the safety and dignity of every student remain a top priority. Under California law (Education Code § 48204 and AB 699), our schools are safe havens. We are legally prohibited from allowing access to students by any outside agency, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), without a valid judicial warrant. We have clear procedures in place to protect the rights and well-being of our students and will continue to provide staff with the training and guidance necessary to respond appropriately and compassionately in these situations.

I am eager to embark on this journey alongside each of you, as we work together to nurture the academic, social, and emotional growth of every student in our care. I look forward to spending more time in schools learning, and collaborating with all members of the LOSD community to build upon the strong foundation of excellence that already exists here.

Let us remember that our greatest strength lies in our unity and collective commitment to the success and well-being of every student. Together, we can create a future where all students thrive and succeed beyond measure—even in uncertain times.

As we begin the 2025-2026 school school year, let us embrace it as an opportunity—not just for academic growth, but for modeling the kind of community we want our students to inherit. One of the most powerful things we can do as adults is to treat one another with honor, loyalty, respect and kindness. These are not just personal values—they are organizational priorities that shape the culture of our schools and leave lasting impressions on our students. Let’s hold ourselves and each other to that standard as we move forward, together.

With warmest regards and heartfelt gratitude,

Pat Sánchez
Superintendent
Live Oak School District