IUSD kicks off 50th anniversary celebration with $2 million gift from Irvine Company

A message from Irvine Unified School District Superintendent Terry Walker:

Achieving excellence requires focus, dedication and passion. At Irvine Unified School District, we see that every day – from our visionary Board of Education and district leadership team, to a blend of talented teachers and support staff, active parent volunteers, engaged students, passionate community leaders and dedicated partners like the Irvine Company.

In 2006, Donald Bren and the Irvine Company pledged $45 million over 20 years – with $2 million donated in 2022 – to fund the Excellence in Education Enrichment Fund, a program that provides specialized instruction in art, music and science to the district’s students in grades 4-6. This incredible commitment has helped provide more than 100,000 students with enrichment classes usually only available to middle and high school students.

As our district celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2022, we reflect on how the strength of our public education system remains at the core of what makes the city of Irvine a special place. Dedicated community partners like the Irvine Company help us maintain these programs and bridge a significant gap in funding for enrichment classes.

Without a doubt – and by every measure – IUSD achieves excellence. IUSD students outperform their peers in California and the nation in science and visual and performing arts. Beyond this incredible achievement in the classroom, IUSD students move forward with the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue their dreams.

In honor of our golden anniversary, please join me in celebrating our community’s continued commitment to its students. And to the budding musicians, artists and scientists embracing the lessons they are learning today in hopes of pursuing their future dreams, we say “Bravo!”

Terry Walker
Superintendent
Irvine Unified School District