The Point

What does Placer Union High School District want every student to experience—and how is the district turning that vision into action?

Deputy Superintendent Steve Caminiti sits down with Board President Jessica Spaid and Superintendent Tom O’Malley for a conversation about the 2026–2027 school year. Together, they discuss exceptional teaching and learning, preparation for college and careers, safe and supportive schools, student belonging, fiscal responsibility, and the priorities shaping PUHSD’s future.

Special thanks to the Colfax High School students who brought this production to life. From filming and audio mixing to editing, graphic design, and post-production, their work made this video possible:

Xavier Cieszynski-Truxler
Caleb Casey
Hunter Sigrist
Van Lanni
Riley Eulberg

Learn more about Placer Union High School District at www.puhsd.k12.ca.us.

Sometimes, the most helpful thing you can do for someone is listen.

In this episode of The Point, Del Oro High School senior Kailey Primes joins Steve Caminiti and Superintendent Tom O’Malley to share how peer mentors help students navigate friendships, school stress, and the transition to high school. She reflects on learning to listen without judging, the support that prepares mentors for difficult conversations, and what it means to know you’ve made a difference for another student.

Where do you find your place in high school? Sometimes, it begins with trying something new—and being willing to be a little weird!

Tom and Steve sit down with Colfax High School sophomore Kayden Kolitsch to talk about joining a new flag football program, growing from a nervous freshman into a varsity player and finding support from teammates who had her back. Kayden shares what she has learned about taking chances, reaching out and helping others feel included—on the field and beyond.

In Season 4, The Point is getting a new look and a new format.

For the first time, the podcast is coming to you in both video and audio as Superintendent Tom O’Malley and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Steve Caminiti take listeners behind the scenes of the student experience across PUHSD.

In this season-opening conversation, Tom and Steve look ahead to the 2026-27 school year and talk about what makes a high school experience meaningful: finding a place to belong, discovering interests and opportunities, building relationships with caring adults, getting the support students need, and preparing for life after graduation.

Throughout the season, we’ll meet PUHSD students, educators and staff and hear the stories behind the programs, activities and experiences that make our schools what they are. From athletics and the arts to STEM, career and technical education, student support and the many paths students take after high school, The Point is putting students at the center of the story.

Because at PUHSD, it’s all about our students. That’s the point.

Subscribe to The Point on YouTube and follow along on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for new episodes throughout the 2026-2027 school year.

#PUHSDProud

Superintendent O'Malley and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Caminiti reflect on the 2025-2026 school year and wish all of our communities a great summer.

Superintendent O'Malley and Dr. Caminiti highlight the Performing Arts programs of our District and are joined by Placer High School teacher Jason Long and a few of his students. Placer's Theater Production is coming soon, along with other performances at Colfax and Del Oro High Schools. Learn all about it here!

Superintendent O'Malley and Deputy Superintendent Caminiti highlight music in our schools, which is celebrated in the month of March in California's public schools.

In this episode, the programs at Placer High School and Colfax High School are showcased.

In this episode, Superintendent O’Malley and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Caminiti share information about Career Technical Education programs in our District.

Our special guests for this episode include CTE teachers Mrs. Regina Dvorak of Del Oro and Mr. Jonathan Schwarts of Colfax. They, along with some of their amazing students, will give insight into their programs and the value of Career Technical Education.

Superintendent O'Malley and Deputy Superintendent Caminiti reflect on the Fall 2025 Term and look ahead to Spring 2026.

Superintendent O’Malley visits some of the staff and a student of Maidu Virtual Charter Academy. Assistant Principal, Dr. Kristen Miller, Teacher Ellie Verdi, and Axel, one of Maidu’s amazing students, share what Maidu Virtual Charter Academy is all about.