Superintendent

Dr. Gauna's Biography
Superintendent's 2025-2026 Welcome Message

Dr. Gauna's Biography

Dr. Reyes Gauna was selected as the Patterson Joint Unified School District Superintendent in April 2022. Prior to this, Dr. Gauna was the superintendent of the Byron Union School District. He is a seasoned teacher and administrator with over 28 years of experience in education.

Dr. Gauna began his career as a Custodian and Campus Monitor. Through his time working on the school grounds, he took an interest in teaching and through this began his journey to get his teaching credential. After serving in the classroom at various grade levels, he went on to become a School Counselor, Principal, Coordinator, Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent of a K-8 district, and is now the current Superintendent for the Patterson Joint Unified School District.

Dr. Gauna holds an Educational Doctorate Degree (Ed.D.) from Concordia University, Irvine in Educational Leadership and Curriculum. He is and continues to be, an active and involved Superintendent who enjoys visiting all of his students and the community. Dr. Gauna currently resides in Lodi California with his wife and 3 children.

Superintendent's 2025-2026 Welcome Message

July 21, 2025

Dear PJUSD Parents, Students, and Staff,

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! I hope you had a wonderful summer and are ready for an exciting new school year. Whether you are new to PJUSD or returning, it is a time of renewal, fresh starts, and boundless possibilities.

Our dedicated staff has worked tirelessly over the summer to ensure our schools are ready, from completing facilities and technology projects to finalizing hiring and providing professional development. Our updated Strategic Plan guides our efforts to prioritize resources, align goals, and make data-driven decisions. This ongoing process can be reviewed on our website.

Please review the important documents available online at www.patterson.k12.ca.us or via the QR Code below:

End of the Year Report to the Community
25-26 School Calendar (including holidays, minimum days, special events, etc.)
Immunization Requirements
Household Income Form/Lunch Application
Request for Student Medical Insurance Information
Download the StopIt App Flyer
Chromebook Insurance Information
Parent Handbook Acknowledgment – please sign and return
Back to School Block Party Flyer
Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee Flyer

Join us at the annual Back to School Block Party on Saturday, August 2nd, from 8:00am - 11:00am at the Patterson Community Stadium. School begins on Thursday, August 7th.

We look forward to continuing our partnership with families and the community. Achieving excellence requires collaboration, and we encourage you to stay engaged in your child's education. Together, we can make this school year rewarding and successful.

On behalf of our School Board of Trustees and myself, we are honored to work with our incredible team of educators, staff, administrators, and school leaders. Let us embrace the opportunities ahead and strive to make a positive impact for our students and community.

Please reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns. My email is rgauna@patterson.k12.ca.us and my office phone number is (209) 895-7700.