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Monday, August 31, 2009

School is Back in Session?

School IS back in session, just ask any teacher, student, parent -- or watch the Staples commercial!!  A really good question might be WHY

If we are coming back, that would suggest that we ever left.  A recent Washington Post article suggests that learning is "forever" not for a portion of a year.  In a global economy, can we afford to take time away from school versus continuing to learn year 'round?  It has been long understood that often those that were most affluent had ways to continue the learning with summer camps and the like.  For that matter, who ever said that school was supposed to engage for 6 hours per day?  In a time of economic downturn and question, possibly we need to consider the nature of our learning investment.  There certainly may be those that would suggest that this is an inappropriate time to consider such -- due to budget.  I would argue that we don't know what we can do until we try, depending upon the solution we may be able to rethink other of our expenditures, AND this is also an issue of investment in our "forever" learning.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Mystery Solved

School has begun this week and it would appear from all indications that it is a good start; but, the most amazing part of the week is not about school but about the discovery of Jaycee Lee Dugard. In 1991, my wife, family, and I were in Bridgeport which is close to Meyers – both in terms of distance and culture. Also our children were similar in age to Jaycee, which made this abduction even more real to us. For any, and all of us, this circumstance is a parents worst nightmare. And in this case, an 11 year old child just vanished with no explanation, etc. for 20 years. We are truly excited, relieved, and amazed at this weeks revelation.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Race To The Top

The Governor has called for another Special Session of the Legislature to change existing state law, for the purpose of making California eligible for federal funds with the "Race To The Top" program. While there are a number of issues that are involved in eligibility, the most controversial and the one that is likely to obtain the greatest debate is the notion of tying student performance data (tests) to a teacher's/principal's evaluation. As you might imagine there will be a WIDE variety of opinions on the issue.

While most would agree that we as educators should be accountable (including myself) for our work, this particular issue is probably far more complicated than it may first appear. There are questions regarding other variables that can effect student performance (e.g., motivation to perform, no consequence either positive or negative for the student) BEYOND the learning that might have taken place. This is a fairly major and quick (certainly by Sacramento standards) potential change for a one-time shot at the federal gold. There is also a serious question about the merit of the instrument/test itself -- does it really test what we, as California, want? Interestingly, there is a group asking that same question on a national and international level.

Bottom line, I suspect that there will be a lot of debate on the matter and in the end there will be some sufficient compromise to make us eligible for the federal funds. While I FULLY support accountability, I question why the potential (not even a promise) of federal $$ would cause us to do what we have not considered worthy to even put on the table prior to this time. It should be an interesting debate between now and October 1st (the Governor's stated deadline).

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Names are INCREDIBLY important

So I got a tweet from one of my favorite Elementary Directors, and she referred to a blog that I had not seen -- Teaching as a Dynamic Activity.  The entire blog is good and well worth your time.  I particularly liked the turning our boxes into trampolines, on yesterday's blog.  The original blog that caught my eye -- and she referred me to -- was on the topic of learning the names of students and how important that is.  Jerrid's strategy in this case was using a "flip" camera or the like.  Seven minutes became powerful.  Great resource, great idea!!  Thanks for sharing resources and ideas!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

FIRST Day of School

I hope everyone has had a GREAT start to the school year. The cabinet and I have had the pleasure of visiting all of our schools yesterday. Needless to say, there is lots of great stuff taking place.  I had the privilege of visiting:  Emerson, JW North HS, University Heights MS, Highland, Highgrove, Castle View, Frank Augustus Miller MS, Educational Options Center, Poly HS, Pachappa, Sierra MS, and Mountain View. 

In the midst of budget meltdown and chaos, we need to remember what we in RUSD are really all about – Student LEARNING. Even on the first day, there is a clear focus on the learning of our students and making sure that they will be successful learners each day and throughout this year.

With the spirit of Innovation, staff is working on knowing every child by both their name and their specific instructional need(s). Yesterday was a great day and a great start to the school year. “Happy New Year” to all!

More on the new Middle School

While there has been a great deal written and shown about the new Frank Augustus Miller Middle School, I would direct you to the August 7th article in the Press Enterprise. On that webpage in addition to the written text is a video (just above the text) that I believe adds to the understanding of our new Middle School. It offers a little different perspective than other information provided.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Budget Issues

While there has not been much to report, as Sacramento has not done much with the budget in the last several weeks, we STILL face considerable budgetary challenges – based on the inability of the State to live up to their legal commitments. To gain perspective, understand that when the State passed its last budget “correction” at the end of July, it was already another $8+ Billion short at the time and now the estimates are approaching $15 Billion (which is about half the size of the July “correction”). Additionally, the state has imposed new “rules” on class size reduction (CSR) that disallows funding for a portion of our CSR program. Mid-year cuts are almost a guarantee at this point. The other state strategy to resolve all of this is “deferrals” (i.e., “we know we owe you the money – but we can’t pay you now we will pay you later”). This strategy makes us use all of our cash and borrowing power to survive until the state pays us as they are legally bound to do.

That is more or less all the bad news. The good news is that we have a plan and will make it through the year (09-10) without impacting our students or staff. However, all of these issues have a dramatic impact on the size of the reductions we will have to resolve in the spring of the year (for 2010-11). Any and all savings that we can acquire along the way will certainly assist us with the budget reduction process in the spring. We are blessed with great employees that are committed to doing the “right” things with and for our students – and they will make this work.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

It's Getting Close

As we all get ready for Monday morning and the return of our students, we have a new school that is coming online -- Frank Augustus Miller Middle School -- located at 17925 Krameria Ave. This is a beautiful school that will open for students on Monday morning. We are still waiting for the multipurpose room and library to be finished and the turf areas are within days of being laid a month from being ready. The portal to find out more about the school, its staff, etc. can be found at the District website. In any case, I believe this is a gorgeous Middle School that will serve the needs of students well. I would encourage you to go by and take a look at what is there.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Next Podcast is available

Even given the complications of an electronic Board meeting and having Trustees in various parts of the world, we were able to put together the podcast -- which is now available.  The next meeting and coming meetings should be a bit easier.  They can always be found on our website -- from the listing on the left bar on the front pageMany thanks to our staff for making this important communication link available.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

School MUST be beginning

Most of my week (and that of the 3rd floor staff) was spent trying to put finishing touches on our “Leadership Symposium.” This event was held on Thursday and Friday and by all appearances seemed to go well. I appreciated the willingness of our managers to participate in new arenas and think differently about some of our problems. I am looking forward to the new year and new opportunities.

We were able to host this event in a very inexpensively manner. There was some minor cost, but it was very minimal. It was held at Earhart Middle School and meals were essentially covered by each participant.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Walking with the Mayor

Great opportunity this morning to "walk with the Mayor" at the Citrus Heritage Grove.  It was a nice walk in a beautiful setting.  If you haven't taken the time to stroll through the orchards on Van Buren at the Park, you should it is beautiful and educational.  Also had the opportunity to meet and listen to lots of different people.  I heard from citizens, parents, teachers, counselors, administrators, elected officials, etc -- all while we got to stroll along.  Great idea -- great experience -- great conversation.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Spanish Blog LIVE

Well as promised, we are up and running with the "same" blog in Spanish to match this Blog.  The Spanish Blog is provided to those who have a Spanish language preference (as well as those who wish to "practice" their Spanish :)).  Due to our process and my lack of language facility, it may run a bit behind the first blog.  As is always the case, we encourage those that are interested to participate and comment as they are interested.  We hope that this continues to improve our conversation and communication.  The blog can be found at:  http://www.rusdlivesp.com/

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

PE Credit Approved for Band, Etc.

After MANY months and LOTS of effort from a number of our staff members and citizens, we were able to resolve the PE credit for band, etc. last night. This has been a 6 month process with several other districts being in the same dilemma. Sacramento policy and bureaucracy does not always fit local needs and responsibility. Thank you to all that made this happen and stuck with it -- even when others said it couldn't happen. Thank you to the Board for their approval and courage in this process.

Electronic Meeting

At last night's Board meeting we had another first. We had a meeting with 2 of our members in remote / satellite locations. President Allavie was in Hawaii and Trustee Vanderzyl was in Northern California on the coast -- yet both participated fully in the meeting. There certainly were problems with the "echo effect" but for a first outing it went well. We will improve both the equipment and methodology for future occurrences.

Thanks to those from the NIS department that helped build and facilitate this solution. This helps us keep all of our Board members fully informed and connected to the process.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Giving Credit Where Credit is Due

Great story today in Dan Bernstein's column in the Press Enterprise about one of our Ramona students -- Frankie Quintana. An amazing kid that has done amazing work and overcome a lot as is the requirement for many students. What is even more gratifying is the supporting cast that makes this all work for Frankie -- and others. A cast that certainly includes teachers (some were mentioned), parents, and peers.

One of the "unsung" heroes (and that would be the way he would have it), is Sergeant Major David. Not surprisingly he didn't have much to say to Dan B, until you mentioned one of his JROTC men -- that is the way of Sgt. Major David. I had the good fortune of meeting the Sgt. Major almost 20 years ago at the Mountain Warfare Training Center (MWTC) in Pickle Mdws., CA. As the US Marine Sgt. Major, he "ran" the MWTC -- though there was a Commanding Officer (also a mutual friend). At that time, he was training young men, slightly older than Frankie -- but with the same impact and result. His character then, was as it is now -- that of a Marine and a leader. If you have not done so, meet the Sgt. Major -- you will be better for it. "Semper Fi" Sergeant Major!!

And thank you Dan for the great column regarding some deserving citizens of Riverside.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Money, money, money

To clarify further on the textbook matter -- which is probably not well known or understood, we annually get funds from the state to purchase textbooks and related materials for students. At the same time, there is a required "adoption cycle" from the state where a local district chooses from the state adopted list a particular set of texts. Each year it is a different subject area -- math one year, language arts another year, etc.

By providing the flexibility, the state will allow us to use the money (with no additional adoption requirements) for resolving the state shortfall in funding (i.e., we don't get more money we just have another way to make up what they didn't give us). We will still buy a lot of books (e.g., new students, lost books, worn books, etc.). The money "saved" will support teachers and classified staff in the schools and classrooms. Without the money, we would potentially be making more reductions in the programs of our schools.

I realize that all of this doesn't make a lot of sense, but it is the system of funding for public education in California. We have lost about $50 million in funding over the past two years in RUSD. With this "new" budget we lost another $14 million, and we know we are facing a deficit of $30+ million this coming spring -- SO any flexibility to help us through this time is greatly appreciated and very necessary. NONE of these funds have anything to do with the Measure B bond funds (local money) that was raised specifically for building projects in the District (like the athletic facility enhancements).