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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

The Second Budget For This 09-10 Year

Though far, far away at this point -- news travels. The Governor has signed the budget though he has imposed a vast number of "line-item vetoes." Fortunately, it seems that he has NOT touched the education funding any further than what was originally proposed. A key part of the package for us is the flexibility of the IM (Instructional Materials -- textbooks) funds. This will allow us to divert these funds back to more basic classroom needs. At the same time, it should be clear that all students will have textbooks (that has NOT changed). The only thing changing here is that there will be no requirement to adopt NEW books in the next couple of years.

While I am sure that the commentary on the line-item veto will continue to be debated it is important to understand the complexity of our current system and why it is so difficult to make it work -- starting with the over-reliance on personal income (e.g., 1% of the population is currently responsible for 50% of the funding). While not pretty we do have a budget -- at least for a few more months.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Podcasts

As indicated before, we "experimented" with podcasts and think we have figured it out -- 'kinda. In any case, it is our intent to podcast on an on-going basis our Board meetings for those that are interested.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Spanish is coming

As we continue to work and improve our communication and transparency we are planning to expand this blog with a Spanish language option for those in our constituency that are most comfortable with that choice. We should be up and running soon.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

We Have Liftoff?

After 2 months and 1 "all-nighter" we have a State budget, which given the 5-month budget cycle should last until the end of October or December (depending upon how you do the math). The budget was built on the tax revenues and projections from last March and April (and the state has failed to meet its projections for May, June, and predictably July).

It is somewhat amusing that 1 month after the 08-09 budget year is finished, Sacramento has figured out how to reduce another $1.6 billion from last year (08-09) -- don't try this at home. That was a achieved with lots of maneuvering and trades between this year and last. Also of interest (though we are not directly effected), QEIA funds, which were the settlement of a CTA lawsuit against the Governor and the state are now going to be paid with federal stimulus money. As of this writing, our Class Size Reduction program is negatively effected by the State budget adoption, though we do have relief with our instructional materials adoption and expenditures. We also have the flexibility statewide to reduce the school year for our students by up to 5 days. I find it curious that CAHSEE testing has been dropped for Special Education students. Everyone seems to be out seeking "clarification" about what was said or intended with this "budget" -- but hey we have a budget.

The immediate impact to us in RUSD appears, according to Mike Fine, to be another $14 million reduction. Given the potential of using the entirety of our "stimulus" fund we are left with an unsolved reduction of approximately $5 million. For more detailed information there is a post on the CASBO site.

Opportunity?

So obviously the budget situation is difficult, at best, and likely to continue in the current direction for some time. However, we can either view this as a disaster or an opportunity. Given the changing financial landscape, what can we do to reconfigure, re-engineer, re-systematize to create a new and better product? While there are those that would argue such is not possible, I would suggest such a view is limited by the filter of the current system. How could we change/improve the system?

Thursday, July 23, 2009

We all wait anxiously

Things have been somewhat quiet from Sacramento. As I understand it the Legislature will convene at 2 pm today to consider passing the "budget deal." However, my understanding is that Legislators have yet to see the actual budget language of the "deal." Obviously, lawsuits are being considered, given the attempts to gain additional "revenue" from cities and counties. As stated earlier, we still need both clarification and passage of the "budget" before we can do much. It seems both are in question. We will see what happens between now and tomorrow, though many remain concerned beyond the short-term aspects of this "deal."

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

A few details begin to come forward

Reports are beginning to eek out of Sacramento about the "deal" that has been crafted and Legislators have been called back to prepare for a vote at the end of this week. Details are VERY unclear, but the picture as we understand it is probably best described on the CASBO (California Association of School Business Officials) website. An additional point of view on the general situation is offered by Dan Walters of the Sacramento Bee. All of that being said, one Legislator told me that while hopefully there is a "deal" we will be back in the next 30-60 days dealing with the next round of reality that is not addressed in this budget deal.

We await the actions (or non-actions) at the end of the week.

Whose money?

So now we have a "budget deal" -- kinda'. I continue to marvel at this process. It seems that Sacramento still has not reconciled the economic slow-down/decline that is going on -- so one would suspect that when the "true" numbers come to light we will face even more reductions in the same fiscal year.

The other news of note is that "balancing" the budget is to be done by "borrowing" from city and county treasuries (which doesn't necessarily effect school districts). I don't quite understand -- the one that has NOT planned ahead is now taking from those that have prudently prepared, planned and considered the long-term?

Budget Deal?

Well as we listen to the news apparently there is a budget deal in Sacramento. Now we will wait for two things to happen: 1) clarification on the specifics of what the "deal" is, and 2) see if the Legislature will, in fact, pass the budget. From the reports, it sounds like the passage may be a bit more difficult than some might suspect -- but we will wait and see.

As we get information about clarifying the "deal" and its impact on us we will attempt to make you aware through this and other forums

All the best,
Rick

Saturday, July 18, 2009

More about the budget -- BUT no change

Well there is another week down and there is NO resolution to the state budget and impacts on all of us at the local level. While there are reports that we are “getting close” to a deal, one wonders given the apparent & reported separation between the parties. The other issue of interest (given the history of the last year (and more), is “when” something is decided -- will it make any difference and will it be a budget we can count on for the next 12 months. It seems to me that whatever the solution, the reality is that there is not enough money to fund it – AND that is not likely to change in the near future.

Time magazine offers a national perspective via a collection of reports and statements regarding California “crisis.” As an example, they report on the “uniqueness” of our “system” (i.e., 2/3 budget approval requirement & referendums) along with the “news” that we actually moved budgetarily from the black to the red 2 years ago (i.e., July 12, 2007). From all appearances we are in real difficulty not just with our July-August resolution issue, but in resolving the long-term issues of what we have created.

You can get a more technical “read” of the budget situation (from an educational perspective) at the CASBO website. From a Sacramento perspective there are a number of articles but a good summary was done on Thursday.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Chinese language offered

As part of last Tuesday's Board meeting there were other significant actions that will positively impact our students in RUSD. The approval of the Chinese course is significant and should be offered by us. I would hope that it expands to ALL of our high schools as an option. The partnership with the local Chinese School makes the course that much more powerful and relevant. I don’t think you will find that to be a “normal” offering at many high schools – it sets our schools and students apart and better prepares them for the "globalized" world of the future.

A 2nd course – Spanish PreAP for Middle School – for native Spanish speakers is equally significant, though in a far different way. Elevating this opportunity is a powerful message to those native Spanish-speaking students. The research has long shown that when students have good skills in their primary language (as demonstrated by Spanish AP) they can transfer those language skills to English most easily and effectively. This also begins to provide the prospective that students that possess the legitimate skills of bilingual (or multi-lingual), bi-literate, and bi-cultural have a real ASSET. Third, this affirms the self-esteem of these students, as they understand that they are academically capable. I believe we will see great rewards not only with these students, but they also will have a positive impact on the performance of other students.

Monday, July 13, 2009

REMARKABLE students

During the era of NCLB there has certainly been a lot made about test scores and their importance. I would agree that they are both important and relevant; however, there is often much that is lost in that discussion when people focus singuarly on that aspect. The real question is what is the "value-added" that comes with our schools? The answer is that there is a lot that is value-added that come with those basic test scores and data. As an example, we have National History Day winners, top quality music programs, championship athletic teams, high quality academic programs etc.

Another indication of the value-addedness of our schools and programs is the recent video production from the City of Riverside -- 25 Remarkable Teens. Each of the teens has a great story and is indicative of the quality of student that we have, as well as the quality work of our staff. In the video you will find not only RUSD students but also students from Alvord, Woodcrest Christian, etc. -- and so it should be as we all share a role in the education of the youth of Riverside. I also know that the City could ONLY include 25 students and there are lots of others.

Great job students!! Great job Riverside!!

Friday, July 10, 2009

Improving Athletic/Community Facilities

It was great to see the action of the Board on Tuesday to enhance the athletic facilities across the District which will not only benefit our students but also the community as a whole. As part of the adopted plan we will see the replacement of 3 swimming pools, artificial turf on all of our HS campuses, standardization of tennis courts, and a few other miscellaneous projects. Wow!!

Some might ask, how can we spend $20+ million during a time when the state does not have a budget and our resources are shrinking, etc? GREAT question!! The fact is that these are bond and redevelopment funds that have been raised in this community to SPECIFICALLY address capital facilities needs. By law, they can only be spent on the type of project that has been identified above -- NOT on normal operational expenses and salaries.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Podcast -- REALLY!!

Sorry for the delay, but we have been trying to work through our "pilot" of a podcast of our Board meeting on Tuesday night. As this is the FIRST attempt at this there were several challenges along the way. However, I am pleased to say that we have been able to accomplish the task and podcast is available to be downloaded and played. Additionally, you will find an on-going availability of these Podcasts on our District webpage under "Board Podcast" on the left sidebar listing OR by clicking here it will take you directly to the pertinent information. Do not be concerned when this takes you to the iTunes store as this is the current storage location of the Podcast, until we work our further details.

If you would like to see the presentation information at the same time, you can reference, download and play that simultaneously -- by downloading the Board agenda that is fully available on the District website under Board Meeting (also in the left sidebar)

Enjoy the podcast and let us know what you think.

Progress with PE Credit

TODAY, our representatives testified before the State Board of Education regarding the issue of PE credit and Band, JROTC, etc. I just got off the phone with them and the report is... While we didn't get exactly what we were looking for -- we did make significant progress and believe that we can use the information to craft solutions for our students and community.

The Riverside team was led by Board President Kathy Allavie and included Ramona student, Frankie Quintana; Ramona JROTC instructor, Sergeant Major David; King Band Parent, Cheryl Sutherland; and our Instructional Specialist, Dale Moore

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

State Budget, Cash, Bonds??

Discussion with no action continues in Sacramento. CA is still out of cash and now the bond markets have downgraded the bond rating (again) of CA bonds from A- to BBB. The Democrats are taking on the Governor regarding the suspension of Prop 98 (i.e., funding of public schools) and are joined with threats from CTA over the 98 suspension. I wnoder if those in Sacramento have also figured out that the federal stimulus is only "one-time" and will rear its head again in 12 months. Sounds like things are "fun" and hot in Sacramento.

To add to the frivolity the Governor made some interesting remarks regarding his ability to escape the depressing atmosphere of Sacramento. In the local paper, Sacramento Bee, columnist Dan Walters has provided an interesting Opinion piece regarding the Governor's responsibility with all of this.

Facilities Projects

We have continually looked at the issue of what should be done with our High School Athletic Facilities and what can we afford. Tonight, the Board will be looking into this topic with almost an exclusive look (i.e., there is essentially NOTHING else on the agenda allowing a real focus on this topic). We hope to get clarification, information, and direction on the matter. We fully intend to utilize significant resources to address some of these long-standing problems that come with the age and maturity of our HS facilities.

Realizing that this is a topic of interest to many, we are also attempting a "pilot" which will involve Podcasting the meeting. Assuming our little experiment is successful, we would hope to have the podcast uploaded and available on the District website by tomorrow. This should allow access to those interested in the information and dialogue.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

IO, IO, so off to Sacramento I go?

The budget malaise in Sacramento obviously continues. The Governor has now suspended Prop 98 and has declared an emergency session (again). New this time around is the IOU feature (i.e., Registered Warrants) that will impact many that are due payment from the state. The implications of all of this is complicated at best and far reaching.

I find it amazing that the Sacramento folks have been working on this budget since January and we have had several "versions" with more to come. This past year (08-09) had any number of "budgets" for the year accompanied by emergency sessions, etc. How many times will the Sacramento folks need to "do their budget" before they get it correct and the rest of us in the state can actually plan and proceed with confidence in their work? I can only suspect that Wall Street and the lenders nationally have similar questions.

In RUSD, we continue to await the latest -- and hopefully final round of "budgeting" for the 09-10 fiscal year.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Yesterday!!

While there has been a mere passage of a day and seemingly there has been only a shift of 24 hours -- MUCH has changed. As referred to in an earlier post there has been a lack once again of action in Sacramento. But more significantly, at a local level, is the departure of many of our valued and trusted staff and colleagues as the fiscal year ends.

There are those that leave us in retirement (hooray for them) and start a new phase of their life with their focus moving back in a more concentrated manner on their families. WE, however, lose a tremendous amount of experience and capacity -- and a colleague. On a less celebratory note, as of yesterday, we also lose a number of our colleagues due to layoff, etc. with lasting effects on their families and lives -- these farewells are even more difficult (with absolutely NO joy). We have other valued colleagues that have not lost their jobs but have been moved back in the organization with a loss of pay and position. Additionally, the impact on our organization is significant as we can NOT provide the same level of service with these continuing reductions. Bottomline, our children and our society loses.

July 1 -- and NO change in the budget

As expected, we have arrived to the July 1st deadline and the new fiscal year without action from Sacramento. We seem to have a process filled with contention and partisan fractionation. I don't anticipate any resolution within the next few days or even weeks. While it is pure speculation on my part, I don't anticipate any real progress until the middle of this month -- at best.

That being said, the budget issue has serious impacts on school funding based on the inaction in Sacramento during the past few days and week. Without going into the possible impacts of the failure to act, I would again refer you to the most recent article of CASBO (California Association of Business Officials).

I sure we will see and hear more from the Governor and others in the coming hours and days.

TEAMwork pays off for students

Many Riverside Unified School District staff members work constantly and tirelessly behind the scenes to do their best for students. A great example of this is the team that helped to successfully put together the $843,492 AmeriCorps grant awarded to the University/Eastside Community Collaborative. The Collaborative is a partnership that includes UC Riverside, the city, and our district. Funding from this three-year grant ($281,164 per year) will pay for math and literacy tutoring for students at Patricia Beatty, Emerson, Fremont, Longfellow, Taft, and Highland Elementary Schools as well as University Heights Middle School and John W. North High School. It also covers after-school mentoring at area parks and community centers. An estimated 1,300 students will benefit from tutoring provided by 80 college students who will be working with the program.

This program never would have happened without the extremely hard work of RUSD Grant Development Specialist Hattie Byland, Certificated Personnel Administrator Tena Petix, and Senior Program Evaluator, Dr. Mark Jensen. These are just three of our district’s “unsung” heroes who do their best to help our students every day. I also commend the incredible efforts of Josh Maher, Project Director of the University/Eastside Community Collaborative and Robin Metz, Recreation Superintendent for the City of Riverside. UC Riverside was the lead applicant for this grant and Josh and Robin were key members of the grant-writing team responsible for our successful application. With continued support from UCR Chancellor Dr. White, Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge, our dedicated principals, and the many others who work with the UECC/AmeriCorps program, I know this will continue to be a successful partnership that showcases what our community can accomplish by working together for the benefit of students.