I'm Back...

Sorry for my absence the last several weeks, but like many of you it has been crazy busy and we are racing to graduation (high school and otherwise). Graduation, of course, is probably the most important event of our school year. This is the celebration of the accomplishment of our students, teachers, staff, and families over the past 12+ years. Not surprisingly, it is typical for families to gather, even geographically distant relatives, for the event and rite of passage. Needless to say, I am looking forward to hearing of the exploits of our students and seeing them march in commencement.


Speaking of which it begins tonight and will progress through the week as follows:

• Tuesday at 6 pm
• Ramona @ Ramona Stadium
• Wednesday at 6 pm
• Poly @ Ramona Stadium
• Lincoln @ Lincoln
• Thursday at 6 pm
• Arlington @ Ramona Stadium
• ML King @ King Stadium
• JW North @ RCC Stadium
• Friday at 6 pm
• RVS, Summit View, & Raincross @ EOC

See you there!!

May Revision Today

In all goes according to the theory and schedules from Sacramento, we should have the Governor's May Revision to the Budget today.  In every year, that is helpful as it tells us what to expect and therefore what to include in our local budgets, which by law must be totally completed by the end of the year (June 30th).  Essentially, the May Revise becomes the source of budget planning as it is the latest "official" information in the absence of a state budget (which last year, you recall, didn't arrive until October).

While there is always an argument of what gets included and how it gets labeled, there is a May report from Ed Source -- which is a long-standing independent voice in California politics and education.  The report outlines the impacts of budget reductions on schools.  The report is essentially 2 pages and includes a graphic of how dollars are split up between categories in the typical California school district.  For purposes of comparison I am including below the same data for the same year in RUSD -- the only distinction is that Special Ed is included with instruction category.

We will look forward to what the Governor has to offer today in his May Revise message.

The Balanced Budget Game!!

For those that are interested, our best information is that Governor Brown will be delivering his "May Revision" on Monday, May 16th.  This is significant, as it begins to outline the Governor's "thinking" after he proposed his initial budget plans in January, and they went astray with the cancellation of the tax extension (State income), as it could not be placed on the ballot.

BEFORE, we hear the Governor's message, I thought you might like to play the budget game and spend OR cut Billions of dollars (actually only $16.4 Billion).  As such, the Sacramento Bee has it's budget balancer available and YOU can decide what the Governor should do.  Then on Monday we can see IF he agrees with you.  Have fun?

Day of the Valuable Employee

Today is the time we will celebrate the Day of the Teacher in our District.  This is also the week before the Classified Employee event  These are important events as they recognize those that contribute daily to the learning and well-being of our students.

RUSD is recognized regularly by others throughout the state for the quality of its work and the quality of its students.  ALL of that is attributable to the teachers and classified staff that are working to make that happen.  THEY are the heroes and yes, in some cases, they are literally saving the life and future of the young people in their charge.

Great job, teachers!!  Great job, Classified employees!! Great job, managers and administrators!! Our students and far better -- because of you.  I hope YOU take the time today or this week to thank these wonderful folks.  Attached at this link is a video of thanks.

Another Causalty?

The budget continues to be unresolved and school districts along with other local agencies struggle to figure out what happens next -- and how to survive.  However, things are even getting somewhat interesting in Sacramento.  While it is not a "huge" issue or event, it is interesting to note that the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) recently cancelled the California Distinguished School Awards Ceremony for this year.  His rationale was that the California Department of Education (CDE) couldn't afford it.  He went on to say that the vast majority of the recognition event was paid for by corporate sponsorship -- while the CDE cost was staff time?

We are all struggling with budgets and finding enough resources to do anything.  I understand the concern of the SPI; however, I wonder about the merit of cancelling THIS event.  It seems to me that when we fail to recognize excellence, than we begin to see mediocrity as the standard.  In a time when the LA Times and others are unfairly targeting teachers with inappropriate assessment instruments, this is an event that recognizes the team and collective efforts of teachers et al -- which is far more desirable and appropriate.  I understand the budget, I don't understand the loss of recognition.