Annual Report

At the beginning of this coming week there will be an ANNUAL REPORT provided by the Board of Education to our community.  I bring this to your attention as this is the first time that we have provided this report in RUSD.  As such, you should be aware of a variety of pieces regarding this annual report:

1. This report is provided in color to enhance its legibility and interest.
2. The report will be delivered to the homes of parents in RUSD for ease of access.
3. The report will also be available for community distribution sites (e.g., Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, etc.).
4. The intention of the Board is to provide an informative report that is also authentic -- and not necessarily a "glitzy" marketing report.
5. The entire cost of this report is paid for by Altura Credit Union.
6. There is a one page insert that tries to descibe short answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding the budget.
7. We hope and believe that this is the FIRST report and that we will be providing similar reports every year as we progress forward.

We hope that this annual report will be helpful to you and inform you of just a few of the things that are happening in our School District.  Of course, we continue to provide daily updates on any number of topics through our District webpage at: http://www.rusdlink.org/

In The News

California competed in Round II of Race To The Top (RTTT) and once again was not selected.  While there is great interest in system reform in California, we have not been competitive in this national competition.  Regardless of RTTT and federal dollars, we in California need to continue to be more aggressive in moving our system to a 21st century model that responds to the global competition.

Also this past week the Governor has encouraged local school districts to be transparent in their reporting of financial and budgetary information.  We certainly applaud the Governor's effort and have consistently been attempting to do exactly that ourselves.  While we hope that is has been obvious and there is a great deal of budget information on our District website under Budget Update and Budget Information.  More specifically, the Governor requested reporting on:

• The amount of money going to our classroom instruction (teachers, etc.) -- which we have previously reported -- on slide #13 on page #7 on our website -- which is significantly above any state requirement.
• Additionally, there is the actual state report (along with many others) that is available on the website for public review and information.

Certainly, our continued goal is to provide transparency and improve our communication to all concerned regarding all of our RUSD operations.

"A Penny Saved Is A Penny Earned"

When we think and talk about budget times like those that we are currently in -- the vast majority of the conversation is on how, when, and where to make reductions.  We sometimes miss the other side of the equation of how we enhance what we have or as Ben Franklin "coined" it, "A Penny Saved Is A Penny Earned" -- except we are talking about dollars not pennies.

While there obviously has been lots of discussion on the reduction side of things, we have also been working on the "savings" side of things.  More specifically, we have been working to save energy and their related costs.  We have for some time been aggressive about pursuing energy savings by investing in equipment and software that gives us maximum utilization.  However, we have recently been engaged in a program to help us with modifying our behavior -- which has effects on our energy uses.

We have been engaged in this endeavor for less than a year -- and have a six month data report.  The news of 1/2 of a year is good!! We have saved (avoided energy costs) over $560,000.  Those savings can obviously go to preservation of jobs and other critical costs.  Stated in an environmental manner, this would be similar to removing over 260 automobiles from our highways and streets every year.

I commend our Energy Managers as well as the entire staff on this effort and the savings that have been achieved to date.  While I am encouraged by the results and am thankful for the savings, I know we can even do better, as we work together to make this program effective.

Performance on "testing"

As we come upon the time when the state releases the state test data from last Spring, it seems appropriate to try to clarify a couple of things.  Recently, I was accurately quoted in a Press Enterprise column as saying, "I think we are frankly much better than our test scores."  I stand behind that statement, but would like to clarify some of my intention:

• We can, should, and will improve our student learning that is demonstrated on state assessments (which I also said when I made the earlier statement).
• Test data is one thing -- but typically it is somewhat narrow in its scope (e.g., focuses on math and language arts to the exclusion of science, arts, etc.).
• We have students and programs that don't show on "tests" but nonetheless have extraordinary results by any measure.  Some examples would include:
• Arlington HS Envirothon Team -- the North American Champions of this highly competitive assessment
•  A number of our athletic teams that are recognized across the county and CIF as having "best in sport" grade point averages -- demonstrating that athletics and academics do go together.
• Many of our HS bands and performing arts programs that are renowned regionally (and beyond).
• Our students in high performing activities of Science Fair, History Day, and Mock Trial -- that are regionally and nationally recognized.
• Our recently initiated AP Chinese class at North HS where 100% of the students scored a perfect score on their national Advanced Placement examination.

I commend our students, parents, and staff on providing great experiences and performances, beyond those that are "measured" by a single test assessment.

Jobs Bill -- Revisited

I know there is much concern about the federal jobs bill and its potential impact on both our District and those teachers and classified staff that have been laid off.  I also know that my scenario of how RUSD may, in fact, not receive much, if any, assistance with this bill is very disconcerting. 

As such, I want to share an article in the Sacramento Bee that I became aware of today.  I am sharing it NOT because it is going to be what happens -- but because it again offers some perspective of the complexity and options in this situation.

Jobs Bill -- Round II

After my last post on this topic, the feds did indeed pass the bill (a FAA bill at that).  However, questions continue to abound.  While there is clear language in the federal bill, it gets might muddy after that, and bottom line we need to understand what the "rules," issues, and requirements are with this (and any) legislation.

All states (including California) need to turn their application into Washington, D.C. by September 9, 2010.  Assuming the approval of the application, the money will be released after that time.  In the case of California, there are at least two key issues:

1. Maintenance of Effort (MOE) -- The state has legal obligations to continue paying for what they start.  Our best interpretation, at this moment, is that the state cannot qualify in this category until they make some adjustments.  Of course, the larger question might be can CA legitimately take on any new MOE efforts when they can't pay their current bills?  But that is for Sacramento to determine.
2. The State Budget Situation -- When Sacramento is looking for money to balance their budget (which they are), it has been obvious that any and all use of "smoke and mirrors" is appropriate to get to that end.  Thereby, leaving us with the question -- Do we (local school districts) actually get any money out of this deal?

As I stated earlier, there is a question as to how California or any state will distribute their federal job funds.  It is now clear that they can choose either to do it in the normal manner on a per student basis OR they can utilize the Title I procedure -- which favors the less affluent schools and districts.  Potentially, with a Title I distribution there may be questions as to how the funds can be spent (as with all Title I funds).  By federal law, the funds must be spent by September 30, 2012.

It does appear from the regulations that the money can be used for all employee groups (i.e., teachers, classified, and principals) at the school site level. 

While there are many politicians claiming victory for "saving teachers jobs" with this bill, they have provided something less than clarity on the matter. Obviously, given all the above, how many employees would be positively effected and when -- are impossible questions to answer at this point.  We will continue to monitor and report progress on this important item.  I am sure we will make every effort to move forward as quickly and prudently as possible in this matter.

Changes in the SYSTEM?

An interesting, if not a provocative, article in a recent issue of the LA Times.  They are moving the same direction as the feds with a move from HQT (Highly Qualified Teachers) to HET (Highly Effective Teachers).  In the case of the times, they are asking about the data available in LA Unified and the efficacy of individual teachers (somewhat like the RTTT requirements for teacher evaluations to be based on student data).  Of course the next question is, what does effective mean?

In this case, the Times has utilized a statistical approach with student test scores to come to their "value-added" conclusions.  More specifically they have utilized individualized student scores from the annual, state-required California Standards Test (CST).  While there are certainly other measures that are valued and valuable -- that is what they choose.  Additionally, they attempted to account for variations in all the normal student demographic variables.

This approach (Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System) was pioneered by Dr. William Sanders in Tennessee several years ago (1993) -- and while controversial has arguably assisted Tennessee in making serious progress in their public education system.  Part of Sander's conclusion when the data was fully analyzed statewide was that there were lots of surprises -- a number of affluent schools did not perform well -- a number of less-affluent schools performed well.  However, Sander's analysis was based on a school-by-school basis, not a teacher-by-teacher basis.

Regardless, of the varied views on this matter (and there are varied views), it is clear that this is the direction that the federal Department of Education is headed with our state leadership close behind.

Help or no help!

There continues to be lots of discussion and media accounts of the possible $26 Billion bailout bill from the feds to assist in the rehiring of teacher (avoidance of job loss).  The problem is that few of us know what it means AND it is NOT approved yet -- meanwhile school is starting in a week and a half.  Specific to the California issue and problem the following things seem relevant to the issue (at least today).

• This is "one-time money" and as such fixes things for one more year, but does not resolve the basic problem
• Estimates of the distribution of funds would indicated that California would receive something approximating $1 Billion and "save" approximately 13,000 teachers across the state.
• Typically this type of money has what is called a "maintenance of effort" (MOE) requirement -- which in the past CA has figured out how to skirt the issue.  MOE is intended to make sure that the state doesn't take the money before it gets to us.
• Best estimates at this time are that IF there is an MOE, California cannot meet the requirements -- but who knows that could change.
• A related matter, is after the fed bill is approved and they make their rules, THEN the state typically takes the money and make the state rules (none of which we know at this time).
• Should this bill and should CA qualify and should ... and should ...  THEN local school districts should receive approximately $140-160 per student -- which obviously would be a great help.
• Probably the biggest question of all is HOW the money will be distributed.  Currently there are two theories:
• Money is distributed as an equitable allocation to all districts/schools
• Money is distributed through the federal Title I program.  Should this occur there definitely will be a LACK of equity between schools and districts.  Additionally, there are lots of rules with Title I that will make expenditure of funds somewhat problematic and at times will seem irrational.
• Finally, IF all of this happens -- the next question would be WHEN we would actually receive the money (which is never fast).  MY best guess is that the earliest we can expect to see any of these funds would be during this coming Spring in anticipation for 11-12.

While this is kinda where we are today, this obviously can and does change on a daily basis.  Aren't you glad I "cleared" all of this up?

One More Time!!!

After winning multiple local, regional, and state championships -- The Arlington Lions Envirothon Team won the NATIONAL title yesterday in Fresno, California where the 2010 Canon International Envirothon Contest was held on the CSU Fresno campus (and environs).  The competition is the largest high school environmental science competition in North America with typically 500,000 students being involved.  The Arlington HS team won 1st in Soils and 1st Overall.

These student winners not only won recognition for themselves and their high school, but also substantial  scholarship / cash awards to support their further study and collegiate journey.

The team also has been supportive of their  fellow students and the community.  Most recently, they spent the day at Longfellow Elementary assisting with the Space Day by providing elementary students with environmental science activities and lessons to complement the space and engineering fare.

Congratulations to Arlington High School and especially their Envirothon team led by Ms. Shari Harris, science teacher at Arlington.

Mark THE Day

Recently (July 20, 2010), via the New York Times, Amazon announced that for the first time ever, their sales of eBooks were greater than their hard copy books.  While I have no idea of how many books Amazon sells in a given week or month, I have heard that it is quite a few.  Therefore, it seems significant and is impactful on what we do in schools and elsewhere in our lives.  Personally, I LOVE books (meaning the hard copy version), but that doesn't change the progress and options available.  Clearly this is a trend that we will continue to see along with the proliferation of digital textbooks and other digital material in our classrooms.

Budget

So we still don't have a state budget and have not much of an idea of when that might actually happen.  So what does it all mean?  When will it  happen? etc.  So if I could, I would like to share my guesses (realizing that ALL guesses are accurate -- some are just closer). 

First, I think the budget will be late -- but we will have one as Sacramento will at some point need to get home and campaign for the election.
Second, this is an election year -- so I seriously doubt that we will see much more than a "get out of town budget" -- that will not make changes and will not deal with the basic problem.
Third, there will be a variety of new people elected in November (based on others being "termed out"), they take office in January.  The Governor's budget in January and mid-year modifications are not likely to be too crazy as people won't be sure what to do -- given the circumstances and the size of the problem.
Fourth, we will hit the wall with the May Revise as Sacramento is forced to deal with the issue and politically they are in the best place to fix it and to blame it on their predecessors.  The 11-12 Budget Year will be very difficult (as if we were already dealing with enough).

That's my guess -- what's yours?

One step forward, one step...

Amazing times, we have the call for RTTT (Race to the Top) and related federal and state initiatives to "improve" education for our students (a worthy goal) while at the same time conditions have gone in the exact opposite direction.

We in California, now have the funding that we had in 2000-2001 (yep, 10 years ago) with obvious impacts that you have been seeing and hearing about for TOO long.  Beyond Riverside there was an interesting report that came out recently that also reflects the antithetical changes -- that shows that of the 30 largest districts in the state (we are one) 16 of them have necessarily reduce their school year and the amount of time that students have access to learning.

Kinda makes one wonder what is going on?

More jobs saved!!

After working together and sorting through many options and obstacles, CSEA membership last night ratified an agreement that provides 5 furlough days in this school year.  More importantly, it saves classified jobs throughout the District.  That is obviously important to the people who might have otherwise lost their position.  Additionally, it is important to all of us as we need everyone to make all of this work.  ANY loss at this point is TOO much.  With this ratification ALL of us throughout the District are contributing 5 or more furlough days to the health and well-being of RUSD.

Kudos to the CSEA leadership for their perseverance and willingness to confront difficult issues.  Kudos to the District team for working together with CSEA to get to this important agreement.

1000 Schools

Recently (last week) the State Board of Education in Sacramento decided to identify the top 1000 schools that needed "fixing."  On the face of it there is some appropriateness to that task.  However, the "devil" resides in the details.  AND we can once again thank RTTT (Race to the Top) for rushed legislation that certainly lacks clarity.

There are many questions raised about this issue and some press comment on the inequities and somewhat insane process of identification of these schools.  Probably the best representation that I have found was published in the SF Chronicle.   Arguably many of us can improve but this makes little sense.

As an example, there is a 10% cap on the number of schools that can be identified in any district (e.g., LAUSD).  The demographics spell out that while there still plenty on the list, there are 6 schools that exceed 800 on their API?  The fact is that there are good schools that are doing good work that are on the list (that is not to say that there aren't others that are appropriately placed on the same list).  Another interesting exclusion from the list (if we must have one), are all charters (while I understand the membership there is voluntary, it is interesting that they cannot be designated as "bad").

So when it is all done what happens to these "bad" schools?  The parents are notified and allowed to transfer to another school (which we do already).  That's it!  An inaccurate system, some public embarrassment (maybe), and the option to transfer.

As to our plight, we like many schools and districts in Riverside County (and the rest of the state) are on the list.  We have 3 of our specialized alternative programs that serve special populations identified (i.e., Summit View, Opportunity, and Lincoln HS).  Additionally, we have two elementary schools identified (i.e., Liberty and Fremont) with API scores of 713 and 722 respectively (both of which have a similar school rank in the 3rd decile).

Great Opportunity

We have a number of great organizations in Riverside that support our community, our youth, and our schools.  Recently, we had the integration of 2 of them.  Annually the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce sponsors their year-long leadership program which culminates in a community project sponsored by the members of their class/team.  THIS year the group is undertaking a project to raise money for our education foundation (REEF -- Riverside Educational Enrichment Foundation)  along with the Alvord USD education foundation.

This year's project is the Citrus Classic Bike Ride on Sunday, October 17th in Riverside, of course.  The Citrus Classic slogan is:  Education -- Ride of a Lifetime.  As a rider you have a choice of options from the Kiddie Ride to 101 mile Century Ride (with middle distances of 7, 27, and 54 mile rides).   So with all those options there is something there for ALL of us (actually I am thinking of one of middle distances for myself).  AND it supports REEF and our students.

Sandy Ramirez, and several other Leadership Riverside attendees have brought this to my attention.  I am planning to be there and I hope that you and your family will be there as well.  It should be a great time.  You can see the options and sign-up for this event at:  http://www.riversideca.gov/citrusclassic/

Budget

July 1st had come and gone, and of course, there is predictably no state budget. In fact, Sacramento has essentially shut down to go “home” for the holidays and the month of July – though they can be “called back” if there is a need for discussion and action. Essentially the process begins to move to the negotiations and mechanizations of the “Big 5.” Essentially this group consists of the Governor and 2 leading Democrats and 2 leading Republicans from both houses of the Legislature.


The fact is, there is NO budget in sight, with most prognosticators thinking that August would be an EARLY answer to the state budget and the more likely scenario being late summer or possibly early fall – when the state begins to run out of cash (which kinda’ forces the issue). In the interim, predictably state employees will face any number of difficult actions including being paid with vouchers (or the like).

With an approximately $20 billion deficit along with this being an election year (November) – it is not surprising that we have a delay and are likely to be faced with attempts to “kick the can down the road” for others to figure out. This circumstance is further affected by the fact that a number of the key players are also “termed out” with someone new coming to replace them.

Probably what is most critical, regardless of your politics or view, is a real solution for the California budget and state economy. All the “tricks” and “smoke and mirrors” have been tried unsuccessfully – it is time for California’s Executive and Legislative leadership to articulate a new vision of what we need to do to regain our leadership and performance in the national and international discussion.

At the local level, our budget started on July 1st (with the new budget and school year) and we are spending inside the budget year based on our adopted budget projections – but really without fully understanding what we will or won’t receive from the state of California. We are NOT currently in any short-term financial danger, but we will surely be negatively affected by the state’s final budget adoption. There are already proposals and discussions of shifting this and that – all of which results in additional responsibility and financial pressure on local school districts.

Stay tuned for an interesting summer as we watch Sacramento with anticipation.

National Standards

National standards has certainly begun to dominate the conversation in education circles everywhere.  Here in California the evolution of national standards also continues, as there has been legislation already enacted (in January) that says California will adopt such. So the only question that remains is WHICH of the national standards we in California will embrace. As such, the Governor has appointed a commission ()Academic Content Standards Commission) of interested parties, including some teachers, to address the issue.
We are blessed in that one of the teachers appointed to the commission is our own Steve Dunlap that most recently taught at our Highland Elementary School this past year. Due, unfortunately to the budget issues and impacts, Steve will be moving to the secondary level – though I am sure he will well. Steve was appointed by the Governor in June to serve in this capacity. Steve is very interested in providing standards for California that are solid and functional. Additionally, he is interested in representing the interests of those of us in Riverside and Inland Empire.

This commission is an assignment that will be fast-paced and intense. I hope that you will contact Steve and share your thoughts and interests with him so that he has a broad-base of information and perspectives regarding this important matter that will influence our future for some time to come.

Riverside in the Future

I had the pleasure of attending a meeting in LA hosted by the Secretary of Education, Bonnie Reiss, earlier this week, along with Tracy Arner. We were there along with major publishers, representatives from selected technology companies, and representatives from LA Unified, Long Beach Unified, and Fresno Unified. The topic of the meeting was Digital Textbooks and how we in California will handle that matter in the future as we progress and face the new instructional challenges of our time. The discussion seemed particularly relevant given the ongoing development/distribution of new delivery commercial mechanisms (e.g., Kindle, iPad, Nook, iPhone, etc.).
The issue of digital texts is really expanding (in the meeting and beyond) to utilization of "interactive “textbooks” and instructional materials. The first generation of materials had a “2D” look (e.g., pdf documents) and replicated textbooks online rather than being “hardcopy.” This discussion and its results begins to look more like a diversity of electronic options that would include: narrative/text, audio podcasts, video representations (like You Tube or Teacher Tube), along with possible feedback options. This “3D” approach also provides for the text itself to be enhanced – much like you might currently find with Wikipedia (i.e., keywords hyperlinked to additional explanation). All in all, this is a much different experience for students and teachers. The point is that this type of reality is more than just possible, it is happening – and not just limited to California.

The reason we were invited to the meeting was due to the great work of many of our teachers and support staff that are actually implementing these solutions in our classrooms this past year. That effort will expand to an even greater degree in the coming year with the additional outside financial and computer support provided to Riverside USD. All of this will provide a much more exciting and engaging future for our students.

Facilities and Construction

In the midst of very difficult budget times, we continue to have funds that can only support providing additional facilities for our students and staff. As many of you know, we have lots of students and teachers in temporary classroom facilities. We currently have a number of projects that provide work for our local construction industry and families while providing new permanent classrooms for our students.

As has been stated before, these construction bond funds (by law) can ONLY be used for construction of capital facilities and NOT for operational purposes. This is like bad news (can’t deflect our layoffs with this money) and good news (we can improve our classrooms for students).  Additionally, these projects support our local citizens and businesses in the construction industry.

These projects are currently under construction at Pachappa Elementary School, Central Middle School, Emerson Elementary School, and Mt. View Elementary School. I am including some quick pictures with the idea that possibly a picture is worth 1000 words.

Enjoy!


Pachappa Library and Classrooms

Central Middle School MPR

The King HS Field begins to take shape

Mountain View Library

Emerson Classrooms and Library

More Jobs

Good news from last night!!  After a looong day of negotiations (finishing in the evening) there is an agreement for CSEA/Classified furloughs (5 days) that will restore many classified positions across the District.  I appreciate the efforts of the combined team and their continued focus to get to the best solution possible.  Now we will all move to the ratification process in the most expedited way possible.