Hiatus

To all,

As a District we are closed this week and essentially most of our students and staff are off for a time of rest and rejuvenation.  As such I will not be blogging this week.  I wish all of you a restful time and we will begin our race to graduation when we return on Monday, April 11th.

Rick

The TOP of the top

I am always amazed and impressed with the top 10 category in Riverside County academic awards. Once again our RUSD students did extraordinarily well with 4 of the 10 awards.  This continues to sustain my argument, that if you want opportunities to excel you won’t find a better place than RUSD (maybe equal, but not better).  On the other hand, I frankly am not sure how you can get GPAs north of 4.5 (all of them), new SAT scores of 2250 (which is in excess of the 99th percentile nationally), and apparently successfully created a foundation for world peace.  Extraordinary kids and great staff.  To give you some view of these extraordinary RUSD students (as I cannot adequately describe their talent, work, and dedication) I have included one such example below:

This student is a senior at an RUSD High School. The student is ranked first in their class and has a GPA of 4.75. The student’s activities and honors include:  summer research intern at the National Institutes of Health Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research in Washington DC, volunteer intern at the UC Riverside Insect Immunity and Vector Biology Lab and the Biomedical Sciences Lab, founder and tutor of the chess club at Riverside Main Library, founder and tutor of the chess club at Riverside Orange Terrace Library, volunteer at Loma Linda Children’s Hospital, National Merit Semifinalist, National AP Scholar, California State History Day finalist, and Rensselaer Medalist. They scored a 2,250 on the SAT.

A little more detail...

For a good but brief analysis of what yesterday's news in Sacramento means to all of us in the State as well as in K-12 education -- you might wish to check out this article/website.

The Last Gasp?

So if you haven't heard yet, the Governor has declared that he has given up on the Republicans, the opportunity to get to a ballot measure for June, and the possibility of extending the current taxes.  Beyond the media reports, Brown wrote a letter to Senator Bob Dutton (local representative and Senate minority leader) basically agreeing to some version of 3 items but unwilling to talk about 53 items.  Actually, it is pretty interesting reading.

I understand that lots of folks think that somehow there has to be a "deal" struck between the two parties.  Okay!!  But, regardless of your party, I really don't understand the reluctance to allow the people (US!!) to vote one way or the other on the matter (feels a bit undemocratic).  Especially, given it is a tax we are already paying.  And by the way, a June vote is NO guarantee of it passing -- it is only an opportunity for us to know what the citizens of California would actually like to do on this particular matter!!

Time is finally gone!!  My best info is that if this is not resolved in the next two days we are in for defacto CUTS because we aren't allowed to vote.

So How Do You Feel About the Loss of Another $1,000+ per Student?

Ymm... Okay, deadlines are passed, even the "wiggle" room is passed, what is left?  With the passage of last week and still no authorization for a ballot measure, it seems that YOU and I will not get a chance to tell the Governor and Legislature about our beliefs regarding a tax extension or a doubling of the current budget and program reductions.  At least that is what the Governor seems to believe in his YouTube video discussion and "check-in" with the people of California.

While I can understand we looked at this tax question back in 2009, I am somewhat amazed at the lack of willingness to look at it again two years later.  I don't know about you, but it would seem that there have been several changes in the past two years that may or may not effect my view of the matter.  In my RUSD world we have made another $75 million in reductions (which kinda' sounds like big money to me) and the impacts on our classrooms and District are becoming increasingly obvious.  In California, this year's per student funding is actually less than it was in 97-98 (which was awhile ago).  At the same time, the national economy has clearly shown signs of not only recovery but growth (albeit slow in California).

Guess our legislators don't believe we have the wherewithal to make such important decisions.  Instead, THEY now have the collective obligation to make even more draconian cuts (which we will live with) that not only effect our students ...BUT the economic future of California.

If you are prompted to call those that get to make this decision, you can find their numbers here and you can choose to call them now or wait until after the reductions begin to occur.

The Sac Budget Tango?

So last week came and went and the Governor and Legislature did not meet the budget timelines laid out for putting the tax extension on the June ballot.  SO the theory was, maybe this week!  There was a bit of "give" in the deadline ...but even that ends either today or tomorrow, depending upon your view.  However, the newest strategy seems to have moved to a Plan B approach that hopes for a November (what happened to June?) election -- meanwhile Rome is burning.

The economic conditions in California government continue to spiral down.  Waiting is NO solution.  The tragic part -- in my view -- is by not addressing the needs of our students, we create long-term damage to both the State of California AND the student.  Where is the leadership?

For Those of You Who MISSED It...

Last Thursday morning, we had a great opportunity to address our business community -- via Good Morning Riverside, regarding the great work that our students and staff are doing in RUSD.  With about 200 people crammed into the Music Room of Mission Inn, we were able to showcase just a fraction of the good work that is being done on a daily basis.

If you missed it you can find it at the following website and replay it:  http://www.schooltube.com/video/6280ad6137d8ecaf5910/Good-Morning-Riverside-Performance

Are we ready for some changes?

It would seem that we are in interesting times where there is clear evidence (based on some triangulation) that things are not as they were in the last century -- to wit:

• Recent evidence from the U.S. Military indicates that they are increasingly having difficulty finding "qualified" recruits for military service.  Obviously this data is somewhat skewed as recruits tend to be "self-selected" -- however, 25% are not qualified to serve.
• Time magazine reports that in 2010 there was a 59% DROP in email use by 12 to 17 year-olds based on their social media preference.
• At the same time we have discovered that "Watson" (the artificial intelligence "competitor") really is "smarter" than the two previous champions on the quiz show, Jeopardy.
• Finally, we find that many in Wisconsin are concerned and "in the streets" over the potential loss of government support positions and related benefits.

It would seem to me, that old rules don't work so well any more.  I am thinking we need to figure out how to get ALL of our children/students to high levels of productivity and 21st century skill level (which is not fact based) as quickly as possible.

We Passed the DEADLINE ...now what?

Now what?  Who knows?  Speculation is that while we exceeded the Governor's 60 day deadline ...there may be a few more days before this tax extension ballot becomes "impossible."  My understanding is that the absolute end of this legislative procedure is Monday, March 21st -- at which point there will need to be a different strategy in Sacramento. 

As to the mechanics, it is interesting that apparently 5 Republican Senators (2 are required for passage) have indicated some interest in stepping over the line on this issue.  Assuming that can be accomplished, the Governor is half way there as he must get 2 Republican Assembly members to do the same thing -- and so far we have not heard of anyone voicing interest in taking that action.

It is also interesting that there has been little discussion of the $12 billion that the Governor is projecting in reductions in the budget.  Typically, these are reductions that are not viewed positively by the Democrats.  Overall, this feels a bit like 2009 with another Governor.

In the middle of this mix, is the smaller, but very much related question, how will we fund our schools and the education of our children (future)?  I can agree with the recent direction of our Press Enterprise editorial on the topic.

March 15th and NO layoffs

It is March 15th and we have been able to avoid ANY layoffs.  My congratulations to our RCTA and CSEA unions that had the foresight to craft and arrive to an agreement back in November (2010) that provided for NO layoffs this year (except for 17 FTE in ARRA funding).  Fortunately, for all of us, we have NOT needed to even exercise the allowable 17 layoffs in the ARRA situation.  This is best for all of us.  My deepest appreciation for both of our unions in establishing these agreements and related conditions where NO one is laid off in these difficult times.

Our employees are our asset, that is the only way we can get the work of schools and education done.  Now, one would only hope that Sacramento can get its work done and we can have a reasonable budget for this coming year (2011-12) and the next.  We have thousands of kids and an entire economy depending upon us.

So Happy for Pi (Pie) Day!!

I am excited and I would assume that all of you that are math inclined share the same enthusiasm for today.  Why you ask?  It's 3/14 -- PI Day.  You know the mathematical constant that we use in all kinds of calculations and frustrations of math instruction in our schools.  Remember the value of Pi? ...Yep, you are right... 3.14 (kinda like 3/14).  However, as it is an irrational constant we still are looking for the complete value but it starts looking like π = approximately 3.14159 26535 89793 23846 26433 83279 50288 41971 69399 37510...

Of course if you like Pi Day, you will also like July 22nd which is Pi Approximation Day as 22/7 (day/month date format) is a fractional approximation of Pi.  BTW ...July 22nd is 100 days away.

In any case, enjoy your Pi today!

3 days and counting?

According to the Governor's timeline, we have 3 days until we hit Wednesday, March 10th -- when he needs the legislature to approve the June ballot option to extend our taxes in California.  As such, things have become increasingly interesting.  Most recently, there is ballot language proposal released by the Governor to manage this situation along with a trailer bill.  Actually, the Governor was somewhat humorous in his Biblical references regarding the attempt to persuade Republicans to join the cause.

However, the basic dilemma continues between the Republicans and Democrats in a game of "chicken."  Dan Walters has one of the more compelling columns on the problem.  The essential problem is that the game has changed with Prop 25 in November.

3 -- 2 -- 1 ...the clock is ticking and the outcome is critically important not only for schools and children BUT to all of California.  We will see what happens.  Wind your watch!!

So if you don't like Plan A ...how about Plan B?

As the budget discussion continues and the days mark down on the Governor's deadline to get authorization for a June ballot measure, the Legislative Analyst Office (LAO) in Sacramento issued his own Plan B.  So what do we do if the tax extension doesn't work?  Or what if we really can't make all the reductions proposed?  Etc.

The Plan B obviously has lots of impacts, but relative to K-12 education it would essentially propose an additional reduction of $750 per student against an existing $5,000 funding level.  This basically adds another 15% in reductions to what already is arguably the lowest funding level in the United States.  I believe this will have a serious effect on our children/students -- FAR beyond the effects that it has already had.

Progressing Kinda'

The Governor's budget process continues along in its journey toward a June election and possible tax extension that would generate an additional $12 Billion on state revenue for the next 5 years.  But there are a couple of possible hiccups.  There is essentially a March 10th deadline that must be met to get this to the June ballot -- and time is ticking. 

A larger problem is whether or not the Governor can convince enough of the Republicans to approve the measure to get it on the ballot.  While we have cleared the Assembly there is not such an optimistic view in the Senate and for overall success.  This past week, in an unusual move, Senator Dutton in GOP leadership stated that the Republicans would NOT agree to a ballot measure for a tax increase.

Day 44 and counting!

Distinguished Again

Our Middle Schools are some of the best in the county and we have known that for some time by looking at the data.  This past week we were notified that two of our Middle Schools (i.e., Earhart and Gage) are moving forward with a "validation" visit in the California Distinguished Schools process.  There were 2 other schools recognized in the county with a coming visit -- both in Desert Sands USD.  These two middle schools are adding to the growing list of RUSD schools that have won this statewide award one or several times.

Those involved already know that these schools are great schools and performing well.  The "validation" visit to review and understand the signature practices of each of these schools that can be shared with others.  Earhart Middle School is actually the TOP performing middle school in the county of Riverside.  We look forward to these two schools performing well and standing on the California Distinguished School stage in May.

Thank you teachers, classified, and administrators for the GREAT job you are doing with our students and schools.

There's a new Sheriff in Town!!

In January, we had a change of Governors.  Actually, that is not all that unusual.  However, in this case it appears to be far different than before.  When Governor Brown took office there were some symbolic budget reductions but more importantly there is a real reduction of formality and officialdom.   We began to hear of Gov. Brown walking down the streets of Sacramento minus escorts, motorcades, and handlers -- this is different!

As an example, Governor Brown recently attended the State Board of Education meeting without announcing his arrival -- and engaged in an informal conversation with the Board.  Governor Brown was also attired informally.  Overall, there seem to be clear signals that this Governor is much more impromptu and relaxed in his approach.  An excerpt of the State Board of Education meeting can be seen by going to:  http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/pn/nr/yr11sberel01.asp

Last week the Governor needed to get to SoCal ...so like you and I he headed down to Southwest airlines and got on-board (don't know if he was Business Select // in the A group or not) -- and then sat next to real people.  Time will tell, but it would appear that things are happening Sacramento.

Budget Progress

So we are about a month away from D-Day and the deadline for constructing and placing the Governor’s proposed tax extension measure on the June ballot. How’s it going? As come forward from the Governor’s “budget proposal” in early January we are beginning to see things shape up a bit. There are certainly a variety of articles from various sources regarding the merits or lack of with the Governor’s budget plan.

From my perspective, I appreciate the Governor’s courage, intent, and plan – but this seems to be anything other than a “sure” thing at this point. From a distance it appears that:

• The Governor’s plan is an “equal opportunity offender” in that both parties have lots to be upset about:
• The Republicans are obviously upset about the potential of an increase / extension of taxes for 5 more years – and they have signed a “no-tax pledge”
• The Democrats (though in the Legislative majority and the same party as the Governor) are facing huge reductions to some of their favorite programs with the proposed $12 Billion in reductions from Brown
• School officials and constituents are beginning to wrap their minds around the incredible level of reductions that are likely / promised if this tax measure does not make the June ballot and get passed.
• Probably instantly we lose $250 per student in the current year “deferral” that would not get delivered
• We would instantly lose another $350 per student for next year as the Prop 98 guarantee is reduced by $2 Billion – for a total loss of $600 per student
• All of those changes do NOT resolve the “hole” that is left in the Governor’s budget plan (another $10 Billion) – which will arguably mean more schools reductions as we “own” a significant share of the $10 Billion. Current estimates of resolving begin to sound like a $1,000 to $2,000 loss per student in total.

Only yesterday, Dan Walters of the Sacramento Bee and long-time Capitol observer noted well, "Many questions.  As yet, no answers."  Meanwhile the clock is ticking.

Value-added in JROTC

An oft under-represented program in our community / school discussions is the JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp) that is provided at 4 of our high schools with 4 of the service groups (i.e., Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines). These groups have dramatic impact on our students / cadets as they are assisted with discipline and training that is supportive of healthy lifestyles and improved academic performance.

I saw one more example of that type of commitment and performance on Friday night with Poly HS JROTC Military Ball (i.e., 95th Annual) at the Riverside Convention Center. The event was attended by 190 uniformed cadets and their dates. There was a formal receiving line, introductions, toasts, traditions, etiquette, and a speech from visiting Major Sagona, etc. – ALL of which was run by the senior cadets.

Nicely done Major Dominguez and Poly Bear Cadets.

Redevelopment Funds

As part of the Governor’s budget plan/process/etc., he is suggesting that Redevelopment Agencies (RDA) pay schools directly rather than their original intent to support redevelopment projects. This sounds like a “good deal” for schools and the children of this state; however, upon closer inspection the reality is that is probably better for the State than anyone else.

Under the current laws, the State owes schools a particular amount of money by formula. With this RDA shift that amount of money is the same as it has always been (i.e., schools do not get one more dollar under this shift). However, who is paying the bill/obligation is shifting from the State to the local RDA – which makes one think that the State is the winner in this situation.

Meanwhile the capital improvement projects that are supported by RDA funds in the City are lost along with the construction-based jobs that were involved in building those projects.

In RUSD (as well as many other districts in Riverside County), we already get a substantial amount of money on an annual basis from the RDA to support the building of schools and other facilities. If this RDA change should occur, we will not get any more operational funds as defined by state law, BUT we would lose our current RDA funds. The net effect would be that we lose money on this deal!! Lost jobs, less money? I am not so sure that this is a “good deal,” though I appreciate the Governor’s effort to hold public education in “harmless.”

NCLB plus?

Once again we have national/ state test results released and people seem to be wondering "what happened?"  This time the results are for the NAEP Science assessment.  Needless to say, there are folks that are concerned and have actively voiced their opinion on the matter.  Why should I be any different?  So here is my opinion?

What were people expecting, with the clarity of the NCLB focus on essentially reading and math -- it is not hard to figure out that other highly important areas of the curriculum such as: science, social studies, arts, etc. somehow get left out of the equation.  At the same time, in the 21st century, more than ever we need students to be well-informed problem solvers (e.g., The Global Achievement Gap).  While NCLB might be headed in somewhat of the right direction -- with improved performance -- it falls woefully short of what we need.  IF every one of our students, as targeted, were fully proficient with the NCLB math and language arts targets in 2014 (the NCLB target year) -- where would we be?  I would suggest that we would have students that can read and compute -- but have few other skills to meet the challenges of this century.  We need to make sure we don't settle for NCLB targets alone.

In RUSD, the Board and others are actively advocating for much more than the NCLB standard.