No Layoffs Continued as Sacramento continues to Churn!!

I congratulate the CSEA team and applaud their efforts.  Last night they, as the teachers, ratified by 80% (to 20%) a tentative agreement that "freezes" the existing furloughs, contracts, and MOUs -- thereby guaranteeing no layoffs until June 30, 2012.  Kudos to all!!

At the same time, Governor Schwarzenegger called another Special Session (along with the swearing in of new Legislators) to resolve the $25 Billion budget deficit.  Needless to say, there are those that aren't sure that they wish to resolve the budget mess with a "lame duck" Governor.  On Wednesday, Governor-elect Brown began his messaging about where he intends to go with the budget -- with the first of 3 budget forums.  Senate leader Steinberg summed the situation up fairly well saying, “When you boil down all the complicated formulas and the complexity of the state, it comes down to one question: ‘what do we want as a state and how are we going to pay for it’?”

And guess what, NOW we have a $28 Billion deficit (based on the federal estate tax actions).  The news is NOT improving.

On a positive note, the Governor-elect did acknowledge that with national comparisons with other states, we are in trouble and need help.  He specifically recognized that we are ranking 49th in teachers-per-student, 49th in counselors-per-student, 50th in librarians-per-student, and 47th in administrators-per-student. The new governor seems aware of the magnitude of the problem our schools and students face.

Stay tuned, it should be an interesting couple of months!

NO layoffs!!

I was most excited to hear a couple of weeks ago that the RCTA team along with the RUSD team had reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) that essentially “froze” the existing agreements including furloughs, etc. – and we would guarantee NO layoffs. GREAT work on their part.

Friday, I was even more excited that the agreement was approved by the members of RCTA – which moves the issue forward to Board for ratification on Monday night. It is my sincere hope that CSEA members will similarly ratify the TA on Wednesday with their vote.

The idea that we will NOT layoff employees is tremendous. This is good NOT only for our staff members – it is good for our students and their learning. Some relief of this tension allows us to focus on the real work of our District – our students.

There are certainly “unknowns” about the budget and what exactly the state will or will not do with their budget. But to provide this certainty at this time is important for us all. Who is to say what things in California will look like in 18 months? Dan Walters posted a very interesting (somewhat counter-intuitive view of the budget situation). All signs, signals, and conversations with Sacramento tell us that the “deferred” $1.8 Billion promised just a couple of months ago – is none existent and will certainly be taken away. The larger question that seems to be will there be a mid-year reduction or additional reductions for 2011-12.

On the positive side, we can all hope that the financial situation improves under the new representatives in Sacramento – which would give us all the opportunity to get things back on track.

Our "New Normal" Future from DC?

Since we seem by state and financial initiative to be increasingly linked to the action and direction of those in Washington D.C. it would seem appropriate to consider what is in our future with them.

In the middle of November, U.S. Secretary of Education Duncan contended that we have a "new normal" and should "do more with less".  At a time when the Department of Education has far more resources than ever before -- Secretary Duncan lays out to the American Enterprise Institute that we need to reduce waste and seize new opportunities in our "new normal."  Secretary Duncan opened with a bold statement. “I am here to talk today about what has been called the New Normal,” he said. His basis for his statements would seem to be his 7 years as the CEO of Chicago Public Schools [which BTW in 07-08 when he left, was funded at $11,536 per student -- or twice RUSD levels].  The Secretary's suggestions for the transformational reforms that can also boost student outcomes would include such actions as:  rethinking policies around seat time requirements, class size, compensating teachers based on their educational credentials, the use of technology within the classroom, inequitable school financing, and the over-placement of students in special education.

Duncan goes on to argue that "In some cases, government may have to spend more now, to get better returns on our current investment. Race to the Top and i3 are good examples."  For me, I am a little unsure of what "return on investment" he might be referring to at this time.

Finally, Secretary Duncan lays out what we can anticipate with the coming reauthorization of federal educational programs and their related categorical funding. "Our ESEA reauthorization proposal consolidates 38 programs into 11 new funding streams -- so we can focus on achieving fewer, larger goals, better -- and it reduces red tape for people at the state and local level. Congress accepted the administration's proposal to eliminate four programs in fiscal 2010. And in fiscal 2011 we proposed eliminating six more programs.

I would agree with Secretary Duncan it looks like we will be "in" for a "new normal" from the Department of Education in Washington D.C.  What seems to be missing from the discussion is some idea of what we "get" in terms of outcomes, with our "new normal."

Interesting Thoughts from Around the Nation

• Digital Education’s Description of a New Partnership Between The Florida Virtual School and Pearson: “The Florida Virtual School and educational publishers Pearson have announced a partnership that will offer FLVS-designed courses through a program called Pearson Virtual Learning… Schools worldwide will be able to choose from one of four options to offer middle and high school content to students. The programs vary based on whether a subscribing school is using its own teachers and learning management system, and whether it is paying for courses on a per-student or a subscription basis. Information provided by Pearson does not include more specific pricing models for the program.” (Digital Education)
• Jay Matthews (Washington Post) questions how we might be more creative with school options including motivation regarding assessment and performance:  ...What would happen if we would only provide an "I" for incomplete rather than an "F" for failing on student report cards or records?  "Would the Washington suburbs [or anyplace else] ever tolerate a system in which families could choose schools with radical approaches, such as insisting students pass the final exam or retake the course? Would any parents expose their children to such experiments?"  (Washington Post)
• On the Opinion Side of the Map ...Friedman cogently comments on the State of the Economy and Role of Education: Friedman provides a very concise, though compelling view, of the triple whammy (i.e., globalization, technology, and superior education) driving our economic situation both from a personal and national (and arguably Riverside) perspective. And then fosters the notion that high-quality education is the way out with the view from immigrant parents that, "learning is the way up." (New York Times)

Thanksgiving

Obviously this is the time of year for Thanksgiving – the holiday. As such we take the week off for students, staff, and families to enjoy the season and their time with each other. However, it is also the time for me to be thankful for all that I have been blessed with, including my family.

I would also like to say that I am tremendously thankful for all of you here in Riverside. We have a great teaching staff that is highly committed to doing the best for students.  Additionally, we have a great support staff that is committed everyday to do what they can to make instruction successful for students.  Frankly, there is NO place that I would rather be than here in Riverside.  What we can do together is tremendous and exciting.

On a more personal note, I am thankful for all of those in Riverside who have befriended us since our arrival.  In the true Riverside spirit you have welcomed us.  Indicative of that spirit, 2 years ago when we arrived on Christmas Eve (literally), we were greeted by Gary and Collette Lee along with warm soup and a small Christmas tree.  That same spirit by many others has prevailed since our time here.  I am thankful.

So How Exactly DO We Get A State Budget?

As referenced earlier in the week – we are into a new budget creation process again 30 days after the conclusion of the last round. However, this go around promises to be a bit different – as indicated by the Press Enterprise (amongst many others).

Given the passage of Prop 25 the democrats would appear to be in charge and can pass the budget with a simple majority (50% + 1) rather than the previous supermajority (2/3). From that view, they probably think things are improved as they don’t have to get any consensus or votes from Republicans. However, the 2/3 requirement for ANY tax increase more or less cuts off the revenue sources that they were counting on. The election also eliminated many of the mechanisms the Legislature has used to raid local funds for state purposes (e.g., Redevelopment funds).

So, from my view, the Democrats now have the power and responsibility to deliver the state budget for both this and next year. However, there is loss of power to access revenue sources which only leaves reduction of programs as a solution for their (our) budget problems – both this year and next. Obviously, that puts schools and districts at the center of attention – yet this is philosophically in contrast to the principles of the Democratic Party (who have typically supported schools and sought revenue enhancements rather than budget reductions).

A simple majority vs. a supermajority requirement for passage of the budget is likely to have a number of “unintended consequences.” I suspect that other propositions are likely to have similar impacts that may fundamentally modify our budgetary system in California.

Budget? What Budget?

Remember 33 days and one election ago when the Legislators and Governor in Sacramento approved (October 8th) the state budget 100 days late? Well, that was then and this is now. Apparently they were surprised to find out that they had overestimated the revenue by over $6 Billion. This $6 Billion added to the existing $19 Billion deficit for next year adds up to being $25.4 Billion short for the next 18 months. So says the non-partisan LAO (Legislative Analyst Office) report. By the way, the total existing state budget is $86.6 Billion – so this equates to 22% of that total.

So the news outlets from Sacramento to San Diego and nationally is alive with the news that the Governor has now (November 11th) called his 18th Special Legislative Session to resolve the issue. The interesting part is that the Special Session starts on Monday, December 6th (after all the new legislators are sworn in). So the session essentially begins less than a month before the new Governor is sworn in on Monday, January 3rd. So by my calculation, the legislature probably has about 2 weeks working time before the new Governor arrives. To add to the drama, newly-elected Governor Brown has a legal responsibility to issue his budget plan for 2011-12 about a week after he is sworn into office.

Blogger John Fensterwald adds to the excitement by adding his understanding of the LAO’s comments that there is an “easy fix” for almost $2 Billion of the issue – by taking back the money we just received in schools – one month ago. Fensterwald said:

• “But the LAO did say that the Legislature should consider reneging on funding $1.8 billion that it added to Gov. Schwarzenegger’s May revised budget. That money is to be deferred to next July, after the start of the next fiscal year, but cutting it would erase about a third of this year’s estimated budget deficit. And it wouldn’t make much difference anyway since “most districts have been cautious in increasing 2010-11 program support as a result of recent deferrals.”
• Which is a diplomatic way of saying, Go ahead, legislators, and take it back, because most districts were smart enough not to trust you in the first place.”

We have and do fully expect the State to take back these funds they just delivered to us – and required us to modify our local budgets. Hang on tight!

In Tough Times -- This is Good News

This past week, I was pleased to hear (via the RCTA and CSEA negotiations update) that the joint negotiating teams from both the union and the district arrived at a tentative agreement. This was true for both the CSEA and RCTA groups. Essentially, the agreements (subject to ratification) do the following things:

• Freeze all existing agreements/MOUs in place – including the 5 furlough days
• Freeze all RCTA / CSEA employee positions (NO layoffs) for the remainder of this year and for all of the next school year (2011-12)
• Increase the district contribution to medical benefits from $9,000 to $9,500 for a one year period (with the hope that things will improve in the interim)
• And a few other tweaks and twists

Bottom line, if we can save jobs (and families) and provide confidence to them for the coming holiday season and new year – THAT would be fantastic. I applaud our combined teams and the critical, time-sensitive work that they have put into these proposed agreements.

Kudos to all!! Hopefully, this happens and things improve so that we NEVER need to undertake layoffs again.

Elections and Budgets

Interesting times!! The election is over we now know who the Governor is along with the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI). We also have the opinion of the electorate on issues of taxation, etc. Needless to say, there are lots of news articles, bloggers, and political pundits weighing in on what it all means.
Where there seems to be absolute clarity is with the idea of the budget – both current year (2010-11) and next year (2011-12). While all seem to understand the influence of special interests in the entire election process – there is a gorilla in the room that must be dealt with {an unfunded budget}. As such there seems to be all kinds of signs that there will be a mid-year modification of the current budget that is likely to affect us all. Governor-elect Brown has already indicated that he is reluctant to raise taxes without an affirmation of the people AND they just said (Prop 21) they aren’t interested in an $18 fee on their car registration.

As if this is not enough of a challenge for Governor-elect Brown and Superintendent-elect Torlakson, there is an issue of common core national standards. Clearly, and legislatively, California is committed to those common core standards. The challenge is that with a NEW set of standards – there is NO money to actually impement those standards. Implementation would probably at a minimum require: new textbooks, new training, and an entirely new state assessment system – ALL of which would require a substantial injection of dollars to support this development and deployment at the state and local level.

Again, realizing that all guesses are correct – some are just a bit closer – here’s mine. I am thinking that Governor-elect Brown acts quickly and creates a mid-year reduction for schools AND others to do what he can to reconcile a huge and growing (?) budget deficit. Followed by a rather draconian budget proposal for the 2011-12 budget year. Why? Because he “inherited a tough situation” and he believes it is his job to “fix it.” From a political view, if he doesn’t resolve it now it becomes “his” problem – if he resolves it now it is an “inheritance” issue.

Another view is that we have been focused in the last several years on the “Big 5” and their negotiations of a budget deal that is then ratified by the Legislature. Given the Prop 25 change (50% +1 to pass the budget) of the budget process, are we now faced with the appearance of a “Big 5” but the reality of a “Big 3?” There is no longer a functional need of Republican support to approve a budget – SO it would be entirely possible for the Governor and the Democratic leadership in the Assembly and Senate to determine a solution (“Big 3”) without much discussion or concurrence of the Republican representatives.

The Governor-elect still has some time before he is inaugurated into office – however, the race has begun.

Don't Forget To VOTE!!

Tomorrow is Election Day – and I hope you are planning and preparing to vote. I have already voted via mail. Clearly tomorrow’s activity and our various votes are critical, based on our system of governance. Additionally, there are very important issues to be resolved including the leadership of our state for the next 4 years, along with the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and 1/3 new legislators to determine our laws. We also have important initiatives that are likely to have long-term impacts (one way or the other) on us and our state.


I hope you find the time to make sure and vote your conscious on these important matters.

Perris Valley Line

I don't know about you -- but I am concerned by what has been called the Perris Valley Line -- which is an extension of the Riverside Metrolink to Perris by RCTC (Riverside County Transportation Commission).  We all surely understand and can even support the enhancement of transportation in our area or any other metropolitan area.  That is certainly good for all of us.  However, at what cost?

My fear is that while we currently have a stable situation with limited risk -- THIS solution has unacceptable risk for our RUSD students and staff.  The current situation involves two of our schools and very limited train traffic and low speed of travel.  RCTC is suggesting track improvement that will ultimately mean many more trains and much greater speed on the section of track that is adjacent to the Highland and Hyatt Elementary Schools.

To give you some perspective on the issue, I have included above a picture of the train situation at Hyatt Elementary along with a YouTube video of some of the issues.  At Hyatt there are concerns about a train derailment that could land on the Hyatt playground with students.  In Highland's case, there are the normal train issues and complications; however, there is a privately owned high-pressure fuel line (to March Air Base) which has potential with great speed and numbers of trains to create a situation with some similarity to the recent San Bruno disaster.

What can you do, if you have concerns?  Certainly contact our local representatives on the RCTC, including our Riverside City Councilman -- Steve Adams or his alternate, Councilman Andy Melendrez.

Budgets and Money

We had the Riverside Legislative Summit on Friday with our various legislators and the California Secretary of Education.  One of the more interesting statements that was made and reported in the Press Enterprise was regarding the relationship between money and performance.  It seems at some level we always go there and yet rarely get what I would consider to be the whole story.  In this case, I understand that basic notion presented -- however, it seems that we miss some of the relevant information that exists in our current times and circumstances.

I don't think anyone would contest that learning (when it has value) costs something (money).  So the question becomes how much money and what is the priority of those funds within the economy and spending patterns.  Obviously the corollary is that money alone does not equate to performance in education or, for that matter, anything else (probably the best example I can provide is the recent blog post I provided).  That issue of equity and levels of California funding was recently presented in what I would consider a fair manner by a Silicon Valley blogger, John Fensterwald.  To be clear, I am not asking for "Newark funding" -- just pointing out that money obviously has a connection and it needs to appropriate.

Additionally, it has long been understood that poverty never caused poor performance in learning.  However, it has long been understood that it has been associated (correlated) with educational performance.  I can point out that while I can take no credit for this, RUSD has shown a longitudinal overcoming of that poverty/learning correlation (as demonstrated below).  While levels of affluence have dropped in the community (as a function of free/reduced lunch counts), levels of learning (math and language arts) have improved.  While that is great and kudos to our teachers and all staff, I will be the first to say that we can do even better -- and we are!

Biker's Paradise

As promised there was the Citrus Classic this weekend.  It was a great ride that provided lots of different venues of Riverside {I saw places I had never seen}.  The Leadership Riverside Class of 2010 is the best ever as they had about 600 riders and are still counting their money (though I understand they are expecting more that $30k to provide to REEF and AEF).

For me, it was a great day with colleagues, friends, and community.  I rode the 27 mile version -- though some of our principals rode the more exciting distances.  I rode most of the ride with Lanna Goffman -- one of our administrators.  She was kind and waited for me to catch up along the way.  A good chunk of the Board of Education and Cabinet were running the rest stop about 1/2 way along the way -- just before the Santa Ana River Trail.

I am sure that Lanna wondered what happened, as she was ahead of me -- and yet I finished before her.  Explanation -- I got lost ...but was found by a bike-riding Marine who guided me back to safety and the finish (orientation skills).  Like I said a great ride with great people.  The money goes to our kids/teachers in RUSD and Alvord Education Foundation.  So this was the 1st annual Ride -- I am already looking forward to the 2nd annual ride -- though I probably should get in shape this time.

Thanks again to Leadership Riverside and all the great sponsors that participated and made it a great day.

Citrus Classic

Well I am trying to get ready for the big ride (Citrus Bike Classic) this weekend for the benefit of our students and staff -- hope you are as well.  Citrus Classic was the "brainchild" and project for the 2010 Leadership Riverside group and is intended to be a 3 year project (making the Classic an annual event). 

I took my bike in for its "tune-up" and its looking good.  I am signed up for the event. There's only one problem -- I am not "tuned up."  Oh well, it should be fun on Sunday anyway and definitely for a GREAT cause -- our RUSD and Alvord kids

Attached is a picture from last Saturday of some of our principals as they "train" and help set up the route for the Classic.  Who are they?  I am looking forward to Sunday's ride -- hope to see you there!

Rick

And the Future of Public Education?

More than once since I have been here in RUSD, people have asked me -- So what will the schools of the 21st Century really be like? This is a really tough question with any answer being a GUESS. My suspicion is that it is likely to be much different than any of our estimates -- as it is a very volatile time with much change on every level -- including non-public school levels.

Recently, we adopted our newest RUSD technology plan (vision) available online (as you might expect). This particular plan not only addresses the normal technology purchasing provisions {as required by the State} BUT in this case it begins with an attempt to foresee what 2020 might look like in RUSD (and elsewhere) classrooms. The 2020 theme is included throughout and is linked to the federal documents: Blueprint for Reform and the National Technology Plan for Education.

There is a bit of a trap for those that might be reading this to believe that I/we don't appreciate what we currently have and what public education has done for all of us (me included).  Without going into my personal story and the stories of others -- be clear I/we appreciate what we have gained from the current system.  BUT it doesn't mean that we shouldn't be and aren't concerned about how to make public schools even better.

I believe that our tech plan committee did a great job with a tough question and have at the very least laid out a clear vision of what we might expect in 2020. You might find it to be interesting reading AND there will be opportunity for inclusion in future committees to implement the plan. Additionally, it would be interesting to know what YOU think.

Finally a Budget

After 100 days and over 3 months past the deadline for the state budget we finally have one. Early Friday morning the Legislature passed the budget and sent it on to the Governor’s desk for signature. Friday afternoon, the Governor signed the budget along with about $1 Billion in line-item vetoes – thus the saga finally ends. It was only a couple of years ago when our total budget in California was $110 Billion – this budget comes in at $87.5 Billion.


Of course, now we are left with trying to figure out what all of it means, as most of it was done “behind closed doors” – such that even the Legislators arguably had limited information about what they were voting on. Additionally, as of about noon – no one seemed to know exactly what was in the Billion dollars of line-item veto items.

In a general sense, from all sources including the staffers of the Sacramento folks – there was something here for everyone. However, even in their terminology this is a budget of “smoke and mirrors” that is not realistic and leaves in place huge deficits along with a structural deficit for the future (read 2011-12 – 9 months away). There has been an overestimation of the revenues (“counting on money that is not there”) including federal help, sale of state buildings (that we will rent back from the new landlords), and optimistic tax revenues. Meanwhile there has been an under-estimation of the expenditures – that are surely going to be exceeded. So those that are newly elected in November will have quite a task on their hands in January as they take office.

As far as K-12 education, it seems that we are okay for the current year -- IF you believe the promise and that there won't be mid-year reductions from the newly elected state folks.  There is great concern about the deferrals (another $1.7 Billion) and a general acknowledgement that all of this makes next year (2011-2012) -- which was viewed as a "bad" year -- worse.

Kudos to UCR for $10 million for their/our Med School.  As we figure this all out and its impact on public education & RUSD we will let you know.

Why is this so complicated?

We rightfully continue to get questions about the budget and requests for information.  We are committed to both transparency and communication about District operations -- including the budget/finances.  However, we should realize that we will always fall somewhat short of that goal and will always be in pursuit of perfection and completion of the transparency/communication target.

Essentially all financial documents are stored on our District webpage for public access and review.  Additionally, as we prepare explanatory documents regarding the budget -- they too are available in similar webpage locations.

As an example, yes -- as reported, we have a $71 million fund balance that goes from one year (2009-10) to the next (2010-11) -- this clearly shown in our documents.  Additionally, Mike Fine has explained this on a number of occasions -- most recently at our September 7th Board meeting (with the materials available at and the Board podcast which is also on the website).  We also try to provide "short" documents that explain as simply as we can (without detail) the circumstances of the budget.

Commonly, there seems to be concern and confusion about why we are having such a tough time offering what we always have in terms of services and options for students and parents.  The fact is that we have, as a reduction in state funding (our income), had to reduce almost $100 million in the past 3 years.  Looked at another way, Do you remember the year 2000?  When:

• Bill Clinton was President
• Harry Potter didn't have a movie and glasses yet
• The "hot" movie was Erin Brockovich
• and before 9/11 had terrifying meaning

That is the "new" level of funding we have in California (and RUSD) for public schools.  I am sure that a number of you have the same problem.  However, the fact is that while "income" may be pegged at 2000 levels prices and costs somehow remain at 2010 levels on their way to 2011.  A "lost decade" effects families and effects schools/students.

Budget Watch

Sacramento says that the budget is complete -- though there are NO details yet as to what that might mean.  The NEXT step is to move to the Legislature for a vote.  The projection for the vote is Thursday, though there is some discussion about that being too soon -- as it is not enough time for the legislators to know what they are voting on.  I am sure we will get more details throughout the week.

An Opportunity of Support

For those of you who are so inclined, there is a local run, next Sunday (Ocotber 10th) -- that supports the efforts of SmartRiverside with our students and families.  SmartRiverside and their efforts have certainly assisted RUSD in delivering more technology to our students and staff.

A recent shift at SmartRiverside is that their ATT contract for the city-wide wireless system has ended and therefore been modified.  The net effect is that there now actually a greater bandwidth (capacity) that is being provided across the City of Riverside to all of us.

So IF you like to run, Citrus Heritage Run is not only a great run -- but a great cause.

$100 Million??

I was pleased to hear last week about the $100 million contribution from Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook to the Newark Public Schools in Newark, New Jersey. What a great contribution!


But from my perspective in Riverside, CA – HOW bizarre!! For that matter, this feels a bit like the bizarre qualities of much of the “federal reform” of the states-rights educational systems. Newark, like much of the East Coast, is funded at an incredible level compared to anything here in California or more locally in Riverside. So here are the statistics (by THEIR report to their Board – 3/29/2010):

• Enrollment: 38,400 (for 09-10)
• Budget: $800 million (10-11) plus another $140 million in “grants and entitlements” …they like us in RUSD lost about $50 million for this current year
• Per student funding: $14,658 per student

In contrast, here in Riverside, RUSD’s numbers are:

• Enrollment: 42,631 students
• Budget: $297 million (10-11) …and we reduced about $45 million in our budget this past year
• Per student funding: $4,990 per student

So what was the Newark difference in performance? While each state is substantially different in their assessment, it is clear from the Great Schools website analysis that Newark is significantly below the New Jersey state average in every category.

While I truly wish Newark and Zuckerberg all the best, it boggles my mind to think how $100 million in the Newark system will make ANY difference at this point. It also strikes me these differences are larger than Riverside and Newark – it essentially describes a difference between the East and West coast in its funding and therefore the educational opportunities that can be provided.