NEW Deal

So it is one day later and I am apparently wrong – but still an uninformed, speculating superintendent.  Yesterday, according to Sacramento there was a budget deal that was made (2 weeks after the June 15^th deadline).  It has been announced but not many details yet – including actual budget language and passage of the measure (THAT’s when we have a budget).

Republicans are not and have not been part of this budget deal, which leaves us wondering what their role is in Sacramento (post Prop 25)?  Predictably, they are opposed to the deal, but it doesn’t matter as a majority vote (Democratic) prevails in the matter.  Bottom line, this now moves to getting the actual legislation written and approved as law (which is not instantaneous).

What does it say?

• Essentially things are better, as they are projecting $4 Billion more in revenue (without an especially strong rationale)
• Schools are more or less treated the same as they were this last year (no cuts), though there is a new $2 Billion deferral.  There are some other tweaks in there that are long-term -- but that remains to be seen.
• The BIG question is posed in January 2012 (6 months away), IF the revenue projections are not as suggested -- THEN there is an "automatic" trigger that potentially reduces schools by $350 per student and imposes a 10 day reduction of the school year without requiring collective bargaining with employees.  This really does expose schools -- just a 6 month reprieve.

Stay tuned, it could be a hot 4th of July.

Things are "hot" in Sacramento

Interesting shift of things as California State Controller John Chiang determined that the Legislature did not reach the Prop 25 threshold and therefore all Legislators don’t get paid – as they didn’t have a “balanced budget.”  The reality is that this is new territory as the majority party can pretty much do what they want – though they have to “balance” the budget and that requires arguably some reductions and changes that they may not be interested in making.  In the past, there has always been a partisan argument and defense (they won't let us do it!!).  However, with Prop 25 they can’t “blame” it on the Republicans as their vote is NOT required and frankly at this point they appear to be somewhat irrelevant.

So bottomline, this looks like it is going to have to be a deal between the Governor and the Democratic party.  Meanwhile the Dems and the unions aren’t all that interested in a tax vote (not surprisingly), as all the numbers say it loses and the unions are saying they don’t want to pay for a losing ballot issue.  Probably most interesting to me is that with the action of Chiang this really goes back to a “do-over” proposition AND my guess is that no one expected that and therefore it will take several weeks at best to begin to get something together to propose and produce as a California budget.  Regardless of the temperature, I am sure it will be a “hot” summer in Sacramento.

But then I am an uninformed, speculating school superintendent.  What do you think is going to happen?

We have a budget …but nobody is happy

Yesterday, as many predicted, the budget was passed and the Legislators get paid again. But as some would say, this will NOT be the last budget for the year (remember this last year). Not surprisingly, as indicated yesterday in my post, there are all kinds of gimmicks and smoke. Beyond the impacts to K-12 education (both short and long-term), I am really concerned about the Higher Education reductions. This is a serious concern for the long-term health of the state and our economy. How do we grow out of our economic “hole” when we cut off or reduce one of the primary drivers of our economy?


The “fun” in Sacramento yesterday was capped off with references to the “Soprano’s” and a potential fist-fight on the floor of the Assembly. Beyond all the budget trauma and battling which borders on the bizarre, there is an interesting column on the political scenario that surrounds all of this hoopla.

The problem locally is that we have learned we can’t trust Sacramento and need to continue to plan for mid-year reductions and more. Our calculations keep telling us that there will continue to be reductions as the real problem has not been resolved and this is NOT a balanced budget.

P.S. -- In late breaking news, the Governor has vetoed the budget plan ...so now we start all over!!

Budget, want a budget? Here's a budget!

So today is supposed to be the deadline for the State to adopt a budget (i.e., the Legislature to send such to the Gov).  According to Prop 25, the Legislators don't get paid from this point on IF there is no budget.  SO, rumor has it that they will begin seriously this morning at 11 am (check it out on CalChannel on the web.

The theory is that since there has been NO bi-partisan agreement, the Dems will just pass a majority vote measure (don't need Rep for that) that puts something in place along with extended revenue measures.  Meanwhile, there is hope for an election, etc. to cope with the issue of taxes (which balance the budget).  Much like last year, they will adopt a budget and then discover they really don't have enough money in the bank to make it work (remember Sept // Nov of last year?). 

To get all of this done:

• schools will get more deferrals (schools you can borrow more ...just not get more?)
• we will sell State buildings in downtown Sacramento (they don't need them anymore?)
• more cuts to higher ed
• taking money from First 5
• etc.

The Governor then has 2 weeks to sign or veto the budget.  Does anyone get the sense that we just moved from the bizarre to crazy?

RTTT – Déjà Vu

The beat of the federal drums keeps on drumming. Now, we have the 3rd round of Race To The Top (RTTT). But don’t worry you can’t apply. In a recent announcement, the federal Department of Education announced this new opportunity for those that didn’t quite make it previously (California included). Needless to say, the CORE group of 7 school districts is excited and optimistic about the potential of additional funding.


Meanwhile, it seems that there are those in other states and the National Governors Association that are a bit more skeptical. They are concerned for the lack of transparency and the seemingly arbitrary exclusion of almost 30 states from the “competition.”  Before this is all over, the federal DOE may be interested in the opinion and support of the National Governors Association, as public education is a states rights issue.

So if we have raced to the top twice before, is this really a race to the TOP?

Graduation

It certainly was great to see and participate in the 5 graduation/promotion ceremonies this past week.  I know that there were others across Riverside as well (though they tell me I only be in one place at one time).  It is always great to see students achieve and succeed -- which was surely obvious from these events.  My thanks and that of the District and community to all the great teachers and staff that assisted and supported these students in their 13 year journey to graduation.  Great job!!

It was also great to see the Publications crew along with their army of students produce the first-ever live streaming of the Arlington HS and Earhart Middle School commencement.  I know there were grandparents that, due to physical disability, were not able to attend the Arlington event that could see their students in "real-time."  I know that during the Arlington event we had over 200 viewers.  You can see these videos along with many other great things on our video site at:  http://www.rusdvideo.org/

Here are just a view of my pictures and remembrances from this past week.

Congrats to the Huskies

Congrats to the JW North Boys Baseball team that won the CIF Championship last night in Dodger Stadium over OC Esperanza.  The score wasn't even close at 7-1.  Even the OC Register finally gives JW North its due and demonstrates its great to be a Riversider.  As outlined in the LA Times  this is a team that has grown in its competitiveness and skill.  Great job Huskies!!

Future?

During these times of chaos, the persistent question always seems to be what will it look like when we get to the other side of this recession and we compete in global economy? There are lots of speculative answers, for sure; however, I ran across this interesting blog post from Seth Godin.


The post addresses the issue of libraries and librarians in an age where people increasingly have Kindles, Nooks, iPads, and the like – AND where Amazon now sells more electronic books than hard copy books by a growing number. It also takes a historical look first at the issue, before Godin looks at the prospective issue.

What is your perspective?

Budget?

The Governor did issue his May Revision which is better than we had hoped but essentially the same as his original budget in January. There was a serious up-tick in the tax revenues ($3 Billion) which they are projecting will sustain itself for the next two years (to $6 Billion). However, the real question is will it be any different than January when Governor Brown issued about the same thing but got nowhere in actually enacting the budget.


My guess is that the Governor is an experienced politician that learned a lot in the January to March sequence and won’t make the same errors again. I think he understands that with Prop 25 he really doesn’t need the Republicans (though he did send the olive branch back in January / February) AND the legislators are motivated differently than before, as failure to enact a budget means they don’t get paid. Further, unlike prior years when it took 2/3 to pass the budget, now it only takes a simple majority (which would suggest there is no longer a Big 5 only a Big 3).

It should be interesting to watch in the next 30 to 60 days to see if it really is different AND successful.

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.

I lost my tie!!

Yesterday afternoon, once again over 500 Seniors at JW North gathered with community leaders to present their Senior Exhibitions.  Kudos to them all, as well as their teachers and mentors.  This is not only a life skill to stand up in front of others and present, it is an assessment of their learning over the past 4 years at North.

Dr. Tony Wagner, of Harvard University, is currently criticizing the notion across America that we overly test students with the use of "bubbles" and "multiple choice" types of assessment items.  He advocates that students need to pose solutions and defend their proposition.  I would argue that the Senior Exhibitions at JW North do exactly that.

And yes, I was more than pleased to assist anyway possible in that effort.

Investment?

There has probably MORE than enough written by me and others about the current budget situation in California and how it effects schools and students. 

Recently, we had a Spring Break and I had the chance to leave town for a few days and decompress.  As part of that process, I had the chance to read a bit (not as much as I would like).  One of the books I had a chance to read was Stones Into Schools which follows Mortensen's original book of his personal journey, Three Cups of Tea -- either of which I would recommend.

I was struck me, was that this was a book about building schools in Afghanistan -- in the midst of a war and following an earlier war involving the Soviets as well as significant tribal issues.  Yet at the heart of it was the firm belief of the local citizens in the education/schooling of their children as being their future.  They were willing to invest their resources and even their lives to make that happen.  Umm...

Hoping for a REALLY Good "May Revise"

The budget seems to change on a daily basis ...and Sacramento is not even there!!  No tax extension.  Now there seems to be insufficient time make a November ballot happen (which is too late anyway). 

So what are we left with?

Increasingly, the prognosticators are suggesting that probably the "solution" for 2011-12 is to pass on a loss of $350 per student to schools and districts and then use "smoke and mirrors" for the rest of it.  Not surprisingly, neither party seems all that interested in an "all cuts" budget; however NOT solving the problem only makes the issue far worse for the next round.  Who knows?

The next big event in this circus is the Governor's May Revision of the Budget -- which would typically be held on Friday, May 13th (auspicious) -- though we never really know when any Governor will deliver this message.  The point of the revision is to update us on what the plan given the changes that might have occurred since January (which in this case are many).  Speculators aside, this is when we know the Governor's plan for resolving the budget issues -- regardless of the partisanship.

While it does not apply to our District this year, there are essentially 19,000 teachers across California that were issued notices of possible layoff.  One would have to speculate that ALL of those teachers would receive the next notice on or before May 15th assuring they will not have employment for the 2011-12 school year.

Welcome Senator Emmerson et al

Obviously, things have not improved with the budget. In fact, the issue seems to be how much we are going to be reduced in the existing environment – with the only “promise” being something in November? If you run the math on November it is long after anybody can do much for 2011-12 – and there are questions that if it were to survive a November election – how long would it take to actually get the money? To give you a quick idea of the negatives here they go (our comparable base is $5,200 per student):

• An “as is” budget with “no cuts” …we lose $19 per student and have increased operational costs (e.g., salary schedules, utilities, etc.)
• Prop 98 loss …-$350 per student (which also includes the -$19 above) …based on natural drop with no tax extension …this is the existing law
• A Democratic proposal to make all this work …for a total of -$835 per student (with all the above included)
• The LAO (Legislative Analyst Office) projection to right-size the budget …$760 per student …in addition to the $350 per student based on the Prop 98 drop …for a total of -$1,100 per student

To try and translate this back into a reduced school year …as we have tried about all the other alternatives we can think up, it might look something like this. When I went to the calendar on our website, I find our projected start date for students is Monday, August 29th. To accommodate at an $835 hit, theoretically the start of school should be moved back to Friday, October 7th. To further move the date back to accommodate an $1,100 hit we would need to start on Thursday, October 20th in time for the approaching Halloween weekend.  I wonder if this will impact the learning of our students and the long-term economy and productivity of our state?
To his credit, Senator Bill Emmerson, one of our local Senators will be in town along with the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI), Tom Torlakson, to provide an insider’s view of what is going on in Sacramento and why we don’t have a budget. Senator Emmerson has attempted to bridge the partisan divide and be a statesman in this issue, but for whatever reason it hasn’t appeared to work. He along with the SPI will be at RCC today. Welcome!

Students and Staff Excel Once Again

Well once again our staff and students have done an extraordinary job during the most difficult of times -- financially.  Yesterday, California released the names of the 97 California Distinguished Schools for this school year.   The levels of the schools to be recognized change each year with this year's focus on secondary schools (grades 7-12) across the state.  Not surprisingly, we had two of our schools recognized -- Earhart & Gage Middle Schools.  They were recognized as 2 of the 5 secondary schools in Riverside County.  The other 3 included two in Desert Sands (Indio, etc.) and one in Lake Elsinore.

These awards are determined through a rigorous statewide process.  The addition of these two schools this week, brings the total of our Distinguished School Awards to 32 in Riverside Unified School District.

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