As we enter the second trimester of the school year, schools in California face many challenges. We will begin having conversations about many of these topics over the next few months. The news is full of reports that California's revenue is coming in below expectations, so schools may be facing significant mid-year cuts. We continue to deal with the requirements of No Child Left Behind, particularly at our schools that are currently in Program Improvement status. In addition, we must implement a transitional kindergarten program for students who will be too young to start traditional K in August 2012. I will begin writing more about these and other topics starting next month.
But in the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to give thanks for the great work being done by teachers, staff, parents, and students throughout the Berryessa School District. There are great things happening at all of our schools. So thank you everyone, for your dedication to providing top-notch education for Berryessa's students.
In November's Berryessa Sun, Superintendent Will Ector wrote a column highlighting some special achievements in the district. I encourage you to read it here. And make sure you have a safe, enjoyable, and restful Thanksgiving holiday.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Mid-Year Cuts Inevitable?
As you may recall, school districts were bailed out at the last minute for this year in the state budget process. K-12 education funding was kept flat from 2010-2011 to 2011-2012. That allowed Berryessa to avoid having to implement cuts that we had been discussing for much of the spring.
Since the state was unable to secure any guaranteed new revenues, the budget bailout was based on a projection of about $4 billion in increased revenue resulting from an improving economy. The caveat in the final agreement was that if revenues fell short of the projected level, automatic cuts would be triggered midway through the budget year, in January 2012. If updated projections show the state falling up to $2 billion short, cuts will be made to state unversities, child care, and health programs. If revenues fall more than $2 billion short, K-12 education face cuts of up to $1.9 billion. The full level of cuts would mean a reduction of about $250 per student in the current year. For Berryessa, that would create an additional hole of over $2 million.
Based on revenue reports from the first quarter of the fiscal year, it does not look like the state will meet the optimistic budget projections they made in June. The likelihood that the state will fall short by the entire $4 billion is growing as the economic recovery remains very slow.
The cuts are supposed to be automatic based on certain state budget triggers, at the discretion of Governor Brown. I asked one of our Assembly members last week whether the Governor would pull the trigger by himself or consult with the legislature first. I was told that while the Governor would have the authority to make the cuts on his own, he would likely confer with our representatives first. Perhaps adjustments will be made so that schools won't take as big of a hit.
When our Board adopted this year's budget, we prepared for the possibility of midyear cuts by setting aside enough money to cover the shortfall without having to change our course in the middle of the year. But if we end up spending that money in the current year, the district faces tough decisions on what to cut from our budget next year in order to remain solvent. We could be in for a bumpy ride if current budget projections are correct.
Since the state was unable to secure any guaranteed new revenues, the budget bailout was based on a projection of about $4 billion in increased revenue resulting from an improving economy. The caveat in the final agreement was that if revenues fell short of the projected level, automatic cuts would be triggered midway through the budget year, in January 2012. If updated projections show the state falling up to $2 billion short, cuts will be made to state unversities, child care, and health programs. If revenues fall more than $2 billion short, K-12 education face cuts of up to $1.9 billion. The full level of cuts would mean a reduction of about $250 per student in the current year. For Berryessa, that would create an additional hole of over $2 million.
Based on revenue reports from the first quarter of the fiscal year, it does not look like the state will meet the optimistic budget projections they made in June. The likelihood that the state will fall short by the entire $4 billion is growing as the economic recovery remains very slow.
The cuts are supposed to be automatic based on certain state budget triggers, at the discretion of Governor Brown. I asked one of our Assembly members last week whether the Governor would pull the trigger by himself or consult with the legislature first. I was told that while the Governor would have the authority to make the cuts on his own, he would likely confer with our representatives first. Perhaps adjustments will be made so that schools won't take as big of a hit.
When our Board adopted this year's budget, we prepared for the possibility of midyear cuts by setting aside enough money to cover the shortfall without having to change our course in the middle of the year. But if we end up spending that money in the current year, the district faces tough decisions on what to cut from our budget next year in order to remain solvent. We could be in for a bumpy ride if current budget projections are correct.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Physical Fitness Compliments Mental Fitness
Educating the whole child includes a robust physical education. Studies show that physical fitness enhances mental fitness and learning. All of Berryessa's schools are taking physical fitness seriously, regularly participating in walk-a-thons, Jump Rope for Heart, and other events. These activities are above and beyond the traditional PE classes that are a part of California's curriculum.
I want to recognize several schools for their extra commitment to fitness. This morning, folks from the district and Ruskin Elementary School were in Sacramento to receive the grand prize in the 2011 Governor's Physical Fitness Challenge competition. Participant schools encourage regular physical activity by their students and log exercise time. Ruskin students had 100% participation this year and logged nearly 159,000 active days. As a result, they have been awarded $100,000 worth of gym equipment, which will be installed at the school. A local celebration and awards ceremony will be held in the near future.
Ruskin wasn't the only participant in the Governor's challenge this past year. Brooktree and Noble Elementary Schools both also finished in the top 10 statewide. Congratulations to all 3 schools.
The playground is an important place for students to get their daily exercise. Noble Elementary School was one of 4 schools in the entire country to be awarded a free playground courtesy of Old Navy and Terracycle. The playground is made in part out of recycled used flip-flops. This past Saturday, the school held a very successful and enjoyable community build event. Parents and district staff were on hand to build the playground and kids will start using the new equipment this week.
Noble is also participating in Earthquakes Fit. Earlier this week, representatives from the San Jose Earthquakes soccer team came to the school for a kick-off assembly. Third and fourth graders will log their exercises and after 5 weeks, a closing assembly will hopefully include a visit from an Earthquakes player.
Continuing on the fitness theme, Noble's PTA, with the help from other district schools, is organizing the first Berryessa 5K Walk/Run. Join me on Sunday morning, October 9, as we run through Penetencia Creek Park and the surrounding community, beginning and ending at the Berryessa Community Center.
I want to recognize several schools for their extra commitment to fitness. This morning, folks from the district and Ruskin Elementary School were in Sacramento to receive the grand prize in the 2011 Governor's Physical Fitness Challenge competition. Participant schools encourage regular physical activity by their students and log exercise time. Ruskin students had 100% participation this year and logged nearly 159,000 active days. As a result, they have been awarded $100,000 worth of gym equipment, which will be installed at the school. A local celebration and awards ceremony will be held in the near future.
Ruskin wasn't the only participant in the Governor's challenge this past year. Brooktree and Noble Elementary Schools both also finished in the top 10 statewide. Congratulations to all 3 schools.
The playground is an important place for students to get their daily exercise. Noble Elementary School was one of 4 schools in the entire country to be awarded a free playground courtesy of Old Navy and Terracycle. The playground is made in part out of recycled used flip-flops. This past Saturday, the school held a very successful and enjoyable community build event. Parents and district staff were on hand to build the playground and kids will start using the new equipment this week.
Noble is also participating in Earthquakes Fit. Earlier this week, representatives from the San Jose Earthquakes soccer team came to the school for a kick-off assembly. Third and fourth graders will log their exercises and after 5 weeks, a closing assembly will hopefully include a visit from an Earthquakes player.
Continuing on the fitness theme, Noble's PTA, with the help from other district schools, is organizing the first Berryessa 5K Walk/Run. Join me on Sunday morning, October 9, as we run through Penetencia Creek Park and the surrounding community, beginning and ending at the Berryessa Community Center.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
District Continues to Improve Performance, but Challenges Remain
Congratulations to all the staff of the Berryessa Union School District on another year of stellar growth on the API test. Overall, the district showed a 20-point gain, reaching a score of 843. Twelve of our 13 schools met their API targets and 11 are now above 800, which is the state target. In addition, all of our subgroups showed gains and 11 of the schools had the subgroups meet their targets. This tremendous performance is testament to the hard work of all teachers, staff, administrators, and of course our wonderful students.
Despite the gains, the federal targets set by No Child Left Behind continue to grow at such a rapid pace, that even with the growth our district showed, more of our schools are falling into the Program Improvement category. Simply put, even though our district is meeting California standards for exemplary performance, we are receiving what amounts to a failing grade from the federal government. The chart on the right (from the Mercury News) shows the increasing statewide proficiency levels and the much steeper national targets.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) looks not just at overall school performance, but sets targets for all subgroups, including racial minorities, socio-economically disadvantaged, and English language learners. Understanding how our schools are performing with each of these categories of students has helped staff focus on students who have traditionally struggled. As a result, strategies are being implemented to help narrow the achievement gap. This is valuable information for our schools.
However, the punitive nature of the accountability system removes school site flexibility and results in severe sanctions that are not always best for our schools. Since Congress appears unlikely to act on solving the problems with NCLB, California's Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson is seeking a waiver from the program. Here are a couple of articles discussing Torlakson's feelings:
Despite the gains, the federal targets set by No Child Left Behind continue to grow at such a rapid pace, that even with the growth our district showed, more of our schools are falling into the Program Improvement category. Simply put, even though our district is meeting California standards for exemplary performance, we are receiving what amounts to a failing grade from the federal government. The chart on the right (from the Mercury News) shows the increasing statewide proficiency levels and the much steeper national targets.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) looks not just at overall school performance, but sets targets for all subgroups, including racial minorities, socio-economically disadvantaged, and English language learners. Understanding how our schools are performing with each of these categories of students has helped staff focus on students who have traditionally struggled. As a result, strategies are being implemented to help narrow the achievement gap. This is valuable information for our schools.
However, the punitive nature of the accountability system removes school site flexibility and results in severe sanctions that are not always best for our schools. Since Congress appears unlikely to act on solving the problems with NCLB, California's Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson is seeking a waiver from the program. Here are a couple of articles discussing Torlakson's feelings:
- Torlakson Wants NCLB Waiver
- Torlakson's Letter to the Department of Education
- California Could Join NCLB Revolt
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Starting a New Year
Next week Berryessa students will once again enter our campuses, eagerly awaiting the new year of school, ready and excited about learning. District staff has been working hard all summer to make sure the campuses are ready for all the activity they will be seeing.
Our new Superintendent, Mr. Will Ector, started on August 1, and has been getting to know our campuses, staff, and community. He has hit the ground running and will be a tremendous leader for our district.
This morning, the district welcomed back all employees with a reception and kickoff event. Today is the first official day back at work for teachers. They, and all the staff, are what make our district a special place. Some employees have been with Berryessa for over 40 years, showing an amazing dedication to the education of our children. At the kickoff event, this year's employees of the year were recognized. They were nominated by their peers for doing exceptional work at their sites. There is one honoree from each of the employee groups. This year's teacher of the year is Marsha Yee, a resource specialist at Northwood Elementary School. The classified employee of the year is Judy Kling, who works in the special education department. Linda Talmage, a classified administrator in the Education Services Department, was honored as administrator of the year. Congratulations to these three dedicated employees.
Thanks to all the employees who work so hard for our children and our community. And welcome to an exciting new school year.
Our new Superintendent, Mr. Will Ector, started on August 1, and has been getting to know our campuses, staff, and community. He has hit the ground running and will be a tremendous leader for our district.
This morning, the district welcomed back all employees with a reception and kickoff event. Today is the first official day back at work for teachers. They, and all the staff, are what make our district a special place. Some employees have been with Berryessa for over 40 years, showing an amazing dedication to the education of our children. At the kickoff event, this year's employees of the year were recognized. They were nominated by their peers for doing exceptional work at their sites. There is one honoree from each of the employee groups. This year's teacher of the year is Marsha Yee, a resource specialist at Northwood Elementary School. The classified employee of the year is Judy Kling, who works in the special education department. Linda Talmage, a classified administrator in the Education Services Department, was honored as administrator of the year. Congratulations to these three dedicated employees.
Thanks to all the employees who work so hard for our children and our community. And welcome to an exciting new school year.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Update on Solar Installation
The Berryessa School District has been putting together plans for an innovative solar installation at each of our school sites. The plan is unique in that the installation will not cost the district anything, and the district will benefit from savings in electricity expenses as well as from sharing carbon credits in the future.
The project would be in partnership with a venture capital firm that would pay for all the design and construction and would own the solar panels. They would then sell electricity back to the district at a rate below the rate PG&E charges.
The project is financially viable as long as all construction is complete by the end of 2012, so that the funding party can take advantage of tax credits that are scheduled to expire at that time.
The district's contribution is the land at each site where solar would be installed. The Board has decided that we should not risk damage to our new roofs and therefore all solar installations will be ground mount or parking lot cover styles.
The Board will vote on August 23 to get the process moving. The next step after that will be a series of public hearings so that the public has a chance to view the designs and give feedback before designs are finalized later this fall.
The project would be in partnership with a venture capital firm that would pay for all the design and construction and would own the solar panels. They would then sell electricity back to the district at a rate below the rate PG&E charges.
The project is financially viable as long as all construction is complete by the end of 2012, so that the funding party can take advantage of tax credits that are scheduled to expire at that time.
The district's contribution is the land at each site where solar would be installed. The Board has decided that we should not risk damage to our new roofs and therefore all solar installations will be ground mount or parking lot cover styles.
The Board will vote on August 23 to get the process moving. The next step after that will be a series of public hearings so that the public has a chance to view the designs and give feedback before designs are finalized later this fall.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Welcome Will Ector, our new Superintendent
Here is the official announcement from Board President Khoa Nguyen, welcoming Will Ector as the new Superintendent:
During the past month, the board reviewed 19 highly qualified candidates ranging from sitting superintendents to assistant superintendents all across California from right here in the bay area to southern California, to even the east coast. However, when reviewing the candidates, only one candidate unanimously ranked as a top candidate for all five board members.
This candidate comes to us from the Evergreen School District with 37 years of public education experience at the K-8 level, with the majority of his career spent entirely within the Evergreen School District.
Of those 37 years, 6 of those years he served as a middle school math and PE teacher, and for the past 29 years he served as an administrator in the capacity of assistant principal, principal, and most recently, as Director of Human Resources.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to congratulate and welcome the current Director of Human Resources at the Evergreen School District, Mr. Will Ector, where he also served 14 years on the Superintendent's Cabinet, to the Berryessa Union School District as the new incoming superintendent. Mr. Ector will assume office on Tuesday July 19 to replace Dr. Liebman upon his retirement on Thursday July 28.
Mr. Ector was hired with an unanimous approval of 5-0 from all five board members. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Ector, we all look forward to having your leadership here in Berryessa!
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