So we still don't have a state budget and have not much of an idea of when that might actually happen. So what does it all mean? When will it happen? etc. So if I could, I would like to share my guesses (realizing that ALL guesses are accurate -- some are just closer).
First, I think the budget will be late -- but we will have one as Sacramento will at some point need to get home and campaign for the election.
Second, this is an election year -- so I seriously doubt that we will see much more than a "get out of town budget" -- that will not make changes and will not deal with the basic problem.
Third, there will be a variety of new people elected in November (based on others being "termed out"), they take office in January. The Governor's budget in January and mid-year modifications are not likely to be too crazy as people won't be sure what to do -- given the circumstances and the size of the problem.
Fourth, we will hit the wall with the May Revise as Sacramento is forced to deal with the issue and politically they are in the best place to fix it and to blame it on their predecessors. The 11-12 Budget Year will be very difficult (as if we were already dealing with enough).
That's my guess -- what's yours?
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
One step forward, one step...
Amazing times, we have the call for RTTT (Race to the Top) and related federal and state initiatives to "improve" education for our students (a worthy goal) while at the same time conditions have gone in the exact opposite direction.
We in California, now have the funding that we had in 2000-2001 (yep, 10 years ago) with obvious impacts that you have been seeing and hearing about for TOO long. Beyond Riverside there was an interesting report that came out recently that also reflects the antithetical changes -- that shows that of the 30 largest districts in the state (we are one) 16 of them have necessarily reduce their school year and the amount of time that students have access to learning.
Kinda makes one wonder what is going on?
We in California, now have the funding that we had in 2000-2001 (yep, 10 years ago) with obvious impacts that you have been seeing and hearing about for TOO long. Beyond Riverside there was an interesting report that came out recently that also reflects the antithetical changes -- that shows that of the 30 largest districts in the state (we are one) 16 of them have necessarily reduce their school year and the amount of time that students have access to learning.
Kinda makes one wonder what is going on?
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
More jobs saved!!
After working together and sorting through many options and obstacles, CSEA membership last night ratified an agreement that provides 5 furlough days in this school year. More importantly, it saves classified jobs throughout the District. That is obviously important to the people who might have otherwise lost their position. Additionally, it is important to all of us as we need everyone to make all of this work. ANY loss at this point is TOO much. With this ratification ALL of us throughout the District are contributing 5 or more furlough days to the health and well-being of RUSD.
Kudos to the CSEA leadership for their perseverance and willingness to confront difficult issues. Kudos to the District team for working together with CSEA to get to this important agreement.
Kudos to the CSEA leadership for their perseverance and willingness to confront difficult issues. Kudos to the District team for working together with CSEA to get to this important agreement.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
1000 Schools
Recently (last week) the State Board of Education in Sacramento decided to identify the top 1000 schools that needed "fixing." On the face of it there is some appropriateness to that task. However, the "devil" resides in the details. AND we can once again thank RTTT (Race to the Top) for rushed legislation that certainly lacks clarity.
There are many questions raised about this issue and some press comment on the inequities and somewhat insane process of identification of these schools. Probably the best representation that I have found was published in the SF Chronicle. Arguably many of us can improve but this makes little sense.
As an example, there is a 10% cap on the number of schools that can be identified in any district (e.g., LAUSD). The demographics spell out that while there still plenty on the list, there are 6 schools that exceed 800 on their API? The fact is that there are good schools that are doing good work that are on the list (that is not to say that there aren't others that are appropriately placed on the same list). Another interesting exclusion from the list (if we must have one), are all charters (while I understand the membership there is voluntary, it is interesting that they cannot be designated as "bad").
So when it is all done what happens to these "bad" schools? The parents are notified and allowed to transfer to another school (which we do already). That's it! An inaccurate system, some public embarrassment (maybe), and the option to transfer.
As to our plight, we like many schools and districts in Riverside County (and the rest of the state) are on the list. We have 3 of our specialized alternative programs that serve special populations identified (i.e., Summit View, Opportunity, and Lincoln HS). Additionally, we have two elementary schools identified (i.e., Liberty and Fremont) with API scores of 713 and 722 respectively (both of which have a similar school rank in the 3rd decile).
There are many questions raised about this issue and some press comment on the inequities and somewhat insane process of identification of these schools. Probably the best representation that I have found was published in the SF Chronicle. Arguably many of us can improve but this makes little sense.
As an example, there is a 10% cap on the number of schools that can be identified in any district (e.g., LAUSD). The demographics spell out that while there still plenty on the list, there are 6 schools that exceed 800 on their API? The fact is that there are good schools that are doing good work that are on the list (that is not to say that there aren't others that are appropriately placed on the same list). Another interesting exclusion from the list (if we must have one), are all charters (while I understand the membership there is voluntary, it is interesting that they cannot be designated as "bad").
So when it is all done what happens to these "bad" schools? The parents are notified and allowed to transfer to another school (which we do already). That's it! An inaccurate system, some public embarrassment (maybe), and the option to transfer.
As to our plight, we like many schools and districts in Riverside County (and the rest of the state) are on the list. We have 3 of our specialized alternative programs that serve special populations identified (i.e., Summit View, Opportunity, and Lincoln HS). Additionally, we have two elementary schools identified (i.e., Liberty and Fremont) with API scores of 713 and 722 respectively (both of which have a similar school rank in the 3rd decile).
Friday, July 16, 2010
Great Opportunity
We have a number of great organizations in Riverside that support our community, our youth, and our schools. Recently, we had the integration of 2 of them. Annually the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce sponsors their year-long leadership program which culminates in a community project sponsored by the members of their class/team. THIS year the group is undertaking a project to raise money for our education foundation (REEF -- Riverside Educational Enrichment Foundation) along with the Alvord USD education foundation.
This year's project is the Citrus Classic Bike Ride on Sunday, October 17th in Riverside, of course. The Citrus Classic slogan is: Education -- Ride of a Lifetime. As a rider you have a choice of options from the Kiddie Ride to 101 mile Century Ride (with middle distances of 7, 27, and 54 mile rides). So with all those options there is something there for ALL of us (actually I am thinking of one of middle distances for myself). AND it supports REEF and our students.
Sandy Ramirez, and several other Leadership Riverside attendees have brought this to my attention. I am planning to be there and I hope that you and your family will be there as well. It should be a great time. You can see the options and sign-up for this event at: http://www.riversideca.gov/citrusclassic/
This year's project is the Citrus Classic Bike Ride on Sunday, October 17th in Riverside, of course. The Citrus Classic slogan is: Education -- Ride of a Lifetime. As a rider you have a choice of options from the Kiddie Ride to 101 mile Century Ride (with middle distances of 7, 27, and 54 mile rides). So with all those options there is something there for ALL of us (actually I am thinking of one of middle distances for myself). AND it supports REEF and our students.
Sandy Ramirez, and several other Leadership Riverside attendees have brought this to my attention. I am planning to be there and I hope that you and your family will be there as well. It should be a great time. You can see the options and sign-up for this event at: http://www.riversideca.gov/citrusclassic/
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Budget
July 1st had come and gone, and of course, there is predictably no state budget. In fact, Sacramento has essentially shut down to go “home” for the holidays and the month of July – though they can be “called back” if there is a need for discussion and action. Essentially the process begins to move to the negotiations and mechanizations of the “Big 5.” Essentially this group consists of the Governor and 2 leading Democrats and 2 leading Republicans from both houses of the Legislature.
The fact is, there is NO budget in sight, with most prognosticators thinking that August would be an EARLY answer to the state budget and the more likely scenario being late summer or possibly early fall – when the state begins to run out of cash (which kinda’ forces the issue). In the interim, predictably state employees will face any number of difficult actions including being paid with vouchers (or the like).
With an approximately $20 billion deficit along with this being an election year (November) – it is not surprising that we have a delay and are likely to be faced with attempts to “kick the can down the road” for others to figure out. This circumstance is further affected by the fact that a number of the key players are also “termed out” with someone new coming to replace them.
Probably what is most critical, regardless of your politics or view, is a real solution for the California budget and state economy. All the “tricks” and “smoke and mirrors” have been tried unsuccessfully – it is time for California’s Executive and Legislative leadership to articulate a new vision of what we need to do to regain our leadership and performance in the national and international discussion.
At the local level, our budget started on July 1st (with the new budget and school year) and we are spending inside the budget year based on our adopted budget projections – but really without fully understanding what we will or won’t receive from the state of California. We are NOT currently in any short-term financial danger, but we will surely be negatively affected by the state’s final budget adoption. There are already proposals and discussions of shifting this and that – all of which results in additional responsibility and financial pressure on local school districts.
Stay tuned for an interesting summer as we watch Sacramento with anticipation.
The fact is, there is NO budget in sight, with most prognosticators thinking that August would be an EARLY answer to the state budget and the more likely scenario being late summer or possibly early fall – when the state begins to run out of cash (which kinda’ forces the issue). In the interim, predictably state employees will face any number of difficult actions including being paid with vouchers (or the like).
With an approximately $20 billion deficit along with this being an election year (November) – it is not surprising that we have a delay and are likely to be faced with attempts to “kick the can down the road” for others to figure out. This circumstance is further affected by the fact that a number of the key players are also “termed out” with someone new coming to replace them.
Probably what is most critical, regardless of your politics or view, is a real solution for the California budget and state economy. All the “tricks” and “smoke and mirrors” have been tried unsuccessfully – it is time for California’s Executive and Legislative leadership to articulate a new vision of what we need to do to regain our leadership and performance in the national and international discussion.
At the local level, our budget started on July 1st (with the new budget and school year) and we are spending inside the budget year based on our adopted budget projections – but really without fully understanding what we will or won’t receive from the state of California. We are NOT currently in any short-term financial danger, but we will surely be negatively affected by the state’s final budget adoption. There are already proposals and discussions of shifting this and that – all of which results in additional responsibility and financial pressure on local school districts.
Stay tuned for an interesting summer as we watch Sacramento with anticipation.
Monday, July 12, 2010
National Standards
National standards has certainly begun to dominate the conversation in education circles everywhere. Here in California the evolution of national standards also continues, as there has been legislation already enacted (in January) that says California will adopt such. So the only question that remains is WHICH of the national standards we in California will embrace. As such, the Governor has appointed a commission ()Academic Content Standards Commission) of interested parties, including some teachers, to address the issue.
We are blessed in that one of the teachers appointed to the commission is our own Steve Dunlap that most recently taught at our Highland Elementary School this past year. Due, unfortunately to the budget issues and impacts, Steve will be moving to the secondary level – though I am sure he will well. Steve was appointed by the Governor in June to serve in this capacity. Steve is very interested in providing standards for California that are solid and functional. Additionally, he is interested in representing the interests of those of us in Riverside and Inland Empire.
This commission is an assignment that will be fast-paced and intense. I hope that you will contact Steve and share your thoughts and interests with him so that he has a broad-base of information and perspectives regarding this important matter that will influence our future for some time to come.
We are blessed in that one of the teachers appointed to the commission is our own Steve Dunlap that most recently taught at our Highland Elementary School this past year. Due, unfortunately to the budget issues and impacts, Steve will be moving to the secondary level – though I am sure he will well. Steve was appointed by the Governor in June to serve in this capacity. Steve is very interested in providing standards for California that are solid and functional. Additionally, he is interested in representing the interests of those of us in Riverside and Inland Empire.
This commission is an assignment that will be fast-paced and intense. I hope that you will contact Steve and share your thoughts and interests with him so that he has a broad-base of information and perspectives regarding this important matter that will influence our future for some time to come.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Riverside in the Future
I had the pleasure of attending a meeting in LA hosted by the Secretary of Education, Bonnie Reiss, earlier this week, along with Tracy Arner. We were there along with major publishers, representatives from selected technology companies, and representatives from LA Unified, Long Beach Unified, and Fresno Unified. The topic of the meeting was Digital Textbooks and how we in California will handle that matter in the future as we progress and face the new instructional challenges of our time. The discussion seemed particularly relevant given the ongoing development/distribution of new delivery commercial mechanisms (e.g., Kindle, iPad, Nook, iPhone, etc.).
The issue of digital texts is really expanding (in the meeting and beyond) to utilization of "interactive “textbooks” and instructional materials. The first generation of materials had a “2D” look (e.g., pdf documents) and replicated textbooks online rather than being “hardcopy.” This discussion and its results begins to look more like a diversity of electronic options that would include: narrative/text, audio podcasts, video representations (like You Tube or Teacher Tube), along with possible feedback options. This “3D” approach also provides for the text itself to be enhanced – much like you might currently find with Wikipedia (i.e., keywords hyperlinked to additional explanation). All in all, this is a much different experience for students and teachers. The point is that this type of reality is more than just possible, it is happening – and not just limited to California.
The reason we were invited to the meeting was due to the great work of many of our teachers and support staff that are actually implementing these solutions in our classrooms this past year. That effort will expand to an even greater degree in the coming year with the additional outside financial and computer support provided to Riverside USD. All of this will provide a much more exciting and engaging future for our students.
The issue of digital texts is really expanding (in the meeting and beyond) to utilization of "interactive “textbooks” and instructional materials. The first generation of materials had a “2D” look (e.g., pdf documents) and replicated textbooks online rather than being “hardcopy.” This discussion and its results begins to look more like a diversity of electronic options that would include: narrative/text, audio podcasts, video representations (like You Tube or Teacher Tube), along with possible feedback options. This “3D” approach also provides for the text itself to be enhanced – much like you might currently find with Wikipedia (i.e., keywords hyperlinked to additional explanation). All in all, this is a much different experience for students and teachers. The point is that this type of reality is more than just possible, it is happening – and not just limited to California.
The reason we were invited to the meeting was due to the great work of many of our teachers and support staff that are actually implementing these solutions in our classrooms this past year. That effort will expand to an even greater degree in the coming year with the additional outside financial and computer support provided to Riverside USD. All of this will provide a much more exciting and engaging future for our students.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Facilities and Construction
In the midst of very difficult budget times, we continue to have funds that can only support providing additional facilities for our students and staff. As many of you know, we have lots of students and teachers in temporary classroom facilities. We currently have a number of projects that provide work for our local construction industry and families while providing new permanent classrooms for our students.
As has been stated before, these construction bond funds (by law) can ONLY be used for construction of capital facilities and NOT for operational purposes. This is like bad news (can’t deflect our layoffs with this money) and good news (we can improve our classrooms for students). Additionally, these projects support our local citizens and businesses in the construction industry.
These projects are currently under construction at Pachappa Elementary School, Central Middle School, Emerson Elementary School, and Mt. View Elementary School. I am including some quick pictures with the idea that possibly a picture is worth 1000 words.
Enjoy!
Pachappa Library and Classrooms
Central Middle School MPR
The King HS Field begins to take shape
As has been stated before, these construction bond funds (by law) can ONLY be used for construction of capital facilities and NOT for operational purposes. This is like bad news (can’t deflect our layoffs with this money) and good news (we can improve our classrooms for students). Additionally, these projects support our local citizens and businesses in the construction industry.
These projects are currently under construction at Pachappa Elementary School, Central Middle School, Emerson Elementary School, and Mt. View Elementary School. I am including some quick pictures with the idea that possibly a picture is worth 1000 words.
Enjoy!
Pachappa Library and Classrooms
Central Middle School MPR
The King HS Field begins to take shape
Mountain View Library
Emerson Classrooms and Library
Thursday, July 1, 2010
More Jobs
Good news from last night!! After a looong day of negotiations (finishing in the evening) there is an agreement for CSEA/Classified furloughs (5 days) that will restore many classified positions across the District. I appreciate the efforts of the combined team and their continued focus to get to the best solution possible. Now we will all move to the ratification process in the most expedited way possible.
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