As we approach the New Year, the Capo Unified School District (CUSD) is facing numerous issues. I met Mr. Woodrow Carter, the Superintendent of CUSD, during which time we openly discussed the current state of affairs of the District. Here’s a synopsis of that meeting:

Financial: The District is close to the State mandated required minimum reserve of 2%. Yet a district of Capo’s size should have at least 6% reserve, if not more.

Mr. Carter also reminded me that next academic year the State would cut additional 10% from the current spending on education.

Even though the CUSD population is increasing, it will be hard to make up the financial shortfall (CUSD annual budget is approximately half a billion dollar.)

Additionally, school district funds are divided in various pools, e.g. General Fund, Facilities Fund, and so on, and these funds cannot be intermingled.

So who knows how these shortfalls will be taken care of and, without knowing all the inside facts, no one can predict the remedies.

As a former Trustee of a tri-city school district, I believe a study group comprised of representatives of all working units with one or two knowledgeable person from the community should be appointed to look into next academic year’s financial situation.

Facilities: I informed Mr. Carter that I have visited a few school sites, one being Newhart in Mission Viejo, and the other one being Ambuehl in San Juan Capistrano.

The sites are in no way comparable to the homes the students are coming from. One mobile classroom I saw has one entrance door and directly across the room another window above the reach of students in the room. This may not be the only one in Capo.

Who can breathe in a classroom like that, let alone learn?

Overcrowding: The district has recognized this issue and set up a parents committee to look into this situation. I informed Mr. Carter that as a former Trustee, I have been through this issue.

My experience shows that, even though it is good idea to have parents group looking into the over crowding issue, they should be provided with some criteria and professional assistance as to the enrolment projection over a five to 10 year horizon.

The group should be small, and should have one or two independent representatives in addition to parents selected by school principles. This is not the case with this group. I am afraid anything less will create more future problems.

We all should commend the Superintendent for dividing the District functions into four areas (Curricula, Finance, Facilities and School Boundary) with one or two trustees leading each function. This is a better-managed alternative at this stage of CUSD.

We all recognize that the current situation at CUSD is the result of many years of mismanagement and only can be cured with a laser like direct approach in all areas. Department heads should have experience (education and practical).

Let’s all pray that students, teachers and staff enjoyed a great holiday season and are looking forward to a more prosperous 2008.