I cannot believe the school year 2007-08 ended. To me it was just the other day the year started!
Let’s wait for 2008-09 school year and enjoy the summer.
The graduating students, including the seniors are enjoying the summer in sunny southern California. A few are going to other states and also traveling to foreign countries.
The graduating high school seniors are also anxious about their new adventure, after summer – College life, away from home for many.
08-09 Budget
As expected last month, the Governor’s May Revised budget has reinstated the Prop 98 cuts. As a result, the district has retained all the "pink slip" notified 269 teachers.
The CUSD foundation has raised over a million dollars and the money is earmarked for rehiring the teachers only.
On June 16 Ms. Stacy Flynn presented a million-dollar check to the President of the School Board. The Board is raising its reserve to two and a half percent, which is an increase from the current reserve.
While this is a good first effort, we need the reserve to be around 10 percent.
Ms. Julie Hatchel was named the chief communication officer replacing Beverly DiNicola, who will return as the Principal of Capistrano Adult Education.
The CUSD administration is being stabilized under the direction of Mr. Woodrow Carter, who has been confirmed as the full time Superintendent.
There were some dissention from parents and classified employees attending the June 9 Board meeting regarding his salary increase of about $28,000 a year.
Mr. Carter has appointed two Deputy Superintendents, and three District level administrators. Additionally, 17 new principal appointments were also announced.
Unfortunately, no classified employees were hired back. Also, the cuts forced transportation cut backs, reducing student bus transportation.
Facilities
On June 16, the consultants presented their findings regarding the 16-inch high-pressure fuel pipeline near the San Juan High School. The presentation concluded that the risk to the high school is very minimal.
Public was not allowed to comment or question. From the letter of Jim Reardon, who brought this matter to CUSD’s attention, "To all concerned it is very clear that the study is biased. As an ex pipeline engineer, I was appalled at the study, and I do not know how much money was spent for this study. I believe the athletic fields are still off limits to the students."
Special Election
On June 24 a special election will be held at a cost of over $700,000. At least four speakers condemned this expense and chastised the recall election organizers at the June 16 Board meeting .
They claim that the Education Alliance is trying to control the District.
The election will be held after this article goes to press. It is expected the recall will be successful and candidates supported by recall proponents will replace Ms. Draper and Ms. Benecke.
The real election will be in November 08 when these two with other two old guards will be up for reelection.
-- June 2008
-- May 2008
-- April 2008
-- March 2008
-- January 2008
-- December 2007
-- November 2007
-- October 2007
-- September 2007
-- August 2007