MDUSD Parents: Get Involved for change NOW!

Clayton Valley Charter overwhelmingly approved by teachers, on to the board

2011-06-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

The charter is said to have been approved by 80% of the permanent certificated staff. Definitely more than the 50%+1 that they needed to send it to the board for approval.

They have released the charter document, which will be presented the Mt. Diablo School board, you can access it here: CVCHS Submission

The charter facebook page can be accessed HERE.

.

Last day of school

2011-06-04T20:54:00.000-07:00

I've gotten some emails from a few parents (from a couple different schools) asking if it's "normal" for kids to ditch the last day of school. Some kids at some schools are actually being told by their teachers not to show. I know in the younger grades they have parties, yearbook distribution and other things they don't want to miss, but the last day of high school w/ finals over, etc? What do you think?

Clayton Valley Charter steering committee comments on the Superintendent's FAQ

2011-05-25T14:20:00.000-07:00

MDUSD Parents--While it's been interesting reading the comments to Dr. Lawrence's statement regarding the financing of Clayton Valley High School's potential new charter conversion, there are some points that need clarification and further investigation. Upon consultation with California Charter School Association and ExEd (who further consulted with the California Department of Education), the Steering Committee is releasing the following statement:

"We appreciate Mt Diablo USD’s recent efforts to respond to the community’s questions concerning the CVHS conversion. However, the District’s statement about passing on additional funds is based on legislation that since January 1, 2010 is no longer in effect. Recently legislation (SB 191) was passed with the intent to ensure that unified school districts would not be hurt by their conversion high schools. While some confusion remains, this legislation was enacted to ensure that the conversion school will receive revenue limit funding from the state as would any new charter school - based on its student ADA. We are in the process of confirming this with the California Department of Education and should be able to provide more detail soon.

It is important to note that the conversion would not open until late summer of 2012. While the district will lose funds that follow student ADA, it will no longer carry the costs of operating the school. The conversion will allow the school to focus resources directly on the students it serves and contrary to district assertions, should not negatively impact other programs."

-------------------

In addition, the steering committee tells me they will be updating their sites more often with news and updates as the final teacher votes, and charter submission to the board grows nearer.

CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL on FACEBOOK

http://sites.google.com/site/claytonvalleycharterhighschool/ <--- and , their website

Also a charter informational meeting geared to students and community will take place at 3:15 on Thursday at CVHS. So go attend and learn more,

Clayton Valley's Charter progress . . .

2011-05-21T13:00:00.000-07:00

In case you were wondering...

There has been a flurry of activity and reporting on the charter school in the last week, so we wanted to recap where you can find more information. I'm curious what you all think. Take the poll (above). Do you support the effort of Clayton Valley, do you hope more schools will follow suit, or do you think this is a dangerous precedent to start in our district?

Plus, there are petitions out in the community. I'm not sure how aggressive they are with this, as personally, I've not seen one yet! But, I guess there's always the element, wrong time, wrong place.

The potential for a charter application being presented to our school board seems to be growing more likely. In articles from the Contra Costa Times, and the Clayton Patch, it appears they're nearing the point where they will be ready to submit an application for the charter within the next month or so. Our board would then have 30 days to review and respond.

The City of Clayton has also agreed to loan the effort an "unprecedented" $8,500 toward the costs of developing the charter. Patrick Creaven of the Clayton Patch tells us more in his recent patch post: http://clayton.patch.com/articles/council-votes-to-help-fund-clayton-valley-charter-campaign

Theresa Harrington of the Times has also posted on her "on assignment" blog and it has also brought up some good discussion there. Check it out at http://www.ibabuzz.com/onassignment/2011/05/20/proposed-clayton-valley-high-charter-brings-hope-questions/

Gary Eberhart has also posted on his blog about the charter and also shared the Superintendent's Q&A that was sent to district families on Friday. You can read his "FAQ's Regarding a District Charter School," HERE.

Coincidentally, the CVCHS facebook page was updated today after a long time w/out an update. Check it out below, or HERE on their facebook page.

We have been very busy the last few weeks writing and revising the 16 required Elements (sections) of the conversion charter.

During this process, we have consulted with several experts, including financial and legal advisors, who work with successful conversion charter schools in California. As we receive their feedback, we are continuously updating various Elements.

Our goal is to have the charter written and submitted to CV teachers by the first week of June. A simple majority (of permanent certificated CV teachers) would then be needed to sign the charter petition in order to move forward. At that point, the charter would be submitted to MDUSD for their consideration.

School Board Agenda is online

2011-05-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

Reminder that the next school board meeting is Tuesday, May 24th. The agenda is online.

A couple things of note is that the new principals of both Clayton Valley and College Park will be appointed, the agenda lists the process they followed. Principal Selection

You can always look on the personnel changes to see who's moving around, retiring, taking a leave, etc. Mountain View's Principal is retiring, as is the Office Manager and Secretary at Ayers.

Does anyone know the details of replacing edusoft for a new Student Data and Assessment system totaling over 165,000 dollars? Just curious.

I also wonder.. if they approve minutes from previous meetings, why haven't here been minutes posted on line since March?

But in the good news category, new photos of all board members are finally up! :)

http://www.mdusd.org/boe/Pages/default.aspx

MDUSD Strategic Planning Input Session /meeting tonight 7pm

2011-05-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

Tonight, Saturday, May 14th strategic planning input meeting is slated to begin at 7pm at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, located at 399 Wiget Lane in Walnut Creek.

Has anyone attended one of these meetings? What did you think?

The next one is Monday night at 7pm at Concord High School, and following Thursday, May 19th at 7pm at Riverview Middle School.

You can always look at the district main website for any questions as to when or where something is happening:

http://www.mdusd.org/Pages/default.aspx

Remember too, there are district wide budget meetings, open to the public, twice a week at the Dent Center (MDUSD Headquarters). The next one is coming Monday, May 16th at 4:30pm. Following, is the last one on Weds May 18 at 6:30pm.

Teachers hold a "Grade Mob" at Sun Valley Mall on Tuesday

2011-05-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

Teachers will hold a "GRADE MOB" at Sun Valley Mall tomorrow, Tuesday, May 10th. They are inviting MDUSD teachers to come wearing their school shirts, or something that identifies them as a teacher, and to bring papers to grade, or lessons to plan. They will not be handing out flyers, they will "simply be doing what we always do after school in our 'free' time, working for our students."

Grade Mobs will be happening between 4pm - 6pm, but MDEA (the Mt. Diablo teachers) will be there from 5:30-6:30pm.

Jo Carson, the VP of MDEA says "please join us in sending the public our message that Education in California is in a State of Emergency."

I'm not sure what interested public, students or parents can do, other than support their efforts in making noise to Sacramento, but wanted to alert you that there is an opportunity to possibly show some support to our teachers tomorrow at Sun Valley.

Don't forget there is a MDUSD School Board meeting tomorrow night too.

Agenda for tomorrow's board meeting

2011-05-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

Do you read the board meeting agendas? I do. One thing I always find interesting is the employee actions where you can see retirements, leaves of absences, new hires, etc. There are several retirements from CVHS, namely the Principal as we already knew, and VP Leach, and a few long time teachers.

You can read the agendas on the Electronic School Board:
http://esbpublic.mdusd.k12.ca.us/public_agendaview.aspx?mtgId=302

This board agenda is very busy. Including within it too is the contract for a firm to look at the boundary realignment to address overcrowding Meadow Homes and Delta View. The contract is for $14,500.

If you attend or listen in/watch from home you'll also see updates about the school closure transition process, the budget update and an update about strategic planning. Remember, there are more meetings coming that you can attend to provide input , see those meetings HERE.

As usual there are items that are sure to be controversial for some including a request for YV feeder pattern principals to attend a conference in Oregon in June to the tune of almost $10,000.

Remember, most of the information people 'complain' about is available online, and you're able to write to the board, attend the meetings and ask questions.

District wide budget meetings this week - canceled

2011-05-09T09:32:00.000-07:00

I haven't heard why, but the district wide budget meetings scheduled for this week have been canceled per the MDUSD website. Just an FYI.

Clayton Valley Charter High School petition available today

2011-05-07T15:05:00.001-07:00

You can find reps for the community committee of the proposed CVCHS tonight at the concert in the park at Downtown Clayton.

State budget crisis teach in - Friday

2011-05-04T18:08:00.000-07:00

We have heard about the 'teach in' happening this Friday at Mt. Diablo High School. This Friday is the first of 3 furlough days within our district this school year. There may be more in future years.

But now we have a personal invite from the students themselves. Listen here for the message sent out to the MDUSD community tonight.

https://asp.schoolmessenger.com/m/?s=5RbpOShGxwM

Want to provide update for new CVHS Principal? TONIGHT!

2011-05-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

Talk about last minute! I sure hope they have another meeting as surely its not acceptable to provide just a few hours notice of a meeting this important. I think no matter how the charter situation works out, anyone associated with CVHS should take the time to attend tonight's meeting if you can. If you can't, contact Julie Braun-Martin at braunmartinj@mdusd.k12.ca.us and let her know your thoughts.
_________________________

There will be a parent meeting tonight, May 3 at 7:30 – 8:30 pm in the library at Clayton Valley High School with Julie Braun-Martin, the Assistant Superintendent, in order to give all parents the opportunity to provide input on the qualification they seek for the high school principal next year.

UPDATE: A second meeting is set up for Thurs, May 5, 6:30pm
Click here to hear the message from Julie Braun-Martin
https://asp.schoolmessenger.com/m/?s=Q1u92eZIx8E

.

Unite for Schools with Susan Bonilla

2011-05-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

From Susan Bonilla's office 5/3/11:

________________________________________

Take Action, Unite for Education

Education Belongs to ALL of Us

Join Students, parents teachers educators and me to Take Action, Unite for Education.

As a mother and former English teacher, education has always been a top priority. As chair of the Subcommittee on Education Finance, I continue my commitment in leading the fight to preserve education funding and renew California's commitment to high quality education. Embrace our community and show your commitment to education by attending Take Action, Unite for Education.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011
3 to 4 p.m.

Take Action, Unite for Education - Community meeting
Todos Santos Plaza
2151 Salvio Street
Concord, CA 94520

For more information, please call (925) 521-1511.

Interested in the Clayton Valley Charter High School? Sign a petition this weekend

2011-04-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

This weekend (April 30, May 1), at Clayton's Annual Art and Wine Festival, there will be parent supporters of the proposed new charter school out with petitions to sign. They will have a table near Canesa's Deli and will also be walking around. They need volunteers if you want to help, or just go down with your friends and sign the petition. They are hoping to get 2000 signatures before the charter is presented to the board for consideration.

You can get more information, FAQ's, model charter examples and view their full slide show from both their FACEBOOK PAGE and their WEBSITE.

Canesa's Deli is also where you'll find Cup O' Jo's coffee shop, at 6054 Main Street, in Downtown Clayton.

Strategic Planning - your input is requested

2011-04-29T14:53:00.000-07:00

Sherry Whitmarsh has posted information about upcoming dates for strategic planning community meetings .

You can find the dates on Sherry's website:
http://mdusd-boe.blogspot.com/2011/04/youre-input-is-requested-for-strategic.html

She's also got links to a model plan. We know you all have a lot to say, so hopefully you will all participate in the process.

The dates are also in this district email:

The Mt. Diablo Unified School District is beginning a strategic planning process. A straw model of strategic intents has been developed. Each strategic intent has been defined and a list of potential goals has been identified. Our next step is to review the work with the community and get feedback. To this end, fifteen community input sessions have been scheduled for May and June. Each session will review the strategic intents and definitions. The community will give input on the goals: should any be changed, are any goals missing, and what are the concerns or issues for the goals.

You are invited to attend one of the community input sessions listed below:

· Monday, May 2, 7:00 p.m., Clayton Valley High School Multi Use Room

· Tuesday, May 3, 7:00 p.m., Mt. Diablo High School Multi Use Room

· Thursday, May 5, 7:00 p.m., Northgate High School Multi Use Room

· Monday, May 9, 7:00 p.m., College Park High School Multi Use Room

· Wednesday, May 11, 4:00 p.m., Monte Gardens Elementary Multi Use Room (geared for staff input)

· Thursday, May 12, 7:00 p.m., Ygnacio Valley High School Multi Use Room

· Saturday, May 14, 9:00 a.m., TBD

· Monday, May 16, 7:00 p.m., Concord High School Multi Use Room

· Tuesday, May 17, 7:00 p.m., Dent Center (geared for Community Advisory Committee)

· Wednesday, May 19, 7:00 p.m., Riverview Middle School Multi Use Room

· Wednesday, June 1, 7:00 p.m., (geared for Parent Advisory Committee)

· Thursday, June 2, 7:00 p.m., Willow Creek Center (geared for Foundations)

· Wednesday, June 15, 7:00 p.m., Dent Center (geared for Measure C Oversight Committee)

· Wednesday, June 15, 7:00 p.m., Willow Creek Center

· Thursday, June 16, 7:00 p.m., Dent Center (geared for Measure C Oversight Committee)

MDUSD Salaries are online at CCTimes

2011-04-29T11:08:00.000-07:00

What do you think about public employee salaries being available to all?

At this link http://www.mercurynews.com/salaries/bay-area/2010 you can see salaries for every individual, not just general position salaries, but every individual's name and position is posted for all to see.

You can also look at some of the surrounding districts if you've been interested in comparisons.

Now keep in mind, I'm pretty sure this is not a true depiction of what teachers get in their pocket as possibly factored in are their benefits, etc and not factored in are their out of pocket insurance, union dues, etc.

It's probably not a real fair release as there is no qualifications on the numbers.... From MDEA's facebook page, "Unfortunately, they relied on a single source and did no confirmation of the gross numbers...."

CVHS Charter conversion meeting standing room only

2011-04-18T21:11:00.000-07:00

The meeting tonight at the Clayton Library was standing room only and had quite a few good pieces of information. I will link later to articles as both the Times reporter, Theresa Harrington, and the local Concord Patch reporter(s) were present.

Some information:

WEBSITE for charter: Clayton Valley Charter High School
FACEBOOK page for charter: Clayton Valley Charter High School on Facebook

Priorities would be 20:1 class sizes
Sports would be maintained
Teachers/organizers hope to have charter written and presented to MDUSD Board by end of May
Charter could/begin for Fall 2012 semester

See more at Theresa Harrington's twitter feed at http://twitter.com/tunedtotheresa as she's doing a "play by play."

Possibilities . . . Clayton Valley Charter High School

2011-04-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

The meeting this afternoon was very interesting. It was packed, with standing room only. It was short, to the point, and left a lot of questions, but they said that the next meeting MONDAY evening, April 18th at 7pm (Clayton Library, not CVHS), will have more time for Q&A and will also offer some guests - "charter school experts."

The committee at the school spearheading the idea is working with a paid consultant to work through the details of writing up a charter. The presentation was led by Pat Middendorf (Athletic Director and Academic Literacy/Special Ed) and Neil McChesney (English, Leadership and Public Speaking).

Here are some key points related to the "possibilities" of a Clayton Valley Charter High School, please feel free to add if I missed anything you felt was important:

Started discussions in September in the "Staff Senate" meeting which is a body of staff members elected by fellow staff and includes some of the most involved staff of the school i.e. the teachers who run leadership, music, etc. - "the heart of the school."
They need 50% + 1 of all teachers to vote for the charter, the charter is then written, and then they have a year to implement and plan. This means the earliest this "new" charter high school could be implemented would be the fall of 2012.
A charter would have its own governing board and instead of "superintendent" type titles, one may see titles such as CEO, CFO, COO, etc. The leadership of the school is ON campus. The school could run independent of the layers of the school district. The school would make its own decisions.
The school would run its own budget and initial estimates are that funding would go up. Not only would the funding come straight to the school at the high school rate (vs. a blended elementary/high rate), but the school would be eligible for specialty charter grants and other state and federal funding - funds that would go direct to the school, not the school district as it looks today. The discussion of the budget crisis and the possibility in the future of a state takeover was briefly touched upon.
Right now the MDUSD is responsible for the budgets and financials for 56 schools. A Clayton Valley Charter High School would be soley responsible for only their own budget. This charter would offer "fiscal independence" and could result in a "ton of money" from grants and other charter funding.
There is a BIG difference between a new, start up charter and a conversion charter.
Clayton Valley Charter High School would have the same attendance areas, it would still be a public school and must adhere to same accreditation standards and testing requirements.
An analogy was brought forth of renting a home vs. buying... Clayton Valley Charter would be a owner. The district would have to give up the site to the charter per law. The charter would have a lot more autonomy and freedom, but also more responsibility.
Employees at the site would have 3 choices; stay with MDEA, create their own bargaining unit, or create a specific contract for the charter within MDEA.

Ideas of "good" things that could happen at a Clayton Valley Charter High School included:

Increased API by stopping the brain drain (top kids moving to other or private schools), bringing the top performing kids/families BACK to Clayton Valley.
Instituting a Freshmen Summer Transition Program. Could run 1-4 weeks during the summer and could be enrichment, evaluation, remediation or all of the above. Pathways for individual students could be carved in order to best serve the individual needs of each student. Discussion of a very successful charter conversion program was brought up here and sounded very exciting actually. Check out Granada Hills Charter High School as a very successful nationwide model for charter conversions.
Emphasis on the goal to "look at every student individually."
Bring back summer school.
Work collaboratively with local higher education; colleges, CSU, etc. to bring college level coursework and curriculum on campus.
The discussion of dress code and possible UNIFORMS brought the crowd to a loud cheer. It seemed most were in agreement that the sagging pants, alcohol/drug/sex messages on shirts and exposed midriffs (among other things) are a distraction and division within a high school campus and as it stands now there is no support for staff to enforce the supposed dress code. The school, as a charter, could institute its own dress code and/or uniforms.
The school could create its own calendar. As an example, starting earlier in August so the first semester is finished at winter break. This too brought many nodding heads and sounds of agreement amongst the audience. Though a comment reminded that with kids in other district schools, we'd need to be mindful of the coordination of calendars. It was acknowledged that much still needs to be discussed.
Could hire own custodial service to give the school the attention it deserves

So, what else did you get out of it? Personally, I think it is very , very interesting and I like what I see when I look at the Granada Hills website. Check it out! Join the facebook page for ongoing information: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Clayton-Valley-Charter-High-School/123874797687533

As schools convert . . . ?

2011-04-12T22:01:00.000-07:00

It seems that Clayton Valley has created a groundswell of interest in the charter idea. I've gotten a TON of emails asking who to contact for information, asking already who might be ready to mentor other schools, etc. Seems to have struck a cord. I don't think it's just the idea of a charter in and of itself, as we know we have Eagle Peak here already, and the new Flex Academy coming to the district soon - but the idea of teacher or parent trigger charters - converting a school to a charter vs a new idea, new school. It's very interesting, indeed.

The folks involved in the exploration of the CVHS charter have started a new facebook page, they say "to disseminate information to staff, students, parents and community members of Clayton Valley High School as we research and explore the option of becoming a conversion charter school."

So, check it out and join the discussion Clayton Valley Charter High School on facebook. There are links to charter school information, as well as links to other successful charter conversion schools. Something tells me a lot of eyes will be on this process, and if successful may not be the only high school, joining the ranks of charter within our district boundaries.

Don't forget the meeting Thursday, April 14th, in room E-1 at CVHS at 12:30pm. There is also a meeting on Monday evening, April 18th at 7pm at the Clayton Library.

CVHS Charter conversion meetings

2011-04-11T11:12:00.000-07:00

Want more information ?

A couple of meetings are taking place this week if you are interested in the possible charter conversion.

Monday (today) , April 11th at 12:30pm
Thursday, April 14th at 12:30pm

Meetings at Clayton Valley room E1.

There will also be a couple of community meetings one day next week at Endeavor Hall in downtown Clayton, so stay tuned for details on that.

They will present a PowerPoint informational slide show.

Message from the CVHS PFC President 4/12/11:

Friends—As you may have heard, Clayton Valley High School is currently and actively pursuing a charter school conversion. This means that CVHS will convert from a traditional public school (governed by a school district and a school board) to a CHARTER school public school (governed by a site-specific governing board comprised of teachers and staff, administrators, parents and community members).

This conversion charter school affects everyone in the Clayton Valley area. Even if you don’t have children in our local public schools, charter schools can be a boost to area real estate prices, safety, and the overall connection of a community.

As we are just in the beginning stages, there are many questions and points of clarification that still need to be researched and worked out, however the process is exciting and underway. We have begun holding community information meetings and hope that everyone will take the opportunity to either go to one of the meetings to have all your questions answered or call me directly (redacted) to talk about what this might look like and how it might affect your child’s educations.

Our next meeting will be held this Thursday, April 14^th at 12:30. We will meet on the CV campus in room E-1. Additionally, we are planning an evening meeting for (we hope) next week. The dates and location are being worked out now so stay tuned and please forward this on to anyone you think may be interested.

Strategic Planning in MDUSD takes a leap toward reality

2011-04-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

In some good news coming out of the MDUSD, the "plan" for strategic planning is starting to take shape. In case you missed item 14.11 at the last board meeting, it was all about strategic planning. First, on the agenda was posted an Input Session plan, and a draft of a 2010-2015 strategic plan itself. The timelines for public input on the document shows public input will begin with meetings at the various feeder pattern high schools starting in May, and continue at a middle school, then with the various district committees, community groups, foundations, seniors and staff.

In correspondence with Brian Lawrence, a Concord father, he has some ideas of what a strategic plan should address and his thoughts. It is worthy of sharing and I hope we can begin an open discussion about what a strategic plan should be for our district. Below are his thoughts and questions. What do you think?

On Feb. 23, the Mt. Diablo School Board voted unanimously to refrain from closing any additional schools at this time. School closure is unfortunate and it has certainly been a painful process here in MDUSD. We do, however, have the opportunity to consider and remedy the cause of school closures- a steady decline in student enrollment. If we don’t deal with this problem, we will inevitably be faced with closing even more schools in the future.

The District states that declining enrollment in MDUSD has not resulted in an increase in private school enrollment over the same period. It has been argued that declining enrollment is merely reflective of a low birth rate. This neglects the fact that in adjacent school districts, such as San Ramon, they are actually seeing an increase in student enrollment.

Parents of school age children are voting with their wallets and their feet—they are moving out of MDUSD. Many parents calculate the cost of private school tuition and decide the money would be better spent on a mortgage in a different school district. The number-one factor in purchasing a home for most parents of school-aged kids is the school system—the negative perception of MDUSD has a huge impact on every homeowner in the area. In aggregate, it is tens of millions of dollars in lost home value.

So how do we solve this problem? There have been past attempts to pass a parcel tax to provide more funds for the district. A parcel tax requires 2/3 approval in order to pass. There is zero chance that will happen without the District doing a better job of articulating how the money will be spent and restoring trust in the District.

Several people have offered a strategic plan as a first step towards a solution, but there has not been very much discussion about what that plan might actually look like. A strategic plan is only as good as the people who create and implement it.

In order for a strategic plan to be successful, people have to buy in to it. All of the different stakeholders (students, parents, teachers, staff, business leaders, etc.) need to have a voice in the process. It needs to be something that drives all of the decisions made by the District. It cannot merely become a forgotten document in a dusty binder that sits on a desk.

If we had a strategic plan tomorrow, would it eliminate the need for school closures? No. If we had a strategic plan a year ago, would it have changed the need for school closures? I have no idea, but it is a waste of time to point fingers and rehash the past.

We can, however, avoid closing schools in the future. Mt. Diablo can become a district that families are running towards, not running from. We need to have a clear, common vision of how we get there and the strategic plan can play a vital role in that.

The strategic plan must address questions such as:

How do we best measure student achievement?
How do we attract and retain top teachers?
What role, if any, do choice schools play in the district? Charter schools?
What infrastructure is needed to execute the strategic plan?
How can we best serve the needs of Special Education students?
What percentage of graduates are expected to go to a four- year college? How do we best prepare them for that?
What role does technology play in the District?
Is vocational training needed for students who may not go on to college?
How long will it take for English Language learning students to become fluent?
What consultants are needed for the district to succeed? What should we expect of full-time employees?

These are just a few of the types of questions that a strategic plan will address. Part of the process of strategic planning is to actually decide on the questions that need to be answered.

Some people say that strategic planning is expensive and will require high-paid consultants. I disagree.

The best example of a strategic plan is the Constitution of the United States. It has been a framework for our government for over 220 years. It did not require high-priced consultants—no one from Bain or McKinsey was needed to facilitate the discussion. All that was needed was a group of concerned, passionate citizens to come together and develop a shared vision.

The MDUSD Board took a step in the right direction at the March 29th meeting by laying out a format for a strategic plan. It will take a lot more than just the five board members to make this a reality.

What is your vision for a strategic plan for MDUSD? What questions should it answer? Are you willing to work together to develop it and move this school district forward?

Race to Nowhere screening at Ayers Elementary, April 6th

2011-03-30T23:04:00.000-07:00

Race to Nowhere @ Ayers Elementary

The critically acclaimed documentary, The Race to Nowhere, will be shown at Ayers Elementary in Concord on Weds, April 6th at 7pm. This film looks at 'the dark side of America's achievement culture.'

From the e-postcard to the right: It is a call to action for families, educators, and policy makers to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens.

You can find more information, and can purchase tickets, online:

http://www.racetonowhere.com/screenings/ayers-elementary-school

Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

MDEA votes yes on tentative agreement for 2010-2011

2011-03-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

From MDEA:

The results of the MDEA election for ratification of the tentative agreement for the 2010-2011 school year are as follows:
YES 1,148
NO 135
INVALID BALLOTS: 26
We now await the action by the MDUSD School Board to adopt this agreement.

You can view the results at their facebook page by clicking HERE.

Mt. Diablo Education Association website LINK

Furlough days in May for Mt. Diablo School District

2011-03-28T11:01:00.000-07:00

Attached is the latest update from MDUSD's Mt. Diablo Education Association (MDEA) and their vote for the dates of the 3 furlough days which are a part of their tentative agreement with the district for the 2010-2011 school year:

Dear Members:

The results of our straw poll indicated that over 60% of our membership favored taking furlough days in May. After much back and forth negotiating with the MDUSD Bargaining team, we have agreed that the No Pay/Furlough days will be taken on May 6th, May 27th and May 31st.

The vote to accept the Temporary Agreement will be held tomorrow March 29th and Wednesday March 30th. Please remember to vote. To view a PDF of the tentative agreement please go to the www.OurMDEA.org webpage.

Jo Carson, VP

Mt. Diablo Education Association

Agenda for 3/29 Board Meeting

2011-03-25T23:25:00.000-07:00

Will you be attending the next meeting? You can view the latest agenda at the link for the electronic school board to the right side of this page.

They will be talking about some important issues, including the school closure transition plan, budget cuts, the use of part of Glenbrook for the new Flex charter school and importantly, discussion of the district's goals and the development of a strategic plan is on the agenda.

Contra Costa Science and Engineering Fair needs judges - April 1st

2011-03-25T16:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend of Education, Science and Engineering:

Please forward this invitation to your colleagues and anyone you believe would be interested in spending a day with our promising scientists and engineers.

The Contra Costa County 2011 Science and Engineering Fair day of judging is scheduled for April 1, 2011. The event will be held in Pittsburg and is graciously hosted again by our friends at Los Medanos College. All events will take place in the Science Building. Judges will be welcomed with a coffee and orientation at 7:00 a.m. and the day concludes around 3:00 p.m. for most participants.

Please check your calendar today and respond to the quick enrollment survey for judges using the NEW link below.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CCCSEFjudges

Judges will be reviewing student entries in six categories: math/computer sciences; biological including biochemistry, microbiology, zoology, botany, medicine, and health; physical including chemistry, earth and space, physics; behavioral/social sciences including gerontology; environmental sciences; and engineering.

Every Intel ISEF-affiliated fair has its own methodology for judging projects at their fair. The International organization provides the following recommendations for judging criteria which the Contra Costa Science & Engineering Fair will follow. If you are interested in the role of the judges please click here.

In 2010 more students participated in the fair than previous years. We expect an increase in participation again this year.

We look forward to your enrollment and participation on April 1, 2011.

Sincerely,

Linda Mayo

Judge Coordinator

Contra Costa Science and Engineering Fair

www.cccsef.org

mayolk@aol.com | 916.261.1715

April P. Treece, Project Director
Contra Costa Workforce Initiative
Contra Costa Economic Partnership
1355 Willow Way - Suite 253
Concord, CA 94520
925.672.3759 | opuscomm@pacbell.net

www.cccsef.org

Measure C Citizen Oversight Committee Opening

2011-03-22T21:28:00.000-07:00

Want to apply to be on the Measure C Oversight committee? They have an opening, so now is your chance - apply by April 29th.

You can find more information at the district site HERE.

Application is available at http://permit.mdusd.k12.ca.us/NewsRoom/Documents/meas-c-oversight-comm-app.pdf

Furlough days, a straw poll...

2011-03-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

So MDEA is conducting a straw poll querying their members for their choice for furlough days.

We thought we'd do one of pur own, so what say you? Here are the choices they are looking at:

(looking at 3 furlough days for this school year)

Plan A
Friday, May 20
Friday, May 27
Tuesday, May 31
(the 27th and 31st would extend the Memorial Day holiday)

Plan B
Tuesday, June 7
Wednesday, June 8
Thursday, June 9
(this option would end the school year early for students)

Here is more detail (excerpt of the email) from Jo Carson, VP of MDEA:

Dear Members:

Superintendent Lawrence has expressed an interest in working with MDEA members to schedule the 3 fulough/paycut days called for in the TA. Both sides have come to consensus on two possible schedules for these days. (Plan A or Plan B) MDEA is conducting a "straw poll" to determine which of these plans the majority of our members prefer. We are asking all members to report their preference to their Site Rep. Site Reps will tablulate the preferences and report the tabulations to the MDEA Office via e-mail using the ourmdea.org email address. We need all sites to participate and to report the tally by the end of the work day on Tuesday March 22nd. (Sooner if possible)

MDUSD Second Interim Budget Update

2011-03-14T11:10:00.000-07:00

Mt. Diablo USD News Update

Where Kids Come First

March 11, 2010

Second Interim Budget Update

The Second Interim Budget must be adopted by a school Board by March 15 and then must be provided to the County Office of Education for its review and approval of assumptions. In general, the purpose of the Second Interim Budget is to:

Verify the District is on track to meet the Average Daily Attendance (ADA) assumptions that were built into the original budget;
Ensure that cost assumptions (i.e. fuel, electricity, health benefit, etc.) are on track with actual increases;
Address any mid-year cuts to funding;
Begin to incorporate the Governor’s January Budget proposal assumptions into the multiple year projections and demonstrate districts will have a positive ending balance three years out.

This year’s Second Interim Budget is particularly challenging because all districts in the County have been directed to assume the Governor’s Budget proposal does not move forward and we receive a minimum reduction of $350 per pupil. However, there have been estimates that districts could expect cuts up to $780 per pupil.

In March 2010, the Board directed staff to negotiate with our various bargaining units: a cap on health benefits; prorated health benefit contributions; and furlough days. Without these negotiated reductions and with the $350 per pupil reduction, the District will have a negative ending balance at the end of the2012-13 school year of approximately $27 million. With a health benefit cap, proration of health benefit contributions, and furlough days of 3-7-7 (three days this year and seven the next two years) included in the Second Interim, we will have a negative ending balance of approximately $4 million at the end of the 2012-13 school year. Therefore, in order to certify “positive” for the Second Interim Budget we would need to only identify approximately $4 million in additional reductions.

Given the current uncertainty around the State budget, staff recommends that the Board approve the following reductions, and submit the entire reduction list (which can be found at http://esb.mdusd.k12.ca.us/attachments/0556e5d2-c38d-43b8-b058-0dde273df9e0.pdf ) with the Second Interim Budget as possible future reductions that may need to be made if the Governor’s Budget proposal is not implemented.

Sweep all of the following Tier III flexibility categorical carryover budgets: CAHSEE Intervention, Instructional Materials Realignment, SB 472 Teacher Professional Development, Targeted Instructional Improvement Block funds, one-time Adult Education funds, freeze spending and transfer remaining Tier III flexibility carryover accounts. This will amount to $3,380,598 in one time reductions.
Sweep all the remaining Tier III flexibility funding for Gifted and Talented Education programs. This will allow us to leave the School Library Improvement Block Grant (SLIBG) funds that each site receives intact. The SLIBG comprises the site discretionary budgets and provide schools with the greatest flexibility in expenditures. Sweeping the GATE funds would amount to an annual savings of $221,272.
Reduce funding for Speech Contracts by $600,000. This savings has been created because we have hired our own Speech Therapists instead of having to contract out with private providers. This will be an on-going savings.
Reduce funding for Occupational Therapy contracts by $52,560 due to the decreased need in services.

The savings from the above-identified list will allow the District to have a positive ending fund balance at the end of the 2012-13 school year and certify positive. We will need to closely monitor the State budget process. If the Governor’s request for a June ballot does not come to fruition, we will need to identify other items on the list for future implementation. Also, because we have identified $3,380,598 in one-time reductions in order to create a balanced Second Interim Budget, we will need to identify on-going reductions in the 2013-14 school year to be included in the budget the Board will adopt in June for the 2011-12 school year.

------------------------

MDUSDParents Note:

There is a Budget Advisory Committee meeting taking place on Thursday, March 17th at 5pm in the Dent Center Board Room. There are appointed members of this committee, but as far as I know , all district business is open to the public. Great opportunity to hear details of this latest budget update.

Teachers reach tentative agreement?

2011-03-12T14:01:00.000-08:00

There are a couple of meetings coming up to inform teachers (MDEA members) of the details of the tentative agreement they've reached prior to voting on it. What do you think? I've heard the agreement is only for this year. Does anyone know if it includes furloughs or other concessions that may impact students? I'm not sure how to read all their bargaining updates or where to find the tentative agreement. Here's the latest bargaining update I can find on their website. Bargaining update.

Here's the details from MDEA on their information meetings:

ATTN: ALL MDEA MEMBERS

To allow all members an opportunity to receive valuable information before you vote on the tentative agreement reached between MDEA and MDUSD, we will be holding two MDEA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS. The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday March 16th 3:45-5:30PM @ the Pleasant Hill Middle School Multi-use room (Pleasant Hill Education Center.) The second will be held on Tuesday March 22nd 3:45-5:30PM at Clayton Valley High School Multi-use room. We urge every member to attend one of these meetings. The MDEA Executive Board and the MDEA Bargaining team will be present at both meetings to answer questions.

Please click on the link below for our flyer announcing the meetings.

REPS: PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK, PRINT THE FLYER, AND MAKE SURE IT GETS POSTED ON YOUR MDEA BULLETIN BOARD.

Important General Membership Meetings for all MDEA Members

Jo Carson, Vice President

Mt. Diablo Educaiton Association

MDUSD Music Education Crisis

2011-03-10T13:18:00.000-08:00

This video and news comes from Theresa Harrington of the CCTimes. There is a music education crisis in the MDUSD being hard felt at Clayton Valley High School. Check out the video here and hear directly from CVHS Music staffers. If you have students that are interested in music, don't let them miss this great opportunity. It is possible to enroll in academy classes and music. But the fact that CVHS music enrollment projections for next year are at the lowest levels in decades is simply devastating news.

Watch the video below, MUSIC Education Crisis in the MDUSD. Check out some upcoming events to support music at CVHS specifically. http://www.claytonbands.org/ . What are we going to do to encourage students to stay with music, join our bands and choirs?

This year, CVHS band students played at Disneyland (marching right down Main Street and attending workshops), in the Walnut Festival Parade and at Cal Band Day. The rally band and drum line played at football games and other school events. They've participated in community events (4th of July parades, seasonal events) and have been visiting their feeder pattern middle schools to promote music in middle schools. Next year, they're hoping for a big trip toNew York (two years ago CVHS went to New Orleans!). Band is a community within a community. These are good kids with a great bunch of parents behind the scenes for support. Your student doesn't have to be a music "pro" to join band at the high school level. Think about it . . .

MDUSD: Now on the chopping block: Music, Library, Secretarial and more

2011-03-06T16:27:00.000-08:00

**I am hearing now that these music cuts may be "vocal music" at the elementary level.

This has been a good discussion though, let's keep it going...

I know many of you don't get involved until it touches you, but music, library - it touches us all. My student is very involved in band, marching band, rally band and had the opportunity to play and learn since 4th grade. This sustains her, she loves it, it helps her keep good grades, it gives her such fulfillment - I suppose akin to those students who love sports. The problem is the music program is not as big as sports... can we sustain it without district support? I don't know.

At Clayton Valley, the administration already makes it extremely difficult to take band and join an academy. Though it can be done, they make us parents and the students fight for it. It's a shame.

Special MDUSD Board Meeting on Tuesday, March 8th

2011-03-05T10:09:00.000-08:00

March 8th, Special Board Meeting
6:30pm at the District Dent Center

They will be talking about lay-offs, reduction of certificated employees, more budget reductions,
Boundary options for Glenbrook and Holbrook and to begin the discussion of the long term plan for school closure.

Here is the powerpoint presentation that will be presented at the meeting regarding the attendance boundaries related to Holbrook and Glenbrook. Note that per this proposal it seems they are proposing to split Glenbrook students between Valley View, El Dorado and Oak Grove. Holbrook, between Wren and Sun Terrace: http://esb.mdusd.k12.ca.us/attachments/1a21df35-017f-420d-9c17-45ca88777b48.pdf

I hope all of you who were up in arms about your schools being on the proverbial chopping block, will continue your involvement. Don't you all see that this problem is bigger than just YOUR school community? I am so saddened by the disinterest in school district affairs until it impacts you and your school.

We all need to work together to make MDUSD better.

You can see the agenda here: http://esbpublic.mdusd.k12.ca.us/public_agendaview.aspx?mtgId=325

And specifically you can see the lay-off (pink slip) proposal (180+/- employee pink slips!): http://esb.mdusd.k12.ca.us/attachments/67d3e618-e586-4e33-af0c-069a8754450c.pdf

MDUSD Budget Situation- Update #2 - (2/28/11)

2011-02-28T18:11:00.000-08:00

This is the second part of a two part budget update.

Part one was posted on this blog 3 weeks ago, and can be read here from 2/8/11.

* * * * *

Mt. Diablo USD News Update

Where Kids Come First

Governor’s Budget Proposal and Impact on MDUSD

The information for this News Update was gathered from:

A budget presentation made by State Senator Mark DeSaulnier and State Treasurer Bill Lockyer on Wednesday, February 23, 2011.
A February 7, 2011, article by the Legislative Analysis Office entitled Update on School District Finance in California. The article can be found at: http://www.lao.ca.gov/analysis/2011/education/ed_survey_two_020711.aspx .
California County Superintendents Educational Services Association’s (CCSESA) paper entitled: Basic District Fiscal Oversight Common Message Background and Advice to County Office of Education CBOs 2010-11 Second Interim Report and Related MYPS, February 9, 2011. This paper is posted on our website at: http://www.mdusd.org/Departments/Fiscal/Documents/Website%20-CommonMessage020911%20BASC%20CCSESA-02-25-11.pdf .
A memo from Bill Clark, Associate Superintendent, Business Services Contra Costa County Office of Education outlining the Second Interim Guidance 2010-11. The memo is posted on our website at: http://www.mdusd.org/Departments/Fiscal/Documents/Website%20081%20Second%20Interim%20Guidance-02-25-11.pdf .

According to the above-referenced CCSESA paper:

Governor Brown has acknowledged that education has been the only major program that has taken disproportionate budget reductions since 2007-08. Therefore, he committed to protect education by proposing flat funding for education for 2011-12. However, flat funding really results in about a $19 annual per pupil reduction.

The 2011-12 Governor’s Proposed Budget was submitted with an estimated 18-month budget shortfall of $25.4 billion, comprised of an $8.2 billion shortfall in 2010-11 and a $17.2 billion shortfall in 2011-12. The Governor’s proposal addresses the shortfall in three ways: (1) reducing expenditures by $12.5 billion over two years (2010-11 and 2011-12); (2) enhancing revenue by $12 billion over the same two-year period to be achieved through a June ballot measure to extend the temporary taxes enacted in 2009-10 by five years (.25 percent surcharge on income tax, 1 percent increase in the sales tax, .5 percent increase in the vehicle license fee); and (3) borrowing $1.9 billion from special funds and other one-time measures.

The success of this proposal largely depends on a two thirds bipartisan legislative approval to place the tax extension measure on the ballot and then on a majority of the voters approving the tax extension. Additionally, the Legislature would have to agree to expenditure reductions similar to ones that they have rejected in prior years. Part of the Governor’s strategy is a proposal to realign or to shift responsibility of many programs along with the revenue sources to local governments. This shift would include using one-time Proposition 63 funds of $861 million to fund community mental health services. Clearly, there are many challenges ahead for the Governor and the Legislature to balance this budget.

If all of the Governor’s strategies are enacted, then the total K-14 Proposition 98 funding would be $49.3 billion, slightly less than the 2010-11 level of $49.7 billion. This would amount to a reduction of approximately $600,000 for our District.

Another major impact for education in the Governor’s proposal is the deferral of several apportionments. School districts are not paid in one lump sum at the beginning of the year. We receive incremental payments (apportionments) throughout the fiscal year from July through June. In the Budget Proposal, the Governor recommends delaying our payments for April, May, and June until July 2011, which is in the next fiscal year, and then delaying the July 2011 payment until July 2012, again another fiscal year. In essence, this will delay $25 million in payments from this school year by 12-15 months to the beginning of the 2012-13 fiscal year. Basically, the State is taking their cash flow crisis and making the school districts deal with it by deferring our payments.

How will the District deal with this cash flow issue in order to pay employees and keep our schools running? In order to deal with these deferrals in payments, the District will have to go out for a short-term loan called a Tax Revenue Anticipation Note (TRAN). Basically, a TRAN allows a school district to borrow money for up to 12 months and then pay back the loan when the deferrals come in. Since school districts are being delayed payments for a total of 15 months we may have to go out for two TRANs because one will not be long enough to cover the deferrals that are being recommended. Bottom line is we will have to secure short term loans which will cost us thousands of dollars in issuance costs and interest.

The big unknown is whether or not the Governor’s revenue proposals will be put on a June ballot and whether or not they will pass. If either doesn’t happen, the minimum school funding guarantee under Proposition 98 would drop by an additional $350 per student annually. However, due to other constraints on the State’s budget, it is projected that Proposition 98 will be suspended and that education would be cut by additional billions of dollars which would translate into a reduction of between $650 and $1200 per pupil annually. This would mean a reduction between $21 million and over $35 million annually for the District. At their presentation on Wednesday, February, 23, Senator DeSaulnier and Treasurer Lockyer both stated there was a 50-50 chance that the tax extensions would garner the Legislative two-thirds support necessary to put them on a June ballot.

In a letter from the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE), we are being directed to submit a Second Interim Budget in March that uses the assumptions that the tax extension fails and assumes a loss of $350 per student. This would amount to a reduction of approximately $11.5 million. The letter goes on to say that given the risk outlined in the Legislative Analysis Office analysis of the budget, the CCCOE “recommends that districts set aside an additional reserve equal or plan for approximately $300 per ADA in addition to the $350 reduction outlined above.” This will amount in the District either identifying an additional reserve of approximately $9.8 million or making cuts that total $21.3 million ($11.5 M + $9.8M). This would be equivalent to subtracting 25 days from the school year and starting the school year on approximately October 1^st.

What can our community do to help ensure that we do not have to reduce our budget by an additional $21.3 million?

Work to ensure that the Legislature approves placing the tax extensions on a June ballot.
Work to ensure that all community members thoroughly understand the negative implications for our children’s education if the tax extensions do not occur.
Work to ensure that every parent with a child in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District participates in the democratic process that we hope will occur in June.

At a Board workshop on Tuesday, March 1, the Board will discuss the ramifications of the budget reductions outlined above and review potential reductions to be included in the Second Interim budget. The Board workshop will be held in the Board room at the District Office and begin at approximately 6:15 p.m. The Board will then adopt the Second Interim budget at the regularly scheduled Board meeting on March 15.

Public schools, Private schools - how do our area schools "rate?"

2011-02-28T10:00:00.000-08:00

Diablo Magazine has published a pretty comprehensive look at our local public AND private high schools. Some great apples to apples comparisons such as SAT average scores, percentage of students in each school who take the SAT, number of teachers with a masters degree or above, number of AP classes, etc.

Clayton Valley High ranks as having the most teachers with a masters degree or higher in all of Contra Costa County's public high schools (Central/South Contra Costa).

Some very good information, maybe you'll find it as interesting as I did:

http://www.diablomag.com/Diablo-Magazine/March-2011/High-School-Report-2011-Edition/

For public schools it also shows the number of suspensions and expulsions. I was surprised to see Mt. Diablo High School had over 600 suspensions (I assume this is a yearly average, or based on last year?). But out of 1610 students, 616 suspensions (9 expulsions) seems like A LOT!

School Board meeting - how can you listen?

2011-02-22T20:09:00.000-08:00

The meeting has live audio streaming on KVHS 90.5. If you have itunes you can go to Advanced > Open Audio Stream > and then enter url: http://www.kvhs.com/kvhsbrod.pls

I'm listening now. Sounds like a full house.

Here is the powerpoint the Superintendent is speaking about:

http://esb.mdusd.k12.ca.us/attachments/d4bbf4f1-350f-4a20-a3e6-50bcc4f3aeb0.pdf

Superintendent is discussing the possibility of high school closures in the future. That if a new high school is opened in Bay Point it will result decreased enrollment at Mt. Diablo High School. Good grief. Could this get any worse?

Well if you listened or watched, you realized there were far more questions needing answers tonight , and the vote was to not close any more schools. So we'll see what happens next. The funding situation hasn't changed, so what next?

MDUSD Board Meeting Tues Feb 22 @ Monte Gardens

2011-02-18T11:12:00.000-08:00

The board meeting on Tuesday, February 22nd promises to be an "interesting" meeting. This meeting they may be making some further decisions on the school closures; perhaps between Silverwood and Westwood, perhaps, another idea that makes sense.

The meeting will take place at Monte Gardens Elementary, starting at 7:30pm. The agenda will be available later today at http://www.mdusd.org/boe/Pages/boe-sam.aspx

Further, there will be a MDEA (teachers union) "Unity Rally" in front of the meeting location between 4:30pm and 7pm (before the meeting). From MDEA:

Dear Members:

Tuesday Feb 22 is our next BLUE TUESDAY! Yes...We're Still Blue! Please wear BLUE to school on Tuesday and...

Please JOIN us for a Unity Rally, sponsored by all MDUSD Bargaining units, MDEA, Local 1 CST, Local 1M&O, and CSEA. This rally will also be held on Feb. 22,2011 between 4:30PM-7:00PM, prior to the School Board Meeting. Right now we are unsure of the location, because the Board meeting is being moved to a larger venue (yet to be determined by the district). We will let you know the site as soon as we know. Please click on the link below to view the flyer.

Lead Reps and Reps. Please download, print and post on your MDEA bulletin board the flyer provided in the link.

We're Still Blue Rally Feb. 22, 2011

Questions? Call 672-4664

We look forward to seeing everybody at the rally. Remember...There is strength in numbers!

Lory Quam,

MDEA Organizing Team

School Closures: Let's talk options

2011-02-16T11:09:00.000-08:00

Ok, enough of the attacks, put downs and complaining. Let's get down to what could be REAL options.

Believe it or not, I know some of the board members read this blog, as do many community members. The hits show hundreds of unique visits, just not as much interaction. But that's ok, we know people are reading.

So when I read the Times article recapping the meeting last night, I noticed this idea from retired teacher, Skip Weinstock:

Weinstock proposed another new idea: Keeping Glenbrook sixth-graders at elementary schools and moving Glenbrook seventh- and eighth-graders to El Dorado.

Couldn't that be the best of all worlds? It seems to me the school closure subject is hottest around Concord where there are many elementary schools with empty classrooms. This is one reason most likely, the idea to close Westwood came up. So why not keep all those 6th graders at their home elementary schools. What are the elementary schools that feed into both Glenbrook and El Dorado, is there room, that instead of closing or moving an entire student body, they can simply retain their students one additional year?

Wouldn't this keep Westwood intact with their special ed and deaf learning environments? Wouldn't the 7-8th graders from Glenbrook still fit at El Dorado (in the proposed plan it was insinuated they would).

Interesting idea, and this is what we need. Ideas, thinking outside the box.

What are your ideas?

New Topic: Your 3 Wishes for the MDUSD

2011-02-11T23:56:00.000-08:00

At the suggestion of a reader earlier today, I'm opening up a new topic for discussion.

What is your vision for the best school district?

List 3 things that would show you that the district is doing a fantastic job, and not just okay.

As the reader suggested, perhaps as we begin to see ideas and the vision of others, we can break it down into what smallest thing(s) we can change to start moving in that direction.

Quick note, I think the visions and end results are great, though I'd love to also see these three things be actionable. Is one of your three things what it will look like, or how to get there? At this point we need all the good ideas we can get... Keep em coming.

Meeting Results 2/8/11 (Glenbrook & Holbrook to close)

2011-02-08T21:59:00.000-08:00

The board meeting is going on. At times, 400+/- viewers on the livestream. Despite what I consider very long winded, and sometimes unprofessional behavior from Cheryl Hanson, there certainly is no lack of passion, and the board has proceeded to vote on their options.

The board has just voted to remove Option 3 from the list of possible closures. This was Sequoia Elem/Middle and Monte Gardens. They are now removed from the closure list.

Linda Mayo has just moved to close Glenbrook and Holbrook Elementary.
Sherry Whitmarsh seconded.
Motion passed 4-1 (Hanson -no), Glenbrook and Holbrook are closing.

Gary is now proposing a new option: Send entire population of Glenbrook to El Dorado as one unit. And close Westwood. Westwood could be the campus to house the 6th graders from Glenbrook and El Dorado. El Dorado would house 7-8th graders. This is an ongoing discussion live now, and may not be voted on tonight.

Sorry, more unprofessionalism from Cheryl Hanson. She has made a very tough decision even tougher, she's now further dividing the board, and degrading even further, the trust in the board. My opinion. But it was very disheartening to hear how she chose to express herself tonight. Dennler, appears out of her element, and almost in awe of the process... and has expressed much chagrin over the Brown Act.

Silverwood or Westwood may be the next decision...

At this time, there is discussion of another public meeting to discuss next steps, possible more closures, or other options. Next stop , next Tuesday February 15th for more closure talk (in a roundtable setting) w/ the help of the SCAC. February 22nd would be more community input and final decisions.

Budget Situation in the MDUSD 2/8/11

2011-02-08T18:23:00.000-08:00

Tonight's meeting will likely prove to be quite volatile. The board may, or may not, choose to vote on an option tonight. But it's a big decision. Schools closed within the district over 30 years ago were never reopened, so it is with a great amount of thought, the board will be making the best decision they can. I don't envy them in this position.

Below is a Budget Article put out by the district today. It's meant as an education piece and hope you find it useful:

Mt. Diablo USD News Update

Where Kids Come First

February 8, 2011

Given recent news articles around our District’s budget and the dire State budget projections, we have decided to send out two newsletters about our budget situation. The first article will focus on the status of our current budget. The second article will focus on how the Governor’s budget proposal will affect our District.

The State Budget Crisis

The following two links to articles from EdSource provide a thorough overview of the State budget crisis and how it has impacted education funding in the State:

http://www.edsource.org/pub11-school-finance-highlights.html

http://www.edsource.org/pub10-challenging-times.html

District Budget Crisis

The District budget crisis has been acutely affected by the following conditions:

As cited in the EdSource January 11, 2011, publication, K-12 education funding has been reduced 10% between the 2007-08 school year and the 2010-11 school year.

During the same time period, the District’s health care premiums have increased 31.19%, amounting to an additional $7.1 million.

Over the same period, student enrollment has declined by 1,000 students which amounts to a revenue reduction of over $5 million each year. Unfortunately, we can not reduce staff commensurate with declining enrollment. For example, if all of the student enrollment reductions came from two or three schools in the District, cost savings could be more easily achieved by concentrating staff reductions on just those campuses. However, the loss of these 1,000 students has been spread throughout the District, making it impossible to keep expenditure cuts away from the classroom.

Every year, our costs increase due to inflation and employees receiving step and/or column salary increases. For inflationary increases we use the Consumer Price Index to estimate the increase in the costs of goods and services. Our negotiated salary schedules for certificated positions are based on the number of years of experience (step) and level of education (column). For classified and management positions the salary schedules are based on job type and years of experience. For step and column increases, we annually budget a 1.5% increase to our salary budget.

In the 2010-2011 State budget, Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed AB3632 mental health funding. The prior link to a January 11, 2011, EdSource article provides a concise overview of AB3632. The Governor’s veto will cause the District to assume approximately $4.8 million in additional costs to provide mental health services. Because the cut was mid-year this school year we may need to absorb $2.4 million in costs. The District cannot legally eliminate these programs without jeopardizing federal funding we receive for all our Special Education students. Governor Brown’s 2011-2012 State budget proposal reinstates these mental health funds for the 2011-2012 school year using Proposition 63 (Mental Health Services) funds, and he proposes a dedicated funding source in subsequent years if the continuation of the revenue enhancement is approved by the voters. However, this proposal does not resolve the funding problem for the current year, and Prop 63 supporters are challenging the use of those funds for AB3632 purposes. Therefore, it is very unclear whether AB3632 funding will actually be reinstated.

So, what do these conditions mean for the District in real dollars? Over the past several years, our revenue has decreased by $20 million while our costs have increased by the same amount. Therefore, in order to create a balanced budget we needed to reduce our on-going budgets by $40 million. To date, we have reduced expenses by approximately $25 million. In order to avoid completely eliminating vital educational programs and to minimize staff reductions, we have used one-time federal funds, utilized the Tier III flexibility to transfer specific categorical revenues, and have been spending down our reserves. Under current budget assumptions we are spending $11 million more than we receive in on-going revenues. Legally, we have to maintain a minimum reserve of two percent. Currently, we have $12 million reserves above the two percent requirement. Under our current budget assumptions we will have less than $2 million in additional reserves by the end of next year, and have a projected negative ending balance of $11.6 million at the end of the 2012-13 school year. This would completely deplete our mandatory two percent reserves and put the District in State control.

We are frequently asked whether we can eliminate more central office administrators and employees. Over the past three years, we have eliminated approximately 20% of non-school based positions. To provide more perspective on the extent of these reductions in the 2000-2001 school year the District had 5.19 administrators per 100 teachers. In the 2009-2010 school year, we had 4.12 administrators per 100 teachers. This puts us almost fifty percent below the State approved rate of 8 administrators per 100 teachers.

We are currently negotiating with all of our associations in order to achieve a balanced budget. To date, administrators have accepted a benefit cap at the 2010 Kaiser rates for current employees, a benefit for anyone who retires after June 30, 2011, prorated benefits for part-time administrators, and furlough days over the next several years. We are asking our other associations for similar benefit and furlough day concessions.

The next article in this series will focus on the Governor’s proposed 2011-2012 budget and the implications for the District’s budgeting process.

MDUSD Superintendent Message 2/4/11

2011-02-04T18:09:00.000-08:00

Mt. Diablo USD News Update
February 4, 2011
Where Kids Come First

In 1980, the Mt. Diablo Unified School District went through the process of closing seven
schools. This was a very difficult process for the community and school district. Unfortunately,
we find ourselves in a similar situation today.

Three factors caused the Board to have to make this difficult decision:

1. First, enrollment has declined by over 2500 students in the past nine years. This means
that many of our sites are running below 80% capacity without class size reduction and
will run slightly over 80% capacity even when class size reduction is re-instituted;

2. Second, the enrollment trend data that the School Closure Committee analyzed indicates
birth trends in our area will continue to decline for the next several years. Therefore, the
District’s enrollment projections continue to decline and we anticipate a loss of 1800
students over the next ten years; and

3. Third, the State budget crisis requires difficult cuts to educational and co-curricular
programs that support academic and social growth. The cuts also require a significant
reduction in the number of teachers, support staff, and administrators available to serve
our children and families. Small neighborhood schools are valuable, but they are more
expensive to operate. Currently, all our elementary schools have a principal, office
manager, secretary, and a day custodian regardless of whether they serve 385 students or
850 students. Therefore, the cost of the non-teacher positions at small schools is much
higher.

The data provided the School Closure Committee is posted on the district website at
http://www.mdusd.org/Community/Pages/scac.aspx . It is a wealth of data and information that
the School Closure Committee analyzed prior to developing its recommendations. We are
committed to working hard to ensure that we minimize any negative impacts of school closures.

Over the past month, the Board has received and contemplated a considerable amount of
information concerning the school closure process. They have also received a great deal of input
from parents and community members through public comment and e-mails.

There will be an item on the February 8 Board meeting agenda for the purpose of allowing the
Board the opportunity to:

1. Discuss whether an option should be considered that has not already been discussed.
Though the Board wishes to honor the work of the committee, it is the Board’s
responsibility to ensure that every option has been analyzed to minimize the impact to our
students while achieving the $1.5M in expense reductions. If a viable new option is
recommended, the Board will not take a formal vote to enact the new option. Instead, the
Board would vote to give staff direction to analyze the new option to ensure that it is
implementable and would meet the $1.5M targeted reduction. It would then be brought
back to the Board as a future agenda item for the Board to receive information from staff,
hear from the public, and potentially vote on;

2. Determine whether there is any consensus on removing any of the current options or
schools under consideration. The current options are:

Close Wren, Silverwood, and Glenbrook
Close Holbrook, Silverwood, and Glenbrook
Close Monte Gardens, Sequoia Elementary, and Sequoia Middle School
Close either (Holbrook or Wren) and Glenbrook, consolidate two necessary small high schools Crossroads and TLC/Nueva Vista on either the Holbrook or Wren campus, and create a program for students currently in non-public school placements at Glenbrook that would save the district funding.

3. Determine whether there is consensus to move forward with an existing recommendation.
As a matter of process, the Board may choose to first begin its dialogue prior to public comment
so that the public has an opportunity to understand where Board members are in their thought
process around school closures. The Board would then hear public comment prior to continuing
their dialogue and providing direction to staff

Board meeting agenda for Tues, February 8th

2011-02-04T17:08:00.000-08:00

The board agenda is now available online. Among the items, of course, is item 13.4 School Closures. It explains the process they will use on Tuesday and under what conditions they may vote for an option. It seems if another viable option is brought to them, the board may instruct staff to investigate to be brought back at a later date.

So I guess it should make for an interesting evening. They may vote on ne of the options currently on the table, or they may wish to investigate another option(s).

Here is the agenda.

The meeting begins at 7:30 pm Tuesday, at the Mt. Diablo High School gymnasium.

Stephanie Cudd: Missing College Park teen, found!

2011-01-29T14:59:00.000-08:00

Well, thank goodness she was found. Certainly we don't know the whole story, but in the facebook update , it indicates she is (has been perhaps?) nearby...

Help Find Stephanie Cudd
BREAKING NEWS! Message from the Cudd Family: "Our Prayers have been answered. Carl Marino of Butler and Associates Investigation has located Stephanie. While she is not home, we know that Stephanie is safe and nearby. The Cudd family would like express their deepest gratitude for all those who helped us in our time of need (continued)...

Thank you so much for emotional support, the prayers, and of course all the footwork. The Cudd’s requests some privacy while we try to reconcile the family." (steph/admin)

Here's the facebook page for more: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=hp#!/helpfindstephanie

MDUSD board meeting tonight

2011-01-25T19:25:00.000-08:00

Should be airing live at MDUSD.net beginning at 7:30pm. Or , if not on the blog you can view directly at live stream: MDUSD Board Meetings

It *is* on live now 1/25/11. The sound is bad though on livestream, so turn down the sound on livestream, and listen live at http://www.kvhs.com/main.htm . The lips don't match as there is a radio delay but the sound is perfect.

I couldn't watch it on livestream this time as the audio was so bad, so I turned to the radio. Thanks to the staff /students at KVHS at Clayton Valley High, the sound quality was excellent, and I was able to run errands and even go to the store during the meeting and listen in on my car radio! When I heard there were 80 speakers, I knew I couldn't watch it, but I am hoping to get to the next meeting live.

Did anyone learn anything new through the speakers? Or any sparks? Theresa Harrington was tweeting but I don't see any new tweets since about 8:20pm. I'm sure she'll recap later .

School Closure Joint Study Session - aired LIVE now

2011-01-19T17:35:00.000-08:00

Sounds like it's standing room only so far. There will be public comment, beginning about 6:50pm and will be limited to about 30 minutes. (3 minutes each speaker, though may be shortened per board discretion)

Go to Gary Eberhart's MDUSD.net blog for live streaming to view the meeting :

http://mdusd.blogspot.com/

Also, you can see the agenda HERE and also see the presentation (powerpoint) online. AGENDA

Theresa Harrington (Times) posted a side by side comparison of the Mt. Diablo schools recommended for closure. You can view that HERE.

Did you know MDUSD has an anonymous tip line and online form for safety concerns?

2011-01-18T13:13:00.000-08:00

Check it out, for at least the last few years I know of MDUSD has had an anonymous tip line designed to allow students, or others, concerned for safety or with knowledge of a crime, vandalism or other factors on school campuses. Given the disturbing gang information on the other blog today, I thought it would be good to post up the information so students or parents could feel comfortable reporting suspicious or possible dangerous circumstances.

Let's keep our kids safe!

ANONYMOUS TIP LINE

District Hotline

We encourage the use of our district tip line to confidentially report rumors, potentially dangerous situations or vandalism that may impact our schools - (925) 709-4847

Online form:
MDUSD Safe School Form
--------------------------------------------------------------

Now, related to this, and to Claycord's post about the increased patrols at, at least one, MDUSD high school campus today due to gang activity - I do wonder why they don't advise parents. Do they tell the kids anything on campus at all? (if they do, they should definately also be filling in the parents) I ask because, in a timely coincidence UCSC (UC Santa Cruz) is reported to be on high alert after "threatening" graffiti was found on campus last month. They've increased training, patrols and presence, as well as alerting the community.

Well, we've heard that there was graffiti at MDHS this weekend (threatening? Not sure) But in a "gang" retaliation type situation, should students/families be told? It's finals week though..... how many would stay home?

Here's the story from ABC News on UCSC:
UCSC on high alert

New High School option coming to MDUSD this fall

2011-01-17T14:48:00.000-08:00

This came from a reader, and I thought it would be great to get some discussion going. My dream? Wouldn't it be fabulous if there was an online option for supplementary coursework? What about classes your kids couldn't get into , or aren't offered at your home school? How about summer school? Need a class? Take it online over the summer! Could it be in the future? Well if education ever wants to meet the new age in technology it will! Our educational system needs an upgrade and needs to reach into the 21st century. Our kids deserve it. Let's utilize all options available to educate our kids.

________________________________________

FLYER AVAILABLE here - Flex Academy EVENTS next week, Jan 24 and 26 (PDF)

Flex was approved by the County Board of Education in October. It will be an innovative and state-of-the-art school in the Mt. Diablo School District attendance area and is tuition free.

Students will be in school during regular school hours.

Flex offers the following:

A school facility designed with learning in mind
California-credentialed teachers and computer-assisted instruction. This provides teachers the opportunity to facilitate discussions, mentor students, and tutor those who need help.
The program provides a consistent curriculum and frees up teachers to hold small group discussions and implement small group projects.
A complete college prep curriculum that meets University of California “a-g” requirements and the core classes all have Honors/AP options.
A wide selection of electives like Computer Programming, Introduction to Entrepreneurship, and Anthropology, just to name a few.
Unlike most traditional schools, there just needs to be one student interested to offer an elective class - no minimum class sizes needed.

Here is a list of courses http://www.k12.com/courses/high-school-courses/high-school-course-list/

College and career planning and placement tools
Science and Art labs
The ability to participate in school clubs, activities and sports teams
Offline materials and textbooks to supplement the learning experience as well as a laptop for each student's use.
A self-pacing curriculum where a student can slow down when needed or move ahead if ready. Students will have small break-out sessions with a teacher to go over certain concepts they may be struggling with or to delve deeper into curriculum where they excel.
The online instruction provides teachers daily assessments of a students progress and the faculty will meet weekly to review the data and develop individual plans for students based on their progress.

The people behind the organization are well-respected and experienced with charter schools.

Here is Mark Kushner's information, feel free to call him with questions:

Mark Kushner
Executive Director
555 Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94102-1228

cell: 415.710.6759
fax 415.520.5677

mkushner@flexsf.org

www.k12.com/SFflex

MDUSD in the news tonight

2011-01-12T19:36:00.000-08:00

MDUSD, and specifically the rally outside Monte Gardens and an interview with Gary Eberhart, was in the news tonight. Both on Channel 7 and Channel 5.

Here's the video from CBS5: School Cuts Protest

And from Channel 7 KGO: Parents rally to keep high performing schools from closing

Good job Monte Gardens, and Gary!

Gary made certainly made an interesting point. We used to have 50,000 students in the district, and now only 32,000 with declining enrollment. Certainly seems school closures make sense, and it's hard to imagine just 3 schools will be enough.

Now I know we like our grass, but....

2011-01-12T16:17:00.000-08:00

$900,000 for a centralized irrigation system.

You can review the Request for Proposal (RFP) here. I saw this the other day, and it didn't really sink in until now. 900k for irrigation? I know there must be more to this. But WOWSA. Bids are due later this month.

As all bids are due to the Measure C Assistant Program Manager, I assume then, this is a Measure C project . . . but just curious.

Update
Here is an explanation from Gary Eberhart regarding the value of this system:
This is another step in our effort to make strategic investments in our facilities that will pay dollars into the general fund. This is a web based irrigation control system that will take into account weather forecasts when deciding whether or not to turn on the irrigation system. There were already systems that wouldn't water if it was raining. Now there are systems that can determine if rain is coming. For instance, if there is a 70% chance of rain tomorrow, do we really need to water lawns today? This is likely to save us a couple hundred thousand dollars per year that we are currently spending on water which comes directly out of the general fund.

Board Meeting tonight @ 7:30

2011-01-11T18:03:00.000-08:00

Gary Eberhart tells me he will continue to stream the meetings live from his site,so if you are unable to attend, tune in http://mdusd.blogspot.com/ or listen in at KVHS 90.5 FM.

Thank you Gary. Im happy he's able to continue this service for all of us.

New blog site for Sherry Whitmarsh, MDUSD

2011-01-10T19:49:00.000-08:00

http://mdusd-boe.blogspot.com/

Sherry has started her new blog. Today she has posted about the Governor's budget. Check it out. Be nice!

Thank you Sherry! I, for one, appreciate the efforts of some of our board members to communicate with us.

School Closure decision to be made February 8th

2011-01-08T12:52:00.000-08:00

Gary Eberhart, MDUSD's Board President, has written on his blog about the process going forward regarding the school closure decisions ahead. First, the Board Study session (joint with the School Closure Advisory Committee members), will take place Weds January 19th at 5:30pm at Northgate High in the Little Theatre. Mr. Eberhart has noted they will be trying to stream this meeting live so those unable to attend will be able to witness the process. There will be a 30 minute public comment at the end of this study session meeting.

The recommendation for closure will be brought officially to the Board for consideration at the Tuesday, January 25th board meeting, with the final decision to be made at the February 8th board meeting.

Read it all here at Mr. Eberhart's blog: MDUSD BLOG

Board Meeting Tuesday - Agenda ready for view

2011-01-07T22:29:00.000-08:00

The agenda for Tuesday night's board meeting is online and available for viewing ONLINE.

One thing they do have is the draft of the 2011-2012 calendar approved by MDEA and set forth for approval by the board. You'll be glad to know the proposal has kids starting back on a Weds, August 31. The last day is listed as June 13th, another Weds. Thank goodness they're not going to do this stupid end school on a Monday thing again! See draft 2011-2012 calendar here.

Board Meeting
Tuesday, January 11th
7:30pm
Dent Center, Carlotta Dr, Concord

There are a lot of special ed items on this agenda. Take a look at this blog post by Mt Diablo Unified Community Advisory Committee on Special Education (CAC). They need your help.

The governor is set to release his budget Monday and all indications so far is that it is going to be U-G-L-Y. Theresa Harrington of the Times recaps some concerns and the discussions at Wednesday nights PAC meeting. You can see that HERE.

School Closure Board Study Session date announced

2011-01-05T20:17:00.001-08:00

Superintendent Lawrence has advised the PAC that the Board study session will take place on Weds 1/19 at 5:30pm. Location will be announced by Monday. Stay tuned.

Will you attend?

Remember you can find minutes, agendas and even the pros and cons for each scenario that the committee considered here on their webpage: School Closure Advisory Committee - MDUSD

And as a reminder of the 3 scenarios the board will be considering, here is a screen capture/excerpt of the December 13th minutes you can view at the link above.

Also, Theresa Harrington (http://www.ibabuzz.com/onassignment/) has reported that the Superintendent said the district will give parents 30 days from the date the school closures are announced to apply for transfers. Normally, these intradistrict transfer requests are due 1/15 (which personally I'd still adhere to for now), but they will allow extra time in the event your chosen, or home school is impacted by a closure.

Parent Advisory Council Meeting is tonight 7pm

2011-01-05T19:05:00.000-08:00

SUPERINTENDENT’S PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

Wednesday, January 5, 2011 7:00 p.m.
Board Room, MDUSD Dent Center

I. Welcome and Introductions

II. Budget Update – Steven Lawrence

III. School Closure Update – Rose Lock

Speaking of School Closure updates, did anyone else read the minutes posted from the SCAC meeting on December 13th? This was the evening they voted on their recommendations. I found it interesting that in the public comment, there was no Sequoia parent? Was that because time was limited and a Sequoia parent was just not at the front of the line? With all the hoopla on the other post here, and no public comment? What am I missing? Also, here are the pros and cons the committee considered with their recommendations: Scenario Pros and Cons

P.S. If you are on the PAC, would you be willing to email a recap tonight? I can include your name, or you can be anonymous -I am unable to attend. Email mdusdparents@gmail.com. THANKS! I welcome contributions from others in the community.

The votes are in, they may shock some of you

2010-12-13T18:52:00.000-08:00

The committee has recommended to close..... This from Theresa Harrington of the Times tweeting during the meeting:

(be sure to read her blog, linked below, for full details, how the votes were tallied and what happens next)

TunedToTheresa #MDUSD school closure committee recommends closing Glenbrook MS, Silverwood, Holbrook, Wren, Sequoia MS, Sequoia Elem and Monte Gardens
4 minutes ago

Follow Theresa here : www.Twitter.com/tunedtotheresa

Stay calm people... Do the right thing and write your letters to the board with constructive alternatives and tact. Remember, the board is the deciding body....

Be sure to read her blog and the comments for other reader commentary before you react, there is more to the story....

These are not the final recommendations according to Theresa's report at her blog, http://www.ibabuzz.com/onassignment/ . See how the votes landed by reading at her site.

School closure committee is voting.... Tonight

2010-12-13T18:18:00.000-08:00

Just in from Theresa Harrington. The committee is voting on their recommendation now (6:15pm). Hope someone will report in soon with the results. Health has prevented me from attending tonight myself, but anxiously awaiting word.

As you all have probably also heard, the Board study session has been postponed until January. I assume this will mean Simeon concessions will have to be made for intradistrict transfer students if transferring in or out of a school on the list. Until it ia finalized, much will remain in flux.

Remember the committee will vote, but the board can come up with their own solution. They are an 'advisory' committee, the board is the ultimate decision making body. You will have time for public comment.

We should thank the committee for their hard work... This cant have been easy.

School closure options, as the decision draws near

2010-12-11T16:23:00.000-08:00

Soon, the School Closure Committee will be voting on their recommendation to take the board. Since our last topic covering school closures got heated and garnered almost 150 comments, I thought I'd start fresh here, and be sure that people get themselves up to speed.

REMINDER: There is a School Closure Committee Meeting Monday, December 13th.
REMINDER: Agendas, Minutes and Presentations are all available ONLINE
REMINDER: Any scenario may be chosen, and all schools were evaluated based on criteria set forth
REMINDER: There is a public comment period at the closure committee meetings

Did you read the Times article whereas Theresa Harrington outlined the committee proposals to be voted on? You can see that online here

Everything listed is on the table folks. But please don't just get hostile, and think your school shouldn't be closed because it's "best." These school closures will impact many, and no one wants THEIR school closed. It will surely impact the intradistrict transfers, and it will impact neighborhoods. It may require some re-drawing of school boundaries and it may require some outside the box thinking. So instead of getting hostile, help come up with a better solution. Take your anger to Sacramento.

Someone said something in a previous thread that parents should be able to have their voices heard even this early in the process - folks - this is NOT early. This is nearing the end. Again, with everything else, and I know I know - it's my pet peeve - but with everything else, no one pays attention until it might impact them. I guess it's human nature, but I hope it's a wake up call that these budget cuts are very real. They will hurt across all schools, all demographics and many families. School closures are happening across the state, we aren't the only ones. But be part of the solution, not a problem.

Local student, Stephanie Cudd, still missing

2010-12-02T23:40:00.000-08:00

Stephanie, who is 15 years old, hasn't been seen in several days now, and we hope you're helping to spread the word of her disappearance. Someone must know something.

Here's a few places you can get more information:

www.findstephaniecudd.com

http://www.facebook.com/helpfindstephanie

And from the facebook page:
If anyone has any information on Stephanie's location, they can contact the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department at 925-646-2441, case # 10-21998.

School closure committee sort through recommendations

2010-11-30T23:46:00.000-08:00

The Times brings us details today of which schools are being looked at for possible closure recommendations.

The list is quite large, and interestingly the article notes that beside the recommendations of the committee itself, the Superintendent's Council of district administrators prepared a scenario of their own. The official school closure Committee is expected to vote on their recommendations on Monday. Details below.

For the full Times article : http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_16744608

Be sure to read he detailed list of options here:

The list is :

Ayers Elementary, Concord; Bancroft Elementary, Walnut Creek; El Monte Elementary, Concord; Fair Oaks Elementary, Pleasant Hill; Glenbrook Middle, Concord; Gregory Gardens Elementary, Pleasant Hill; Holbrook Elementary, Concord; Monte Gardens Elementary, Concord; Oak Grove Middle, Concord; Rio Vista Elementary, Bay Point; Sequoia Elementary, Pleasant Hill; Sequoia Middle, Pleasant Hill; Shore Acres Elementary, Bay Point; Silverwood Elementary, Concord; Wren Elementary, Concord.

The school closure committee expects to vote on proposed recommendations at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the Willow Creek Center, 1026 Mohr Lane in Concord. Information is available by calling 925-682-8000, ext. 4015, or by going to www.mdusd.org. Click on "community," then select "School Closure Committee."

6.5 million in fed jobs bill $$ to MDUSD salaries

2010-11-30T17:57:00.000-08:00

According to the Times today, Contra Costa school districts struggle to stay afloat, Teresa Harrington tells us that the MDUSD will likely use the 6.5 million dollars from the Federal Jobs Act to pay a portion of employee salaries and benefits. This money would normally be paid from the general fund per Brian Richards, our district's CFO.

The article provides some more detail about this expenditure, as well as the requirements (per the County's conditional approval of the MDUSD 2010-11 budget) that districts, including MDUSD, create a "fiscal recovery plan" and revised three year projections by December 15th.

I don't know what would be happening right now if this 6.5 million was not available? Does anyone know?

Within the article:

Five Contra Costa County school districts are struggling to stay fiscally solvent in the next three years as they grapple with state budget cuts, declining enrollment and failed tax measures.

"We're advising districts that they need to conserve their cash," said Peggy Marshburn, spokeswoman for the Contra Costa County Office of Education. "The budget picture at the state level is much more bleak" than anticipated.

Going from bad to worse... how much further can we go?

Superintendent's Parent Advisory Council meeting cancelled

2010-11-23T20:16:00.001-08:00

Next week's PAC meeting has been cancelled. See the message below:

The PAC meeting scheduled for December 1 has been cancelled. Our next meeting will held on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. We will be back in the Board Room at the Dent Center.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! See you in 2011.

Loreen

Loreen Joseph
Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
Mt. Diablo Unified School District
925-682-8000 ext. 4000

MDUSD Celebrate Dick Allen and Paul Strange

2010-11-17T13:40:00.000-08:00

Celebrating Richard "Dick" Allen and Paul Strange

See invite

Please join the MDUSD Board of Education in honoring and celebrating Dick Allen and Paul Strange for their "Years of Service" on the Board of Education. November 29, 2010 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Dent Center, Board Room 1936 Carlotta Drive, Concord

You may RSVP or enter messages for the outgoing board members HERE.

Questions: Contact Loreen Joseph at 925.682.8000 ext. 4000

Recap of MDUSD's Superintendent PAC meeting

2010-11-11T16:10:00.001-08:00

Thank you to Sherry Whitmarsh for providing the following recap of the meeting last night:

Here are my notes. Please feel free to ask my about any questions. I've also attached the handout that was given about school closure data. There is one mistake. Criteria #4 - substitute facility for family . Here is link to file.

Assessments
The Curriculum Associates assessment is being used at all of the elementary schools and four middle schools with another middle school expressing interest. The assessment is a tool for teachers to gauge how the students are progressing toward mastering the state standards in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math. The assessment is giving three times a year with an option to do a fourth assessment at the end of the year. The end of the year assessment is more like the test because it shows which how the students have done for all of the standards. It is more like the STAR but gives immediate feedback to the teacher instead of waiting all summer for the results. By using a standard assessment between all schools, feeder pattern schools as well as the district can look at the trends that are developing and set specific goals to help students master the standards.

For each assessment cycle, the teachers take thirty minutes each day for three – four days for ELA and then another thirty minutes each day for three or four days for Math. For the first and second grade many schools have resources that are bubbling in the scantron. In first grade the teacher reads the entire assessment to the students.

The district is having data sessions with teachers to assist them in understanding how the data can be used to help them modify their lesson plan. For those students who have mastered certain standards the teachers will look at how to enrich their learning. For those who have not mastered a standard that has been taught, the teachers look at what needs to be reviewed and strategies for teaching it.

Different schools are using different strategies. One school has created academies that will work with the students at the different learning levels, other schools develop small groups and divide the groups between the teachers, and others are working within their own classroom.

In schools were the assessment has been given in previous years, teachers discussed how they meet to share the results of the assessment. Teachers who students have mastered areas of the assessment can do professional training with the other teachers to demonstrate how the standard was taught.

Examples of the results of the assessments were shown. Sample letters that could be sent home to parents about the assessment were also shared. The letters allow parents to see how the student is progressing towards the end of year grade level standard.

For students who have accommodations, the schools are meeting those. Examples were presented where resource teachers were bubbling the scantron for students, students were using a typing device to record their answer, and students were verbally saying their answer.

Parents were concerned with the assessment creating a heavy focus on ELA and math and not enough time being spent and science and social studies. The teachers stated that the assessments allowed them to have focus, targeted instruction in ELA and math and actually allowed them to spend more time in science and social studies. Last year both teachers stated that they were able to get further in science and social studies than in past years. Curriculum Associates does have assessments for science and social studies but the district is not using those at this point.

Does the assessment mean teachers are instructing to the test? The assessment allows the teachers to focus their assessment on what standards the students have not mastered for the grade level. It allows them to individualize their teaching based upon where the students are.

There were comments about how the assessment make the students feel inadequate, especially the early assessments. The teachers and principals present stated that it is their responsibility to ensure that students understand that the assessment is a tool to help the teachers know how to target the instruction. It is not a test to grade the students. Students become excited about learning and eagerly wait to see how much they have learned from the previous assessment cycle.

The cost of the material is approximately $60,000.

School Closures
The demographic study was also discussed. The attached material was reviewed. The school closure committee is meeting every week and is preparing to meet present a recommendation in December to the board of education. The board of education will then have a study session to review the data and ask questions.

The district is looking at saving about $1.5 million from school closures. The savings is a result in centralized staff – principals, office managers, secretaries, custodians, food services – and not teachers. Closing an elementary school saves about $300,000 and a middle school saves about $700,000. Closing a middle school may not save quite as much as thought because a vice principal may be needed at schools that the children are being sent.

The school closure committee has reviewed all of the data and divided into groups based upon the eight criteria. Each group ranked all schools on a scale of 1 – 20 based upon the criteria. The groups have now reconvened into the large group and the discussions have begun. These are not easy discussions.

The committee is also looking at how the closures will affect school boundaries and how those may need to be changed.

Remember, you can find committee information, minutes, meeting schedule etc at http://www.mdusd.org/Community/Pages/scac.aspx

MDUSD's Superintendent PAC meeting is tonight

2010-11-10T08:50:00.000-08:00

So they rescheduled the Superintendent Parent Advisory Council meeting. Last week it "might have been" a World Series Game, so they changed it to tonight. Weds, November 10th, 7pm AT WILLOW CREEK. All are welcome. I encourage ALL of you to start attending these meetings. If you have a complaint, and I know MANY of you do if I look at the blogs, then why not go to a meeting where you can actually TALK TO the Superintendent and Administrators? Just do it.

I believe one of the items on the agenda is the Curriculum Associates testing that some people have been discussing around the blog-o-sphere locally. Some people feel it's too much testing, too soon. Some feel it is a great way to gauge student progress and to help shape where the teachers may need to spend some more time in their instruction. It can also perhaps help in the differentiation between students who "get it" and those who still need some time. A biggie for administrators it seems is test scores. There appears to be some data to support it does increase the STAR test scores.

Anyway, I saw someone else posted in the comments on another thread that there may be something controversial on the agenda, and I do not believe that to be the case, unless you consider the above, controversial.

The PAC members were polled regarding this change just in case you have some conspiracy theory brewing for this date change. They've said it was a "landslide" decision that wanted this changed, but I do question the attendance tonight due to the 4 day weekend . I guess we'll see.

SUPERINTENDENT’S PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
Wednesday, November 10, 2010 7:00 p.m.
Willow Creek Center
1026 Mohr Lane, Concord

I. Welcome and Introductions

II. Assessment Data

III. Demographics Data

Free vaccine clinic

2010-11-09T12:17:00.000-08:00

In these difficult economic times, this represents a $35 savings or more, as well as good health in the future. Promoted by MDUSD nurses and CCHealth Services. :)

Contra Costa Health Services will hold a free one-day, flu vaccination event in nine Contra Costa cities.

The Public Health Division of Contra Costa Health Services plans to hold the free flu clinics from 1:00 to 7:00pm on Wednesday, November 10 to "Vaccinate Contra Costa." Only one vaccine is needed this year to protect against H1N1 and two other flu strains expected to be circulating this year, said Contra Costa Health Services Immunization Coordinator Erika Jenssen. People need this vaccine even if they received seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccine last year, and some children will need two doses, she said.

Clinics in our area will be held in Concord (5298 Clayton Road), Martinez (30 Muir Road), Lafayette (952 Moraga Road), and Pittsburg (200 Marina Boulevard).

Flu vaccine is also available from health care providers, local pharmacies, grocery stores, and community clinics. A podcast and video answering commonly asked flu questions is available on the CCHS Web site: cchealth.org/topics/flu/.

To find out more about the flu or to locate a clinic near you, visit cchealth.org/topics/flu/vaccination.php or call the CCHS Health Emergency Information Line at 1-888-959-9911 for information

Drug use on high school campuses

2010-11-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

So who thinks drugs aren't a problem in our high schools?

I say they're a huge problem. Kids that say they not only smell drugs being smoked in corners at school, to shutting down wings because the teachers smell it - is a problem. I say that kids smoking pot out in the open BEFORE school - is a problem. I say that kids posting photos of themselves drinking and doing drugs - is a problem.

Now to the facebook issues of posting their photos. Now, these are photos/statuses I have seen. And I am not "friends" with these kids, which means their profiles are completely public. I have to ask - parents, when is the last time you looked at your kid's profile? Ever? Some kids talk about can't wait to get f&#$ed up this weekend. Where are we going to get the sh#&? And guess what folks, these aren't just at one high school. They're at all of them. Oh, and guess what more... these are also cheerleaders and kids in sports. Not just the "thugs" or "trogs" as we used to call them in my day...

So, it's just a question.

In a day that not much gets done around campus because administrators are all so "overwhelmed" with budget cuts and other BS, it seems it's just easier to turn the other way on drugs. Is it a victimless crime? No way. Smoking pot before school can't possibly be good for the attention and care needed later in the school day. Hearing of middle school kids drinking vodka out of water bottles during PE does not instill too much confidence that today's kids, despite all the education, are any smarter than the kids of yesterday (or my day).

More young people are now in treatment for marijuana dependency than for alcohol or for all other illegal drugs combined.

I know, I know, I'm looking at this TOTALLY differently now that I'm a parent. But isn't that a normal progression? I hope so.

And believe, GREAT THINGS HAPPEN at the high schools every single day. There is no denying there are more good things than bad, BUT I'm not going to be quiet about the bad just because it makes the school look bad.

THE SCHOOLS NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. They have the power to EXPEL any kid caught with drugs. They have the power to SEARCH lockers if it smells like POT!

Parents , you need to be watching homelink. Are your kids tardy to school each day when you KNOW you dropped them off on time? Or that they left home early enough? Are you checking in? Are there consequences? Just asking. Do you know where the local "hang outs" are for the perpetually late?

So, there, I'm done with my rant. But there's a story I've been dying to do, but I'm not a reporter and I don't get enough readers to do it justice, so I sent some info to the Mayor of Claycord - hopefully he'll shed the light.

Parents, what can we do ? I ASSUME most parents aren't ok with kids smoking dope on school grounds. So if that's true? What are we going to do about it?

Our New MDUSD School Board

2010-11-02T22:53:00.001-07:00

With 133 of the 197 precincts reporting, it's a close race. So far it is Linda Mayo in the lead, with Cheryl Hansen literally on her heels. Lynne Dennler is starting to pull away ever so slightly from Brian Lawrence.

So if these numbers hold, it will be Mayo, Hansen and Dennler. What do you think?

11:30pm update. Still the same 3 leaders, however, Cheryl Hansen has emerged as the current leader. 165 of the 197 precincts reporting. Its still very close though the three are pulling away.

See www.cocovote.us for up to the minute results.

MDUSD Superintendent Newsletter #6

2010-10-22T18:38:00.000-07:00

October 22, 2010

Mt. Diablo USD News Update
Where Kids Come First

Fifth Annual Day at the Races for Literacy

Raising Funds to Raise Readers -- On Saturday, October 30, 2010 the Central Contra Costa Literacy Coalition and The Rotary Club of Concord are working together to benefit the literacy programs in Central Contra Costa County. The event, scheduled from 8:30 a.m to 2:00 p.m., is being hosted by the Hilton Concord and 100 percent of the $20 entry fee will be donated to fund literacy projects. The entry fee provides an opportunity to participate in a 1K, 5K or 10K race, and enjoy a spaghetti and meatballs lunch and free concert. School teams are encouraged to enter to raise funds for their school’s literacy program. For information about the event call 925-349-2654 or register online at www.theschedule.com .

Budget Update

Although the State budget restored the $275 per-student reduction from the Governor’s May budget proposal, and we will receive $6 million in new one-time Federal dollars, we are being very cautious about the District’s budget. In a Los Angeles Times article dated October 10, 2010, by Evan Halper, Mr. Halper asserts that come January, a new governor and a new crop of lawmakers will have to confront the $19 billion deficit that the current governor and legislature failed to address. Quoting the Los Angeles Times:

The most optimistic projections show that the spending plan Schwarzenegger signed will produce a shortfall of at least $10 billion – more than 11% of state spending – in the next fiscal year. Many experts predict it will be billions more. The leaders mostly papered over this year’s gap, punting many tough decisions forward.

We have read many analyses of the State budget that reach similar conclusions. A commensurate 11% reduction to California’s education budget would be approximately $5.5 billion. This would translate into an additional $20 million reduction to our District budget! Consequently, there is a high probability of mid-year cuts. Therefore, it is imprudent to allocate or spend the $6 million in one-time Federal dollars until the new governor’s January budget is released. We want to ensure that the District has adequate funding in place to prevent mid-year reductions in programs and personnel.

Shining the Light on Solar

Solar Update -- This Tuesday, October 26, 2010 the Board of Education will consider approving the contract with SunPower. Once the contract is approved, the design and State approval process begins. Our goal is to break ground in early spring 2011 and have the solar project completed by mid spring 2012. Once the installation of solar shade projects begins, we will post updates and pictures on the District webpage.

Times endorses Hansen, Adams and Larkin, how about you?

2010-10-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

Not too much talk about the upcoming board election. Thoughts? Have you seen or attended any candidate forums? Will you attend on the 20th in Pleasant Hill?

Here's the article from the Times: http://www.contracostatimes.com/endorsements/ci_16331765

MDUSD Intradistrict Transfer Procedures 2011-2012

2010-10-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I have to say, nothing frustrates me more than a "time sensitive" issue for many parents in our district, to have ZERO information available online at the district website. At least I can't find it. Can you? If you use their drop down menu of "How do I?" or the "Parents" tab on the main page, I get LAST YEARS information but still, no links to forms or their new Q & A. So I figured I'd help you out.

I've uploaded the information, Q & A and forms you need to apply for a transfer here.

Important points:

Intradistrict applications for grades 1-12 are available starting October 1st, and are due on or before January 15, 2011.
Forms are available at the District Office (Dent Center) at 1936 Carlotta Drive, Concord
This year you will have three choices in your transfer designation and therefore, there are three different forms - you need to know which one to use - this is vital.
Kindergarten students must register at their home school on District Kindergarten registration day, February 1, 2011. Then, on or after that day, you may request a transfer. Those requests are due no later than February 26th, 2011.

Three choices this year (each is described in more detail below and the Q&A is available at the link above), be sure you use the right form as which transfer to apply for is important to know:

School Choice (another MDUSD School) - star at top left of transfer form
NCLB Transfer (No Child Left Behind) - square box at top left of transfer form
Open Enrollment (SBX5 4) - diamond box at top left of transfer form

What is the three options?

School Choice provides parents with an opportunity to apply for another MDUSD school other than their residence school (i.e. you live in Concord, but want to have your child attend a Walnut Creek school)
NCLB Transfer (No Child Left Behind) provides parents whose student's residence school is identified as "Program Improvement (PI)" to apply for attendance at a non-Program Improvement school (must be on the list below). Program Improvement (PI) is a formal designation for Title 1 funded schools that do not make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for two consecutive years. The Program Improvement Schools are listed below.
Open Enrollment SBX5 4 provides parents who student's residence school has been identified as a Persistently Low Achieving school to apply to a school anywhere within or outside the district. The receiving school must have an API (Academic Performance Index) score that is higher than that of the resident school. Persistently Low Achieving schools are listed below.

Once assigned to a school per a transfer, can your student be displaced?

Students on School Choice K-12 transfers can be displaced prior to September 15th of EACH SCHOOL YEAR (my emphasis) by students who reside in the school's attendance area.
Students on NCLB Transfers can be displaced prior to September 15th of the FIRST school year only by students who reside in the school's attendance area. After that first year, these students become residents of the school and are not subject to bumping.
Students on Open Enrollment SBX5 4 transfers can be displaced prior to September 15th of the FIRST school year only, and as with NCLB, become school residents after that first year and are not subject to bumping.

Clear as mud? An important distinction if you are contemplating between a NCLB and a Open Enrollment SBX5 4 transfer is that TRANSPORTATION IS ONLY PROVIDED for NCLB transfers. Each of the other options will not provide transportation and parents are responsible for all transportation to/from school. For NCLB transfers, transportation is provided to /from the home school to the new school.

Another important note. You can ONLY submit one transfer request. If a transfer request is denied, you may appeal, but you are assigned back to your home school. So be careful.

Ok, so which schools are on which list?

NCLB Elementary Schools/Middle Schools and your NCLB school choice options are listed below:

Elementary:
Bel Air
Cambridge
Fair Oaks
Meadow Homes
Rio Vista
Shore Acres
Ygnacio Valley

Your Elementary Options are:
Ayers
Bancroft
Hidden Valley
Mountain View
Sun Terrace
Westwood
Wren

Middle:
Glenbrook
Oak Grove
Riverview

Your Middle School options are:
Diablo View
Pleasant Hill

Schools eligible for Open Enrollment SBX5 4 (remember you can go to any other school that has a higher API) are as follows:
Bel Air Elementary
Meadow Homes Elementary
Shore Acres Elementary

Glenbrook Middle
Oak Grove Middle
Riverview Middle

Remember, Monte Gardens, Sequoia Elementary and Cornerstone Family School have separate admissions procedures and you should contact those schools directly for admission information and to be put on their waiting lists.

Schools noted as "over enrolled" will not accept transfer requests, those schools in 2010-2011 were/are Meadow Homes Elementary and College Park High School. Over enrolled designation for this 2011-2012 transfer cycle will be determined by the board this month.

PROCEDURES:

When more requests are received than there is space available to attend a specific school, the Student Services Office will conduct a public lottery among the applicants to fill any vacancies. The lottery will be February 11, 2011, parents will be notified by April 15th, 2011 for 6th - 12th grade and August 16th, 2011 for K-5 grades of approval or denial of transfer request (nice bit of notice for those elementary students huh? Not knowing where they'll start school until a week or two before?)

To contact Student Services: 925-688-8000 x 4068. Felicia Stuckey-Smith (email smithf@mdusd.k12.ca.us) in this department may be able to help you.

At last weeks PAC (Superintendent's Parent Advisory Council), Dr. Lawrence committed that the School Closure committee will either be done by this January 15th date, or will allow more time for those families impacted by any school closures. Note that the choices under NCLB are several of the most underenrolled schools in our district. So I have a feeling there will be some stress come January.

MDUSD Superintendent Newsletter - info about bond sale, sports fundraiser, measure c, solar and more

2010-10-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

Mt. Diablo USD News Update

Where Kids Come First

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go…

To the Second Annual 5K Run to Benefit MDUSD Sports

Great thanks, in advance, to the United Mt. Diablo Athletic Foundation (“UMDAF”) for hosting the second annual 5K Run and Walk to benefit District high school sports. Athletics are just one of many victims of the state’s budget cuts. UMDAF stepped up to the plate to ensure our students are not denied the invaluable experience of team sports. Studies confirm that students who participate in organized school sports are less likely to experiment with dangerous behaviors, including drugs and alcohol. Please support UMDAF to achieve their goal of raising $50,000 from this event.

Sunday, October 10

9:00 a.m.

Newhall Park, Concord

Food. Fun. Entertainment.

Support a great cause – support our student athletic programs. Log on to http://www.unitedmtdiabloathletics.org/ to sign up and/or get additional information.

Bond Sale

On September 20, 2010, the District sold the first allotment of the bonds approved by voters under Measure C. The amount of the sale was $110 million, almost a third of the $348 million authorized by Measure C. The District is pleased to announce that it was able to sell approximately half of the first allotment ($59.5 million), as Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (“CREBs”). CREBs are very beneficial to the District because most of the interest is paid by the Federal Government. The interest paid by the District itself is minimal, only about 1.7%. The District was able to qualify for the CREBs program because it applied early, over a year ago. Lower interest costs result in greater energy savings because the bond payoff cost is substantially lessened.

The remaining $50.5 million in bonds were issued as General Obligation bonds. These bonds have an interest rate of about 5.7% and have a term of 25 years. If you would like more information about the bonds and the exciting projects they will finance, we invite you to attend the October 12, 2010 Board meeting, where there will be a formal presentation during the Superintendent’s Report. We will keep you regularly informed on project developments as we build a new District!

Measure C Update

The aforementioned $110 million will be used for the following projects:

District wide solar installation
District wide technology infrastructure improvements
Paying off $14 million in Certificates of Participation (“COPs”) and lease purchase payments which will relieve the District of $1.4 million annual debt payments through 2024
Begin the process of equalizing HVAC enhancements throughout the District

Shining the Light on Solar

After a rigorous selection process the District selected SunPower to design and build its solar projects. SunPower is a local, established and nationally recognized designer and builder of solar power systems. The initial timeline had the Board considering the SunPower contract at its October 12, 2010, meeting. In order to allow the parties to finalize their discussions, the contract will now be presented at the October 26, 2010 Board meeting.

Pete Pederson, Bond Program Administrator, is visiting each District school site to determine the most appropriate location for each solar facility. Solar structures can often serve as shade structures and rain covers as well as energy generators.

K to College School Supply Program

The K to College School Supply Program (“SSP”) provides free canvas tote bags filled with school supplies to students who are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Their mission is to promote equal access to higher education by ensuring every student has the resources and tools to learn from kindergarten to college. K to College was founded in 2008 by UC Berkeley students and alumni. K to College's founding members reached out to community leaders experienced with low-income education, including educators, local, state and federal representatives, faith-based leaders, and other education-based nonprofit leaders. The SSP is funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (“ARRA”) and allocates funds to pay for $70 tote bags for low income students. Every student at the participating schools was given a tote bag containing supplies and a dental kit. Nearly 10,000 students in the District received tote bags. For more information: http://www.k2college.org/home

Rising Cost of Health Care to Be Discussed at

October 12 Board Meeting

Mirroring discussions being held by employers throughout the nation, the Board is trying to manage the spiraling cost of health care benefits for all District employees. Currently, full coverage is provided to administrators, confidential and classified employees. Several years ago teachers negotiated benefits into their salary schedule and have recently received funding towards medical benefits. The simultaneous trends of increasing benefit costs and diminishing state education funds forced the District to consider capping its health care contribution. As discussed in previous Board meetings, if we cannot cap the District’s benefit contribution, we will be forced to implement more layoffs to pay for health care cost increases. Administrators, supervisors and confidential employees have accepted a benefit cap.

The Kaiser rate for medical insurance increased 6.84% from the 2010 rate and if it remains uncapped, the District will pay $23,027,792 in 2011 and approximately $27,224,287 by 2013.

KTVU Game of the Week: Vote for Clayton Valley vs Concord High

2010-10-04T22:14:00.000-07:00

Want to see Clayton Valley vs. Concord High as Game of the Week on KTVU? Well start voting!

As you can see our local game needs all the help it can get at the moment.

Go to www.KTVU.com now!

MDUSD candidate forum October 20th in Pleasant Hill

2010-09-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

Below is a message received from Jenny Reik in Pleasant Hill.

I thought you might be interested in the following information about the Pleasant Hill Education Commission's School Board Candidate Forum that will be held on October 20th. Five of the candidates will be participating (I did contact all of them): Linda Mayo, Brian Lawrence, Cheryl Hansen, Roy Larkin, and Jeff Adams.

Information is below and a flyer will be coming out and distributed soon, mostly to schools within the Pleasant Hill feeder pattern, although of course, everyone is welcome! And I'll forward information in the next couple of days about the two planned re-broadcasts as well on comcast.

Pleasant Hill Education Commission presents

2010 Mt Diablo Unified School District
Board of Education Candidates Forum

Wednesday, Oct 20, 7-9 pm
Pleasant Hill City Hall
Council Chambers
100 Gregory Lane

Meet the candidates running in the upcoming November election for MDUSD Board of Education and get answers to your questions regarding their positions and qualifications in this discussion moderated by Contra Costa Times Political Editor Lisa Vorderbrueggen.

Questions chosen to be posed to the candidates by the moderator at the event will be a mix of those prepared in advance from community input and those submitted that evening.

To send your question in advance for consideration, please email: j_reik@comcast.net

There is a Monday, October 4th 6pm candidate forum too, at the Dent Center sponsored by the special education Community Advisory Committee.

MDUSD School Closure Advisory Committee

2010-09-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

You can find information about the School Closure Advisory Committee on the district website. It's not easy to navigate to if you just showed up at the district website, and the only link I could readily find takes you to a page showing only those appointed to the committee. Committee members link.

However, at this LINK you can find meeting dates, presentations and minutes. (thanks to Sherry Whitmarsh for providing this link)

The presentation linked from this page, dated September 14th, is a presentation by the Consultant (Jack Schreder & Associates). This appears to be a very detailed Demographic study of our district and provides some very interesting information about enrollment, projections and some visuals showing the population of each school site. I am no expert, but it almost seems you can see which schools they may be looking at combining. You see within the first couple of pages what criteria the committee will be looking at in formulating recommendation for closure. What do you think? LINK TO PRESENTATION here.

The next meeting of the committee is coming up this Thursday, September 30th at 6pm at the Willow Creek Center on Mohr Lane in Concord.

Do you want to meet the MDUSD Board candidates?

2010-09-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

I posted a poll to the right over there ------------> , as I wanted to get an idea as to whether people were interested in having an informal Q & A session with the MDUSD board candidates. In 2008 we held a few of these, at homes, at Rocco's and at Skips in Clayton. We had dozens turn out for the various meetings and at Rocco's it was often packed. Yes, there was more controversy then - but now?

Would YOU attend an informal forum? I have contacted the candidates that have posted here (Brian Lawrence, Cheryl Hansen and Jeff Adams) and Linda Mayo, as I readily know how to contact them, I have not yet heard from Lynne Dennler, Roy Larkin or Jan Trezise. I am unsure how to reach these people. Jan Trezise, I'm actually not sure if she's still in the race, during the candidate forum with the Times, she apparantly made a rash decision not to run, then retracted afterwards. Anyway, googling any of their names did not yield a website or any contact information.

By the way, so far I've only heard back from one, Brian Lawrence, who says he's happy to attend a forum if one occurs.

Soooo, having said all that, what are your thoughts so far? What do you think about the fact MDEA has not endorsed any candidates? In 2008, MDEA was a strong force with much money behind the Eberhart-Whitmarsh run for board seats. Compared to 2008, it sure feels pretty apathetic out there so far. Does anyone care?

Links of interest:

S mart Voter site

Times Vorderbrueggen recap on forum

Replay of the Times candidate forum

Theresa Harrington: No teachers' union endorsement in MDUSD Trustee Race

Volunteer opportunity in Martinez to help students

2010-09-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

I've learned of an easy way to help kids in our community. Check it out! K to College has put together a day to assemble 146,000 dental kids in 9 hours. Can you help?

You can view the event, and RSVP on facebook.
You can view the PDF flyer by clicking HERE.

Or read more about it, and get the email in order to RSVP, on the MDUSD newsroom site here or the K to College site here. I've emailed to see if kids are able to come help. I'll let you know what I find out!

What have we done? Is testing what it's really all about?

2010-09-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

So having gotten through all the Back to School nights, I left one of them thinking, "what have we done to education?" Each and every teacher mentioned the STAR testing. Most explained how they ready the kids for the testing. But one in particular made me bristle. Maybe I'm alone here, but when I heard a high school teacher explain their curriculum and her final comments were something along the lines of "I'll teach them everything they need to know for the STAR testing because that's really what it's all about, right?"

Is it really what it's all about? Curious as to your thoughts about testing in our classrooms/schools. The Clayton Pioneer had a story about the testing, and the threat last year of putting the test scores on student transcripts seemed to create a bit of panic. Do your children "try" to do good on the tests? My expectation is that my kids do the best they can on all testing, but I know some parents completely dismiss the testing. What I feel, and what I say to my kids, admittedly , are two different things - so what about you and your students?

The article discusses specificially testing at Clayton Valley High,

“I do try on the tests, but I could try harder,” said CV junior Joanna Fan. “I feel like students are only taught things so we can succeed on the STAR test, and the teachers are limited to just that.”

Fan wasn’t moved by Principal Gary Swanson’s pre-testing pep talk or the added threat of the scores being put on transcripts. “I saw it as something the school wants us to work hard on so it looks good for the school, and the students took the back seat,” she said. “If the administration really wanted to improve our learning, then maybe they should offer more challenging courses.”

This student certainly has a point I think. And it echos how I felt at Back to School night, the testing is for the school, not the students, or is it?

Your thoughts?

Ygnacio Valley High School makes a strong showing at first debate tournament

2010-09-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

How great is this? Ygnacio Valley High has the only debate team within our district high schools (and the first in YV's 50 year history) and has just competed in their first tournament. The details are below.

A debate team is a great way for students to learn persuasion techniques, arguing within "rules," research skills, public speaking skills and much more. Personally, I think debate should be a course all on its own, what a life skill!

Kudos to Dan Leahy, YVHS debate coach, for his time and dedication to this effort.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ygnacio Valley High School makes strong showing at first debate tournament.

Concord, CA (9/20/10)- Last Saturday Ygnacio Valley competed at the 2nd Annual Banana Classic Tournament at Analy High School in Sebastopol, CA. Seniors Najmah Sadat, Daniel Cordero, Leo Lujan and Sophomore Rosemary Riggs competed against some of the areas best teams. This is the first time YV has had a debate team in its 50 year history.

Both teams achieved winning records with the team of Sadat and Lujan being presented with awards for their success. Ygnacio Valley will compete on September 25th and October 10th at local league tournaments. The debate program at Ygnacio Valley is the only such program in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and is funded by the Mt. Diablo CARES After-School program.

Ygnacio Valley High School’s debate program is coached by Dan Leahy, a former college debater and alumni of Ygnacio Valley class of 2000.

For more information, contact:
Dan Leahy, (925) 685-8414 x2422
yvhsdebate@gmail.com

Message from the MDUSD campaign trail - Cheryl Hansen

2010-09-22T12:21:00.000-07:00

Dear MDUSD Parents,

Whew! Our new school year is truly up and running, and my hope is that your students are already experiencing success.

As I’m hitting the School Board campaign trail and trying to get my message out, I am proud that dedicated MDUSD parents, classified and certificated staff, and district and site administrators have given me their support and endorsement. Your confidence in my integrity, competence, and leadership matters. Things are busy for me at the Contra Costa County Office of Education where I am Coordinator of Instructional Leadership.

Just to fill you in on a little of my background: I began my career in education as an MDUSD teacher and administrator where I served for 24 years at schools throughout our district: Oak Grove Middle, Olympic High, Northgate High, Ygnacio Valley High, and College Park High. I then moved on to Martinez USD as an Assistant Principal at Alhambra High.

And then I had the chance of a lifetime in administration: I was hired as the founding Principal of Rodriguez High School in Fairfield-Suisun USD and successfully opened the district’s third high school. Being able to build and develop a school curriculum, staff, culture, and community from the ground up was an amazingly rewarding experience and one that lives on as Rodriguez High became a California Distinguished School.

At CCCOE, I now apply my experience and knowledge to improve instruction and increase learning in schools and districts. Here are some of my current projects:

I’m collaborating with Contra Costa SELPA (special education) to provide training in standards-based instruction and IEPs to beginning teachers who want to obtain credentialing as special educators. Our focus is on helping these new teachers understand content standards, goal setting, high expectations, and increased access to grade-level curriculum for special education students.

Next week, I begin our fall session of leadership training for new and experienced principals, vice principals, and district administrators. Training administrators is one of the most critical parts of my job. I have many trainings scheduled throughout the year for administrators who wish to become more knowledgeable about school improvement or who need to complete Tier II for their administrative credential. (Visit our web site at www.ab430region4.org to learn more about the program.)

I’m continuing work that began this summer with a group of elementary principals on standards-based instruction and leadership.

My work also continues with a middle school staff on understanding the content standards, raising the rigor of assignments, and applying research-based instructional strategies to improve student learning.

I’m also out visiting schools in MDUSD and other districts in our county as part of California’s Williams lawsuit settlement which requires that all 1-3 decile schools provide adequate instructional materials for students, qualified teachers, and a safe, healthy facility. The good news is that MDUSD staff has worked hard to meet the legal requirements, although we still have work to do to improve student learning for all students so that none of our schools is in the bottom three deciles.

As valuable as all of my work is, I’m still excited about and committed to being able to serve on the Mt. Diablo School Board. Again, thank you to the dedicated MDUSD parents, staff, and administrators who have endorsed me. You are the foundation of our district. Your trust and support keeps me focused on my priorities: 1) Student learning that prepares students for college and career, 2) responsible budgeting, 3) competent leadership, and 4) improved trust, respect, communication, and morale.

I look forward to serving on the School Board and to hearing from you about your interests, needs, and concerns. Email me atmailto:cherylhansenmdusd@yahoo.com or visit my website at http://www.cherylhansenmdusd.com/ for more information.

Thank you for this chance to post!

Cheryl Hansen

Congratulations to the band winners of the Walnut Festival parade

2010-09-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the High School bands who participated in the Walnut Festival Parade on Saturday Night. I have to say, I was VERY impressed with all of them! A big congrats too to Clayton Valley's Rally Band, they were high energy and really, really good! They did not enter as a formal marching band, so that is why you do not see them below.

Update: Thank you to the kind reader who sent a link to a couple of the performances. Check it out! Ygnacio Valley and Concord High are featured HERE.

Here are the results:

2010

Twilight Parade

Final Results

Bands

1^st Place – Ygnacio Valley HS website

2^nd Place – Concord HS website

3^rd Place – Pittsburg HS

Drum Major

1^st Place – Concord HS

2^nd Place – Pittsburg HS

3^rd Place – Antioch HS

Auxilliary

1^st Place – Pittsburg HS

2^nd Place –Concord HS

3^rd Place – Ygnacio Valley HS

Cheer

1^st Place – Pittsburg HS

2^nd Place – Northgate HS website

3^rd Place – Contra Costa Christian

Message from the MDUSD campaign trail - Jeff Adams

2010-09-20T09:07:00.001-07:00

Thank you to Jeff Adams for coming here to introduce himself. Again, I'm hopeful candidates who post here will come here to answer your questions if you post them in the comments. If you are a candidate who would like to have a post of your own - email me mdusdparents@gmail.com

Thank you for the opportunity to provide a post to your readers. Here is a report of some recent activities.

This past Thursday, I attended the critical MDUSD Board of Education meeting concerning expenditure of the first $65 million or so of the Measure C funds. Of the candidates running for the MDUSD school board, only Linda Mayo and I were present. Four contractors are competing for a solar panel installation contract, an important plan of action was presented in connection with the requests for proposals each submitted, and financial projections were disclosed. In sum, there are a web of complexities connected to this project and, in my view, it is imperative that board members and candidates remain informed and involved in Measure C oversight.

I am also a founding board member of the United Mount Diablo Athletic Foundation which was formed to save after-school athletics in our school district after the Board of Education voted last year to cut ALL funding of after school sports. Last year, we raised over $100,000 in our 5-K run and substantial work has been accomplished for the event this coming year. We again ask for the support of the community in connection with our second annual 5-K run scheduled on October 10, 2010 at Newhall Park!

I have been privileged to meet with, and been endorsed by, many in the community in the past week or two. This includes Mayor Hank Stratford of Clayton, Mayor Sue Rainey of Walnut Creek, Concord City Council Member and former Mayor Bill Shinn, Bay Point Council member Gloria Magleby, MDUSD school board members Linda Mayo (Pleasant Hill), Dick Allen (Concord)and Sherry Whitmarsh (Concord), eight MDUSD school teachers, two retired MDUSD school teachers, a retired teacher for the County Office of Education, members of the Community United for Excellent Schools, parents and other community members from Pleasant Hill, Clayton, Concord, Walnut Creek and Bay Point areas. It has been a pleasure to meet with these folks and an honor to receive their endorsements.

This evening, I intend to meet with individuals in support of MDUSD music programs. As some of you may know, I help form the Mount Diablo Music Education Foundation last year, created to seek grants and other financial assistance in support of music programs in MDUSD given the music funding cuts in our school district.

Tomorrow evening, I plan to first attend a portion of the Clayton City Council meeting at which a "Do The Right Thing" resolution will be considered. This resolution stems from meetings of representatives (both administrators and faculty club members) from Mt. Diablo Elementry, Diablo View Middle School and Clayton Valley High School, along with leadership from the Clayton Business and Community Association, the Clayton Police Department and other community members to encourage responsibility, respect kindness, self-discipline, integrity and courage in the lives of our youth.

I then intend to participate in part of the Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education Restaurant walk.

Again, thank you for the opportunity to post.

Jeff Adams

P.S. from MDUSDParents: Jeff Adams also has a website: http://electjeffadams.org

Message from the MDUSD campaign trail - Brian Lawrence

2010-09-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

This is an open invitation to all candidates in MDUSD board race to have a voice here. These posts are not an endorsement, but purely informational and something in which I hope you'll find value. My hope also is however, that if a candidate does wish to have their message featured here, that they come back and answer any questions that are asked in the comments. Having said that, here is our first campaign address from candidate Brian Lawrence:

Hello readers of MDUSD Parents,

I wanted to share some quick updates from my campaign for Mt. Diablo School Board.

I'm enjoying speaking to voters through out the district about my priorities for Mt. Diablo- closing the achievement gap, making sure Measure C and tax dollars are spent wisely on programs that benefit students, and transparent decision making that involves the entire community. It is encouraging to see how many concerned parents and community members are committed to improving MDUSD.

Our friends George and Heather will be hosting an informal event for me at their home in Walnut Creek (570 Walnut Ave.) at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, September 28th. I look forward to hearing your concerns and answering your questions while sharing coffee and snacks. If you are able to join us, please email info@briantlawrence.com. We'll soon be announcing similar events in Pleasant Hill, Clayton and other parts of the district.

I'm honored that Concord City Councilman Mark Peterson and Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan join a growing list of concerned citizens and community leaders who support my candidacy.

My campaign website is available at www.briantlawrence.com. There is also a Facebook group (Brian Lawrence for MDUSD Board) and you can follow me on Twitter- http://twitter.com/briantlawrence. Please email me at brian@briantlawrence.com or call me at 925-526-5354 with any questions.

I'm committed to making sure that every child in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District receives a great education, but I need your help!

Thank you!

--
Best regards,

Brian Lawrence

Candidate for MDUSD Board

Click to check out the campaign on:

Twitter

Website

Facebook

Missing Textbooks at your school, or for your student?

2010-09-16T16:05:00.001-07:00

We've been heard quite a few reports of students still without textbooks, or teachers who have had to make due with photocopies or sharing of textbooks.

Is your student or school missing textbooks?

Let us know here in the comments. Gary Eberhart and Sherry Whitmarsh have both committed to looking into each and every concern.

Please provide the following specifics:

School Name
Grade Level
Subject
Teacher

If you wish to contact Gary or Sherry individually about this matter, please do so at gary@mdusd.net or sherry@mdusd.net