While Murphy was heavily praised at this meeting, he has long been a source of great controversy both within the school district and in the community as a whole. It is no secret that the majority of school board members were not happy with his performance, however their hands were largely tied by an extension granted by a previous board on their way out.
Meantime the bulk of the school board meeting took up the issue of Valley Oak Elementary school, its proposed closure, and the report by the Best Use of Schools Task Force.
Chair Kirk Trost presented the Task Force’s methodology and findings for nearly an hour and a half Thursday night. He expressed deep sorrow to have to report their recommendation for closing Valley Oak Elementary School.
The Davis Joint Unified School District contracted with Davis Demographics and Planning, Inc. (DDP) to update and analyze demographic data and make projections as to future population. The assumptions and methodology were sources of great controversy within the community—especially those in relation to scope and magnitude of future development. However, their findings suggested that over the course of the next 10-15 years, the district enrollment would fall by 400 students and that nearly 250 of those would be in elementary schools.
That would leave the optimal number of elementary schools at around 7 to 7.5. They quickly settled on the eight schools as the optimal strategy.
One of the key issues that they addressed was transportation and how far students would have to walk to school. Their statistics and projections suggested that closing down Valley Oak Elementary school would have virtually no impact on the number of Valley Oak students who would be within one mile walking distance and the number of students within one and a half mile walking distance from their school. That means that for current Valley Oak Students, on average, the walking distance using those two metrics would be virtually unchanged.
Board President Jim Provenza asked about looking at half a mile distance, and Trost suggested that they had not looked at that and suggested that this was a distance standard used by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the Center for Disease Control, and various walk-to-school organizations. He also pointed out that if they used a tougher standard it would not be uniform throughout the district.
The Task Force also strongly suggested the need for schools in the 420 range in order to have full facilities and program options that they considered optimal.
Finally, they made the argument that if Valley Oak remained open a very large percentage of students attending Valley Oak would be Title I students—between 60 and 70 percent. Whereas the Valley Oak Closed Option would result in the greatest amount of socioeconomic diversity and balance across the District with only around 30 percent of any school being Title I.
All in all it was a very strong presentation by the Task Force and Mr. Trost. The Task Force now wishes to be relieved of their duty, although the school board still has remaining questions of them. And it appears that may happen as soon as Saturday during a special meeting.
The Community then came out to speak and the vast majority were parents in the Valley Oak area. In fact, only one community member was in favor of the eight-school option and that was Michelle Reardon, a former school board candidate and current member of the Social Services Commission for the City of Davis. She actually recommended North Davis elementary close. She argued that getting a little extra funding from a bond measure would only be putting a band aid on the problem and that the community is not going to grow rapidly.
A number of representatives from the organization Davis Open were in attendance and spoke at length on their concerns. One clear disadvantage that this group had was that they were individually only able to speak for three minutes, whereas not only did the Chair Kurt Trost speak for nearly an hour but each of the members of the committee were able to speak as well. There was no symmetry in the speech allowance, it would have been more reasonable if a spokesperson from Davis Open were permitted a chunk of time to do a more full response.
Nevertheless, I think the opponents were able to get their point across. Rick Gonzales, Jr, a long time teacher and educator in this community who works for the Concilio, an organization devoted to getting Latino and low income students to college by awarding scholarships spoke about the prowess of the ELL program at Valley Oak and argued that it is the best in the district and for that reason alone, Valley Oak needs to stay open.
Another member of Davis Open, Fred Buderi said “I “do not think it is in the best interest of the community to close an elementary school.” He remarked that one of the biggest challenges is finding affordable housing for people with children and that the Valley Oak area is one of most affordable for people with children. He suggested that the General Plan process is just beginning and he identifies dozens of sites within the valley oak area for growth.
Baki Tezcan argued that enrollment has not declined yet. He cites the 1999 election that authorized the building of two new schools to bring a total of nine schools to the school district. Closing Valley Oak, he argued would be “dismissing democratic input of davis who approved nine schools.” He said this was a question of “whether elders are entitled to overturn will of the people especially if they are from white upper classes.” Finally he questioned both the assumptions and the validity of the projections. “Beyond three to five years, projections never certain and should not be characterized as such.” Differences in projections were described by the task force as simply a technical adjustment and those assumptions may simply be incorrect.
The basic argument put forth by Davis Open was that they did not believe that school should be pitted against school or neighborhood against neighborhood. Mr. Trost told the board that great pains were taken to avoid that as well. Davis Open argued that the strength of Valley Oak was the diversity and richness of its programs. The strength of its GATE program, of ELL, and the strong neighborhood program made it unique and worth preserving.
One of the big assumptions made by the Task Force was the strength of big schools. However, it seems to me and it was argued by members of the public that there are advantages to small schools as well. And this needs to explored as a possibility.
School Board member Keltie Jones apologized to the Task Force for any abuse they suffered from the community in response to the work that they had done. Mr. Trost took offense to the suggestion that they did not solicit information from any specific community—he said that could not be further from the truth. He concluded by saying he personally thinks this is the right thing to do, although painful and a decision that bring him great sorrow, but he wouldn’t have made the recommendation if he did not believe it was in the best interest of all involved including the students at Valley Oak Elementary school.
In a future meeting the board will ask further questions and take a vote on it. At this point, it is hard to know what will happen. I know of at least two board members who will oppose closing down Valley Oak Elementary School. Will there be a third to join them? That I just cannot predict. The Task Force really pushed for them to make an immediate decision and not put it off for a year as three school board members recently indicated a preference for.
While I found the task force recommendations compelling, I think a creative policy and program revision can be found to keep nine schools open in the short-term and I think in the long term, there is going to be a measure of growth and a need for additional schools.
—Doug Paul Davis reporting
Doug… Did the three articulate a clear reason why they were pressing for a decision to close the school NOW? A decision to close Valley Oak (whether calculated or “deeply felt”) will make East Davis voters reconsider whether their past overwhelming opposition to the massive Covell Village development was a good idea. Putting this decision on hold would remove this idea from the political mix in the upcoming Housing Element decisions as well as the 2008 council elections(school board members also?).
Doug… Did the three articulate a clear reason why they were pressing for a decision to close the school NOW? A decision to close Valley Oak (whether calculated or “deeply felt”) will make East Davis voters reconsider whether their past overwhelming opposition to the massive Covell Village development was a good idea. Putting this decision on hold would remove this idea from the political mix in the upcoming Housing Element decisions as well as the 2008 council elections(school board members also?).
Doug… Did the three articulate a clear reason why they were pressing for a decision to close the school NOW? A decision to close Valley Oak (whether calculated or “deeply felt”) will make East Davis voters reconsider whether their past overwhelming opposition to the massive Covell Village development was a good idea. Putting this decision on hold would remove this idea from the political mix in the upcoming Housing Element decisions as well as the 2008 council elections(school board members also?).
Doug… Did the three articulate a clear reason why they were pressing for a decision to close the school NOW? A decision to close Valley Oak (whether calculated or “deeply felt”) will make East Davis voters reconsider whether their past overwhelming opposition to the massive Covell Village development was a good idea. Putting this decision on hold would remove this idea from the political mix in the upcoming Housing Element decisions as well as the 2008 council elections(school board members also?).
correction…
Putting this idea on hold would remove it from the political mix in the upcoming Housing Element discussion and allow it to become part of the voter’s decision in the 2008 elections(council and school board?)
correction…
Putting this idea on hold would remove it from the political mix in the upcoming Housing Element discussion and allow it to become part of the voter’s decision in the 2008 elections(council and school board?)
correction…
Putting this idea on hold would remove it from the political mix in the upcoming Housing Element discussion and allow it to become part of the voter’s decision in the 2008 elections(council and school board?)
correction…
Putting this idea on hold would remove it from the political mix in the upcoming Housing Element discussion and allow it to become part of the voter’s decision in the 2008 elections(council and school board?)
“Citing family needs and personal changes” = Before I get fired.
“Citing family needs and personal changes” = Before I get fired.
“Citing family needs and personal changes” = Before I get fired.
“Citing family needs and personal changes” = Before I get fired.
I would urge anyone with an interest in this issue to read the minutes of the task force meetings. They are pdf documents, so it’s kind of a pain, but they are all here:
http://www.djusd.k12.ca.us/District/district/best_uses.shtml
They were moving toward the 8 school option before they had all the information they needed, IMO (it would be interesting if any of the task force members read this blog and might reply):
from 2/19: “The demographic data for the two nine school options which will include a K-3 program is yet to be received.” Yet two weeks later they simply abandoned the 9 school options and moved to the 8 school choice. I sense committee burnout….
I believe the school board is being presented with an option (8 school) based on incomplete information, and that each school board member must carefully review the projections, the different 9 school options that were discussed, and come to his or her own conclusions.
The additional cost of operating a ninth school was a given from the point at which the voters decided to construct it. I think Davis voters understood that there are basic costs associated with a new school.
IMO the 9-school Option 2 causes the least disruption of existing programs. Moreover, if 420 students is the optimal minimum it is possible to achieve that with 9 schools.
I would urge anyone with an interest in this issue to read the minutes of the task force meetings. They are pdf documents, so it’s kind of a pain, but they are all here:
http://www.djusd.k12.ca.us/District/district/best_uses.shtml
They were moving toward the 8 school option before they had all the information they needed, IMO (it would be interesting if any of the task force members read this blog and might reply):
from 2/19: “The demographic data for the two nine school options which will include a K-3 program is yet to be received.” Yet two weeks later they simply abandoned the 9 school options and moved to the 8 school choice. I sense committee burnout….
I believe the school board is being presented with an option (8 school) based on incomplete information, and that each school board member must carefully review the projections, the different 9 school options that were discussed, and come to his or her own conclusions.
The additional cost of operating a ninth school was a given from the point at which the voters decided to construct it. I think Davis voters understood that there are basic costs associated with a new school.
IMO the 9-school Option 2 causes the least disruption of existing programs. Moreover, if 420 students is the optimal minimum it is possible to achieve that with 9 schools.
I would urge anyone with an interest in this issue to read the minutes of the task force meetings. They are pdf documents, so it’s kind of a pain, but they are all here:
http://www.djusd.k12.ca.us/District/district/best_uses.shtml
They were moving toward the 8 school option before they had all the information they needed, IMO (it would be interesting if any of the task force members read this blog and might reply):
from 2/19: “The demographic data for the two nine school options which will include a K-3 program is yet to be received.” Yet two weeks later they simply abandoned the 9 school options and moved to the 8 school choice. I sense committee burnout….
I believe the school board is being presented with an option (8 school) based on incomplete information, and that each school board member must carefully review the projections, the different 9 school options that were discussed, and come to his or her own conclusions.
The additional cost of operating a ninth school was a given from the point at which the voters decided to construct it. I think Davis voters understood that there are basic costs associated with a new school.
IMO the 9-school Option 2 causes the least disruption of existing programs. Moreover, if 420 students is the optimal minimum it is possible to achieve that with 9 schools.
I would urge anyone with an interest in this issue to read the minutes of the task force meetings. They are pdf documents, so it’s kind of a pain, but they are all here:
http://www.djusd.k12.ca.us/District/district/best_uses.shtml
They were moving toward the 8 school option before they had all the information they needed, IMO (it would be interesting if any of the task force members read this blog and might reply):
from 2/19: “The demographic data for the two nine school options which will include a K-3 program is yet to be received.” Yet two weeks later they simply abandoned the 9 school options and moved to the 8 school choice. I sense committee burnout….
I believe the school board is being presented with an option (8 school) based on incomplete information, and that each school board member must carefully review the projections, the different 9 school options that were discussed, and come to his or her own conclusions.
The additional cost of operating a ninth school was a given from the point at which the voters decided to construct it. I think Davis voters understood that there are basic costs associated with a new school.
IMO the 9-school Option 2 causes the least disruption of existing programs. Moreover, if 420 students is the optimal minimum it is possible to achieve that with 9 schools.
http://www.djusd.k12.ca.us/District/district/best_uses
http://www.djusd.k12.ca.us/District/district/best_uses
http://www.djusd.k12.ca.us/District/district/best_uses
http://www.djusd.k12.ca.us/District/district/best_uses
If they keep all nine schools open, the average school enrollment would be 470, well above the minimum ideal enrollment of 420. So then the question is which programs are at which school, whether the distribution of ages could support grades 1 – 3 and 4 – 6 at each elementary school.
From the minutes, it seems that the 9 school Option 2 would have merged enrollments at Birch Lane and Valley Oak, with 1 – 3 at BL and 4 – 6 at VO.
The full report is not yet available on the web site, but it seems that this was being discussed by a subcommittee of the task force as late as February. So some important questions would be
–whether that 9 school subcommittee had sufficient information to fully develop that proposal
–what specific information caused those subcommittee members to abandon it and vote for the 8 school option.
If they keep all nine schools open, the average school enrollment would be 470, well above the minimum ideal enrollment of 420. So then the question is which programs are at which school, whether the distribution of ages could support grades 1 – 3 and 4 – 6 at each elementary school.
From the minutes, it seems that the 9 school Option 2 would have merged enrollments at Birch Lane and Valley Oak, with 1 – 3 at BL and 4 – 6 at VO.
The full report is not yet available on the web site, but it seems that this was being discussed by a subcommittee of the task force as late as February. So some important questions would be
–whether that 9 school subcommittee had sufficient information to fully develop that proposal
–what specific information caused those subcommittee members to abandon it and vote for the 8 school option.
If they keep all nine schools open, the average school enrollment would be 470, well above the minimum ideal enrollment of 420. So then the question is which programs are at which school, whether the distribution of ages could support grades 1 – 3 and 4 – 6 at each elementary school.
From the minutes, it seems that the 9 school Option 2 would have merged enrollments at Birch Lane and Valley Oak, with 1 – 3 at BL and 4 – 6 at VO.
The full report is not yet available on the web site, but it seems that this was being discussed by a subcommittee of the task force as late as February. So some important questions would be
–whether that 9 school subcommittee had sufficient information to fully develop that proposal
–what specific information caused those subcommittee members to abandon it and vote for the 8 school option.
If they keep all nine schools open, the average school enrollment would be 470, well above the minimum ideal enrollment of 420. So then the question is which programs are at which school, whether the distribution of ages could support grades 1 – 3 and 4 – 6 at each elementary school.
From the minutes, it seems that the 9 school Option 2 would have merged enrollments at Birch Lane and Valley Oak, with 1 – 3 at BL and 4 – 6 at VO.
The full report is not yet available on the web site, but it seems that this was being discussed by a subcommittee of the task force as late as February. So some important questions would be
–whether that 9 school subcommittee had sufficient information to fully develop that proposal
–what specific information caused those subcommittee members to abandon it and vote for the 8 school option.
I went to K-4 at WDE (Chavez) and 5-6 at WDI (Willet). I think that the program was fine. Graduating up to the Intermediate school was a good transitional step before Jr. High.
What’s going to happen to the two-strand GATE Program if Valley Oak closes? Will these kids be dispersed back to their neighborhood schools? Will the entire GATE program be dispersed so GATE kids are attending the GATE program at a neighborhood school? Or will the GATE program be held at a stand-alone school and the neighborhood schools are neighborhood programs. That’s an idea. Make Korematsu a 100% special program school – GATE, Montessori, etc. and leave the neighborhood schools alone.
I went to K-4 at WDE (Chavez) and 5-6 at WDI (Willet). I think that the program was fine. Graduating up to the Intermediate school was a good transitional step before Jr. High.
What’s going to happen to the two-strand GATE Program if Valley Oak closes? Will these kids be dispersed back to their neighborhood schools? Will the entire GATE program be dispersed so GATE kids are attending the GATE program at a neighborhood school? Or will the GATE program be held at a stand-alone school and the neighborhood schools are neighborhood programs. That’s an idea. Make Korematsu a 100% special program school – GATE, Montessori, etc. and leave the neighborhood schools alone.
I went to K-4 at WDE (Chavez) and 5-6 at WDI (Willet). I think that the program was fine. Graduating up to the Intermediate school was a good transitional step before Jr. High.
What’s going to happen to the two-strand GATE Program if Valley Oak closes? Will these kids be dispersed back to their neighborhood schools? Will the entire GATE program be dispersed so GATE kids are attending the GATE program at a neighborhood school? Or will the GATE program be held at a stand-alone school and the neighborhood schools are neighborhood programs. That’s an idea. Make Korematsu a 100% special program school – GATE, Montessori, etc. and leave the neighborhood schools alone.
I went to K-4 at WDE (Chavez) and 5-6 at WDI (Willet). I think that the program was fine. Graduating up to the Intermediate school was a good transitional step before Jr. High.
What’s going to happen to the two-strand GATE Program if Valley Oak closes? Will these kids be dispersed back to their neighborhood schools? Will the entire GATE program be dispersed so GATE kids are attending the GATE program at a neighborhood school? Or will the GATE program be held at a stand-alone school and the neighborhood schools are neighborhood programs. That’s an idea. Make Korematsu a 100% special program school – GATE, Montessori, etc. and leave the neighborhood schools alone.
Davisite:
Their concern is that it is already March 1, they have not made a decision yet as to what approach to take and it is getting late in the process to enact a major change. This was discussed in the article last Saturday on the Vanguard.
Davisite:
Their concern is that it is already March 1, they have not made a decision yet as to what approach to take and it is getting late in the process to enact a major change. This was discussed in the article last Saturday on the Vanguard.
Davisite:
Their concern is that it is already March 1, they have not made a decision yet as to what approach to take and it is getting late in the process to enact a major change. This was discussed in the article last Saturday on the Vanguard.
Davisite:
Their concern is that it is already March 1, they have not made a decision yet as to what approach to take and it is getting late in the process to enact a major change. This was discussed in the article last Saturday on the Vanguard.
“While I found the task force recommendations compelling, I think a creative policy and program revision can be found to keep nine schools open in the short-term and I think in the long term, there is going to be a measure of growth and a need for additional schools.”
I basically agree with this sentiment. However, even if there is some residential growth in Davis, that would not be a compelling reason to not shutter one of the existing schools. The district could mothball Valley Oak (or Cesar Chavez) and then reopen it 5-6 years later, if the population of K-6 students had grown by 400 or more.
I am confident that some housing will be added at the Cannery site within the next 5 years. And maybe a bit more in other small infill locations. But it seems pretty clear that the “I’m here; you stay out” sentiment is very strong in Davis. I would not count on any significant peripheral growth.
In part because of that, fewer families with young kids will be able to move to Davis or stay in town. And that will likely result in a lowering of our total schoolage population, even as the housing stock grows a bit. That has essentially happened over the last 5-6 years. I don’t see any reason to think the trend won’t continue.
“While I found the task force recommendations compelling, I think a creative policy and program revision can be found to keep nine schools open in the short-term and I think in the long term, there is going to be a measure of growth and a need for additional schools.”
I basically agree with this sentiment. However, even if there is some residential growth in Davis, that would not be a compelling reason to not shutter one of the existing schools. The district could mothball Valley Oak (or Cesar Chavez) and then reopen it 5-6 years later, if the population of K-6 students had grown by 400 or more.
I am confident that some housing will be added at the Cannery site within the next 5 years. And maybe a bit more in other small infill locations. But it seems pretty clear that the “I’m here; you stay out” sentiment is very strong in Davis. I would not count on any significant peripheral growth.
In part because of that, fewer families with young kids will be able to move to Davis or stay in town. And that will likely result in a lowering of our total schoolage population, even as the housing stock grows a bit. That has essentially happened over the last 5-6 years. I don’t see any reason to think the trend won’t continue.
“While I found the task force recommendations compelling, I think a creative policy and program revision can be found to keep nine schools open in the short-term and I think in the long term, there is going to be a measure of growth and a need for additional schools.”
I basically agree with this sentiment. However, even if there is some residential growth in Davis, that would not be a compelling reason to not shutter one of the existing schools. The district could mothball Valley Oak (or Cesar Chavez) and then reopen it 5-6 years later, if the population of K-6 students had grown by 400 or more.
I am confident that some housing will be added at the Cannery site within the next 5 years. And maybe a bit more in other small infill locations. But it seems pretty clear that the “I’m here; you stay out” sentiment is very strong in Davis. I would not count on any significant peripheral growth.
In part because of that, fewer families with young kids will be able to move to Davis or stay in town. And that will likely result in a lowering of our total schoolage population, even as the housing stock grows a bit. That has essentially happened over the last 5-6 years. I don’t see any reason to think the trend won’t continue.
“While I found the task force recommendations compelling, I think a creative policy and program revision can be found to keep nine schools open in the short-term and I think in the long term, there is going to be a measure of growth and a need for additional schools.”
I basically agree with this sentiment. However, even if there is some residential growth in Davis, that would not be a compelling reason to not shutter one of the existing schools. The district could mothball Valley Oak (or Cesar Chavez) and then reopen it 5-6 years later, if the population of K-6 students had grown by 400 or more.
I am confident that some housing will be added at the Cannery site within the next 5 years. And maybe a bit more in other small infill locations. But it seems pretty clear that the “I’m here; you stay out” sentiment is very strong in Davis. I would not count on any significant peripheral growth.
In part because of that, fewer families with young kids will be able to move to Davis or stay in town. And that will likely result in a lowering of our total schoolage population, even as the housing stock grows a bit. That has essentially happened over the last 5-6 years. I don’t see any reason to think the trend won’t continue.
As I remember it, the vote was 3-2 in favor of the decision outlined by the Chair. I would have liked to have seen as detailed( at least 1 hr) “dissenting opinion” of the Task Force minority’s analysis. The issue of “pressure” of time-sensitive decisions appears to arise not infrequently in Davis local politics and has the effect(incidental or otherwise) of cutting off full and deliberate discussion involving the Davis electorate. This has never served Davis well.
As I remember it, the vote was 3-2 in favor of the decision outlined by the Chair. I would have liked to have seen as detailed( at least 1 hr) “dissenting opinion” of the Task Force minority’s analysis. The issue of “pressure” of time-sensitive decisions appears to arise not infrequently in Davis local politics and has the effect(incidental or otherwise) of cutting off full and deliberate discussion involving the Davis electorate. This has never served Davis well.
As I remember it, the vote was 3-2 in favor of the decision outlined by the Chair. I would have liked to have seen as detailed( at least 1 hr) “dissenting opinion” of the Task Force minority’s analysis. The issue of “pressure” of time-sensitive decisions appears to arise not infrequently in Davis local politics and has the effect(incidental or otherwise) of cutting off full and deliberate discussion involving the Davis electorate. This has never served Davis well.
As I remember it, the vote was 3-2 in favor of the decision outlined by the Chair. I would have liked to have seen as detailed( at least 1 hr) “dissenting opinion” of the Task Force minority’s analysis. The issue of “pressure” of time-sensitive decisions appears to arise not infrequently in Davis local politics and has the effect(incidental or otherwise) of cutting off full and deliberate discussion involving the Davis electorate. This has never served Davis well.
I thought it was 6-1, unless you are referring to a different vote. Val Dolcini being the only dissenter.
I thought it was 6-1, unless you are referring to a different vote. Val Dolcini being the only dissenter.
I thought it was 6-1, unless you are referring to a different vote. Val Dolcini being the only dissenter.
I thought it was 6-1, unless you are referring to a different vote. Val Dolcini being the only dissenter.
“But it seems pretty clear that the “I’m here; you stay out” sentiment is very strong in Davis. I would not count on any significant peripheral growth.”
That’s one way to look at it, Rich, and it speaks volumes about your attitude towards those with whom you disagree on this issue.
There are many of us here who believe that small cities should not be forced to become large cities merely due to their proximity to other municipalities that have made very poor (developer-driven) planning decisions. You obviously don’t agree with this, but you don’t have disparage us.
“But it seems pretty clear that the “I’m here; you stay out” sentiment is very strong in Davis. I would not count on any significant peripheral growth.”
That’s one way to look at it, Rich, and it speaks volumes about your attitude towards those with whom you disagree on this issue.
There are many of us here who believe that small cities should not be forced to become large cities merely due to their proximity to other municipalities that have made very poor (developer-driven) planning decisions. You obviously don’t agree with this, but you don’t have disparage us.
“But it seems pretty clear that the “I’m here; you stay out” sentiment is very strong in Davis. I would not count on any significant peripheral growth.”
That’s one way to look at it, Rich, and it speaks volumes about your attitude towards those with whom you disagree on this issue.
There are many of us here who believe that small cities should not be forced to become large cities merely due to their proximity to other municipalities that have made very poor (developer-driven) planning decisions. You obviously don’t agree with this, but you don’t have disparage us.
“But it seems pretty clear that the “I’m here; you stay out” sentiment is very strong in Davis. I would not count on any significant peripheral growth.”
That’s one way to look at it, Rich, and it speaks volumes about your attitude towards those with whom you disagree on this issue.
There are many of us here who believe that small cities should not be forced to become large cities merely due to their proximity to other municipalities that have made very poor (developer-driven) planning decisions. You obviously don’t agree with this, but you don’t have disparage us.
No.. I think that you are right. I guess I was responding to your description of 3 Task force members vigorously pressing for a decision now to close VO. Can we then surmise that 4 of the members(a majority) either disagreed with the idea of closing VO or at least accepted the idea of a slower, more deliberative
decision-making process by the board?
No.. I think that you are right. I guess I was responding to your description of 3 Task force members vigorously pressing for a decision now to close VO. Can we then surmise that 4 of the members(a majority) either disagreed with the idea of closing VO or at least accepted the idea of a slower, more deliberative
decision-making process by the board?
No.. I think that you are right. I guess I was responding to your description of 3 Task force members vigorously pressing for a decision now to close VO. Can we then surmise that 4 of the members(a majority) either disagreed with the idea of closing VO or at least accepted the idea of a slower, more deliberative
decision-making process by the board?
No.. I think that you are right. I guess I was responding to your description of 3 Task force members vigorously pressing for a decision now to close VO. Can we then surmise that 4 of the members(a majority) either disagreed with the idea of closing VO or at least accepted the idea of a slower, more deliberative
decision-making process by the board?
That was my bad–I said “three members” and I meant to say “three school board members.” Sorry for the ambiguity on that.
That was my bad–I said “three members” and I meant to say “three school board members.” Sorry for the ambiguity on that.
That was my bad–I said “three members” and I meant to say “three school board members.” Sorry for the ambiguity on that.
That was my bad–I said “three members” and I meant to say “three school board members.” Sorry for the ambiguity on that.
As Rozanna Dana Dana said( for those over 50), NEVER MIND!.
As Rozanna Dana Dana said( for those over 50), NEVER MIND!.
As Rozanna Dana Dana said( for those over 50), NEVER MIND!.
As Rozanna Dana Dana said( for those over 50), NEVER MIND!.
i see no compelling reason why davis cannot keep valley oak open. we’ve got money enough for toad tunnels, for unique designer trash cans, to redesign every curb downtown, for half a million dollar houses and luxury cars aplenty, for for all sorts of fancy stuff, both public and personal, but when it comes down to other people’s children, especially if they need some special ESL programs that might cost us a bit, suddenly we can’t afford it?
come to davis, we have good schools, a great place to raise children, as long as they’re in your neighborhood. if they’re on the other side of town, then forget ’em, too much of a tax burden, eh?
this is a school closing of choice, not of necessity. and it does not reflect terribly well upon the city’s liberal credibility, IMO.
i see no compelling reason why davis cannot keep valley oak open. we’ve got money enough for toad tunnels, for unique designer trash cans, to redesign every curb downtown, for half a million dollar houses and luxury cars aplenty, for for all sorts of fancy stuff, both public and personal, but when it comes down to other people’s children, especially if they need some special ESL programs that might cost us a bit, suddenly we can’t afford it?
come to davis, we have good schools, a great place to raise children, as long as they’re in your neighborhood. if they’re on the other side of town, then forget ’em, too much of a tax burden, eh?
this is a school closing of choice, not of necessity. and it does not reflect terribly well upon the city’s liberal credibility, IMO.
i see no compelling reason why davis cannot keep valley oak open. we’ve got money enough for toad tunnels, for unique designer trash cans, to redesign every curb downtown, for half a million dollar houses and luxury cars aplenty, for for all sorts of fancy stuff, both public and personal, but when it comes down to other people’s children, especially if they need some special ESL programs that might cost us a bit, suddenly we can’t afford it?
come to davis, we have good schools, a great place to raise children, as long as they’re in your neighborhood. if they’re on the other side of town, then forget ’em, too much of a tax burden, eh?
this is a school closing of choice, not of necessity. and it does not reflect terribly well upon the city’s liberal credibility, IMO.
i see no compelling reason why davis cannot keep valley oak open. we’ve got money enough for toad tunnels, for unique designer trash cans, to redesign every curb downtown, for half a million dollar houses and luxury cars aplenty, for for all sorts of fancy stuff, both public and personal, but when it comes down to other people’s children, especially if they need some special ESL programs that might cost us a bit, suddenly we can’t afford it?
come to davis, we have good schools, a great place to raise children, as long as they’re in your neighborhood. if they’re on the other side of town, then forget ’em, too much of a tax burden, eh?
this is a school closing of choice, not of necessity. and it does not reflect terribly well upon the city’s liberal credibility, IMO.
As Wu Ming says, there seems to be plenty of money being spent around Davis and one thing that will prevent the school closing is more money. You just need to figure out how some incremental money into the school budgets.
I have not heard much discussion about the impact of the West Village development – I think I remember reading that 300 homes would be built. More homes equals more kids and kids have to go to school. I also think I read the development would include a new elementary school. Find a way to convince the University help solve the school issue. SAH
As Wu Ming says, there seems to be plenty of money being spent around Davis and one thing that will prevent the school closing is more money. You just need to figure out how some incremental money into the school budgets.
I have not heard much discussion about the impact of the West Village development – I think I remember reading that 300 homes would be built. More homes equals more kids and kids have to go to school. I also think I read the development would include a new elementary school. Find a way to convince the University help solve the school issue. SAH
As Wu Ming says, there seems to be plenty of money being spent around Davis and one thing that will prevent the school closing is more money. You just need to figure out how some incremental money into the school budgets.
I have not heard much discussion about the impact of the West Village development – I think I remember reading that 300 homes would be built. More homes equals more kids and kids have to go to school. I also think I read the development would include a new elementary school. Find a way to convince the University help solve the school issue. SAH
As Wu Ming says, there seems to be plenty of money being spent around Davis and one thing that will prevent the school closing is more money. You just need to figure out how some incremental money into the school budgets.
I have not heard much discussion about the impact of the West Village development – I think I remember reading that 300 homes would be built. More homes equals more kids and kids have to go to school. I also think I read the development would include a new elementary school. Find a way to convince the University help solve the school issue. SAH
By the way I had one string of communications with Dr. Murphy – it had to do with the well being of DHS students. I found Dr. Murphy to be very detailed oriented and extremely interested in the fair treatment of all of his students. I was impressed with the amount of time he spent on the topic. I do not think people should ding him as he retires. SAH
By the way I had one string of communications with Dr. Murphy – it had to do with the well being of DHS students. I found Dr. Murphy to be very detailed oriented and extremely interested in the fair treatment of all of his students. I was impressed with the amount of time he spent on the topic. I do not think people should ding him as he retires. SAH
By the way I had one string of communications with Dr. Murphy – it had to do with the well being of DHS students. I found Dr. Murphy to be very detailed oriented and extremely interested in the fair treatment of all of his students. I was impressed with the amount of time he spent on the topic. I do not think people should ding him as he retires. SAH
By the way I had one string of communications with Dr. Murphy – it had to do with the well being of DHS students. I found Dr. Murphy to be very detailed oriented and extremely interested in the fair treatment of all of his students. I was impressed with the amount of time he spent on the topic. I do not think people should ding him as he retires. SAH
Although the budget is very hard to figure out, the money to run the school comes from a different source than the money to build a school. Once the school is built, it’s the ADA money from the state, which is based on population, that mostly matters. Funds do come from other sources, though.
The impact of the West Davis development is discussed in the task force minutes. It’s expected to bring a couple of hundred kids into the district.
Although the budget is very hard to figure out, the money to run the school comes from a different source than the money to build a school. Once the school is built, it’s the ADA money from the state, which is based on population, that mostly matters. Funds do come from other sources, though.
The impact of the West Davis development is discussed in the task force minutes. It’s expected to bring a couple of hundred kids into the district.
Although the budget is very hard to figure out, the money to run the school comes from a different source than the money to build a school. Once the school is built, it’s the ADA money from the state, which is based on population, that mostly matters. Funds do come from other sources, though.
The impact of the West Davis development is discussed in the task force minutes. It’s expected to bring a couple of hundred kids into the district.
Although the budget is very hard to figure out, the money to run the school comes from a different source than the money to build a school. Once the school is built, it’s the ADA money from the state, which is based on population, that mostly matters. Funds do come from other sources, though.
The impact of the West Davis development is discussed in the task force minutes. It’s expected to bring a couple of hundred kids into the district.
Doug- Resource man..
Point of information: Who were the three school board members who were pressing for a decision NOW? Which board members have their terms end in 2008?
Doug- Resource man..
Point of information: Who were the three school board members who were pressing for a decision NOW? Which board members have their terms end in 2008?
Doug- Resource man..
Point of information: Who were the three school board members who were pressing for a decision NOW? Which board members have their terms end in 2008?
Doug- Resource man..
Point of information: Who were the three school board members who were pressing for a decision NOW? Which board members have their terms end in 2008?
Sheila Allen, Jim Provenza, and Tim Taylor were the ones that mentioned last week that they would not want to see this happen immediately.
Jim Provenza and Keltie Jones are the two up for reelection. It is possible that both of those seats could be open.
Sheila Allen, Jim Provenza, and Tim Taylor were the ones that mentioned last week that they would not want to see this happen immediately.
Jim Provenza and Keltie Jones are the two up for reelection. It is possible that both of those seats could be open.
Sheila Allen, Jim Provenza, and Tim Taylor were the ones that mentioned last week that they would not want to see this happen immediately.
Jim Provenza and Keltie Jones are the two up for reelection. It is possible that both of those seats could be open.
Sheila Allen, Jim Provenza, and Tim Taylor were the ones that mentioned last week that they would not want to see this happen immediately.
Jim Provenza and Keltie Jones are the two up for reelection. It is possible that both of those seats could be open.
“Once the school is built, it’s the ADA money from the state, which is based on population, that mostly matters. Funds do come from other sources, though.”
Don, if I recall my research on this correctly, the money is about half from revenue-limit dollars (which are influenced by daily attendance) and half from categoricals.
“Once the school is built, it’s the ADA money from the state, which is based on population, that mostly matters. Funds do come from other sources, though.”
Don, if I recall my research on this correctly, the money is about half from revenue-limit dollars (which are influenced by daily attendance) and half from categoricals.
“Once the school is built, it’s the ADA money from the state, which is based on population, that mostly matters. Funds do come from other sources, though.”
Don, if I recall my research on this correctly, the money is about half from revenue-limit dollars (which are influenced by daily attendance) and half from categoricals.
“Once the school is built, it’s the ADA money from the state, which is based on population, that mostly matters. Funds do come from other sources, though.”
Don, if I recall my research on this correctly, the money is about half from revenue-limit dollars (which are influenced by daily attendance) and half from categoricals.
I have found David Murphy very accessible as a superintendent and never afraid to engage people. He takes every concern seriously. He is involved in the community as a parent and volunteer, so is able to see many sides of an issue. He lives in Davis. I agree that people should focus on his contributions to the community as he leaves the position.
Finding someone who will sit through a 5-hour forum with upset students, parents, and community members without getting defensive or argumentative, and then actually taking the information and doing something positive with it is going to be extremely difficult. But I afraid that’s a skill that will be needed often for a school superintendent in this town.
Sharla Cheney Harrington
I have found David Murphy very accessible as a superintendent and never afraid to engage people. He takes every concern seriously. He is involved in the community as a parent and volunteer, so is able to see many sides of an issue. He lives in Davis. I agree that people should focus on his contributions to the community as he leaves the position.
Finding someone who will sit through a 5-hour forum with upset students, parents, and community members without getting defensive or argumentative, and then actually taking the information and doing something positive with it is going to be extremely difficult. But I afraid that’s a skill that will be needed often for a school superintendent in this town.
Sharla Cheney Harrington
I have found David Murphy very accessible as a superintendent and never afraid to engage people. He takes every concern seriously. He is involved in the community as a parent and volunteer, so is able to see many sides of an issue. He lives in Davis. I agree that people should focus on his contributions to the community as he leaves the position.
Finding someone who will sit through a 5-hour forum with upset students, parents, and community members without getting defensive or argumentative, and then actually taking the information and doing something positive with it is going to be extremely difficult. But I afraid that’s a skill that will be needed often for a school superintendent in this town.
Sharla Cheney Harrington
I have found David Murphy very accessible as a superintendent and never afraid to engage people. He takes every concern seriously. He is involved in the community as a parent and volunteer, so is able to see many sides of an issue. He lives in Davis. I agree that people should focus on his contributions to the community as he leaves the position.
Finding someone who will sit through a 5-hour forum with upset students, parents, and community members without getting defensive or argumentative, and then actually taking the information and doing something positive with it is going to be extremely difficult. But I afraid that’s a skill that will be needed often for a school superintendent in this town.
Sharla Cheney Harrington
Confusion here.. this means Gina Daleiden and Keltie Jones pressed for a decision NOW. i thought that you mentioned three… am I missing someone?
Confusion here.. this means Gina Daleiden and Keltie Jones pressed for a decision NOW. i thought that you mentioned three… am I missing someone?
Confusion here.. this means Gina Daleiden and Keltie Jones pressed for a decision NOW. i thought that you mentioned three… am I missing someone?
Confusion here.. this means Gina Daleiden and Keltie Jones pressed for a decision NOW. i thought that you mentioned three… am I missing someone?
The understanding on the street is that Deleiden and Saylor are political allies.
The understanding on the street is that Deleiden and Saylor are political allies.
The understanding on the street is that Deleiden and Saylor are political allies.
The understanding on the street is that Deleiden and Saylor are political allies.
Deleiden was campaign manager of Saylor’s City Council Campaign.
Deleiden was campaign manager of Saylor’s City Council Campaign.
Deleiden was campaign manager of Saylor’s City Council Campaign.
Deleiden was campaign manager of Saylor’s City Council Campaign.
All I can reiterate is that, currently, there is no financial crisis in the DJUSD budget. The operating expenses for FTK’s staggered opening are set aside in escrow and do not figure into the picture until Fall of 2009. The current “structural” deficit of $600,000 has been covered by one-time carry over funds. Not an unusual occurence as school districts expand and contract. There are other one-time carry-over funds available this year that could be applied to the FTK operating budget and extend it past 2009. Under current board policy,the issue is scheduled to be revisited in 24 months time.
The current school year brought a surprise increase of one hundred odd students. Each student brings with him $5500-$6500 in state money. (190 transfer applicants were turned away the day before school started because the district had failed to staff for them; dothe math!) This coming year’s state money will be figured on that 100 odd increase in enrollemnt and the ADA. It becomes questionable if the projected yearly decrease in enrollment for the next three years is accurate. (It proved wrong this year.)
Certainly there’s nothing in the current picture that requires such a draconian measure as closing a school this coming year. As was voted into policy last year, the board could keep on as it is, and revisit the issue in 24 months. There is no financila deficit now. Parents will enroll their children at their choice of elementary school and a more accurate picture of the district enrollment patterns would emerge, should the board need to make a policy change. A 24 month wait and see poliy is better than an unwarranted close it down now policy.
It is very difficult and expensive to re-open a school after it’s been “moth balled.” And the districtjust invested $4.2million into upgrading Valley Oak facilities. On top of that $4.2 million was the matching funds grant between the PTA and the district that installed a state-of-the-arts computer lab in the school. There was a lot more done to that site than a bit of paint, cabinetry, carpets, and parking lot.
Colleen Connolly
All I can reiterate is that, currently, there is no financial crisis in the DJUSD budget. The operating expenses for FTK’s staggered opening are set aside in escrow and do not figure into the picture until Fall of 2009. The current “structural” deficit of $600,000 has been covered by one-time carry over funds. Not an unusual occurence as school districts expand and contract. There are other one-time carry-over funds available this year that could be applied to the FTK operating budget and extend it past 2009. Under current board policy,the issue is scheduled to be revisited in 24 months time.
The current school year brought a surprise increase of one hundred odd students. Each student brings with him $5500-$6500 in state money. (190 transfer applicants were turned away the day before school started because the district had failed to staff for them; dothe math!) This coming year’s state money will be figured on that 100 odd increase in enrollemnt and the ADA. It becomes questionable if the projected yearly decrease in enrollment for the next three years is accurate. (It proved wrong this year.)
Certainly there’s nothing in the current picture that requires such a draconian measure as closing a school this coming year. As was voted into policy last year, the board could keep on as it is, and revisit the issue in 24 months. There is no financila deficit now. Parents will enroll their children at their choice of elementary school and a more accurate picture of the district enrollment patterns would emerge, should the board need to make a policy change. A 24 month wait and see poliy is better than an unwarranted close it down now policy.
It is very difficult and expensive to re-open a school after it’s been “moth balled.” And the districtjust invested $4.2million into upgrading Valley Oak facilities. On top of that $4.2 million was the matching funds grant between the PTA and the district that installed a state-of-the-arts computer lab in the school. There was a lot more done to that site than a bit of paint, cabinetry, carpets, and parking lot.
Colleen Connolly
All I can reiterate is that, currently, there is no financial crisis in the DJUSD budget. The operating expenses for FTK’s staggered opening are set aside in escrow and do not figure into the picture until Fall of 2009. The current “structural” deficit of $600,000 has been covered by one-time carry over funds. Not an unusual occurence as school districts expand and contract. There are other one-time carry-over funds available this year that could be applied to the FTK operating budget and extend it past 2009. Under current board policy,the issue is scheduled to be revisited in 24 months time.
The current school year brought a surprise increase of one hundred odd students. Each student brings with him $5500-$6500 in state money. (190 transfer applicants were turned away the day before school started because the district had failed to staff for them; dothe math!) This coming year’s state money will be figured on that 100 odd increase in enrollemnt and the ADA. It becomes questionable if the projected yearly decrease in enrollment for the next three years is accurate. (It proved wrong this year.)
Certainly there’s nothing in the current picture that requires such a draconian measure as closing a school this coming year. As was voted into policy last year, the board could keep on as it is, and revisit the issue in 24 months. There is no financila deficit now. Parents will enroll their children at their choice of elementary school and a more accurate picture of the district enrollment patterns would emerge, should the board need to make a policy change. A 24 month wait and see poliy is better than an unwarranted close it down now policy.
It is very difficult and expensive to re-open a school after it’s been “moth balled.” And the districtjust invested $4.2million into upgrading Valley Oak facilities. On top of that $4.2 million was the matching funds grant between the PTA and the district that installed a state-of-the-arts computer lab in the school. There was a lot more done to that site than a bit of paint, cabinetry, carpets, and parking lot.
Colleen Connolly
All I can reiterate is that, currently, there is no financial crisis in the DJUSD budget. The operating expenses for FTK’s staggered opening are set aside in escrow and do not figure into the picture until Fall of 2009. The current “structural” deficit of $600,000 has been covered by one-time carry over funds. Not an unusual occurence as school districts expand and contract. There are other one-time carry-over funds available this year that could be applied to the FTK operating budget and extend it past 2009. Under current board policy,the issue is scheduled to be revisited in 24 months time.
The current school year brought a surprise increase of one hundred odd students. Each student brings with him $5500-$6500 in state money. (190 transfer applicants were turned away the day before school started because the district had failed to staff for them; dothe math!) This coming year’s state money will be figured on that 100 odd increase in enrollemnt and the ADA. It becomes questionable if the projected yearly decrease in enrollment for the next three years is accurate. (It proved wrong this year.)
Certainly there’s nothing in the current picture that requires such a draconian measure as closing a school this coming year. As was voted into policy last year, the board could keep on as it is, and revisit the issue in 24 months. There is no financila deficit now. Parents will enroll their children at their choice of elementary school and a more accurate picture of the district enrollment patterns would emerge, should the board need to make a policy change. A 24 month wait and see poliy is better than an unwarranted close it down now policy.
It is very difficult and expensive to re-open a school after it’s been “moth balled.” And the districtjust invested $4.2million into upgrading Valley Oak facilities. On top of that $4.2 million was the matching funds grant between the PTA and the district that installed a state-of-the-arts computer lab in the school. There was a lot more done to that site than a bit of paint, cabinetry, carpets, and parking lot.
Colleen Connolly
Update on my last comment:
I just received an e-mail from B.Colby stating the current enrollment tally for Fall 2007 has already exceeded that of Fall 2006,not including the pending inter district transfer applicants.
Does this lay to rest the declining enrollment fears?
Update on my last comment:
I just received an e-mail from B.Colby stating the current enrollment tally for Fall 2007 has already exceeded that of Fall 2006,not including the pending inter district transfer applicants.
Does this lay to rest the declining enrollment fears?
Update on my last comment:
I just received an e-mail from B.Colby stating the current enrollment tally for Fall 2007 has already exceeded that of Fall 2006,not including the pending inter district transfer applicants.
Does this lay to rest the declining enrollment fears?
Update on my last comment:
I just received an e-mail from B.Colby stating the current enrollment tally for Fall 2007 has already exceeded that of Fall 2006,not including the pending inter district transfer applicants.
Does this lay to rest the declining enrollment fears?