Last night, School Board President Jim Provenza had two huge announcements for the community.
The first and the reason that the entire community it seemed made the meeting was the announcement of the hiring of the new Superintendent James Quezon Hammond as the new superintendent.
Trustee Provenza said:
“The Board is pleased that Dr. Hammond has accepted the offer to lead our oustanding schools to new levels of excellence and achievement… Throughout his career as a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent Dr. Hammond has demonstrated intelligent and inspiring leadership, and a deep passion for well being and academic achievement of all students, including those who are struggling to succeed. He is a rising star in public school administration. We are lucky to have him.”
The other announcement that the Mr. Provenza told the community was that the school district had won their appeal and will now be able to recoup the $4.5 million lost when a deadline was missed on a grant during the construction of Montgomery Elementary School. Hard work on behalf of the school district to get their financial house in order and strong advocacy on the part of several elected officials led to this victory for the students of Davis Unified.
The meeting was largely ceremonial with each of the school board members speaking to the hiring of Superintendent Hammond.
Davis Board member Gina Daleiden expressed confidence that Dr. Hammond is the right leader for the Davis schools.
“Our extensive conversations with Tukwila school, parent, and community leaders revealed that Dr. Hammond is widely regarded as an extraordinary leader. Colleagues describe him as courageous in his decisions, and have enormous respect for his superb communications and managerial skills.”
Board Member Sheila Allen, who later was downright giddy added:
“The Tukwila staff emphasized that Dr Hammond fosters a culture of collaboration and teamwork that brings out the best in people. His enthusiasm and energy are contagious!”
Board Member Tim Taylor:
“Dr. Hammond has the extensive experience and proven leadership qualities our board desired in a new superintendent. He also has a genuine affection for students, and in return has their trust and admiration. It’s a pleasure to welcome him to the Davis Joint Unified School District.”
Board Member Keltie Jones:
“I am delighted with Dr. Hammond’s appointment. He brings a fresh level of energy and creativity to our district.”
A number of members of the public also spoke to congratulate Dr. Hammond who continues the recent tradition of hires from the Seattle area. He actually grew up however in Whittier, California and then went to Western New Mexico University and St. Martin’s College before receiving his Educational Doctorate from Washington State University in 2003. He has been a teacher, a basketball coach, an assistant principal and principal in Tacoma.
Most recently Superintendent of Schools for the Tukwila School District in Seattle, Washington, where he has held the position for over 3 years. Tukwila has received local, state and national distinction as a school district in the following areas: for passing $60 million in bonds to construct all new school buildings; for implementing research-based school programs to improve student achievement; for developing collaborative partnerships to improve student learning with community, government agencies and foundations; and for responding to the needs of a culturally, ethnically and economically diverse student population. Most recently, the Tukwila Community School Collaboration was given the National Award for Excellence by the Community Schools Coalition and was recognized on Capitol Hill (Washington DC) in June of 2007.
Asked by the Vanguard about the duel announcements, Board President Provenza spoke to the Vanguard and made it clear that the Superintendent was number one with a bullet.
“The Superintendent is number one because a superintendent, a strong leader for the school is essential in everything we do. But the 4.5 million dollars sure doesn’t hurt, we needed that money. Now we have money to continue our facilities fund to begin addressing the structural problems at Emerson and the other facilities issues in the schools.”
Provenza emphasized Dr. Hammond’s leadership, his ability to connect with people, and his compassion for all students.
“In his other districts he has been personally engaged whether they be the high achiever, the average student, or the student who is at risk or needs special help in school.”
One the key focuses for the new superintendent will be on the achievement gap.
According to Mr. Provenza:
“He brought his prior districts achievement level significantly up past other districts and focused on problems of English learners and students that were having difficulty achieving in school, all the while bringing the overall achievement up for all students. And he did it not only by engaging teachers and students, he did it by engaging the community. He brought the city and the police chief and every other government official together and said what should we do to improve our schools. And they all worked together, in fact they were given a national award for community-school achievement in that district.”
Board Member Provenza also emphasized that attention to closing the achievement gap and minority hire is a huge reason for his hire.
“That will be one of his strengths. He brings diversity in that he is a minority himself. He also comes from a background where he grew up with students who were struggling in schools and he knows personally the challenges that they face. At the same time, he has a PhD and he is an expert in education and he’ll be able to address the problems of all of our students. He is truly a superintendent that will serve our entire community.”
Dr. Hammond spoke to this issue as well emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity.
“I think the biggest thing is that diversity is important and has to be embraced. It has to be accepted. And diversity means acceptance and tolerance for all sorts of dynamics, not just race or culture but religion and gender, sexual orientation, the whole nine. I think to really understand what diversity means and embrace is a very important component.”
Superintendent Hammond then went into detail with me on four gaps that make up what we call the achievement gap.
“As far as the achievement gap for me, I think it’s been a very popular slogan for educators or even people in popular society to use. Really what we are talking about is a performance gap on standardized tests. So really getting our eyes to look at a performance gap on standardized tests and particularly looking at our demographics on African Americans, Hispanic and Native American Students and how there’s disparity with Caucasian and Asian Students and really what causes this performance gap is really a multitude of other gaps.”
First the preparation gap where some students begin well ahead of others in terms of things like vocabulary. Second, the opportunity gap which has do with expectations for success that we place on students. Third, the relationship gap where we create a school environment where the staff proportionately resembles the make up of the student population.
According to Dr. Hammond,
“Kids will perform better once they know people care about them.”
Finally there is the parent-school gap where some households, often with people who are trying to make ends meet and they may have poverty and social issues that they bring to the fold in addition to education issues.
“All of those factors to me lead to the performance gap or what you call the achievement gap. I think it is a very complex sophisticated question that’s going to require a lot of intentional work, a lot of research, a lot of data, a lot of student evidence to dictate our behaviors. So I’m hoping that we can begin that work because of the urgency behind the need.”
Superintendent Hammond then added:
“I think that is going to be one of my biggest challenges. I think that and a lot of other things are going to be a huge part of my learning curve over the next few months, absolutely.”
This was a much larger applicant pool than expected or even hoped for. According to Mr. Provenza,
“There were 33 applicants. That was larger than the search firm that we hired, Leadership Associates, that’s one of the main search firms for superintendents in the state of California. They told us not to expect many people and that it would be very hard to hire a superintendent. Instead, we got the 33 applicants and they said that was more than they received for any other school district.”
Board Member Provenza attributed that to the make up of the Davis Community and the quality of the district as a whole.
“I think Davis is a great place to live and a great place to work. And I think our school district has a reputation for excellence. And a community that is particularly committed to the schools. There’s very few other communities where you will see bond measures and parcel taxes pass every time. Where you see the amount of volunteerism and the amount of parents. Where you the community that so supports the schools as in Davis. People want to come here.”
The reception from the board members and the community was overwhelmingly glowing. As I mentioned above, Board Member Sheila Allen seemed to be on cloud 9.
I asked Board Member Jim Provenza when he knew this was the right fit for this district.
“When we interviewed him. He had very stiff competition and we had some very good applicants, but he really shined in the interview, he really connected with us and impressed us with his ability as a leader. He truly is a leader.”
For his part, the new superintendent seems excited but a bit overwhelmed.
“Just a little sense of being overwhelmed but at the same time very excited. From my initial interactions, just an exciting dynamic community. People value the schools. People value the kids. The quality of education, so it’s just an exciting time for me personally.”
Dr. James Hammond will officially take over on a full time basis on November 8, 2007. Until then he will be transitioning with the able help of Interim Superintendent Richard Whitmore. Dr. Hammond will travel down a number of times over the next two and a half months as he prepares to succeed David Murphy as the new superintendent. This was indeed an exciting time in Davis and we shall follow this transition as the board and district continues to face key challenges.
—Doug Paul Davis reporting
You write that Jim Provenza told the community that “a former administrator preoccupied with a second job” missed the deadline.
I wasn’t there, did he really say that, or is that your editorializing?
You write that Jim Provenza told the community that “a former administrator preoccupied with a second job” missed the deadline.
I wasn’t there, did he really say that, or is that your editorializing?
You write that Jim Provenza told the community that “a former administrator preoccupied with a second job” missed the deadline.
I wasn’t there, did he really say that, or is that your editorializing?
You write that Jim Provenza told the community that “a former administrator preoccupied with a second job” missed the deadline.
I wasn’t there, did he really say that, or is that your editorializing?
Boy…this board really disliked David Murphy….
Boy…this board really disliked David Murphy….
Boy…this board really disliked David Murphy….
Boy…this board really disliked David Murphy….
Provenza’s announcement was that the district had recouped the money I put in the reason why the district lost the money.
Provenza’s announcement was that the district had recouped the money I put in the reason why the district lost the money.
Provenza’s announcement was that the district had recouped the money I put in the reason why the district lost the money.
Provenza’s announcement was that the district had recouped the money I put in the reason why the district lost the money.
For clarification sake since I do not want that attributed to Jim Provenza, I have removed that statement. It was a factual statement but it was not said by Provenza.
For clarification sake since I do not want that attributed to Jim Provenza, I have removed that statement. It was a factual statement but it was not said by Provenza.
For clarification sake since I do not want that attributed to Jim Provenza, I have removed that statement. It was a factual statement but it was not said by Provenza.
For clarification sake since I do not want that attributed to Jim Provenza, I have removed that statement. It was a factual statement but it was not said by Provenza.
I am very pleased with the BOE pick as new superintendent and I have heard from several people that what DPD wrote was correct, or at least that is what the former cbo of DJUSD gave as a reason for missing the deadline that cost our kids 5 million. This board is moving our schools in the right direction. Thanks DPD for writing a story on this.
I am very pleased with the BOE pick as new superintendent and I have heard from several people that what DPD wrote was correct, or at least that is what the former cbo of DJUSD gave as a reason for missing the deadline that cost our kids 5 million. This board is moving our schools in the right direction. Thanks DPD for writing a story on this.
I am very pleased with the BOE pick as new superintendent and I have heard from several people that what DPD wrote was correct, or at least that is what the former cbo of DJUSD gave as a reason for missing the deadline that cost our kids 5 million. This board is moving our schools in the right direction. Thanks DPD for writing a story on this.
I am very pleased with the BOE pick as new superintendent and I have heard from several people that what DPD wrote was correct, or at least that is what the former cbo of DJUSD gave as a reason for missing the deadline that cost our kids 5 million. This board is moving our schools in the right direction. Thanks DPD for writing a story on this.
Not to be a stickler, and you could be making a “factual statement,” but how do you know that the former administrator was preoccupied with a second job? Did he tell you this? Otherwise, you are just making an educated guess.
Not to be a stickler, and you could be making a “factual statement,” but how do you know that the former administrator was preoccupied with a second job? Did he tell you this? Otherwise, you are just making an educated guess.
Not to be a stickler, and you could be making a “factual statement,” but how do you know that the former administrator was preoccupied with a second job? Did he tell you this? Otherwise, you are just making an educated guess.
Not to be a stickler, and you could be making a “factual statement,” but how do you know that the former administrator was preoccupied with a second job? Did he tell you this? Otherwise, you are just making an educated guess.
He had another job which was an consultant to other school districts. He left DJUSD to expand his consulting company. Go to the enterprise archives and search it.
He had another job which was an consultant to other school districts. He left DJUSD to expand his consulting company. Go to the enterprise archives and search it.
He had another job which was an consultant to other school districts. He left DJUSD to expand his consulting company. Go to the enterprise archives and search it.
He had another job which was an consultant to other school districts. He left DJUSD to expand his consulting company. Go to the enterprise archives and search it.
Just to clarify – the former administrator who had the second job and missed the deadline was not David Murphy. It was another administrator.
Just to clarify – the former administrator who had the second job and missed the deadline was not David Murphy. It was another administrator.
Just to clarify – the former administrator who had the second job and missed the deadline was not David Murphy. It was another administrator.
Just to clarify – the former administrator who had the second job and missed the deadline was not David Murphy. It was another administrator.
First the preparation gap where some students begin well ahead of others in terms of things like vocabulary. Second, the opportunity gap which has do with expectations for success that we place on students. Third, the relationship gap where we create a school environment where the staff proportionately resembles the make up of the student population.
Finally there is the parent-school gap where some households, often with people who are trying to make ends meet and they may have poverty and social issues that they bring to the fold in addition to education issues.
The largest gap is the IQ gap. There is a large difference in mean IQ between blacks and whites, for example. Schools cannot change that. Whites will always outscore blacks for that reason. Asians have on average higher IQs than whites. The result is higher test scores for Asians. If you control for IQ, the other gaps largely disappear.
First the preparation gap where some students begin well ahead of others in terms of things like vocabulary. Second, the opportunity gap which has do with expectations for success that we place on students. Third, the relationship gap where we create a school environment where the staff proportionately resembles the make up of the student population.
Finally there is the parent-school gap where some households, often with people who are trying to make ends meet and they may have poverty and social issues that they bring to the fold in addition to education issues.
The largest gap is the IQ gap. There is a large difference in mean IQ between blacks and whites, for example. Schools cannot change that. Whites will always outscore blacks for that reason. Asians have on average higher IQs than whites. The result is higher test scores for Asians. If you control for IQ, the other gaps largely disappear.
First the preparation gap where some students begin well ahead of others in terms of things like vocabulary. Second, the opportunity gap which has do with expectations for success that we place on students. Third, the relationship gap where we create a school environment where the staff proportionately resembles the make up of the student population.
Finally there is the parent-school gap where some households, often with people who are trying to make ends meet and they may have poverty and social issues that they bring to the fold in addition to education issues.
The largest gap is the IQ gap. There is a large difference in mean IQ between blacks and whites, for example. Schools cannot change that. Whites will always outscore blacks for that reason. Asians have on average higher IQs than whites. The result is higher test scores for Asians. If you control for IQ, the other gaps largely disappear.
First the preparation gap where some students begin well ahead of others in terms of things like vocabulary. Second, the opportunity gap which has do with expectations for success that we place on students. Third, the relationship gap where we create a school environment where the staff proportionately resembles the make up of the student population.
Finally there is the parent-school gap where some households, often with people who are trying to make ends meet and they may have poverty and social issues that they bring to the fold in addition to education issues.
The largest gap is the IQ gap. There is a large difference in mean IQ between blacks and whites, for example. Schools cannot change that. Whites will always outscore blacks for that reason. Asians have on average higher IQs than whites. The result is higher test scores for Asians. If you control for IQ, the other gaps largely disappear.
It is quite alarming to hear this stuff being proliferated on this blog. IQ is as much a social construct as it is an independent measure of intelligence. As such, all the IQ gap demonstrates statistically is that IQ accounts for the other factors such as race, ethnicity, and social-economic status.
It is quite alarming to hear this stuff being proliferated on this blog. IQ is as much a social construct as it is an independent measure of intelligence. As such, all the IQ gap demonstrates statistically is that IQ accounts for the other factors such as race, ethnicity, and social-economic status.
It is quite alarming to hear this stuff being proliferated on this blog. IQ is as much a social construct as it is an independent measure of intelligence. As such, all the IQ gap demonstrates statistically is that IQ accounts for the other factors such as race, ethnicity, and social-economic status.
It is quite alarming to hear this stuff being proliferated on this blog. IQ is as much a social construct as it is an independent measure of intelligence. As such, all the IQ gap demonstrates statistically is that IQ accounts for the other factors such as race, ethnicity, and social-economic status.
Research scientist: Baloney. The Bell Curve has been debunked in numerous places (one example at:
http://slate.com/?id=2416 ).
But regardless of the validity of this argument, the Davis schools need people who can take children of whatever ability, at whatever point they are, and help all of them achieve at their maximum ability.
Research scientist: Baloney. The Bell Curve has been debunked in numerous places (one example at:
http://slate.com/?id=2416 ).
But regardless of the validity of this argument, the Davis schools need people who can take children of whatever ability, at whatever point they are, and help all of them achieve at their maximum ability.
Research scientist: Baloney. The Bell Curve has been debunked in numerous places (one example at:
http://slate.com/?id=2416 ).
But regardless of the validity of this argument, the Davis schools need people who can take children of whatever ability, at whatever point they are, and help all of them achieve at their maximum ability.
Research scientist: Baloney. The Bell Curve has been debunked in numerous places (one example at:
http://slate.com/?id=2416 ).
But regardless of the validity of this argument, the Davis schools need people who can take children of whatever ability, at whatever point they are, and help all of them achieve at their maximum ability.
How will the $4.5 mil effect Valley Oak and measure Q?
How will the $4.5 mil effect Valley Oak and measure Q?
How will the $4.5 mil effect Valley Oak and measure Q?
How will the $4.5 mil effect Valley Oak and measure Q?
the money can only be used for facilities. So it will have to go to renovating current school sites.
the money can only be used for facilities. So it will have to go to renovating current school sites.
the money can only be used for facilities. So it will have to go to renovating current school sites.
the money can only be used for facilities. So it will have to go to renovating current school sites.
DJUSD parent:
Measure Q is for programs only, smaller class sizes, 7th periods at the junior high and foreign language..ect. Their not related. If you don’t want those programs for your kids then you should vote against it.
DJUSD parent:
Measure Q is for programs only, smaller class sizes, 7th periods at the junior high and foreign language..ect. Their not related. If you don’t want those programs for your kids then you should vote against it.
DJUSD parent:
Measure Q is for programs only, smaller class sizes, 7th periods at the junior high and foreign language..ect. Their not related. If you don’t want those programs for your kids then you should vote against it.
DJUSD parent:
Measure Q is for programs only, smaller class sizes, 7th periods at the junior high and foreign language..ect. Their not related. If you don’t want those programs for your kids then you should vote against it.
Can someone please clarify what Measures P and Q exactly will be, and if they are bonds or parcel taxes of what amount?
Thnx
Can someone please clarify what Measures P and Q exactly will be, and if they are bonds or parcel taxes of what amount?
Thnx
Can someone please clarify what Measures P and Q exactly will be, and if they are bonds or parcel taxes of what amount?
Thnx
Can someone please clarify what Measures P and Q exactly will be, and if they are bonds or parcel taxes of what amount?
Thnx
If this windfall is, in fact, limited to facilities, there should be enough to keep Valley Oak open or at least to give it all the help it needs as a charter school. My vote on Measure Q hinges on whether the school board commits to this path by election day.
If this windfall is, in fact, limited to facilities, there should be enough to keep Valley Oak open or at least to give it all the help it needs as a charter school. My vote on Measure Q hinges on whether the school board commits to this path by election day.
If this windfall is, in fact, limited to facilities, there should be enough to keep Valley Oak open or at least to give it all the help it needs as a charter school. My vote on Measure Q hinges on whether the school board commits to this path by election day.
If this windfall is, in fact, limited to facilities, there should be enough to keep Valley Oak open or at least to give it all the help it needs as a charter school. My vote on Measure Q hinges on whether the school board commits to this path by election day.
Here is the link to measure Q. Look over the website It has all the information you need.
http://www.dcn.davis.ca.us/go/schools/index.html
To Anonymous at 2:22pm:
Mike is correct:
The money can only be used for facilities it can not be used for programs. Keeping valley oak money comes out of the programs funds. If you vote against the parcel tax, not only will it be even harder to keep valley oak open, no parcel tax means less money to go around.
If you want quality schools, you have to pay for them.
Here is the link to measure Q. Look over the website It has all the information you need.
http://www.dcn.davis.ca.us/go/schools/index.html
To Anonymous at 2:22pm:
Mike is correct:
The money can only be used for facilities it can not be used for programs. Keeping valley oak money comes out of the programs funds. If you vote against the parcel tax, not only will it be even harder to keep valley oak open, no parcel tax means less money to go around.
If you want quality schools, you have to pay for them.
Here is the link to measure Q. Look over the website It has all the information you need.
http://www.dcn.davis.ca.us/go/schools/index.html
To Anonymous at 2:22pm:
Mike is correct:
The money can only be used for facilities it can not be used for programs. Keeping valley oak money comes out of the programs funds. If you vote against the parcel tax, not only will it be even harder to keep valley oak open, no parcel tax means less money to go around.
If you want quality schools, you have to pay for them.
Here is the link to measure Q. Look over the website It has all the information you need.
http://www.dcn.davis.ca.us/go/schools/index.html
To Anonymous at 2:22pm:
Mike is correct:
The money can only be used for facilities it can not be used for programs. Keeping valley oak money comes out of the programs funds. If you vote against the parcel tax, not only will it be even harder to keep valley oak open, no parcel tax means less money to go around.
If you want quality schools, you have to pay for them.
“The money can only be used for facilities it can not be used for programs. Keeping valley oak money comes out of the programs funds.”
There are Valley Oak facility costs that will need to be addressed if it is kept open or becomes a charter school These monies can go in to that end. In addition, the DUSD budget is byzantine(Don Shor’s characterization) enough so that moving this windfall around should be possible if there is the political will to do so.
“The money can only be used for facilities it can not be used for programs. Keeping valley oak money comes out of the programs funds.”
There are Valley Oak facility costs that will need to be addressed if it is kept open or becomes a charter school These monies can go in to that end. In addition, the DUSD budget is byzantine(Don Shor’s characterization) enough so that moving this windfall around should be possible if there is the political will to do so.
“The money can only be used for facilities it can not be used for programs. Keeping valley oak money comes out of the programs funds.”
There are Valley Oak facility costs that will need to be addressed if it is kept open or becomes a charter school These monies can go in to that end. In addition, the DUSD budget is byzantine(Don Shor’s characterization) enough so that moving this windfall around should be possible if there is the political will to do so.
“The money can only be used for facilities it can not be used for programs. Keeping valley oak money comes out of the programs funds.”
There are Valley Oak facility costs that will need to be addressed if it is kept open or becomes a charter school These monies can go in to that end. In addition, the DUSD budget is byzantine(Don Shor’s characterization) enough so that moving this windfall around should be possible if there is the political will to do so.
“moving this windfall around should be possible”
Whoa there!! Be careful! Start pulling games like that and DJUSD will get sued and lose the money back to the state. We had to walk a legal tightrope just to get it, over the objections of the lawyer for the State Allocations Board and their Chair. DJUSD Board better use the $4.5 million for exactly what it is intended for or we’ll all be very very sorry.
“moving this windfall around should be possible”
Whoa there!! Be careful! Start pulling games like that and DJUSD will get sued and lose the money back to the state. We had to walk a legal tightrope just to get it, over the objections of the lawyer for the State Allocations Board and their Chair. DJUSD Board better use the $4.5 million for exactly what it is intended for or we’ll all be very very sorry.
“moving this windfall around should be possible”
Whoa there!! Be careful! Start pulling games like that and DJUSD will get sued and lose the money back to the state. We had to walk a legal tightrope just to get it, over the objections of the lawyer for the State Allocations Board and their Chair. DJUSD Board better use the $4.5 million for exactly what it is intended for or we’ll all be very very sorry.
“moving this windfall around should be possible”
Whoa there!! Be careful! Start pulling games like that and DJUSD will get sued and lose the money back to the state. We had to walk a legal tightrope just to get it, over the objections of the lawyer for the State Allocations Board and their Chair. DJUSD Board better use the $4.5 million for exactly what it is intended for or we’ll all be very very sorry.
It makes no sense to devastate school programs and penalize the kids because you disagree with the Board’s decision about Valley Oak (or any decisions it makes about spending the $4.5 million of facilities funds).
I am very unhappy/angry about the Board’s decision to close Valley Oak, and I would love to see the Board figure out some way to use the $4.5 million to either keep VO open or assist VO as a Charter (although I am not sure how facilities money could be used for either purpose, since it is earmarked by the state for construction and renovation of facilities).
But the Measure Q money is a CONTINUATION (with small inflation-type increase) of a long-term EXISTING PARCEL TAX that funds (among other things) smaller class sizes, a 7th period at the junior highs and high schools, electives, elementary reading and math aides for kids performing below grade level,library aides, longer school library hours, counselors, English Learner aides, teacher training, and classroom supplies.
Here are some of the things that happen if Measure Q does not pass:
— elementary schools lose their reading, math, and EL aides;
— the classes that are now 20:1 go to at least 30:1;
— school libraries are only open a portion of the school week;
— counseling services in DJUSD get even worse than they currently are because there will be fewer counselors;
— classrooms have no supplies except those provided by parent funds;
— electives like music, art, and foreign language disappear at the junior high and high school levels because there will be no funds to pay for the teachers.
This is no joke. I have nieces attending public schools in other parts of the state where there are no art or music classes, the only foreign language classes are the first three years of French and Spanish, school libraries are only open a few days a week, there are no aides to help kids struggling in reading or math, there are no EL aides, counseling is non-existent, and classes range from 30 to 40 kids.
So who suffers if Measure Q doesn’t pass? Save your anger about the VO closure for the upcoming and future School Board elections.
It makes no sense to devastate school programs and penalize the kids because you disagree with the Board’s decision about Valley Oak (or any decisions it makes about spending the $4.5 million of facilities funds).
I am very unhappy/angry about the Board’s decision to close Valley Oak, and I would love to see the Board figure out some way to use the $4.5 million to either keep VO open or assist VO as a Charter (although I am not sure how facilities money could be used for either purpose, since it is earmarked by the state for construction and renovation of facilities).
But the Measure Q money is a CONTINUATION (with small inflation-type increase) of a long-term EXISTING PARCEL TAX that funds (among other things) smaller class sizes, a 7th period at the junior highs and high schools, electives, elementary reading and math aides for kids performing below grade level,library aides, longer school library hours, counselors, English Learner aides, teacher training, and classroom supplies.
Here are some of the things that happen if Measure Q does not pass:
— elementary schools lose their reading, math, and EL aides;
— the classes that are now 20:1 go to at least 30:1;
— school libraries are only open a portion of the school week;
— counseling services in DJUSD get even worse than they currently are because there will be fewer counselors;
— classrooms have no supplies except those provided by parent funds;
— electives like music, art, and foreign language disappear at the junior high and high school levels because there will be no funds to pay for the teachers.
This is no joke. I have nieces attending public schools in other parts of the state where there are no art or music classes, the only foreign language classes are the first three years of French and Spanish, school libraries are only open a few days a week, there are no aides to help kids struggling in reading or math, there are no EL aides, counseling is non-existent, and classes range from 30 to 40 kids.
So who suffers if Measure Q doesn’t pass? Save your anger about the VO closure for the upcoming and future School Board elections.
It makes no sense to devastate school programs and penalize the kids because you disagree with the Board’s decision about Valley Oak (or any decisions it makes about spending the $4.5 million of facilities funds).
I am very unhappy/angry about the Board’s decision to close Valley Oak, and I would love to see the Board figure out some way to use the $4.5 million to either keep VO open or assist VO as a Charter (although I am not sure how facilities money could be used for either purpose, since it is earmarked by the state for construction and renovation of facilities).
But the Measure Q money is a CONTINUATION (with small inflation-type increase) of a long-term EXISTING PARCEL TAX that funds (among other things) smaller class sizes, a 7th period at the junior highs and high schools, electives, elementary reading and math aides for kids performing below grade level,library aides, longer school library hours, counselors, English Learner aides, teacher training, and classroom supplies.
Here are some of the things that happen if Measure Q does not pass:
— elementary schools lose their reading, math, and EL aides;
— the classes that are now 20:1 go to at least 30:1;
— school libraries are only open a portion of the school week;
— counseling services in DJUSD get even worse than they currently are because there will be fewer counselors;
— classrooms have no supplies except those provided by parent funds;
— electives like music, art, and foreign language disappear at the junior high and high school levels because there will be no funds to pay for the teachers.
This is no joke. I have nieces attending public schools in other parts of the state where there are no art or music classes, the only foreign language classes are the first three years of French and Spanish, school libraries are only open a few days a week, there are no aides to help kids struggling in reading or math, there are no EL aides, counseling is non-existent, and classes range from 30 to 40 kids.
So who suffers if Measure Q doesn’t pass? Save your anger about the VO closure for the upcoming and future School Board elections.
It makes no sense to devastate school programs and penalize the kids because you disagree with the Board’s decision about Valley Oak (or any decisions it makes about spending the $4.5 million of facilities funds).
I am very unhappy/angry about the Board’s decision to close Valley Oak, and I would love to see the Board figure out some way to use the $4.5 million to either keep VO open or assist VO as a Charter (although I am not sure how facilities money could be used for either purpose, since it is earmarked by the state for construction and renovation of facilities).
But the Measure Q money is a CONTINUATION (with small inflation-type increase) of a long-term EXISTING PARCEL TAX that funds (among other things) smaller class sizes, a 7th period at the junior highs and high schools, electives, elementary reading and math aides for kids performing below grade level,library aides, longer school library hours, counselors, English Learner aides, teacher training, and classroom supplies.
Here are some of the things that happen if Measure Q does not pass:
— elementary schools lose their reading, math, and EL aides;
— the classes that are now 20:1 go to at least 30:1;
— school libraries are only open a portion of the school week;
— counseling services in DJUSD get even worse than they currently are because there will be fewer counselors;
— classrooms have no supplies except those provided by parent funds;
— electives like music, art, and foreign language disappear at the junior high and high school levels because there will be no funds to pay for the teachers.
This is no joke. I have nieces attending public schools in other parts of the state where there are no art or music classes, the only foreign language classes are the first three years of French and Spanish, school libraries are only open a few days a week, there are no aides to help kids struggling in reading or math, there are no EL aides, counseling is non-existent, and classes range from 30 to 40 kids.
So who suffers if Measure Q doesn’t pass? Save your anger about the VO closure for the upcoming and future School Board elections.
Next week I have a full story on Measure Q which includes an indepth interview with Gina Daleiden and Interim Superintendent Richard Whitmore. It should address some of the issues raised here.
I will say that following Robin that while I too was very disappointed with the decision to close Valley Oak, voting against Measure Q in response would be harming far more children for no good reason.
Next week I have a full story on Measure Q which includes an indepth interview with Gina Daleiden and Interim Superintendent Richard Whitmore. It should address some of the issues raised here.
I will say that following Robin that while I too was very disappointed with the decision to close Valley Oak, voting against Measure Q in response would be harming far more children for no good reason.
Next week I have a full story on Measure Q which includes an indepth interview with Gina Daleiden and Interim Superintendent Richard Whitmore. It should address some of the issues raised here.
I will say that following Robin that while I too was very disappointed with the decision to close Valley Oak, voting against Measure Q in response would be harming far more children for no good reason.
Next week I have a full story on Measure Q which includes an indepth interview with Gina Daleiden and Interim Superintendent Richard Whitmore. It should address some of the issues raised here.
I will say that following Robin that while I too was very disappointed with the decision to close Valley Oak, voting against Measure Q in response would be harming far more children for no good reason.
In the United States, the mean IQ score among Blacks has at times been measured as approximately 85 and the mean IQ score among Whites has at times has been measured as approximately 100;[14] the mean IQ score of Latinos has been reported to be measured as approximately 89 for unspecified dates.[15]
The mean score for people of East Asian and Jewish descent is usually higher than the mean score of Whites. However, several studies place the median IQ of Ashkenazi Jews (who make up the overwhelming majority of American Jews[citation needed]) at approximately one standard deviation above the mean for other Whites, with the primary Jewish advantage in verbal reasoning and the East Asian advantage primarily in spatial reasoning. In The Bell Curve, Herrnstein and Murray report mean IQ scores for East Asians and Jewish Americans of 103 and 113, respectively (on a scale where Whites = 100).
Similar gaps are seen in other tests of cognitive ability, including university admission exams such as the SAT and GRE as well as employment tests for corporate settings and the military (Roth et al. 2001)
In the United States, the mean IQ score among Blacks has at times been measured as approximately 85 and the mean IQ score among Whites has at times has been measured as approximately 100;[14] the mean IQ score of Latinos has been reported to be measured as approximately 89 for unspecified dates.[15]
The mean score for people of East Asian and Jewish descent is usually higher than the mean score of Whites. However, several studies place the median IQ of Ashkenazi Jews (who make up the overwhelming majority of American Jews[citation needed]) at approximately one standard deviation above the mean for other Whites, with the primary Jewish advantage in verbal reasoning and the East Asian advantage primarily in spatial reasoning. In The Bell Curve, Herrnstein and Murray report mean IQ scores for East Asians and Jewish Americans of 103 and 113, respectively (on a scale where Whites = 100).
Similar gaps are seen in other tests of cognitive ability, including university admission exams such as the SAT and GRE as well as employment tests for corporate settings and the military (Roth et al. 2001)
In the United States, the mean IQ score among Blacks has at times been measured as approximately 85 and the mean IQ score among Whites has at times has been measured as approximately 100;[14] the mean IQ score of Latinos has been reported to be measured as approximately 89 for unspecified dates.[15]
The mean score for people of East Asian and Jewish descent is usually higher than the mean score of Whites. However, several studies place the median IQ of Ashkenazi Jews (who make up the overwhelming majority of American Jews[citation needed]) at approximately one standard deviation above the mean for other Whites, with the primary Jewish advantage in verbal reasoning and the East Asian advantage primarily in spatial reasoning. In The Bell Curve, Herrnstein and Murray report mean IQ scores for East Asians and Jewish Americans of 103 and 113, respectively (on a scale where Whites = 100).
Similar gaps are seen in other tests of cognitive ability, including university admission exams such as the SAT and GRE as well as employment tests for corporate settings and the military (Roth et al. 2001)
In the United States, the mean IQ score among Blacks has at times been measured as approximately 85 and the mean IQ score among Whites has at times has been measured as approximately 100;[14] the mean IQ score of Latinos has been reported to be measured as approximately 89 for unspecified dates.[15]
The mean score for people of East Asian and Jewish descent is usually higher than the mean score of Whites. However, several studies place the median IQ of Ashkenazi Jews (who make up the overwhelming majority of American Jews[citation needed]) at approximately one standard deviation above the mean for other Whites, with the primary Jewish advantage in verbal reasoning and the East Asian advantage primarily in spatial reasoning. In The Bell Curve, Herrnstein and Murray report mean IQ scores for East Asians and Jewish Americans of 103 and 113, respectively (on a scale where Whites = 100).
Similar gaps are seen in other tests of cognitive ability, including university admission exams such as the SAT and GRE as well as employment tests for corporate settings and the military (Roth et al. 2001)
DPD: I hope that you can include some details of how past educational parcel tax monies were utilized. What per cent went for music and art lessions as compared to EL and reading support as suggested above. Keltie Jones pitched the parcel tax from the Board dais, exclaiming that violin lessons were expensive and they are offered free by the schools through this tax. This, while Valley Oak’s outstanding EL program is to be dismantled. The Board’s 3-2 decision and its politically limp polling of the voters to determine what to do needs to be answered at the polls. A no vote on Measure Q will send the right message and the new Board can come back with a new policy and new parcel tax measure at the very next election opportunity.
DPD: I hope that you can include some details of how past educational parcel tax monies were utilized. What per cent went for music and art lessions as compared to EL and reading support as suggested above. Keltie Jones pitched the parcel tax from the Board dais, exclaiming that violin lessons were expensive and they are offered free by the schools through this tax. This, while Valley Oak’s outstanding EL program is to be dismantled. The Board’s 3-2 decision and its politically limp polling of the voters to determine what to do needs to be answered at the polls. A no vote on Measure Q will send the right message and the new Board can come back with a new policy and new parcel tax measure at the very next election opportunity.
DPD: I hope that you can include some details of how past educational parcel tax monies were utilized. What per cent went for music and art lessions as compared to EL and reading support as suggested above. Keltie Jones pitched the parcel tax from the Board dais, exclaiming that violin lessons were expensive and they are offered free by the schools through this tax. This, while Valley Oak’s outstanding EL program is to be dismantled. The Board’s 3-2 decision and its politically limp polling of the voters to determine what to do needs to be answered at the polls. A no vote on Measure Q will send the right message and the new Board can come back with a new policy and new parcel tax measure at the very next election opportunity.
DPD: I hope that you can include some details of how past educational parcel tax monies were utilized. What per cent went for music and art lessions as compared to EL and reading support as suggested above. Keltie Jones pitched the parcel tax from the Board dais, exclaiming that violin lessons were expensive and they are offered free by the schools through this tax. This, while Valley Oak’s outstanding EL program is to be dismantled. The Board’s 3-2 decision and its politically limp polling of the voters to determine what to do needs to be answered at the polls. A no vote on Measure Q will send the right message and the new Board can come back with a new policy and new parcel tax measure at the very next election opportunity.
You know, in a year or so the kids at Valley Oak will have gotten over the closure of their school and be totally involved in their new school. Their wounds will heal. The only thing that will pour salt into the wound and cause further harm will be losing all the enrichment programming with the failure of the upcoming parcel tax. This will be caused by, and only caused by, their own parents voting against it as some sort of confused and misdirected anger at the School Board.
The facilities money is sorely needed to repair Emerson and finish the High School. The kids at Valley Oak now will have a much better High School to look forward to. Not the overcrowded, dysfunctional mess that my children had to endure.
You know, in a year or so the kids at Valley Oak will have gotten over the closure of their school and be totally involved in their new school. Their wounds will heal. The only thing that will pour salt into the wound and cause further harm will be losing all the enrichment programming with the failure of the upcoming parcel tax. This will be caused by, and only caused by, their own parents voting against it as some sort of confused and misdirected anger at the School Board.
The facilities money is sorely needed to repair Emerson and finish the High School. The kids at Valley Oak now will have a much better High School to look forward to. Not the overcrowded, dysfunctional mess that my children had to endure.
You know, in a year or so the kids at Valley Oak will have gotten over the closure of their school and be totally involved in their new school. Their wounds will heal. The only thing that will pour salt into the wound and cause further harm will be losing all the enrichment programming with the failure of the upcoming parcel tax. This will be caused by, and only caused by, their own parents voting against it as some sort of confused and misdirected anger at the School Board.
The facilities money is sorely needed to repair Emerson and finish the High School. The kids at Valley Oak now will have a much better High School to look forward to. Not the overcrowded, dysfunctional mess that my children had to endure.
You know, in a year or so the kids at Valley Oak will have gotten over the closure of their school and be totally involved in their new school. Their wounds will heal. The only thing that will pour salt into the wound and cause further harm will be losing all the enrichment programming with the failure of the upcoming parcel tax. This will be caused by, and only caused by, their own parents voting against it as some sort of confused and misdirected anger at the School Board.
The facilities money is sorely needed to repair Emerson and finish the High School. The kids at Valley Oak now will have a much better High School to look forward to. Not the overcrowded, dysfunctional mess that my children had to endure.
I will be voting for the upcoming parcel tax. We have renewed this tax every four years for 20 years or so. It is a gift from the community to the kids, not the District. This is not the time to take it all away from this generation of Davis school children after two generations of school children have already benefited so well. There is no argument that can be made to convince me that we’ve been wrong or that we’ve been duped for the last 20 years. Voting to renew the parcel tax is what we expect people new to the District and new to the community to do.
I will be voting for the upcoming parcel tax. We have renewed this tax every four years for 20 years or so. It is a gift from the community to the kids, not the District. This is not the time to take it all away from this generation of Davis school children after two generations of school children have already benefited so well. There is no argument that can be made to convince me that we’ve been wrong or that we’ve been duped for the last 20 years. Voting to renew the parcel tax is what we expect people new to the District and new to the community to do.
I will be voting for the upcoming parcel tax. We have renewed this tax every four years for 20 years or so. It is a gift from the community to the kids, not the District. This is not the time to take it all away from this generation of Davis school children after two generations of school children have already benefited so well. There is no argument that can be made to convince me that we’ve been wrong or that we’ve been duped for the last 20 years. Voting to renew the parcel tax is what we expect people new to the District and new to the community to do.
I will be voting for the upcoming parcel tax. We have renewed this tax every four years for 20 years or so. It is a gift from the community to the kids, not the District. This is not the time to take it all away from this generation of Davis school children after two generations of school children have already benefited so well. There is no argument that can be made to convince me that we’ve been wrong or that we’ve been duped for the last 20 years. Voting to renew the parcel tax is what we expect people new to the District and new to the community to do.
Sharla, it seems to me that the some VO parents believe that their kids are being harmed by the closure of VO and supporting the parcel tax will only encourage the uncaring behavior towards their kids. So it needs to be explained what’s in it for their kids to compensate for the likely damage of closing VO.
Sharla, it seems to me that the some VO parents believe that their kids are being harmed by the closure of VO and supporting the parcel tax will only encourage the uncaring behavior towards their kids. So it needs to be explained what’s in it for their kids to compensate for the likely damage of closing VO.
Sharla, it seems to me that the some VO parents believe that their kids are being harmed by the closure of VO and supporting the parcel tax will only encourage the uncaring behavior towards their kids. So it needs to be explained what’s in it for their kids to compensate for the likely damage of closing VO.
Sharla, it seems to me that the some VO parents believe that their kids are being harmed by the closure of VO and supporting the parcel tax will only encourage the uncaring behavior towards their kids. So it needs to be explained what’s in it for their kids to compensate for the likely damage of closing VO.
What’s in it for their kids?
The parcel tax is an enrichment tax. Everything that they liked about the Valley Oak program was the result of this tax. Music education, small class sizes, teacher stipends for materials, help with reading, etc.
I believe that the kids will settle in to their new schools just fine. I don’t understand why the VO parents would want to deny all children in the district the services and opportunities paid for by the enrichment tax. It seems like they are just angry and want to harm the community.
My son went to Valley Oak from 2nd to 5th grade. It was not a good school for him. When I finally moved him to North Davis for 6th grade, he did so much better. So my personal experience tells me that parents may find that their kids will do just fine at their new schools.
What’s in it for their kids?
The parcel tax is an enrichment tax. Everything that they liked about the Valley Oak program was the result of this tax. Music education, small class sizes, teacher stipends for materials, help with reading, etc.
I believe that the kids will settle in to their new schools just fine. I don’t understand why the VO parents would want to deny all children in the district the services and opportunities paid for by the enrichment tax. It seems like they are just angry and want to harm the community.
My son went to Valley Oak from 2nd to 5th grade. It was not a good school for him. When I finally moved him to North Davis for 6th grade, he did so much better. So my personal experience tells me that parents may find that their kids will do just fine at their new schools.
What’s in it for their kids?
The parcel tax is an enrichment tax. Everything that they liked about the Valley Oak program was the result of this tax. Music education, small class sizes, teacher stipends for materials, help with reading, etc.
I believe that the kids will settle in to their new schools just fine. I don’t understand why the VO parents would want to deny all children in the district the services and opportunities paid for by the enrichment tax. It seems like they are just angry and want to harm the community.
My son went to Valley Oak from 2nd to 5th grade. It was not a good school for him. When I finally moved him to North Davis for 6th grade, he did so much better. So my personal experience tells me that parents may find that their kids will do just fine at their new schools.
What’s in it for their kids?
The parcel tax is an enrichment tax. Everything that they liked about the Valley Oak program was the result of this tax. Music education, small class sizes, teacher stipends for materials, help with reading, etc.
I believe that the kids will settle in to their new schools just fine. I don’t understand why the VO parents would want to deny all children in the district the services and opportunities paid for by the enrichment tax. It seems like they are just angry and want to harm the community.
My son went to Valley Oak from 2nd to 5th grade. It was not a good school for him. When I finally moved him to North Davis for 6th grade, he did so much better. So my personal experience tells me that parents may find that their kids will do just fine at their new schools.
Noting several posts that suggested that I am a “confused and angry” Valley Oak parent, let me make clear that I did not have nor will have(if VO is kept alive) a child going to Valley Oak Elementary.
Noting several posts that suggested that I am a “confused and angry” Valley Oak parent, let me make clear that I did not have nor will have(if VO is kept alive) a child going to Valley Oak Elementary.
Noting several posts that suggested that I am a “confused and angry” Valley Oak parent, let me make clear that I did not have nor will have(if VO is kept alive) a child going to Valley Oak Elementary.
Noting several posts that suggested that I am a “confused and angry” Valley Oak parent, let me make clear that I did not have nor will have(if VO is kept alive) a child going to Valley Oak Elementary.
the DUSD budget is byzantine(Don Shor’s characterization) enough so that moving this windfall around should be possible if there is the political will to do so.
The money for facilities vs. the money for programs are kept apart by law, by the state. You can’t just move the money around however you like, no matter how much you might want to do so.
the DUSD budget is byzantine(Don Shor’s characterization) enough so that moving this windfall around should be possible if there is the political will to do so.
The money for facilities vs. the money for programs are kept apart by law, by the state. You can’t just move the money around however you like, no matter how much you might want to do so.
the DUSD budget is byzantine(Don Shor’s characterization) enough so that moving this windfall around should be possible if there is the political will to do so.
The money for facilities vs. the money for programs are kept apart by law, by the state. You can’t just move the money around however you like, no matter how much you might want to do so.
the DUSD budget is byzantine(Don Shor’s characterization) enough so that moving this windfall around should be possible if there is the political will to do so.
The money for facilities vs. the money for programs are kept apart by law, by the state. You can’t just move the money around however you like, no matter how much you might want to do so.
Annonymous 6:10-
The voters of Davis “sent a message to the Board” by voting down a much needed facilities school bond years ago. Though the community approved the next bond, the delay caused years of overcrowding at Elementary, Junior High and High School levels. There are kids that went through their entire K-12 career at impacted schools holding 30-40% more children than they were designed to hold.
Your strategy of communicating a message to the Board has a very harmful effect on the students.
Annonymous 6:10-
The voters of Davis “sent a message to the Board” by voting down a much needed facilities school bond years ago. Though the community approved the next bond, the delay caused years of overcrowding at Elementary, Junior High and High School levels. There are kids that went through their entire K-12 career at impacted schools holding 30-40% more children than they were designed to hold.
Your strategy of communicating a message to the Board has a very harmful effect on the students.
Annonymous 6:10-
The voters of Davis “sent a message to the Board” by voting down a much needed facilities school bond years ago. Though the community approved the next bond, the delay caused years of overcrowding at Elementary, Junior High and High School levels. There are kids that went through their entire K-12 career at impacted schools holding 30-40% more children than they were designed to hold.
Your strategy of communicating a message to the Board has a very harmful effect on the students.
Annonymous 6:10-
The voters of Davis “sent a message to the Board” by voting down a much needed facilities school bond years ago. Though the community approved the next bond, the delay caused years of overcrowding at Elementary, Junior High and High School levels. There are kids that went through their entire K-12 career at impacted schools holding 30-40% more children than they were designed to hold.
Your strategy of communicating a message to the Board has a very harmful effect on the students.
A no vote on Measure Q will send the right message and the new Board can come back with a new policy and new parcel tax measure at the very next election opportunity.
This makes no sense. The school board doesn’t have enough money to run all its schools, we are unhappy about the consequences of that, therefore we should make sure they have even less money?
A no vote on Measure Q will send the right message and the new Board can come back with a new policy and new parcel tax measure at the very next election opportunity.
This makes no sense. The school board doesn’t have enough money to run all its schools, we are unhappy about the consequences of that, therefore we should make sure they have even less money?
A no vote on Measure Q will send the right message and the new Board can come back with a new policy and new parcel tax measure at the very next election opportunity.
This makes no sense. The school board doesn’t have enough money to run all its schools, we are unhappy about the consequences of that, therefore we should make sure they have even less money?
A no vote on Measure Q will send the right message and the new Board can come back with a new policy and new parcel tax measure at the very next election opportunity.
This makes no sense. The school board doesn’t have enough money to run all its schools, we are unhappy about the consequences of that, therefore we should make sure they have even less money?
A no vote would lead to a huge percentage of money that the district has been getting, being cut and will result in huge cut backs in programs and services and will ensure that more schools get closed, teachers get laid off, and programs get cut. We’re talking as you will find out next week, a huge percentage of the budget.
A no vote would lead to a huge percentage of money that the district has been getting, being cut and will result in huge cut backs in programs and services and will ensure that more schools get closed, teachers get laid off, and programs get cut. We’re talking as you will find out next week, a huge percentage of the budget.
A no vote would lead to a huge percentage of money that the district has been getting, being cut and will result in huge cut backs in programs and services and will ensure that more schools get closed, teachers get laid off, and programs get cut. We’re talking as you will find out next week, a huge percentage of the budget.
A no vote would lead to a huge percentage of money that the district has been getting, being cut and will result in huge cut backs in programs and services and will ensure that more schools get closed, teachers get laid off, and programs get cut. We’re talking as you will find out next week, a huge percentage of the budget.
I will be watching closely to see whether the School Board assists the Valley Oak Charter School plan or places obstacles in its path.
I will be watching closely to see whether the School Board assists the Valley Oak Charter School plan or places obstacles in its path.
I will be watching closely to see whether the School Board assists the Valley Oak Charter School plan or places obstacles in its path.
I will be watching closely to see whether the School Board assists the Valley Oak Charter School plan or places obstacles in its path.
A few people asked about the amount from Measure Q that goes to reading and EL aides or how the parcel tax measure will benefit VO kids. I could not get people to send me info on past school-parcel-tax expenditures quickly. But here is data about a few of the projected expenditures of Measure Q funds for 08-09 (just the one school year):
— $686,950 will go toward reading program (which is almost completely funded by the school parcel tax)
— over $100,000 in EL, math, and at-risk instructional support (there is also a lot of EL money and some at-risk instructional support money from the state)
— over $180,000 to pay for counselor, nurse, health aide, and psychologist services
— the entire salary for the district crisis counselor is funded by the parcel tax
Of course, kids from the VO community also benefit from music, art and foreign language classes, as well as smaller class size, career-technical electives, teacher training, and other things the parcel tax funds.
A few people asked about the amount from Measure Q that goes to reading and EL aides or how the parcel tax measure will benefit VO kids. I could not get people to send me info on past school-parcel-tax expenditures quickly. But here is data about a few of the projected expenditures of Measure Q funds for 08-09 (just the one school year):
— $686,950 will go toward reading program (which is almost completely funded by the school parcel tax)
— over $100,000 in EL, math, and at-risk instructional support (there is also a lot of EL money and some at-risk instructional support money from the state)
— over $180,000 to pay for counselor, nurse, health aide, and psychologist services
— the entire salary for the district crisis counselor is funded by the parcel tax
Of course, kids from the VO community also benefit from music, art and foreign language classes, as well as smaller class size, career-technical electives, teacher training, and other things the parcel tax funds.
A few people asked about the amount from Measure Q that goes to reading and EL aides or how the parcel tax measure will benefit VO kids. I could not get people to send me info on past school-parcel-tax expenditures quickly. But here is data about a few of the projected expenditures of Measure Q funds for 08-09 (just the one school year):
— $686,950 will go toward reading program (which is almost completely funded by the school parcel tax)
— over $100,000 in EL, math, and at-risk instructional support (there is also a lot of EL money and some at-risk instructional support money from the state)
— over $180,000 to pay for counselor, nurse, health aide, and psychologist services
— the entire salary for the district crisis counselor is funded by the parcel tax
Of course, kids from the VO community also benefit from music, art and foreign language classes, as well as smaller class size, career-technical electives, teacher training, and other things the parcel tax funds.
A few people asked about the amount from Measure Q that goes to reading and EL aides or how the parcel tax measure will benefit VO kids. I could not get people to send me info on past school-parcel-tax expenditures quickly. But here is data about a few of the projected expenditures of Measure Q funds for 08-09 (just the one school year):
— $686,950 will go toward reading program (which is almost completely funded by the school parcel tax)
— over $100,000 in EL, math, and at-risk instructional support (there is also a lot of EL money and some at-risk instructional support money from the state)
— over $180,000 to pay for counselor, nurse, health aide, and psychologist services
— the entire salary for the district crisis counselor is funded by the parcel tax
Of course, kids from the VO community also benefit from music, art and foreign language classes, as well as smaller class size, career-technical electives, teacher training, and other things the parcel tax funds.
Robin: These numbers are of little value.percentage-wise, unless compared to the expenditures for the “enrichment” portion. The polling question posed by the School Board in splitting support for Valley Oak Elementary from support for the “enrichment” parcel tax resulted in a quite predictable outcome and exposed what may be characterized as the “dark underbelly” of the VO issue. The real question was raised implicitedly by Jim Provenza when he talked about the values that should determine the decision-making of our School Board.
Robin: These numbers are of little value.percentage-wise, unless compared to the expenditures for the “enrichment” portion. The polling question posed by the School Board in splitting support for Valley Oak Elementary from support for the “enrichment” parcel tax resulted in a quite predictable outcome and exposed what may be characterized as the “dark underbelly” of the VO issue. The real question was raised implicitedly by Jim Provenza when he talked about the values that should determine the decision-making of our School Board.
Robin: These numbers are of little value.percentage-wise, unless compared to the expenditures for the “enrichment” portion. The polling question posed by the School Board in splitting support for Valley Oak Elementary from support for the “enrichment” parcel tax resulted in a quite predictable outcome and exposed what may be characterized as the “dark underbelly” of the VO issue. The real question was raised implicitedly by Jim Provenza when he talked about the values that should determine the decision-making of our School Board.
Robin: These numbers are of little value.percentage-wise, unless compared to the expenditures for the “enrichment” portion. The polling question posed by the School Board in splitting support for Valley Oak Elementary from support for the “enrichment” parcel tax resulted in a quite predictable outcome and exposed what may be characterized as the “dark underbelly” of the VO issue. The real question was raised implicitedly by Jim Provenza when he talked about the values that should determine the decision-making of our School Board.
Anonymous 6:10 pm: I agree with everything you are saying about the VO decision and the process regarding that decision. But killing the instructional parcel tax hurts all the kids, not the School Board. I am hoping that DPD will have more data on expenditures in his upcoming article on the tax measure.
Anonymous 6:10 pm: I agree with everything you are saying about the VO decision and the process regarding that decision. But killing the instructional parcel tax hurts all the kids, not the School Board. I am hoping that DPD will have more data on expenditures in his upcoming article on the tax measure.
Anonymous 6:10 pm: I agree with everything you are saying about the VO decision and the process regarding that decision. But killing the instructional parcel tax hurts all the kids, not the School Board. I am hoping that DPD will have more data on expenditures in his upcoming article on the tax measure.
Anonymous 6:10 pm: I agree with everything you are saying about the VO decision and the process regarding that decision. But killing the instructional parcel tax hurts all the kids, not the School Board. I am hoping that DPD will have more data on expenditures in his upcoming article on the tax measure.
Valley Oak? Get rid of it. Think of the kids who live in the country, they drive 5 miles to school. Valley Oak kids can’t hitch a ride a few blocks to some other school? Give me a break. People in Davis are soft. Kids will always change schools, going from K-6, to Jr. high, to high school, to college (if they are lucky). Might as well introduce the idea to them now. Just make a decision and quit wasting tax payer money! Same goes for GATE. Lose it. Those kids are no more “gifted” than the top half of their peers. Do we really need this? Where the diversity in GATE? Somewhere along the line parents were told GATE is soooo great. Those kids are socially inept, get them working with the “regulars” to figure it out. Nice social tiering, might as well call it what it is — discrimination of the minds. Get a life people. Here’s an idea — 4 grades at the high school like every other high school in the world, go K-8, quit putting 7th grade 12-13 year olds with 9th grade 14-15 year olds.
Valley Oak? Get rid of it. Think of the kids who live in the country, they drive 5 miles to school. Valley Oak kids can’t hitch a ride a few blocks to some other school? Give me a break. People in Davis are soft. Kids will always change schools, going from K-6, to Jr. high, to high school, to college (if they are lucky). Might as well introduce the idea to them now. Just make a decision and quit wasting tax payer money! Same goes for GATE. Lose it. Those kids are no more “gifted” than the top half of their peers. Do we really need this? Where the diversity in GATE? Somewhere along the line parents were told GATE is soooo great. Those kids are socially inept, get them working with the “regulars” to figure it out. Nice social tiering, might as well call it what it is — discrimination of the minds. Get a life people. Here’s an idea — 4 grades at the high school like every other high school in the world, go K-8, quit putting 7th grade 12-13 year olds with 9th grade 14-15 year olds.
Valley Oak? Get rid of it. Think of the kids who live in the country, they drive 5 miles to school. Valley Oak kids can’t hitch a ride a few blocks to some other school? Give me a break. People in Davis are soft. Kids will always change schools, going from K-6, to Jr. high, to high school, to college (if they are lucky). Might as well introduce the idea to them now. Just make a decision and quit wasting tax payer money! Same goes for GATE. Lose it. Those kids are no more “gifted” than the top half of their peers. Do we really need this? Where the diversity in GATE? Somewhere along the line parents were told GATE is soooo great. Those kids are socially inept, get them working with the “regulars” to figure it out. Nice social tiering, might as well call it what it is — discrimination of the minds. Get a life people. Here’s an idea — 4 grades at the high school like every other high school in the world, go K-8, quit putting 7th grade 12-13 year olds with 9th grade 14-15 year olds.
Valley Oak? Get rid of it. Think of the kids who live in the country, they drive 5 miles to school. Valley Oak kids can’t hitch a ride a few blocks to some other school? Give me a break. People in Davis are soft. Kids will always change schools, going from K-6, to Jr. high, to high school, to college (if they are lucky). Might as well introduce the idea to them now. Just make a decision and quit wasting tax payer money! Same goes for GATE. Lose it. Those kids are no more “gifted” than the top half of their peers. Do we really need this? Where the diversity in GATE? Somewhere along the line parents were told GATE is soooo great. Those kids are socially inept, get them working with the “regulars” to figure it out. Nice social tiering, might as well call it what it is — discrimination of the minds. Get a life people. Here’s an idea — 4 grades at the high school like every other high school in the world, go K-8, quit putting 7th grade 12-13 year olds with 9th grade 14-15 year olds.