Students and parents flooded school board meetings, marching down Davis streets, rallied in the parks to keep their teachers employed and their school open.
As they looked toward the school board to find a way, it was the community that found a way.
The Davis Schools Foundation was able to raise $1.77 million for the Davis schools. That was enough to “buy back” more than two dozen positions for teachers and libraries.
But it was not the Davis Schools Foundation alone that made Thursday’s victory possible. The governor’s revised state budget gave the Davis school district another $1.2 million to work with.
In all over 100 teaching positions were saved. The crisis averted. Four positions still need to be cut by eight elementary schools. Another 7.3 junior high and high school positions. While not painless, certainly manageable.
As always, it was Amanda Lopez-Lara the student representative to the board that spoke for all:
“I’ve never seen the community come together like this–families, students, people of all races. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for bringing back the teachers.”
Music has been saved. Athletics have been saved.
That is the good news. And it is good. But the challenges will remain.
The school district faces financial ramifications of declining enrollment and an ongoing structural budget deficit.
The school district cannot rely on the schools foundation to provide a permanent source of funding. The $1.77 million marks a crisis-averting surge of donation, but it is not sustainable long term.
The school district will hire a pollster to determine where the community would support another parcel tax this fall.
However, even with another parcel tax, the district needs to adjust its programs. Projections suggest that enrollment will decline for a couple more years before flattening out and even beginning to rise.
We must also be mindful of the statewide economic situation and the statewide budget. The revised budget has added money, but the economic situation looks rather bleak at the moment.
These are all issues that we must deal with in the near future.
We are fortunate that we live in a community that has the ability and the inclination to keep our teachers employed and our schools open, but we should also not forget the hundreds of other districts in this state that are not nearly so lucky.
Today we can breathe a sigh of relief. The school board members, deserve a nice spa and vacation. The stress they have been under the last six months has been unreal and it has taken a toll on them.
The hard work unfortunately will begin again soon enough. In the meantime, let us just rejoice knowing that just once, we have changed the course of the future of a large number of students and a community has shown its ultimate commitment to education.
—Doug Paul Davis reporting
DJUSD needs to take a really long hard look at how they will plan for the next few years. Things cannot simply stay “status quo”. If there was a good thing about this budget crisis, it was that hard decisions were brought forward for everyone to look at and contemplate. Thankfully, no one has to act on them just yet. But this is not to say that it’s all over. A lot of painful decisions still remain to be considered.
Of immediate interest, there were two pressing issues that came up in the last two months.
1. Emerson/Holmes/Harper
Do we really need three junior highs? The student populations are not balanced between the three and Emerson has been running a small site of roughly 500 plus students. Do we need three? Could we reconfigure the middle schools to a 6-8? Could we go to a 7-8 model and close one of the schools? Emerson still needs modernization – is it worth it to upgrade the facility? Do we geographically balance the town by keeping Holmes on the east and Emerson on the west? Do we consider Harper as a site for another high school?
2. Davis High School 9 through 12?
There was a lot of talk about reconfiguring DHS to a traditional four year site. Is this in the best interests of our students? Would they be more successful in this model? While the rest of CA and the nation follows the four year model, DHS has been largely successful for decades as a three year. Everyone needs to think long and hard about the pros and cons of our current situation and ask themselves what the goals would be in altering this structure.
During the ‘panic’ mode, a lot of hasty decisions and suggestions were being thrown forward. I am glad that we have a breather right now, but I think that these conversations still need to be had. Let’s hope that the community, district staff, and the teachers can have an open and constructive dialogue as to what the best interests of the entire communtiy are and how the students will best be served.
DJUSD needs to take a really long hard look at how they will plan for the next few years. Things cannot simply stay “status quo”. If there was a good thing about this budget crisis, it was that hard decisions were brought forward for everyone to look at and contemplate. Thankfully, no one has to act on them just yet. But this is not to say that it’s all over. A lot of painful decisions still remain to be considered.
Of immediate interest, there were two pressing issues that came up in the last two months.
1. Emerson/Holmes/Harper
Do we really need three junior highs? The student populations are not balanced between the three and Emerson has been running a small site of roughly 500 plus students. Do we need three? Could we reconfigure the middle schools to a 6-8? Could we go to a 7-8 model and close one of the schools? Emerson still needs modernization – is it worth it to upgrade the facility? Do we geographically balance the town by keeping Holmes on the east and Emerson on the west? Do we consider Harper as a site for another high school?
2. Davis High School 9 through 12?
There was a lot of talk about reconfiguring DHS to a traditional four year site. Is this in the best interests of our students? Would they be more successful in this model? While the rest of CA and the nation follows the four year model, DHS has been largely successful for decades as a three year. Everyone needs to think long and hard about the pros and cons of our current situation and ask themselves what the goals would be in altering this structure.
During the ‘panic’ mode, a lot of hasty decisions and suggestions were being thrown forward. I am glad that we have a breather right now, but I think that these conversations still need to be had. Let’s hope that the community, district staff, and the teachers can have an open and constructive dialogue as to what the best interests of the entire communtiy are and how the students will best be served.
DJUSD needs to take a really long hard look at how they will plan for the next few years. Things cannot simply stay “status quo”. If there was a good thing about this budget crisis, it was that hard decisions were brought forward for everyone to look at and contemplate. Thankfully, no one has to act on them just yet. But this is not to say that it’s all over. A lot of painful decisions still remain to be considered.
Of immediate interest, there were two pressing issues that came up in the last two months.
1. Emerson/Holmes/Harper
Do we really need three junior highs? The student populations are not balanced between the three and Emerson has been running a small site of roughly 500 plus students. Do we need three? Could we reconfigure the middle schools to a 6-8? Could we go to a 7-8 model and close one of the schools? Emerson still needs modernization – is it worth it to upgrade the facility? Do we geographically balance the town by keeping Holmes on the east and Emerson on the west? Do we consider Harper as a site for another high school?
2. Davis High School 9 through 12?
There was a lot of talk about reconfiguring DHS to a traditional four year site. Is this in the best interests of our students? Would they be more successful in this model? While the rest of CA and the nation follows the four year model, DHS has been largely successful for decades as a three year. Everyone needs to think long and hard about the pros and cons of our current situation and ask themselves what the goals would be in altering this structure.
During the ‘panic’ mode, a lot of hasty decisions and suggestions were being thrown forward. I am glad that we have a breather right now, but I think that these conversations still need to be had. Let’s hope that the community, district staff, and the teachers can have an open and constructive dialogue as to what the best interests of the entire communtiy are and how the students will best be served.
DJUSD needs to take a really long hard look at how they will plan for the next few years. Things cannot simply stay “status quo”. If there was a good thing about this budget crisis, it was that hard decisions were brought forward for everyone to look at and contemplate. Thankfully, no one has to act on them just yet. But this is not to say that it’s all over. A lot of painful decisions still remain to be considered.
Of immediate interest, there were two pressing issues that came up in the last two months.
1. Emerson/Holmes/Harper
Do we really need three junior highs? The student populations are not balanced between the three and Emerson has been running a small site of roughly 500 plus students. Do we need three? Could we reconfigure the middle schools to a 6-8? Could we go to a 7-8 model and close one of the schools? Emerson still needs modernization – is it worth it to upgrade the facility? Do we geographically balance the town by keeping Holmes on the east and Emerson on the west? Do we consider Harper as a site for another high school?
2. Davis High School 9 through 12?
There was a lot of talk about reconfiguring DHS to a traditional four year site. Is this in the best interests of our students? Would they be more successful in this model? While the rest of CA and the nation follows the four year model, DHS has been largely successful for decades as a three year. Everyone needs to think long and hard about the pros and cons of our current situation and ask themselves what the goals would be in altering this structure.
During the ‘panic’ mode, a lot of hasty decisions and suggestions were being thrown forward. I am glad that we have a breather right now, but I think that these conversations still need to be had. Let’s hope that the community, district staff, and the teachers can have an open and constructive dialogue as to what the best interests of the entire communtiy are and how the students will best be served.
I applaud the comments of Anonymous 6:34 am. It can no longer be business as usual. A lot of corruption was uncovered by DPD in the school district system, which greatly contributed to the mess we have now. In as much as current School Board members claim they have somehow “fixed” these problems, I don’t believe that for a single minute. And if the community’s perception is the same as Anonymous 6:34 am and mine, it would behoove the School Board to think carefully before they ask the public to pony up for another parcel tax.
I am going to add on to Anonymous 6:34 am’s list, with some concerns of my own:
1. Should the school district sell off assets to fund ongoing programs, or rather devise ways to lease out assets to generate a steady stream of income?
2. How can the school district incorporate the natural fluctuation of enrollment, so that a decline in one year or surge in another doesn’t particulary upset the effective operation of our school system?
3. What safeguards can we put in place to ensure that not too many schools will be built in the future, because of the pressures of developers to promise what cannot be delivered in the way of operating expenses?
4. Do we have too many schools now? If so, how can we reconfigure them in a way that does not impact property values; addresses the need of children to attend a neighborhood school; makes sure there are enough schools to handle any future increases in enrollment?
5. What methodology do we use to determine enrollment? How accurate are our estimates? How does the city of Davis compare with other cities in regard to handling fluctuating enrollment figures?
6. What special programs are in place that tend to be particularly vulnerable to budget and enrollment fluctuations? How can we devise systems to ensure these programs survive either a budget crisis or drop in enrollment (or both)?
7. Can we better define where money for schools is being spent, rather than pushing for another parcel tax without clearly delineating where the money will be going?
8. Is there some way that parents and teachers can become involved in fiscal oversight, to give them more confidence that the public is aware of any funding problems the schools may have that need addressing? In other words, how can we encourage transparency in the school budgeting process?
9. How can we spruce up our school facilities, so they do not have the appearance of being shabby? Is this something the community can get behind, especially those in the surrounding neighborhood of a school in need of a little paint?
10. It is not appropriate to turn to citizens’ pocketbooks to bail the schools out of whatever crisis the District and School Board have put themselves in. Can we continue the Davis Schools Foundation, for more worthy causes, but not allow it to be a way the School District can address its own malfeasance?
I would strongly suggest the new Supt. of Schools think about holding a citizen roundtable discussion, on how we can better protect our schools. Obviously the School Board did not do a very good job of it – and made very poor suggestions when in the middle of a crisis.
Closing a school that serves an entire section of town or at risk constituency is a very poor solution to a monetary shortfall, as is laying off teachers and librarians. The fact of the matter is, Woodland was not going to lay any teachers off, and West Sac was going to lay off very few. That should serve as a stark reminder that Davis has not done things right by a long shot!
Yes, citizens rallied round, but now the School Board and District need to do their part to obtain citizen input on how best to never find ourselves in a situation like this again. If citizens do not demand better, and strongly, I can assure you nothing much will change – and we could find ourselves in a similar situation again. This should be a wake up call that is not ignored!
PS Feel free to add to my list and that of Anonymous 6:34 am.
I applaud the comments of Anonymous 6:34 am. It can no longer be business as usual. A lot of corruption was uncovered by DPD in the school district system, which greatly contributed to the mess we have now. In as much as current School Board members claim they have somehow “fixed” these problems, I don’t believe that for a single minute. And if the community’s perception is the same as Anonymous 6:34 am and mine, it would behoove the School Board to think carefully before they ask the public to pony up for another parcel tax.
I am going to add on to Anonymous 6:34 am’s list, with some concerns of my own:
1. Should the school district sell off assets to fund ongoing programs, or rather devise ways to lease out assets to generate a steady stream of income?
2. How can the school district incorporate the natural fluctuation of enrollment, so that a decline in one year or surge in another doesn’t particulary upset the effective operation of our school system?
3. What safeguards can we put in place to ensure that not too many schools will be built in the future, because of the pressures of developers to promise what cannot be delivered in the way of operating expenses?
4. Do we have too many schools now? If so, how can we reconfigure them in a way that does not impact property values; addresses the need of children to attend a neighborhood school; makes sure there are enough schools to handle any future increases in enrollment?
5. What methodology do we use to determine enrollment? How accurate are our estimates? How does the city of Davis compare with other cities in regard to handling fluctuating enrollment figures?
6. What special programs are in place that tend to be particularly vulnerable to budget and enrollment fluctuations? How can we devise systems to ensure these programs survive either a budget crisis or drop in enrollment (or both)?
7. Can we better define where money for schools is being spent, rather than pushing for another parcel tax without clearly delineating where the money will be going?
8. Is there some way that parents and teachers can become involved in fiscal oversight, to give them more confidence that the public is aware of any funding problems the schools may have that need addressing? In other words, how can we encourage transparency in the school budgeting process?
9. How can we spruce up our school facilities, so they do not have the appearance of being shabby? Is this something the community can get behind, especially those in the surrounding neighborhood of a school in need of a little paint?
10. It is not appropriate to turn to citizens’ pocketbooks to bail the schools out of whatever crisis the District and School Board have put themselves in. Can we continue the Davis Schools Foundation, for more worthy causes, but not allow it to be a way the School District can address its own malfeasance?
I would strongly suggest the new Supt. of Schools think about holding a citizen roundtable discussion, on how we can better protect our schools. Obviously the School Board did not do a very good job of it – and made very poor suggestions when in the middle of a crisis.
Closing a school that serves an entire section of town or at risk constituency is a very poor solution to a monetary shortfall, as is laying off teachers and librarians. The fact of the matter is, Woodland was not going to lay any teachers off, and West Sac was going to lay off very few. That should serve as a stark reminder that Davis has not done things right by a long shot!
Yes, citizens rallied round, but now the School Board and District need to do their part to obtain citizen input on how best to never find ourselves in a situation like this again. If citizens do not demand better, and strongly, I can assure you nothing much will change – and we could find ourselves in a similar situation again. This should be a wake up call that is not ignored!
PS Feel free to add to my list and that of Anonymous 6:34 am.
I applaud the comments of Anonymous 6:34 am. It can no longer be business as usual. A lot of corruption was uncovered by DPD in the school district system, which greatly contributed to the mess we have now. In as much as current School Board members claim they have somehow “fixed” these problems, I don’t believe that for a single minute. And if the community’s perception is the same as Anonymous 6:34 am and mine, it would behoove the School Board to think carefully before they ask the public to pony up for another parcel tax.
I am going to add on to Anonymous 6:34 am’s list, with some concerns of my own:
1. Should the school district sell off assets to fund ongoing programs, or rather devise ways to lease out assets to generate a steady stream of income?
2. How can the school district incorporate the natural fluctuation of enrollment, so that a decline in one year or surge in another doesn’t particulary upset the effective operation of our school system?
3. What safeguards can we put in place to ensure that not too many schools will be built in the future, because of the pressures of developers to promise what cannot be delivered in the way of operating expenses?
4. Do we have too many schools now? If so, how can we reconfigure them in a way that does not impact property values; addresses the need of children to attend a neighborhood school; makes sure there are enough schools to handle any future increases in enrollment?
5. What methodology do we use to determine enrollment? How accurate are our estimates? How does the city of Davis compare with other cities in regard to handling fluctuating enrollment figures?
6. What special programs are in place that tend to be particularly vulnerable to budget and enrollment fluctuations? How can we devise systems to ensure these programs survive either a budget crisis or drop in enrollment (or both)?
7. Can we better define where money for schools is being spent, rather than pushing for another parcel tax without clearly delineating where the money will be going?
8. Is there some way that parents and teachers can become involved in fiscal oversight, to give them more confidence that the public is aware of any funding problems the schools may have that need addressing? In other words, how can we encourage transparency in the school budgeting process?
9. How can we spruce up our school facilities, so they do not have the appearance of being shabby? Is this something the community can get behind, especially those in the surrounding neighborhood of a school in need of a little paint?
10. It is not appropriate to turn to citizens’ pocketbooks to bail the schools out of whatever crisis the District and School Board have put themselves in. Can we continue the Davis Schools Foundation, for more worthy causes, but not allow it to be a way the School District can address its own malfeasance?
I would strongly suggest the new Supt. of Schools think about holding a citizen roundtable discussion, on how we can better protect our schools. Obviously the School Board did not do a very good job of it – and made very poor suggestions when in the middle of a crisis.
Closing a school that serves an entire section of town or at risk constituency is a very poor solution to a monetary shortfall, as is laying off teachers and librarians. The fact of the matter is, Woodland was not going to lay any teachers off, and West Sac was going to lay off very few. That should serve as a stark reminder that Davis has not done things right by a long shot!
Yes, citizens rallied round, but now the School Board and District need to do their part to obtain citizen input on how best to never find ourselves in a situation like this again. If citizens do not demand better, and strongly, I can assure you nothing much will change – and we could find ourselves in a similar situation again. This should be a wake up call that is not ignored!
PS Feel free to add to my list and that of Anonymous 6:34 am.
I applaud the comments of Anonymous 6:34 am. It can no longer be business as usual. A lot of corruption was uncovered by DPD in the school district system, which greatly contributed to the mess we have now. In as much as current School Board members claim they have somehow “fixed” these problems, I don’t believe that for a single minute. And if the community’s perception is the same as Anonymous 6:34 am and mine, it would behoove the School Board to think carefully before they ask the public to pony up for another parcel tax.
I am going to add on to Anonymous 6:34 am’s list, with some concerns of my own:
1. Should the school district sell off assets to fund ongoing programs, or rather devise ways to lease out assets to generate a steady stream of income?
2. How can the school district incorporate the natural fluctuation of enrollment, so that a decline in one year or surge in another doesn’t particulary upset the effective operation of our school system?
3. What safeguards can we put in place to ensure that not too many schools will be built in the future, because of the pressures of developers to promise what cannot be delivered in the way of operating expenses?
4. Do we have too many schools now? If so, how can we reconfigure them in a way that does not impact property values; addresses the need of children to attend a neighborhood school; makes sure there are enough schools to handle any future increases in enrollment?
5. What methodology do we use to determine enrollment? How accurate are our estimates? How does the city of Davis compare with other cities in regard to handling fluctuating enrollment figures?
6. What special programs are in place that tend to be particularly vulnerable to budget and enrollment fluctuations? How can we devise systems to ensure these programs survive either a budget crisis or drop in enrollment (or both)?
7. Can we better define where money for schools is being spent, rather than pushing for another parcel tax without clearly delineating where the money will be going?
8. Is there some way that parents and teachers can become involved in fiscal oversight, to give them more confidence that the public is aware of any funding problems the schools may have that need addressing? In other words, how can we encourage transparency in the school budgeting process?
9. How can we spruce up our school facilities, so they do not have the appearance of being shabby? Is this something the community can get behind, especially those in the surrounding neighborhood of a school in need of a little paint?
10. It is not appropriate to turn to citizens’ pocketbooks to bail the schools out of whatever crisis the District and School Board have put themselves in. Can we continue the Davis Schools Foundation, for more worthy causes, but not allow it to be a way the School District can address its own malfeasance?
I would strongly suggest the new Supt. of Schools think about holding a citizen roundtable discussion, on how we can better protect our schools. Obviously the School Board did not do a very good job of it – and made very poor suggestions when in the middle of a crisis.
Closing a school that serves an entire section of town or at risk constituency is a very poor solution to a monetary shortfall, as is laying off teachers and librarians. The fact of the matter is, Woodland was not going to lay any teachers off, and West Sac was going to lay off very few. That should serve as a stark reminder that Davis has not done things right by a long shot!
Yes, citizens rallied round, but now the School Board and District need to do their part to obtain citizen input on how best to never find ourselves in a situation like this again. If citizens do not demand better, and strongly, I can assure you nothing much will change – and we could find ourselves in a similar situation again. This should be a wake up call that is not ignored!
PS Feel free to add to my list and that of Anonymous 6:34 am.
“applauding said…
1. Should the school district sell off assets to fund ongoing programs, or rather devise ways to lease out assets to generate a steady stream of income?”
Funds derived from facilities sales or use usually cannot, by law, be used to fund educational salaries and programs. That’s why the district cannot sell off the Grande property and take care of its budget deficit.
“2. How can the school district incorporate the natural fluctuation of enrollment, so that a decline in one year or surge in another doesn’t particulary upset the effective operation of our school system?”
Part of the reason the district got into this mess is that it planned for growth that did not happen. It proposed to build three new schools when really the district could support only one or two new schools efficiently. That’s why they decided to close an elementary school (Valley Oak).
In the late ’90’s, the district proposed the bond measure to build those schools, and the Davis voting public approved it.
“3. What safeguards can we put in place to ensure that not too many schools will be built in the future, because of the pressures of developers to promise what cannot be delivered in the way of operating expenses?”
Davis voters need to be vigilent. Voting for new schools can feel like supporting God, Mom, and apple pie. It feels like a positive thing to support if you don’t study the full context and consequences.
“4. Do we have too many schools now? If so, how can we reconfigure them in a way that does not impact property values; addresses the need of children to attend a neighborhood school; makes sure there are enough schools to handle any future increases in enrollment?”
Unless the district comes up w/ some creative solutions, it is possible that either another elementary or a JH may have to close.
“5. What methodology do we use to determine enrollment? How accurate are our estimates? How does the city of Davis compare with other cities in regard to handling fluctuating enrollment figures?”
District, along w/ the rest of the state, declares enrollment on a certain date in early fall to be the “official” enrollment for the year.
Many other districts are also dealing w/ declining enrollment. This is because the kids of baby boomers are passing through schools. There is a minor baby boom passing through. Right now they are passing through college.
“6. What special programs are in place that tend to be particularly vulnerable to budget and enrollment fluctuations? How can we devise systems to ensure these programs survive either a budget crisis or drop in enrollment (or both)?”
Elementary music, elementary science, librarians because in the budget modeling, the regular classroom teachers have priority funding. It is considered “less efficient” to be paying those other employees while paying for classroom teachers at the same time.
“8. Is there some way that parents and teachers can become involved in fiscal oversight, to give them more confidence that the public is aware of any funding problems the schools may have that need addressing? In other words, how can we encourage transparency in the school budgeting process?”
Pay attention to school board meetings, ask questions of district staff and board trustees, make a public information request at the district office for a copy of the budget.
Right now you can go to the district office (during bus. hours) and obtain a copy of the current budget. It’s a mess to decipher it, but you can schedule appointments w/ district staff and ask questions about the budget.
“9. How can we spruce up our school facilities, so they do not have the appearance of being shabby? Is this something the community can get behind, especially those in the surrounding neighborhood of a school in need of a little paint?”
Get involved in PTO’s, volunteer at your local schools. Raise hell w/ your principal, district staff, and school board members. If you are persistent, articulate, and patient enough, you can often get the results you are seeking.
“10. It is not appropriate to turn to citizens’ pocketbooks to bail the schools out of whatever crisis the District and School Board have put themselves in. Can we continue the Davis Schools Foundation, for more worthy causes, but not allow it to be a way the School District can address its own malfeasance?”
I agree w/ you, but a public school system isn’t just one that is accessible to the public, it is one that is accountable to and run by the public.
A problem w/ a democracy is that voters don’t usually take even proportional accountability for their action or inaction.
In Davis, the public wasn’t paying attention and asking questions when times were good. The tools for transparency and accountability have always been available to us. Now that we’re waist deep in this mess, we are too ready to blame others.
“applauding said…
1. Should the school district sell off assets to fund ongoing programs, or rather devise ways to lease out assets to generate a steady stream of income?”
Funds derived from facilities sales or use usually cannot, by law, be used to fund educational salaries and programs. That’s why the district cannot sell off the Grande property and take care of its budget deficit.
“2. How can the school district incorporate the natural fluctuation of enrollment, so that a decline in one year or surge in another doesn’t particulary upset the effective operation of our school system?”
Part of the reason the district got into this mess is that it planned for growth that did not happen. It proposed to build three new schools when really the district could support only one or two new schools efficiently. That’s why they decided to close an elementary school (Valley Oak).
In the late ’90’s, the district proposed the bond measure to build those schools, and the Davis voting public approved it.
“3. What safeguards can we put in place to ensure that not too many schools will be built in the future, because of the pressures of developers to promise what cannot be delivered in the way of operating expenses?”
Davis voters need to be vigilent. Voting for new schools can feel like supporting God, Mom, and apple pie. It feels like a positive thing to support if you don’t study the full context and consequences.
“4. Do we have too many schools now? If so, how can we reconfigure them in a way that does not impact property values; addresses the need of children to attend a neighborhood school; makes sure there are enough schools to handle any future increases in enrollment?”
Unless the district comes up w/ some creative solutions, it is possible that either another elementary or a JH may have to close.
“5. What methodology do we use to determine enrollment? How accurate are our estimates? How does the city of Davis compare with other cities in regard to handling fluctuating enrollment figures?”
District, along w/ the rest of the state, declares enrollment on a certain date in early fall to be the “official” enrollment for the year.
Many other districts are also dealing w/ declining enrollment. This is because the kids of baby boomers are passing through schools. There is a minor baby boom passing through. Right now they are passing through college.
“6. What special programs are in place that tend to be particularly vulnerable to budget and enrollment fluctuations? How can we devise systems to ensure these programs survive either a budget crisis or drop in enrollment (or both)?”
Elementary music, elementary science, librarians because in the budget modeling, the regular classroom teachers have priority funding. It is considered “less efficient” to be paying those other employees while paying for classroom teachers at the same time.
“8. Is there some way that parents and teachers can become involved in fiscal oversight, to give them more confidence that the public is aware of any funding problems the schools may have that need addressing? In other words, how can we encourage transparency in the school budgeting process?”
Pay attention to school board meetings, ask questions of district staff and board trustees, make a public information request at the district office for a copy of the budget.
Right now you can go to the district office (during bus. hours) and obtain a copy of the current budget. It’s a mess to decipher it, but you can schedule appointments w/ district staff and ask questions about the budget.
“9. How can we spruce up our school facilities, so they do not have the appearance of being shabby? Is this something the community can get behind, especially those in the surrounding neighborhood of a school in need of a little paint?”
Get involved in PTO’s, volunteer at your local schools. Raise hell w/ your principal, district staff, and school board members. If you are persistent, articulate, and patient enough, you can often get the results you are seeking.
“10. It is not appropriate to turn to citizens’ pocketbooks to bail the schools out of whatever crisis the District and School Board have put themselves in. Can we continue the Davis Schools Foundation, for more worthy causes, but not allow it to be a way the School District can address its own malfeasance?”
I agree w/ you, but a public school system isn’t just one that is accessible to the public, it is one that is accountable to and run by the public.
A problem w/ a democracy is that voters don’t usually take even proportional accountability for their action or inaction.
In Davis, the public wasn’t paying attention and asking questions when times were good. The tools for transparency and accountability have always been available to us. Now that we’re waist deep in this mess, we are too ready to blame others.
“applauding said…
1. Should the school district sell off assets to fund ongoing programs, or rather devise ways to lease out assets to generate a steady stream of income?”
Funds derived from facilities sales or use usually cannot, by law, be used to fund educational salaries and programs. That’s why the district cannot sell off the Grande property and take care of its budget deficit.
“2. How can the school district incorporate the natural fluctuation of enrollment, so that a decline in one year or surge in another doesn’t particulary upset the effective operation of our school system?”
Part of the reason the district got into this mess is that it planned for growth that did not happen. It proposed to build three new schools when really the district could support only one or two new schools efficiently. That’s why they decided to close an elementary school (Valley Oak).
In the late ’90’s, the district proposed the bond measure to build those schools, and the Davis voting public approved it.
“3. What safeguards can we put in place to ensure that not too many schools will be built in the future, because of the pressures of developers to promise what cannot be delivered in the way of operating expenses?”
Davis voters need to be vigilent. Voting for new schools can feel like supporting God, Mom, and apple pie. It feels like a positive thing to support if you don’t study the full context and consequences.
“4. Do we have too many schools now? If so, how can we reconfigure them in a way that does not impact property values; addresses the need of children to attend a neighborhood school; makes sure there are enough schools to handle any future increases in enrollment?”
Unless the district comes up w/ some creative solutions, it is possible that either another elementary or a JH may have to close.
“5. What methodology do we use to determine enrollment? How accurate are our estimates? How does the city of Davis compare with other cities in regard to handling fluctuating enrollment figures?”
District, along w/ the rest of the state, declares enrollment on a certain date in early fall to be the “official” enrollment for the year.
Many other districts are also dealing w/ declining enrollment. This is because the kids of baby boomers are passing through schools. There is a minor baby boom passing through. Right now they are passing through college.
“6. What special programs are in place that tend to be particularly vulnerable to budget and enrollment fluctuations? How can we devise systems to ensure these programs survive either a budget crisis or drop in enrollment (or both)?”
Elementary music, elementary science, librarians because in the budget modeling, the regular classroom teachers have priority funding. It is considered “less efficient” to be paying those other employees while paying for classroom teachers at the same time.
“8. Is there some way that parents and teachers can become involved in fiscal oversight, to give them more confidence that the public is aware of any funding problems the schools may have that need addressing? In other words, how can we encourage transparency in the school budgeting process?”
Pay attention to school board meetings, ask questions of district staff and board trustees, make a public information request at the district office for a copy of the budget.
Right now you can go to the district office (during bus. hours) and obtain a copy of the current budget. It’s a mess to decipher it, but you can schedule appointments w/ district staff and ask questions about the budget.
“9. How can we spruce up our school facilities, so they do not have the appearance of being shabby? Is this something the community can get behind, especially those in the surrounding neighborhood of a school in need of a little paint?”
Get involved in PTO’s, volunteer at your local schools. Raise hell w/ your principal, district staff, and school board members. If you are persistent, articulate, and patient enough, you can often get the results you are seeking.
“10. It is not appropriate to turn to citizens’ pocketbooks to bail the schools out of whatever crisis the District and School Board have put themselves in. Can we continue the Davis Schools Foundation, for more worthy causes, but not allow it to be a way the School District can address its own malfeasance?”
I agree w/ you, but a public school system isn’t just one that is accessible to the public, it is one that is accountable to and run by the public.
A problem w/ a democracy is that voters don’t usually take even proportional accountability for their action or inaction.
In Davis, the public wasn’t paying attention and asking questions when times were good. The tools for transparency and accountability have always been available to us. Now that we’re waist deep in this mess, we are too ready to blame others.
“applauding said…
1. Should the school district sell off assets to fund ongoing programs, or rather devise ways to lease out assets to generate a steady stream of income?”
Funds derived from facilities sales or use usually cannot, by law, be used to fund educational salaries and programs. That’s why the district cannot sell off the Grande property and take care of its budget deficit.
“2. How can the school district incorporate the natural fluctuation of enrollment, so that a decline in one year or surge in another doesn’t particulary upset the effective operation of our school system?”
Part of the reason the district got into this mess is that it planned for growth that did not happen. It proposed to build three new schools when really the district could support only one or two new schools efficiently. That’s why they decided to close an elementary school (Valley Oak).
In the late ’90’s, the district proposed the bond measure to build those schools, and the Davis voting public approved it.
“3. What safeguards can we put in place to ensure that not too many schools will be built in the future, because of the pressures of developers to promise what cannot be delivered in the way of operating expenses?”
Davis voters need to be vigilent. Voting for new schools can feel like supporting God, Mom, and apple pie. It feels like a positive thing to support if you don’t study the full context and consequences.
“4. Do we have too many schools now? If so, how can we reconfigure them in a way that does not impact property values; addresses the need of children to attend a neighborhood school; makes sure there are enough schools to handle any future increases in enrollment?”
Unless the district comes up w/ some creative solutions, it is possible that either another elementary or a JH may have to close.
“5. What methodology do we use to determine enrollment? How accurate are our estimates? How does the city of Davis compare with other cities in regard to handling fluctuating enrollment figures?”
District, along w/ the rest of the state, declares enrollment on a certain date in early fall to be the “official” enrollment for the year.
Many other districts are also dealing w/ declining enrollment. This is because the kids of baby boomers are passing through schools. There is a minor baby boom passing through. Right now they are passing through college.
“6. What special programs are in place that tend to be particularly vulnerable to budget and enrollment fluctuations? How can we devise systems to ensure these programs survive either a budget crisis or drop in enrollment (or both)?”
Elementary music, elementary science, librarians because in the budget modeling, the regular classroom teachers have priority funding. It is considered “less efficient” to be paying those other employees while paying for classroom teachers at the same time.
“8. Is there some way that parents and teachers can become involved in fiscal oversight, to give them more confidence that the public is aware of any funding problems the schools may have that need addressing? In other words, how can we encourage transparency in the school budgeting process?”
Pay attention to school board meetings, ask questions of district staff and board trustees, make a public information request at the district office for a copy of the budget.
Right now you can go to the district office (during bus. hours) and obtain a copy of the current budget. It’s a mess to decipher it, but you can schedule appointments w/ district staff and ask questions about the budget.
“9. How can we spruce up our school facilities, so they do not have the appearance of being shabby? Is this something the community can get behind, especially those in the surrounding neighborhood of a school in need of a little paint?”
Get involved in PTO’s, volunteer at your local schools. Raise hell w/ your principal, district staff, and school board members. If you are persistent, articulate, and patient enough, you can often get the results you are seeking.
“10. It is not appropriate to turn to citizens’ pocketbooks to bail the schools out of whatever crisis the District and School Board have put themselves in. Can we continue the Davis Schools Foundation, for more worthy causes, but not allow it to be a way the School District can address its own malfeasance?”
I agree w/ you, but a public school system isn’t just one that is accessible to the public, it is one that is accountable to and run by the public.
A problem w/ a democracy is that voters don’t usually take even proportional accountability for their action or inaction.
In Davis, the public wasn’t paying attention and asking questions when times were good. The tools for transparency and accountability have always been available to us. Now that we’re waist deep in this mess, we are too ready to blame others.
this is great news for davis schools in the short term. i was concerned for a moment there at the beginning that people were not going to step up, but by and large the city did, and that is a relief.
in the long term, we have a lot of discussions left to have, starting with why it is that the state government can get away with cutting funds to local governments and school boards year after year and pass it off as a local problem, instead of a state one. prop 13, the 2/3 tax and budget requirements all need to be reevaluated and reformed so that we aren’t in this state of starvation and constant crisis.
additionally, the school district needs to have a long and frank discussion about what it is that we value most, what we need to keep the system running, and how we’re going to go about funding that. that conversation couldn’t even happen until we plugged the short term gap, but now that we have, it’s time.
this is great news for davis schools in the short term. i was concerned for a moment there at the beginning that people were not going to step up, but by and large the city did, and that is a relief.
in the long term, we have a lot of discussions left to have, starting with why it is that the state government can get away with cutting funds to local governments and school boards year after year and pass it off as a local problem, instead of a state one. prop 13, the 2/3 tax and budget requirements all need to be reevaluated and reformed so that we aren’t in this state of starvation and constant crisis.
additionally, the school district needs to have a long and frank discussion about what it is that we value most, what we need to keep the system running, and how we’re going to go about funding that. that conversation couldn’t even happen until we plugged the short term gap, but now that we have, it’s time.
this is great news for davis schools in the short term. i was concerned for a moment there at the beginning that people were not going to step up, but by and large the city did, and that is a relief.
in the long term, we have a lot of discussions left to have, starting with why it is that the state government can get away with cutting funds to local governments and school boards year after year and pass it off as a local problem, instead of a state one. prop 13, the 2/3 tax and budget requirements all need to be reevaluated and reformed so that we aren’t in this state of starvation and constant crisis.
additionally, the school district needs to have a long and frank discussion about what it is that we value most, what we need to keep the system running, and how we’re going to go about funding that. that conversation couldn’t even happen until we plugged the short term gap, but now that we have, it’s time.
this is great news for davis schools in the short term. i was concerned for a moment there at the beginning that people were not going to step up, but by and large the city did, and that is a relief.
in the long term, we have a lot of discussions left to have, starting with why it is that the state government can get away with cutting funds to local governments and school boards year after year and pass it off as a local problem, instead of a state one. prop 13, the 2/3 tax and budget requirements all need to be reevaluated and reformed so that we aren’t in this state of starvation and constant crisis.
additionally, the school district needs to have a long and frank discussion about what it is that we value most, what we need to keep the system running, and how we’re going to go about funding that. that conversation couldn’t even happen until we plugged the short term gap, but now that we have, it’s time.
There are two sides to this problem – spending and funding. The District can become the most efficient school system in the State and still have a problem. The district is too dependent on state money and that position means there will always be risk. The idea of using excess school space to generate income is a good one. Both the city and schools have a revenue problem and some of that is because the community has erected a fence around itself and has refused to grow. Also, the community has elected to spurn certain types of shopping which forces people to pay their sales taxes in other communties. The choice is out there – either pay higher taxes and stay the same (but poorer) or selectively add development that will generate more income. Doing nothing is not an alternative and time is ticking.
There are two sides to this problem – spending and funding. The District can become the most efficient school system in the State and still have a problem. The district is too dependent on state money and that position means there will always be risk. The idea of using excess school space to generate income is a good one. Both the city and schools have a revenue problem and some of that is because the community has erected a fence around itself and has refused to grow. Also, the community has elected to spurn certain types of shopping which forces people to pay their sales taxes in other communties. The choice is out there – either pay higher taxes and stay the same (but poorer) or selectively add development that will generate more income. Doing nothing is not an alternative and time is ticking.
There are two sides to this problem – spending and funding. The District can become the most efficient school system in the State and still have a problem. The district is too dependent on state money and that position means there will always be risk. The idea of using excess school space to generate income is a good one. Both the city and schools have a revenue problem and some of that is because the community has erected a fence around itself and has refused to grow. Also, the community has elected to spurn certain types of shopping which forces people to pay their sales taxes in other communties. The choice is out there – either pay higher taxes and stay the same (but poorer) or selectively add development that will generate more income. Doing nothing is not an alternative and time is ticking.
There are two sides to this problem – spending and funding. The District can become the most efficient school system in the State and still have a problem. The district is too dependent on state money and that position means there will always be risk. The idea of using excess school space to generate income is a good one. Both the city and schools have a revenue problem and some of that is because the community has erected a fence around itself and has refused to grow. Also, the community has elected to spurn certain types of shopping which forces people to pay their sales taxes in other communties. The choice is out there – either pay higher taxes and stay the same (but poorer) or selectively add development that will generate more income. Doing nothing is not an alternative and time is ticking.
I am continuing to applaud!!! From the comments in this blog, my sense is that citizens do realize it cannot be business as usual, with respect to our educational system. Now if we can just convince the School District and Board of that!!!
I am continuing to applaud!!! From the comments in this blog, my sense is that citizens do realize it cannot be business as usual, with respect to our educational system. Now if we can just convince the School District and Board of that!!!
I am continuing to applaud!!! From the comments in this blog, my sense is that citizens do realize it cannot be business as usual, with respect to our educational system. Now if we can just convince the School District and Board of that!!!
I am continuing to applaud!!! From the comments in this blog, my sense is that citizens do realize it cannot be business as usual, with respect to our educational system. Now if we can just convince the School District and Board of that!!!
I think the 2009 school board election could be a little livelier than usual, given all that has transpired.
I hope we will all take that election very seriously.
I think the 2009 school board election could be a little livelier than usual, given all that has transpired.
I hope we will all take that election very seriously.
I think the 2009 school board election could be a little livelier than usual, given all that has transpired.
I hope we will all take that election very seriously.