A California Distinguished School National Blue Ribbon School
New Math Curriculum Resource Invitation (for parents)
Community Budget Forum Press Release (open forums)
SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL
For new agenda items, please contact principal/SSC chairman and fill out agenda item form. Request must be received prior to 72 hrs agenda being posted. Agenda is posted 72 hrs prior to the upcoming SSC meeting.
Superintendent Parent Advisory Committee
Education Service Center – Christa McAuliffe Room
December 2, 2008
Budget Update
Fiscal Report re: Governor Declares Fiscal Emergency. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a fiscal emergency and called lawmakers into a special budget session warning that California is in danger of running out of daily operating cash within two months.
Andrea McNeill, director of budget and finance provided parents with an update regarding the VUSD district budget. Since the adoption of the budget the State’s economic crisis has resulted in a current year deficit that is projected to be $11.2B. As of December 1, 2008, the Governor called an emergency meeting to announce an increase to the deficit of 1.5 to 2 billion. A variety of proposals have been made by legislatures, both in terms of revenue generation and expenditure reduction. Revenue generation proposals include - a three year 1.5 cent increase in sales tax, tripling the vehicle licensing fees and issuing bonds to be repaid with lottery earnings. To reduce expenditures an estimated $4B in cuts would be implemented in social services and education, along with a spending cap. For the district this means an estimated $3 M budget cuts which equates to a reduction of $180 per student. For the current year, the district is able to meet its obligations with minimal impact to the district, including maintaining the 3% reserve for economic uncertainty.
However, for the 2009/10 school year the ending balance will be spent, along with additional funds showing a negative $1.2M. With these assumptions, the District cannot meet its required reserve for economic uncertainties and maintain a positive ending fund balance. For 2009/10 spending reductions are unavoidable.
All over the state, schools are already cutting staff, increasing class size, implementing a school bus transportation fee, and turning to PTAs to acquire even further assistance. Schools have already stretched their budgets to provide the teachers and textbooks for students this year. Mid-year cuts would be extremely disruptive to the education of California’s students. Currently, Ventura Unified School District ranks between 46th out of 50 states in the nation in per pupil spending.
GRASP Grant
Joyce Cooper, resource counselor informed parents of the three year GRASP grant which purpose is to inform school community of danger s associated with alcohol abuse. The Ventura County Behavioral Health and the Ventura Unified School District GRASP Grant have put together a 45 minute PowerPoint presentation in English and Spanish that is available for school use. If you are interested in setting up a presentation for your school site, please contact the principal for approval.
Other available topics include: Alcoholic Energy Drinks and Youth: A Dangerous Mix, The RX risk: Prescription & Over the Counter Drug Use in Ventura County, Underage DUI in Ventura County, Know the New Law: School Host Ordinance, and Adult Accountability for Underage Drinking: Changing the Binge Drinking Norm.
These presentations appropriate for grades 7 – 12, adult PTA, ELAC and other parent groups. To schedule a presentation contact Joyce Cooper, resource counselor at 641-5000 x 1140 or joyce.cooper@venturausd.org.
Will Rogers / Dual Language Program
On behalf of principal Tish Short of Will Rogers School, Dr. Robles shared information regarding Dual Language Program to begin at Will Rogers Elementary School. Beginning in August of 2009 the dual language program for incoming kindergarten students will be offered. The program will take place during the regular school day, and continue through fifth grade. The goals of the program are bilingualism, biliteracy and multicultural proficiency. Students will have the opportunity to develop skills in English and Spanish. Enrollment will be open first to students in the Will Rogers attendance area and as space is available other students will be enrolled. For more information, please contact Principal Tish Short – 641-5496; patricia.short@venturausd.org
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VISION STATEMENT
In the Ventura Unified School District all students will receive an exemplary and balanced education fostering a life-long passion for learning and engagement. We demand excellence of ourselves because our supportive community has entrusted us with their children.
The Ventura Unified School District will educate all students in safe, healthy and high performing schools.
We will
Inspire all students to excel academically,
Honor the unique qualities and diverse backgrounds of all students,
Build supportive relationships,
Guide all students to reach their full potential,
Motivate all students to successfully pursue their chosen life paths, and
Engage all students to become responsible and contributing members of society.
Every student can learn.
We will make decisions in the best interest of students.
We will value and celebrate diversity, and treat all people with dignity and respect.
We will operate in a fiscally responsible manner.
We will work as a team.
We will maintain a working environment that promotes professional growth and excellence.
We will celebrate and recognize success, creativity and achievement through a variety of indicators.
We will embrace families and community as partners in education.
This site was last updated 03/14/10