WELCOME BACK

Welcome back to all staff from spring break.  As we head into the "testing stretch" of the school year, I want to thank all EUSD employees for their unique efforts to accomplish great things for our students.  I have been especially impressed during school visits this year by the focus teachers have placed on students being able to demonstrate what they comprehend.  I believe the reading comprehension strategies students have learned will stand them in good stead for continuous learning throughout their lifetimes.

IN THIS ISSUE: Welcome Back Fiscal News New School Board Focus Goals Health Insurance Committee EUSD: Did You Know? Staff and Student Recognitions

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Fiscal News

On the budget front, the district continues to move forward with over $11 million in budget reductions, in order to formulate and adopt a balanced 2009-2010 budget later this spring.  The district must make reduction and layoff decisions before we actually know the amount of real dollars that will be available to the district.  At times, I feel as though the school board is forced into that old childhood game of "pin the tail on the donkey."   We know roughly where the "target" is, but receive little guidance from those around us (the state government).  We will be "left in the dark" for an even longer time this year.  We expect to hear sometime in May of the potentially positive impact of the federal stimulus dollars, known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  We must also remain "blindfolded" until we know the outcomes of California's budget-balancing voter initiatives on the May 19 special election ballot, and if California's revenue projections come into the state as planned.  The school board and administration is attempting to make the very best decisions for children with the known available information at this time. 

Might we have to make budget adjustments later this year?  This is not only possible, but probable.  In good economic times, budgets are fluid creatures and this is even more true in difficult economic times when we control less economic variables from a local level.  Please stay tuned to updates on our district website, located under the budget section.

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New School Board Focus Goals

After input from students, parents, classified staff, and teachers, the school board met recently to establish new goals for EUSD for 2009 through 2010.  The strategic plan consists of nine draft goals.  It is the board members' continuous improvement plan for themselves and the district as we strive to improve our services to students, and continue the many outstanding programs currently in place.  Two particular goals address the use of technology in our district.  In the next Express edition, I will share more information about how we hope to infuse more 21st century skills and innovation into teaching and learning via technology, project-based learning, and interdisciplinary studies.  Click here to see the new draft Board Focus Goals.

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Health Insurance Committee at Work

I have received many communications this year from employees asking if the district has considered other health insurance alternatives, everything from tiered rates vs. composite rates, to different plan components, to doing away with dual spouse coverage.  The district health insurance committee is actively meeting to research and review all options of health benefit offerings for district employees.  The committee's goal is to provide the best coverage possible at the most reasonable cost.  The goal is to have some new options for the district and associations to consider prior to the October-November 2009 enrollment period.  A special thanks for this important investigative work goes to the health insurance committee members:  Cathie Swoboda, Carol Inga, Lance Barry, Ro Rota, Pat Bavender, Romero Maratea, Eric Daniels, Kyle Ruggles, Jim Scott, Alicia Thier, and Bob Leon.  Click here for the link to the latest committee meeting minutes.

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EUSD: Did You Know?

The San Diego County of Education is going green at the end of this school year in terms of pay warrants.  EUSD will no longer receive pay warrants (pay stubs) for those employees whose funds are electronically deposited directly into their personal accounts.  Employees will receive confidential website access information to be able to verify their funds online.  For EUSD employees who still receive an actual check, the district will be charged for each of those pay warrants beginning with the July 31 paychecks.  In order for the district not to incur these monthly fees, and to do our part in "going green", we ask those remaining employees receiving a paycheck (vs. just a pay stub) to please make arrangements with their bank or credit union for direct deposit before the end of the school year.  Your EUSD payroll office will gladly answer any questions regarding this requested change.  Our payroll department is also planning to have a computer terminal available to all employees during business hours for their convenience to verify/ print out a copy of their pay warrant.

EUSD is turning more "green" all the time.  Did you know that a team of district and site employees have been placing a number of the district's most-used forms online so that they can be transmitted electronically and save paper?  Thanks to the leadership of Business Service's Carol Walker and the Technology Media Services staff, we are making great strides in this important area.  Kudos also go to the pioneering secretaries and clerks who have volunteered their time and expertise during this entry phase.

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Staff and Student Recognitions

Rincon Middle School officially becomes a California Distinguished School once again on May 29th.  This is the school's second time for this prestigious award. Way to go, Bulldogs!

The first-ever EUSD Youth Media Festival was a tremendous success on March 11. The event was led by our own Escondido Education Foundation and its new director, Katie Ragazzi.  Student videos were showcased for the first time to interested parents and community members.  We hope to continue this tradition of excellence again next year at the Center for the Arts, Escondido.  Mark your calendars now for EUSD's next "media night," in early June, 2010 (date to be announced shortly). Kudos to Todd Mattox, Terri Price, Stevie Wheeler, Mitchell DeNeve, Rob Shepard, Heather Peterson, Tom Borer, Brad Pascoe, Frank Maggi, Kathy Shirley, Jodie Eichenberger, and many EUSD students for making this happen.

Bernardo teacher Gerald Lake has been selected as an Apple Distinguished Educator, Class of 2009.  Gerald is one of 52 teachers selected from throughout the nation.  He joins a unique forum of exemplary educators worldwide to exchange ideas and information about the uses of new technologies to create engaging learning environments.  This summer he will attend the Apple Distinguished Educator Summer Institute in Orlando, Florida.

Hidden Valley teacher Mae Chaplin has been selected by California State University, San Marcos as one of the 2009-2010 Distinguished Teachers in Residence.  Enjoy your year at the university, Mae.  We know you will be a great asset sharing your talents at the middle school teaching English-learner students.

EUSD's Child Nutrition Department recently went through a weeklong review, including site visits to Bernardo, Farr, and Bear Valley Schools.  The following was included in the exit report: "EUSD is to be commended for the outstanding school nutrition program provided to students...EUSD is a leader in stepping up to the plate to feed children in all the opportunities granted to your district."  Congratulations to the many hard-working women and men that make healthy meals possible for our students.

Andrea Lopez, a 7th grade student at Rincon Middle School, was recently awarded an $800 scholarship from the American Association of University Women to attend their 2009 Tech Trek science and math camp at the University of California, San Diego.  Andrea was one of only four girls in the county to be granted this honor.  At the weeklong resident camp, Andrea will be conducting experiments and learning new concepts in math and science. "I am excited to learn new things and spend time with girls my age who enjoy science," Andrea said.

EUSD has three of fifteen AVID Padres Scholars this year, Magdaleno Mora from Hidden Valley, Jeronimo Gomez from Mission, and Ernestine Carranza from Rincon Middle School.   Each of these eighth-grade AVID students will receive a $7,000 scholarship to attend the college of their choice.  Great job EUSD!

Del Dios Principal Darren McDuffie successfully defended his dissertation last Thursday at the University of Southern California. Congratulations, Dr. McDuffie!

Ana Maria Santana, attendance clerk at Bear Valley Middle School, was inducted into the Alpha Omega Rho Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Palomar College on April 24 based on her high academic standing.

Special applause goes to the many teachers at these schools and others who go the "extra mile" to encourage and provide scholarship access to our students.

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