A Web-based newsletter for the staff of Everett Public Schools
March 2, 2010 (NewsLinks articles are now archived on Docushare)
IN THIS ISSUE –
LEGISLATIVE NEWS and planning for budget reductions – WSSDA updates and related news articles in Docushare
As last week’s issue of NewsLinks emphasized, news and legislation about the state’s economic issues and the resulting impact to schools is rapidly evolving. To help you stay in touch with the issues and legislative action, we are gathering and archiving updates and news articles in one location for you.
MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – budget decisions ahead, advocacy in Olympia and March public meeting schedule about budget decisions
Even though our levies passed, state cuts make budget reductions necessary
The great irony for school districts across our state today is that most experienced higher-than-usual voter support for levies in February, yet they and we are now faced with the reality of deep budget cuts for school year 2010-11 and beyond.
Based upon information available from the Senate and House budget proposals and the most recent governor’s proposal, our budget cuts for next year could range from $2.4 million to $7 million. Until the legislators reconcile these divergent proposals and conclude this legislative session (scheduled for March 11), districts around the state will know only that budget cuts are necessary, but not how deep the cuts must be.
This irony makes no sense to our public. It is extremely frustrating for me, and I know it is also difficult and disappointing for everyone dedicated to the work we do to help each student prepare to become a successful, responsible and productive citizen. This will also frustrate and anger parents, patrons and voters.
In your roles as educators and community members, you can help to clarify for those in your circles of influence that this district and others in the state will be making difficult financial decisions because the state is again slashing K-12 education to balance the state budget. Elected officials are also maneuvering to minimize state tax increases by pushing more school funding on to local taxpayer support through local school levies.
(You may want to read last weekend’s Herald editorial which questioned such maneuvering in light of “… yet another court ruling that Washington isn’t adequately providing for the education of its children,” and described the legislature as appearing “poised to make part of the [funding] problem worse.”)
Fiscal Advisory Council work and public meetings to discuss budget
Despite the bull’s eye painted on student achievement funding by the legislature, the district has been working hard since December with the Fiscal Advisory Council to buffer classroom and program cutbacks, to find efficiencies or additional revenue and to reduce support services that affect adults, not kids. We won’t be able to shelter the classroom entirely because the projected funding cuts are too great.
Public meetings scheduled for March (see the list below) will be opportunities for us to learn more from staff, parents and community about expectations for schools. These meetings are also designed as opportunities for those who attend to learn more about the funding crisis created for schools by pending state decisions.
Legislative advocacy on behalf of this district
In these last few days of the legislative session, K-12 education continues to be threatened by budget proposals and a number of proposed bills and changes to funding formulas that would further erode resources for students and create wider gaps between wealthy school districts and poorer school districts.
In February, your school board, student leaders and I told our district story to legislators. We documented the successes students have achieved here because of your good, hard work and the student achievement dollars the Senate and House budget proposals target for cuts.
Please note that a link to your legislative representatives appears on the district homepage. If you are inclined to engage your elected officials in a conversation from your home computer, please do so.
Reduced Educational Program – an official action by your school board
As they were last year, your school board directors this year will be faced with an official, legally-required resolution called a Reduced Educational Program.
Passage of the Reduced Educational Program resolution will authorize and direct me to take appropriate legal measures according to state law and the reduction in force provisions of the collective bargaining agreements to give timely notification to staff who, because of funding cuts, cannot be retained for 2010-11.
Language in last year’s Reduced Educational Program resolution noted, “Setting school district budgets is universally more difficult than ever because of the financial challenges of the state and nation.” This is the second year in a row that this district has faced such challenges. Even if state legislators take to heart Judge McCleary’s decision; even if they move in these last days of the 2010 session to provide financial relief for K-12, we will continue to be challenged to provide the same level of high quality services to students with less funding and fewer staff.
Advocating for our schools, for you and the work you do, and for the students you serve is my priority. Being straightforward with you about the challenges we face is also my responsibility.
Please consider one of the March meeting dates listed below, and please stay in touch with legislative actions through the documents we are publishing for you on Docushare. Watch for information coming to you through NewsLinks and the district website. A news release about the March meetings is linked on the district website and will be sent to all who have subscribed to InTouch later today.
March public meeting dates and locations – all from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
1. Monday, March 8, H.M. Jackson High School cafeteria, 1508 136th St. SE, Mill Creek
2. Thursday, March 11, Eisenhower Middle School cafeteria, 10200 25th Ave. SE, Everett
3. Thursday, March 18 Longfellow Annex, 3715 Oakes Ave., Everett
Special school board comment session, Tuesday, March 30, 5 to 7 p.m.
As they did last year when the district was forced to make $9 million cost reduction decisions in response to legislative cutbacks, the school board is inviting community members to a comment session from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 30.
The March 30 meeting, organized so that those who come will have a chance to meet one-on-one with at least one board member, will take place in the boardroom of the Educational Service Center at 4730 Colby Ave., Everett. District leadership will also be available to answer questions about school finance. People who do not want to speak with board members will be able to leave comments in writing for the board members to review and consider as they set the budget for school year 2010-11.
Thank you for taking time to read this message and for considering how you'll participate in our budget process. I am grateful for your support and involvement in good times and rough times and am sorry to be sharing this news with you. We are fortunate to have an incredibly supportive community. I trust that you will help our families and other patrons understand the unfortunate irony and the difficult choices facing us with this unusual round of state budget cuts.
I appreciate the roles we all play to share responsibility for preserving the quality of our schools. And through it all, I know I can count on you to make our schools safe and nurturing places for students to grow and learn every day.
NEWS FROM THE FOUNDATION – Annual Benefit Breakfast invitation
The Everett Public Schools Foundation hosts its 16th Annual Benefit Breakfast on Thursday, March 18 at 7:15 a.m. in the Hansen Conference Center at the Comcast Arena at Everett. This year’s breakfast will celebrate the 25th anniversary of providing service to the staff and students of Everett Public Schools.
Guest speakers include:
· Bev Robertson, 2009 EPS Teacher of the Year from H.M. Jackson High School
· Deb McCollum, teacher at Evergreen Middle School and a classroom grant recipient for many years
· Dr. Gary Cohn, EPS superintendent, and
· keynote speaker, Dr. Elson Floyd, president of Washington State University.
More than 350 business, community and school partners traditionally join the annual celebration which supports Classroom Grant, All Day Kindergarten and Summer School tuition assistance programs.
Watch for Foundation payroll deduction forms coming next week. To support the work the Foundation does for students, you can donate easily each month with an amount you choose. Details are on the forms coming to schools and departments.
NEWS AROUND THE DISTRICT – great things happening everywhere
12th annual district art shows
The Middle School Art Show is open for public viewing through March 4, 2010 at the Educational Service Center (ESC). The Awards Reception was held on March 1.
The High School Art Show will be open for public viewing from March 29 to April 26, 2010. The Awards Reception will be held on Monday, April 19, 2010, 6‑7:30 p.m. at the ESC.
The Elementary School Art Show will be open for public viewing from May 6 to May 28, 2010.
Recent news stories published on our district Web site:
03.01.2010
Olympics luger visits James Monroe
Elementary
03.01.2010 CHS teacher selected
Outstanding Music
Educator
03.01.2010 Super Kid:
Marya Oestreich
02.26.2010 Public review
of curriculum materials before board consideration
02.26.2010 Silver Lake Elementary night out with the
Stealth
02.26.2010 Hundreds of teachers of science to attend WSTA Conference at JHS
02.25.2010
Everett students join together in Beauty and the Beast
production
02.24.2010 Entertainer Eric Ode
to perform at Jefferson Elementary
02.23.2010 Everett schools' graduation rates
jump
02.21.2010 EHS Alec Bird captures 2nd
state title
WELLNESS MESSAGE – March is National Nutrition Month
Now is the time to spring into action and chart a course to transform your eating regimen into one that is both healthy and rewarding. During National Nutrition Month® the American Dietetic Association promotes healthful eating by providing practical nutrition guidance and focusing attention on making informed food choices.
Teachers can incorporate healthful nutrition instruction into their classrooms. Education World celebrates National Nutrition Month with a batch of great resources for teachers.
Wellness Coordinator Gail Buquicchio will be traveling throughout the district during March offering classes during lunch on how to incorporate healthy nutrition into your day. Click here to view her schedule to see when she will be at your worksite. Also on the calendar are listings for healthy cooking classes offered in Everett and Puget Sound areas.
OPPORTUNITIES – for students and staff
1. WAEOP members Your February newsletter is available online as is the description of professional development opportunities planned for Saturday, March 27. More information or answers to your questions available from Pjames@everettsd.org.
2. Tech Ease – Do you want to ease on down that technology road by taking a course for clock hours? Do you want a class that is easy to get to and at a time you prefer?
The technology department is offering three classes that can come to you!
· Building Your Own Website,
· Moodle Magic, and
· Collaborative Research using Google Tools.
Find some friends who want to take one of these classes and then contact LauriBeth Hull (lhull@everettsd.org) to arrange the details.
3. Snohomish County Youth Challenge awards. Within Snohomish County are hundreds of young citizens achieving personal success beyond academics and athletics. Here is a chance to nominate youth volunteers, leaders, and other inspirational youths for honors in one of the following categories: community service, courage, creativity, environmental service, inspiration, leadership or group award. Snohomish County students grades 7 through 12 are eligible. Nomination forms are online and due by March 31, 2010.
OPPORTUNITES IN BRIEF – quick reminders from past issues
1. Future Teachers of Color Conference, sponsored by Everett Community College’s Teacher Education Advancement program and Key Bank, on Wednesday, March 24 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Everett Community College. High school students thinking about a career in education can see the linked flyer or contact Director Veronica Garaycoa at vgaraycoa@everettcc.edu or 425-388-9040 for more information.
2. Museum of Flight is looking for teachers who are interested in sharing their knowledge and skills with some of the state’s brightest and most determined students as a summer residency counselor. Application deadline is March 12.
Applications are available online or contact Melissa Edwards, WAS Administrator at medwards@museumofflight.org or 206-764-5866.
3. Hands on Diversity 2010 is a series of FREE cultural trainings brought to the community by Everett Diversity Advisory Board in partnership with a number of regional organizations, including the school district.
All training sessions are at the Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave. in downtown Everett. Two sessions each day – one from 9 a.m. to noon, and the second from 1 to 4 p.m. Space is limited to 500 people per session. RSVP to kreardon@ci.everett.wa.us to confirm attendance.
|
Date |
Topic |
|
April 20 |
Native American |
|
May 18 |
Latin American |
|
June 15 |
Asian Pacific |
|
July 20 |
African Refugee |
4. What schools can do to save energy – an art contest sponsored by Snohomish County PUD. Open to K-12 students in Snohomish County and Camano Island. Entries due no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, March 19. Details and entry forms on the PUD website.
5. Census 2010 will become more visible in March. The U.S. Census Bureau has created an interactive website and compiled thousands of lessons for teachers K-12 to use to help students become familiar with the census and its history in this country. Watch for more details, and check out the website for lessons and to test your own census knowledge.
6. A $100,000 federal grant funds free marine workshops for teachers and field experiences for students, April 17 – 18. For more information call or email Amy Johnson at Edmonds Community College’s Center for Service-Learning at 425-640-1882, or go to www.serviceeducationadventure.org.
POLICY & PROCEDURE INFO – links to all policies and procedures are online
Changes to policies 7000 and 1712 have been made.
Everett Public Schools complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, or disability. This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular school activities. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district's Affirmative Action Officer, Title IX Officer, ADA District Coordinator, or Section 504 Coordinator. Affirmative Action Officer, Carol Stolz, 3715 Oakes Ave., Everett WA 98201, 425-385-4106, Title IX Officer, Randi Seaberg, 3715 Oakes Ave., Everett WA 98201, 425-385-4104, ADA Coordinator, Kristine McDowell, 202 Alder St., Everett WA 98203, 425-385-5250, Section 504 Coordinator, Becky Ballbach, 4730 Colby Ave., Everett WA 98203, 425-385-4086.
Sincerely,
Diane Lindenstein
Communications
Everett Public Schools
425-385-4040