A Web-based newsletter for the staff of Everett Public Schools
July 16, 2009 (Past NewsLinks articles are now archived on Docushare)
IN THIS ISSUE:
· Ann Stewart memorial information – July 24, at 10 a.m. First Baptist Church of Everett
· New Superintendent makes headlines – Everett Herald reports on Dr. Cohn’s first week
· Your school board at work – budget decisions and a look at future budget challenges
· New Website link – legal notices now also online
· Summer school stats – a peek at summer learning programs
· Summer construction good news – Good news about state construction match funds could be misperceived
· Summer construction projects – promises made; promises kept – work continues on projects large and small authorized by voters
· Opportunities – for staff and students, including a request for summer school CE panelists and reminder about Foundation grant applications
· Policy and Procedure revisions now on Docushare
ANN STEWART MEMORIAL INFORMATION –
Many of you may know that longtime Everett teacher Ann Stewart lost her battle with cancer. Knowing that so many in the district knew and loved her, the family has set Ann’s service in late July so that word of Ann’s passing has a better chance of reaching her far-flung acquaintances.
Ann’s memorial will take place Friday, July 24, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Everett at 1616 Pacific Ave.
NEW SUPERINTENDENT AT WORK – Dr. Cohn featured in Everett Herald
Gary Cohn’s first week included familiarizing himself with the workings of district systems, including school board meeting structure, cabinet member roles and the realities of federal stimulus funding. His first, very busy and strategically planned week was pleasantly anchored with an evening at a Little League ball game and mixed with visits to district schools and meetings many community members.
YOUR SCHOOL BOARD AT WORK
At their July 7 meeting, board members welcomed new Superintendent Gary Cohn and then delved with him into a presentation on the 2009-10 annual operating budget given by Executive Director of Finance and Operations, Jeff Moore. Among the points they reviewed were:
· Through this year’s budget process, the district cut more than $9 million from the budget. That is on top of having strategically cut more than $6 million from the budget in recent years.
· In the past, budget cuts were offset somewhat by increased enrollment, state I-728 Student Achievement funds and from federal support. Now our enrollment projections are down (50 fewer for next school year). And now the state has cut more than $8 million in I‑728, math/science professional development, and funding for one Learning Improvement Day for professional development. Thus, reductions are much deeper, and they impact all areas of the district.
· Washington state has used federal stimulus funding to partially offset the state’s own funding shortfalls and to offset the significant cuts made to school districts. Media emphasis on stimulus money has given a false impression that more funding may be available for schools. However, as Moore noted, “We have already factored in all money provided through federal stimulus dollars. If we hadn’t, we’d be talking tonight about even more painful reductions for next school year.”
· Further state funding reductions are likely for 2010-11, and there is a “funding cliff” coming in two years when federal money is scheduled to end, leaving the reality of state cutbacks with no backfill from the federal government.
· Staff and public input into the budget process this year helped define a balanced set of reductions of staff across the district yet protects classrooms. Budget adjustments range from lowered instructional support and elimination of the Teacher Assistance Program, to imposing athletic fees and careful evaluation of the cost-efficiencies of transportation routes and walking distances for students.
· In his presentation to the board Moore noted, “During the district budget process, the public supported the idea of reducing transportation costs by increasing walking distances for students. For this coming school year, we are carefully analyzing safe walkways and route efficiencies for cost savings and will be considering a process during next school year to meet with families about bus route options.”
NEW WEBSITE LINK – Legal notices now also online
To save printing costs, the 2009-10 school district art calendar/parent handbook will have fewer pages than it has had in past years. Cost-saving measures include:
· Eliminating the district boundary map from the art calendar/handbook centerfold. Instead, the district map is now on Docushare to be printed out as you need it. You may print it as an 8.5X11 document or on 11X17 inch paper, depending upon your printer capability.
· Moving “handbook” information for parents and legally required notices for parents to the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. Because this is given to each student each year, this will meet our legal notification obligations. Rather than appearing in two separate documents, this information will now be in one document. Because the Rights and Responsibilities Handbook is translated, we are actually getting the information to more families in their native language.
· Adding legal notifications and other parent information to a link from Quick Links and the Parent tab on the district home page.
SUMMER SCHOOL STATS – nearly 475 students and a dozen staff members teaching and learning this summer
· Cascade and Everett high schools are each running special “credit recovery” classes this summer targeted for students just a hair’s breadth away from passing classes necessary for graduation. These targeted efforts for students across the district align with the district’s mission of meeting and supporting the academic success of each student. Such credit recovery classes also increase the number of students who graduate from high school and thus have an invaluable credential for successful and productive citizenship.
· Nearly 75 students are tackling the Culminating Exhibition requirement this summer – getting that out of the way either to make more room in their future high school schedules or to graduate in August this year. (Volunteer to be a CE panelist; see details in “opportunities” section of this newsletter.)
· Thirty-five English Language Learners are working on their Collection of Evidence (COE) work to demonstrate they meet the state’s academic standards.
· A full class of high school English is in full swing this summer as is another of Social Studies.
· As usual, a number of students in this district and neighboring districts are taking part in Online High School courses.
Although Sequoia is buzzing with summer learning, summer school enrollment overall is down this year. That is partially due to higher tuition rates and adjusted scholarship requirements. Instead of scholarship opportunities being available only on the basis of economic need, scholarships were also prioritized according to students’ need to earn graduation credits.
SUMMER CONSTRUCTION GOOD NEWS – Good news about state construction match funds might give incorrect perception.
OSPI announced on July 15 that Everett is among 22 districts across the state to receive construction match dollars to help build or improve district facilities.
“While this $8.87 million is welcome, we must help the public understand the money does not help offset cutbacks the district made to the general fund,” said Executive Director of Facilities and Operations, Mike Gunn. “State match funds can legally be used for brick and mortar projects; we cannot use them to pay teachers.”
Our voters said “yes” in 2006 to a construction bond. Their support made this district eligible for state construction match dollars announced this week.
SUMMER CONSTRUCTION – projects big and small across the district
Everett High Little Theater modernization – To be completed and ready for district use in late August.
Everett High commercial building and cafeteria seismic upgrades –Continues through the summer; ready for district use in mid August.
Cascade High science building – New flooring!
Heatherwood Middle – Lower floor shop classroom to be converted into classroom space during the summer.
Jackson Elementary – New roof for covered play area and library this summer.
Cedar Wood Elementary – Because of a photovoltaic solar panel array made possible by a grant from Bonneville Power Administration and Snohomish County PUD, the covered play area has been re-roofed.
Mill Creek and Woodside elementary schools – Relocated portable classroom installations over the summer at both schools
Woodside Elementary standby generator upgrade – The new standby generator installed over the summer will meet current district standards to provide power to critical building systems when the power goes out.
Jefferson Elementary modernization – Approved by voters in the 2006 bond, work begins on the site in July. Other project work begins this fall and continues into winter, 2011.
Whittier Elementary modernization – Another 2006 bond project, work begins this summer and continues until fall 2010.
Data Network Upgrades – Replacement of selected technology infrastructure at Cedar Wood, Lowell, Penny Creek, Silver Firs, Mill Creek and Woodside elementary schools this summer. When complete, schools will notice enhanced data network speed and capacity.
Wireless Network Upgrades - Installation of selected technology infrastructure at Eisenhower, Garfield, Silver Lake, Forest View and Emerson this summer. Workers will install interior and exterior wireless access points at each school.
OPPORTUNITIES – for staff and students
Being a panelist for summer school Culminating Exhibitions is a unique opportunity to see students from all over the school district present their academic and personal work and growth.
Please let Jeanne Willard know which date(s) and time(s) you are available.
Session dates and times (includes training) are all at Sequoia High School (3516 Rucker Ave., Everett)
Session 1 August 4 7:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Session 2 August 4 11a.m. -1:45 p.m.
Session 3 August 5 7:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Session 4 August 5 11 a.m. -1:45 p.m.
2009 Everett Public Schools Foundation Classroom Grant applications are on the Foundation Web site. Applications will be due on Oct. 15, 2009, to get funding more quickly to teachers.
Washington Commission on Hispanic Affairs Community Award
The award was established to recognize unsung heroes (individuals or
organization) who, through their generous and inspiring efforts, touch and enrich lives and inspire hope in their communities.
Award nominations due Sept. 1, 2009.
Lights. Camera. College. Student film contest open till Oct. 19.
Students in grades 7–12 and faculty involved in drama, video or Web projects – or those who simply have a knack for creating videos that grab students’ attention – may be interested in a new film contest sponsored by the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB).
Rules, entry forms and other information are on the HECB Web site.
POLICY and PROCEDURE REVISIONS: now on Docushare
Series 2000 Policy (Instruction)
· 2410 - High School Graduation Requirements
Series 3000 Policy (Students)
· 3240 - Student Conduct
· 3323 - Long-Term Suspension and Expulsion
Series 4000 Policy (Community Relations)
· 4130 - Public Information Program
Series 7000 Policy (Financial Management)
· 7141 - Transfers Between Budget Classifications
Series 2000 Procedure (Instruction)
· 2410P - High School Graduation Requirements
Series 3000 Procedure (Students)
· 3245P - Technology
· 3323P - Long-Term Suspension and Expulsion
Series 5000 Procedure (Human Resources)
· 5430P – School Volunteers
Series 7000 Procedure (Financial Management)
· 7141P - Transfers Between Budget Classifications
The Everett School District 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 Coordinator, or Section 504 Coordinator. Affirmative Action Officer, Carol Stolz, 3715 Oakes, Everett WA 98201, 425-385-4106, Title IX Officer, Randi Seaberg, 3715 Oakes, Everett WA 98201, 425-385-4104, ADA Coordinator, Kristine McDowell, 202 Alder, Everett WA 98203, 425-385-5250, Section 504 Coordinator, Becky Ballbach, 4730 Colby, Everett WA 98203, 425-385-4086.