Kindergarten registration fair Boosts enrollment!

Community Connections
Newsletter
Vol. 01 Num. 01
June 2011
Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District end-of-year newsletter, highlighting your investment in education!
685 East Jack London Blvd, Livermore, CA • www.livermoreschools.com • 925-606-3200 • Published Quarterly
Reflections on the Academic Year: 2010-2011
The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District Continues to Thrive, Not Just Survive!
Kelly Bowers, Superintendent of Schools
As I look back on my first year as
Superintendent of the Livermore School
District, I can say with confidence and a
sense of pride that our Board of Trustees
and 1,200+ staff members are 100%
committed to and living up to our mission,
of ensuring “all students graduate with the
skills needed to contribute and thrive in a
changing world.” This commitment
is evident in everything we do and say,
and every decision we make.
us is as smart as all of us” was our way of
affirming the power of collective thought
and action, both within and outside of our
organization. Whether we are combating
negative media images of public education,
actively challenging State funding inequities,
or confronting and tackling the achievement
gap, we are united, proactive and resolute
in our purpose and focus. We established
a clear direction for the year around four
key thematic concepts: Inform, Inspire,
Include and Innovate. With this quarterly
newsletter,
we strive to capture elements
Vital to our success, and that of our
of
all
four
themes,
and showcase in brief
students, is the support of our families
some
of
the
year’s
highlights.
Clearly, one
and local community. We simply
newsletter cannot do justice to our myriad
cannot accomplish our goals in isolation.
of accomplishments and achievements,
With this in mind, we have made
but it is our hope, that by sharing a
community outreach, communication
glimpse of what our District and schools
and connections a priority. In response,
the outpouring of positive support, in Superintendent shares the first day of the 2010-2011 are all about, you will go one step further
and access our website; sign up for our
the form of volunteerism, donations school year with Croce Elementary students.
community
connection updates; become a
and partnerships, has been tremendous,
Facebook
Fan;
visit one of our schools; initiate
with our 13,000+ students as direct
On
September
29th,
we
hosted
our
first
contact via email or phone; volunteer; or
beneficiaries.
annual District-wide Back to School Kickoff, otherwise get involved.
featuring Bob Borchers, Livermore High
Our District Leadership Team began the
School Alumnus Class of 1984, who is an
The Livermore community is an extraordinary
year with a data gallery walk to establish
extremely successful entrepreneur and
place to work, play, raise a family, and
measurable achievement goals for all
venture capitalist in the hi-tech industry.
educate young people. I couldn’t ask
students at all schools and levels. We left
He emphasized the importance of adapting, for or imagine a better place to serve as
the workshop rejuvenated, inspired and
taking risks and stretching out of our
Superintendent of Schools. Our students
ready to go beyond the status quo to push comfort zones to excel and meet 21st
are so full of promise, and so deserving of
ourselves, our staff, and our students to true century demands. During both events,
the best we have to offer. Thanks to your
excellence. By modeling, developing and
we reinforced the importance of working
unwavering support, even in the midst of a
demanding a culture of high achievement together as a unified district, with the
major economic crisis and downturn, LVJUSD
and expectations for student and staff
understanding that we are stronger and
students are not being short-changed.....in
performance, we are cultivating a district
more effective united as one in our purpose fact they are increasingly educated, enriched
where synergy, transparency, integrity,
of meeting all student needs. “None of
and empowered.
and high energy, are the norm. We
acknowledged that we cannot continue
“business as usual” if we expect to remain
competitive and viable as a premier public
service organization. We re-emphasized
the importance of teamwork, open lines of
communication, individual contribution,
and collaboration.
Kindergarten Registration Fair Boosts Enrollment!
Chris Van Schaack, Executive Director of Student Services
LVJUSD Board of Trustees
Chuck Rogge, Board President
Bill Dunlop, Clerk of the Board
Stewart Gary, Board Member
Kate Runyon, Board Member
Anne White, Board Member
LVJUSD Board Meetings:
Board Room
685 East Jack London Blvd.
Tuesdays, 7:00 pm
June 28th
August 17
September 7
September 21
Meetings Televised on Cable
Channel 28:
Wednesdays, 7:00 pm
Saturdays, 9:00 am
Upcoming Dates:
June 9, Thursday
Last Day of School
June 10, Friday
High School Graduations
August 23, Tuesday
First Day of School
NOMINATE YOUR
FAVORITE TEACHER &
WIN A TRIP TO NYC
Nominate your favorite teacher, a teacher
who has made a profound difference in your
or your child’s life - someone who inspired
you to read, made you think more deeply, and
helped you reach your goals.
The winning family and the nominated teacher will each win a trip (up to four people) to
the 2011 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Visit the website below to enter by July 29,
2011:
http://opinio.scholastic.com/opinio/s?s=5797
On March 17th and 18th the District hosted its first Kindergarten Registration Fair. This year’s event, which was held at the
Robert Livermore Community Center, included representatives from eight elementary and two K-8 schools, as well as support staff. During the two-day event, over 820 new kindergarten students registered online and parents had an opportunity
to meet and greet their student’s principal and receive a personalized welcome to their site of choice. Since the Fair, our
kindergarten enrollment is at the highest it has been since 2003-2004, boasting over 1,000 students. The District and school
sites are actively preparing for our new students and eager to welcome additional families to our schools. To schedule a
personal visit or tour and/or register, contact Student Services at 925-606-3206.
PLAN AHEAD: 2011 - 2012 School Year Calendar
Livermore Valley
Education Foundation
(LVEF)
A non-profit, tax-exempt public foundation
established in 1991 and dedicated to restoring and enhancing academic and extra-curricular programs in the Livermore Valley Joint
Unified School District.
Visit their website for more information:
www.lvef.org
The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District calendar is now available on the District website: www.livermoreschools.com. To donate directly, visit the First Giving
website:
Consult the calendar for key dates. The first day of school is Tuesday, August 23, 2011, and our goal is 100% attendance.
http://www.firstgiving.com/lvef
HIGHLIGHTS INSIDE...
inform
school district finance 101............................... 4
honoring retirees & recruiting top talent.... 5
no shots - no school........................................... 3
Parcel tax dollars At Work............................... 2
stay informed of school district news.......... 3
innovate
kindergarten registration fair....................... 1
unique & innovative educational programs.5
Schools are safe, clean, and going green..... 3
include
Parent involvement............................................ 2
ensuring all student needs met...................... 5
Inspire
celebrating staff................................................. 2
sTUDENT ATHLETES HONORED................................ 2
This newsletter is distributed electronically. go to the lvjusd website to subscribe to receive this and other district news via email. www.livermoreschools.com
2 Community Connections June 2011
PARENT INVOLVEMENT INCREASES
STUDENT SUCCESS!
Parent involvement has a positive effect on student success. When parents are involved
in their children’s education: students achieve at higher levels; schools perform better;
and teacher morale improves. Ultimately, communities are stronger when parents and
community members become involved.
“When schools, families, and community groups work together to support learning,
children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and like school more.” That’s
the conclusion of a report from the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory. The
report goes on to find that, regardless of family income or background, “students with
involved parents are more likely to:
• Earn higher grades and test scores, and enroll in higher-level programs;
• Be promoted, pass their classes, and earn credits;
• Attend school regularly;
• Have better social skills, show improved behavior, and adapt well to school; and
• Graduate and go on to postsecondary education., (Henderson & Mapp, 2002)
Many Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District parents and parent groups are exemplary models of the power of active involvement in our schools.
Rancho Las Positas Elementary School parents, Bret Dupuis and Dave Hinds initiated
the premier Running Club for their childrens’ school, only to have every other elementary
school join this fitness craze with their own customized versions.
rOTARY CLUB CELEBRATES STAFF
Congratulations to the Rotary Educators of the Year:
Dyann Crittenden, First Grade, Altamont Creek Elementary
Burlyne Wilson, Second Grade, Arroyo Seco Elementary
Erin Lockhart, Fourth Grade, Croce Elementary
Meg Swant, Title I Teacher, Jackson Avenue Elementary
Sharon Abri, Third Grade, Marylin Avenue Elementary
Donna Swenson, Fifth Grade, Rancho Las Positas Elementary
Monica Tracey, Second Grade, Smith Elementary
Leslie Montgomery, First Grade, Sunset Elementary
Jan Bennett, Seventh Grade Science and Life Skills, Junction K-8
Cindy Grigory, Title I Reading Specialist, Michell K-8
Linda Evans, 6th Grade Core, Christensen Middle School
Rick Eckles, Middle School Physical Education, East Avenue Middle School
Kim Callon, Special Education Teacher, Mendenhall Middle School
Jennifer Burgin, High School English, Del Valle/Phoenix Continuation School
Bryan Hahn, High School Math, Granada High School
2009 California Governor’s Challenge State Champion
Smith Elementary School parent, Jean O-Neil Opipari implemented her vision for Latino
Outreach which gives all parents an opportunity to become more connected and involved
at school.
Lunch time recycling made record-setting strides in reducing the carbon footprint, thanks
to the initiative of Arroyo Seco Elementary School parent Susan Ragatz.
Marylin Avenue Elementary School parents, led by Don McAlister, work with the Project
Roadrunner program to provide food to students in need.
Danielle Corbitt, an LVJUSD parent and strong supporter for the arts, had the vision and
inspiration to produce the highly successful first annual “Reach for
the Stars” event, showcasing over 400 students from all District schools.
hONORS AWARDED TO STUDENT ATHLETES
The Livermore-Granada Boosters have been celebrating the accomplishments
of scholar-athletes in Livermore since 1949.
For information go to http://www.livermoregranadaboosters.org/
Congratulations to the 62nd annual scholarship finalists from Livermore High
School (LHS) and Granada High School (GHS).
Skylar Jones
LHS
Melissa Parker Wesley Otrowski Celeste Rietveld
GHS
LHS
LHS
Brooke Betts
Evan Carlo
Veronica Garza
Jacob Boyd
LHS
GHS
LHS
LHS
Caleb Knight
Kelly Shaver
GHS
GHS
Amanda Bakker Brandon Chandler
GHS
GHS
Susan Johnston, High School Math and Science, Livermore High School
Susan Pfiefer, Independent Study Teacher and High School Honors and AP English
Teacher, Vineyard Alternative School
Recognizing Retiring Staff Members
At its May 3rd meeting, the Board of Education adopted Resolution No. 085-10/11
urging all residents of the community to join in thanking teachers and classified
employees and to honor these dedicated employees who shoulder the tremendous
responsibility of nurturing and educating Livermore students.
The District hosted a Retirement Tea on May 18th at the Robert Livermore Community
Center to honor retirees representing 841 years of service.
COMMUNITY Parcel tax
dollars at work!
Susan Kinder, Chief Business Official
The Livermore Community approved the Measure M parcel tax in November 2008. It is
a continuation of and slight increase to the prior Measure D parcel tax of $120 to $138
per parcel. Senior citizen exceptions are available. The income from this tax retains vital
programs and services that were in jeopardy due to lack of sufficient State funding. Beginning in 2010-11 and continuing through 2014-15, the parcel tax is providing:
• Smaller class sizes in grades K, 2, & 3 (District funds 1st grade)
• Additional class sections at middle and high schools
• Counselors at the high school level
• Two periods of science per week taught by a Science Specialist in grades 1-5
• Four class sections of electives at each middle school
• Funding for instructional technology and infrastructure
The Parcel Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee is charged with reviewing and validating
the District’s use of the Measure M Parcel Tax funds. On June 7th, the Committee confirmed with confidence that all funds collected in conjunction with Measure M have been
earmarked or expended appropriately as described in the text of the ballot and voted
on by the constituents of the City of Livermore. The committee is currently made up of
5 community members and the District encourages anyone who may be interested in
participating to apply for service next year. The application is under Community at the top
of our webpage at www.livermoreschools.com and can be submitted at any time.
June 2011 community connections 3
Want to Stay
OUR sCHOOLS ARE SAFE, CLEAN AND GOING GREEN! Informed?
Mike Nagel, Executive Director Maintenance & Operations
Energy Conservation Committee Takes Off
In keeping with our theme of “innovation,” our District
formed a new Energy Conservation Committee this
year to research, review and implement strategic ways
to save energy, resources and reduce expenses. The
Committee is made up of a Board member, District and
site administrators, teachers and students, along with
our partners from PG&E. One program offered by PG&E
is called Peak Day Pricing (PDP). This is a program that
offers substantial cost savings during normal use and
requires reduction in use on certain “event” days. The
PDP period began May 1st and runs through October
31st. There will be nine events scheduled during this
period in which our sites will be asked to reduce their
energy use between the hours of 2:00-6:00pm. Last
year, our district participated in a pilot program with
four schools and saved over $33,000. We will certainly
surpass that mark this year by expanding the program
district-wide.
The Maintenance and Operations Department is also
working with PG&E on a number of rebate programs.
This past winter, the swimming pool cover at Livermore High School was replaced. The District received
a rebate of $5,600 which covered 90% of the cost!
During this same time frame, the main heater for the
large gymnasium and pool was replaced by the Main-
Geoff Warner, Chief Technology Officer
To receive email updates as we post
new information on our District website,
subscribe under the “Stay Informed”
section: www.livermoreschools.com
tenance Department. The new units qualified for $2,400
in rebates.
Become an LVJUSD Facebook Fan
The District is also working with PG&E on an energy
audit. Resource Solutions Group, a third party company
for PG&E, performed the energy audit in March. Results
are being compiled and recommendations will be made
on a number of energy saving projects, including lighting retrofit, boiler replacement, insulation, and energy
management systems.
This summer, the District will participate in the AirCare
Plus program. The AirCare Plus program provides nocost comprehensive diagnostic tune-up and audit services for Heating, Venting and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
systems for PG&E commercial customers. The program
is designed to help save money, optimize HVAC system
performance, reduce the impact on the environment and
improve building occupant comfort with efficient HVAC
equipment. This program is funded by the California
utility customers and administered by PG&E under the
auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.
With each new program or idea, we are finding unique
ways to make a positive environmental and economic
difference. Schools Benefit From Deep Cleaning During Summer Months
and Connect Via Social Media. If
you would like updates on school and
District activities, just click on the “Find
us on Facebook” located at the bottom
of the District web site.
Online Registration is Available: We
have successfully launched a new student on-line pre-registration process for
the next school year.
If you have a student in middle or high
school make sure you are staying in
the “loop” with their grades, attendance, assignments and school bulletins by subscribing to SchoolLoop.
Register on your school’s web page:
www.livermoreschools.com/schools
No Shots No School !
The Maintenance and Operations Department performs
extensive cleaning and restoration of classroom, restroom and support areas during the summer months.
Much of the work focuses on deep cleaning and sanitizing carpet, tile, fixtures, windows, doors, walls, ceilings, desks and chairs. Custodians are divided into
five teams in order to clean over 800 classrooms and
300 restrooms at eighteen school sites. Other areas of
focus include the administration building, library, multipurpose, locker room and gymnasium.
dents and staff by improving and sharing the processes,
methods and techniques used in site cleaning.
The Summer Team Cleaning approach is an effort to
pool our resources for better results. The goal is to
create a healthier and safer environment for our stu-
Since 2003, the LVJUSD team approach has served
as a model for other districts, as it brings out the best
in everyone and combines efforts to serve our students Contact your child’s physician now to
and ensure safe and clean schools.
make sure his/her vaccines meet the
The program brings together staff with all levels of experience and backgrounds. Mentoring naturally occurs and
everyone benefits from working together as a team. The
program is designed to develop leadership, communication and organizational skills, as well as team building
among our custodial staff and reinforces the importance
of team work, flexibility and cooperation.
Partnering for LVJUSD Students Recycle!
Asthma Safe
Schools (CLASS)
New State law requires proof of
Tdap immunization!
Due to a Statewide increase in the number of whooping cough cases, a new
California law (AB 354) now requires
all students entering 7th-12th grades
for the 2011-2012 school year to show
proof of a Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine before they will be
allowed to attend school.
new standards. This requirement may
be met if your child has received a Tdap
dose on or after his/her 7th birthday.
Current 6th – 11th Graders:
Verification of the immunization must
Energy conservation efforts are evident across the District. Our students be received by Student Services,
are environmentally conscious and aware, and taking action to make a (925) 606-3206. Nursing staff may be
positive difference. One example of a school-wide effort is Arroyo Seco reached directly for more informaElementary’s pilot of a new green waste recycling program during the tion:
Our District was selected to participate in the Cleaning for Asthma-Safe
Schools (CLASS) mini-grant project. We will receive a $500 grant
to help review cleaning guidelines
using “green” cleaning products. The
Phase II part of the grant gives us the
chance to receive $2,000 and participate in the testing of green cleaning
products.
lunch hour. The new program involves separating food scraps and recyclable materials to help reduce the amount of trash that goes into the
landfill. Students follow new recycling guidelines and sort their lunch trays
in recycling containers in the cafeteria. Over an average 9-month period,
the program will reduce the amount of trash that goes into the landfill by
14 tons. In addition, approximately 20 tons of food scrap materials will be
converted to garden ready compost and save the school approximately
$5,000 a year in waste management services. We are proud that our
LVJUSD students at all levels are making a difference every day!
Joe Michell / Granada High School:
Shelley Casey, RN
[email protected]
Mendenhall / Vineyard / Del Valle
/ Phoenix:
Laura Curran, RN
[email protected]
Christensen / Junction:
Julie Howard, RN
[email protected]
East Avenue / Livermore High School:
Carolyn Reggiardo, RN
[email protected]
The Cleaning for Asthma-Safe
Schools program is a joint partnership
between the Work-Related Asthma
Prevention Program in the California Department of Public Health
(CDPH) and the Green Schools initiative. CLASS helps schools adopt
safer cleaning methods to provide
the healthiest possible working and
learning environment for our staff
and students.
Getting a booster shot now will protect
your child against the disease and will
meet the new requirement (AB 354).
Students who have not submitted
records will not be able to pick up
their schedules at fall orientation or
participate in summer time school
sports related activities until proof is
provided.
4 Community Connections June 2011
School district finance 101
LVJUSD Weathers the State’s Fiscal Storm
Susan Kinder, Chief Business Official
Financing schools in the State of California is the most complex among the nation. The
state of education financing has occurred through a series of court cases, legislative actions, initiatives, and economic factors. To understand why the local school districts and
boards make the financial decisions they do, it is important to understand how school
districts are funded.
Payments from the State to school districts are not on a regularly scheduled pay cycle.
To take advantage of “floats,” the State at times will defer payments to school districts
by months, leaving school districts to take short-term loans or dip into reserves to meet
monthly obligations. School districts are required to pass a budget by June 30th each year
even without an approved State budget in place.
School districts must rely on the State’s cyclical revenue stream, are somewhat held hosThis article details how California school districts receive funding, and how that directly tage by the State’s cash flow deferrals of payments, are mandated to pass a budget by
June 30th and are required to keep schools open in the midst of all the uncertainty.
impacts the LVJUSD budget.
Prior to 1978, financing education throughout California was provided at the local level
through property taxes. Property taxes were apportioned to local agencies (school, city,
parks, etc.) based on the level of services those agencies provided. Though there were
positive aspects of this funding model, there were a large number of inequities due to
varied property values between districts.
The first of two major developments that would change educational funding was a
court case (Serrano vs. Priest). This case sought to alleviate the inequities by creating a
revenue limit so all school districts received the same base funding.
However, shortly after this legal win, Proposition 13 was approved by California voters
on June 6, 1978. It limited the property tax to 1% of the property value. This reduced
the taxes by 57% on average, freezing the limit to that reduced level, and severely cutting the amount of revenue to local school districts. Proposition 13 also mandated a 2/3
majority vote for parcel taxes.
The combination resulted in Basic Aid District funding (a flat rate funding based on State
revenue) and Revenue Limit District funding (a per pupil funding based on attendance).
Even within Revenue Limit District funding, inequities remain between high and low- School Districts consider three areas when trying to balance their budget:
1. Increase Revenue (some are limited, one-time funds)
wealth funded districts. In 1988, the California voters approved Proposition 98 which
• Parcel Tax or local bond measure (LVJUSD receives $3.8m annually)
required a minimum funding to education from the State’s general fund. However, Prop
• Education Foundation Donations (LVEF)
98 has so many loopholes that the State is not always funding at the minimum required.
• Grants (LVJUSD has $21.5m in grant funds)
Within the past 4 years, the Prop 98 funding has decreased by 20% to school districts.
• Revenue Enhancement Initiatives (e.g. energy conservation, improved attendance,
targeted outreach resulting in enrollment increases)
• Fee-Based Programs
»»Preschool
»»Summer Camps
»»Adult Education
»»Afterschool Programs
2. Reduce Costs
• # of People (layoffs resulting in lost programs and services)
• $ / Person (salary cuts, furlough days, etc.)
• Other Expenses not related to people, such as:
»»Textbooks - reduce adoptions
»»Professional Development
»»Deferred Maintenance
3. Reduce Reserves
The State requires school districts to maintain a 3% reserve, however most school
districts try to maintain a larger reserve for economic uncertainty and to withstand
the State’s mid-year cuts and deferrals which often occur after school district obligations have already been made.
School districts receive funds from various sources:
• State General Fund (school district general fund or restricted, categorical fund)
• Federal Categorical Fund
• State/Federal Mandated Programs (not fully funded by State/Federal government
which requires school districts to use general funds to provide required programs)
• Local Sources (parcel taxes, bond measures, education foundations, grants)
Education is the largest budget line item in California’s budget. The State’s revenue
source is reliant on income and sales taxes. As the State’s budget fluctuates based on
the economy, so does the education funding. This method of financing has California
at the bottom of per pupil spending in the nation with the one of the highest standards
and level of need for our increasingly diverse student population.
Many districts increasingly rely on private funding and donations to help with supplemental programs. They have reverted to the pre-Prop 13 and Serrano vs. Priest era of the
“haves” and the “have nots” with everyone receiving a disproportionate level of funding.
Seth Rosenblatt, a San Carlos School Board Member, has developed a 30-minute presentation which outlines California’s complex education finance model in a very comprehensive and concise method so parents and community members can fully understand. To
view the presentation in its entirety, visit the following web link:
http://www.rosenblatt.org/video/ca-ed-finance.html
Continued on page 5
June 2011 community connections 5
Finance 101... District Honors Retirees and Recruits New Talent
Mike Martinez, Assistant Superintendent ~ Yolonda Holmes, Executive Director of Human Resources
Continued from page 4
All children in our District deserve the best
quality education possible each year that
they are enrolled. What can our parents
and communities do to provide a lasting
and positive impact on the school finance
system? Remember that in the end, this is
about our children who have no voice in
politics. Parents, the community, and the
educational community need to advocate
on behalf of the children!
Get involved with your time and talents or
donations:
Local schools
Livermore Valley Education Foundation
Parcel Tax Initiatives
School Board elections
Advocate to Representatives
Work toward a structural solution
As the African Proverb states, it does “take
a village” to educate our children!
WHAT IS THE FINANCIAL STATUS OF
LVJUSD?
The budget issues for LVJUSD are compounded because our district is a lowwealth formula funded district receiving
fewer funds per year per student than
neighboring districts and the majority of
districts in the State. While competing for
the same labor force with the same program and high performance expectations,
this unequalized funding creates a hardship for the District.
2009/2010 REVENUE PER STUDENT
Tri-Valley Districts
$$ PER
compete for same labor
STUDENT
force with same program &
performance expectations
DIFFERENCE
PER
STUDENT
PER YEAR
Livermore Valley JUSD
$5,125
Tracy Joint Unified
$5,270
$145
Pleasanton Unified
$5,513
$388
Dublin Unified
$5,812
$687
www.ed-data.k12.ca.us
With the hard work of District staff,
prudent decisions by the School Board
members, and overwhelming community support for the parcel tax, our school
district remains fiscally solvent during the
State’s budget crisis. However, reserves
and one-time funds are keeping us solvent while we work to reverse a structural
deficit resulting from the State’s failure to
meet the Prop 98 minimum guarantee
and reimburse us over $8m in mandated
costs.
The multi-year projections have been
computed based on various State budget
scenarios and the District’s required reserves of 3% or $3m.
Like all districts in California, we are still in
limbo awaiting a final State approved budget. Like the majority of districts in California, we have suffered from years of drastic
budget cuts totaling $34.8m. Unlike most
districts in California, we avoided massive
layoffs this year to keep a stable work force
and environment for our students. Yet,
we cannot continue to do so without the
State honoring its Prop 98 commitment
and some form of tax extension.
As the District and Board members
evaluate how to navigate through this
financial crisis, they are conscious of the
long-term ramifications from decisions
they make today. The LVJUSD is committed
to providing transparent, user-friendly and
timely budget reports that parents and the
community can understand. We will continue to update the budget portion of the
website with pertinent information in order
to keep our community and stakeholders
fully informed.
Retirement Enhancement Package
The Board of Education approved a Retirement Enhancement Package (REP) for all eligible employees from all employee
groups in response to the budget crisis facing the State and the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District. The REP was
designed to avoid layoffs, to reduce staffing costs and to address the District’s structural deficit which arises from the State’s
deficit funding of 80 cents on the dollar. The REP saves the District precious funds. Employees who took advantage of the
REP were at the higher end of the salary schedule. Replacement costs for this group are considerably less, which results
in a substantial savings to the District. The REP is funded by the American Recovery Reinvestment Act (ARRA), restricted
federal funds intended to create, restore and save jobs. To date, twenty (20) certificated employees and twenty eight (28)
classified employees have taken advantage of the REP, generating a savings of approximately $800,000 to the general fund
for the 2011-2012 school year. The estimated savings for certificated employees is a conservative estimate because the
savings is based upon the highest initial placement of new hires on the salary schedule. The District is grateful to our retirees for the many years of service and dedication to the students of the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District, and is
fortunate that the implementation of the REP allowed us to avoid mass layoffs like many California districts have faced.
Employee Recruitment
This is a difficult time to be a teacher in California. Approximately 26,000 teachers received layoff notices last spring and the
California Teachers Association reported that more than half, 14,000, had not been rehired at the beginning of school in August 2010. As the budget crisis widens, many Districts will continue to lay off teachers. The Livermore Valley Joint Unified
School District’s Board of Education has been fiscally prudent during these difficult economic times and, as a result, staff
layoffs have been kept to a minimum. In fact, due to the implementation of the Retirement Enhancement Package (REP)
and the Board and Superintendent’s fiscally responsible management of the District’s resources, the District is in an active
hiring mode for the 2011-2012 school year.
District representatives have been attending recruitment fairs throughout California seeking the very best teaching candidates to meet the diverse needs of our students. Representatives have attended fairs at California State University,
Monterey, University of California, Davis, California State University, San Jose and the Northern California Teacher Recruitment Fair in Dublin, CA.
The District also has the unique opportunity to recruit new talent in our clerical and maintenance and operations departments with the retirement of twenty eight (28) classified employees. Classified employees support the schools in a variety of
ways; they support the schools’ daily operations, they support instruction in the classrooms, they maintain our grounds and
the appearance of our buildings, and they feed our students. Our classified employees make a major difference in the lives
of students attending Livermore Schools. The District will continue to recruit internally and externally, seeking the very best
candidates available.
Unique and Innovative Educational Programs
Cindy Alba, Assistant Superintendent ~ Melinda Hall, Director of Curriculum & Special Projects
In addition to its core curriculum, the District continues to seek ways to enhance program offerings for students and cultivate
their skills and talents. This year, all seventh grade students participated in grant-funded training through Alameda County
CPR-7 Program and received their own CPR Anytime Kits developed by the American Heart Association. The kit provided
students with hands–on experience with administering CPR and the skill set to train family and friends. Students were encouraged to share their knowledge and skill with others in order to increase the community capacity for bystander CPR and
ultimately save more lives. Junction K-8 school received recognition for its high participation rate in Alameda County.
Science Technology Engineer and Math (STEM) remains central to education of our students, as evidenced, by the dramatic
increase in the number of students entering quality projects in the annual LVJUSD Science Odyssey event. A total of 655
kindergarten through grade twelve students conducted 431 research projects and
applied scientific methodology to explore an inquiry or hypothesis around a topic of
their choice. In addition, 48 middle and high school students entered projects in
the annual Tri-Valley Science and Engineering Fair, winning a total of 30 awards!
Many of these budding scientists are students in Livermore High School’s new
Engineering Green Solutions Academy. Students in this grant-supported program
experience rigorous academics and career technical education with an applied
industry focus. Real-life applications are enhanced with support from business
partnerships. The Green Solutions Academy is structured in a similar manner as
the Granada High School Biotechnology Pathway, a rigorous program with many
students who received top honors in the District’s Science Odyssey event. East
Avenue and Christensen Middle Schools are gearing up for a new grant-supported,
hands-on STEM exploration course in the fall. The Project Lead the Way Gateway
to Technology curriculum lessons help students develop creative problem solving and apply critical thinking to the learning
process. At the elementary level, our team of parcel-tax funded Science Specialists continues to play a major role in raising
our students’ test scores in science well beyond the State and county averages. The highly dedicated, skilled and motivated
retired TOPS (Teaching Opportunities for Partners in Science) scientists maintain an involvement with our elementary students bringing the real-life and practical applications of science to our students. Livermore is home to two National Laboratories which help to create a science-rich environment for our students and schools.
The visual and performing arts have been showcased throughout this school year. At Livermore’s annual community ArtWalk, artwork from charcoal and pastel drawings, to painting and ceramics, to digital photography displays were on display
representing students at all grade levels. The Drama department at both comprehensive high schools delivered top notch
performances such as Godspell and Pride and Prejudice. Instrumental and vocal music students shared their talents at
several venues; the most recent were the Livermore Valley Education Foundation (LVEF) sponsored spring concerts and the
first annual Reach for the Stars event at the Bankhead Theatre. The elementary music program took on a new focus this
year thanks to LVEF and community support. The current State fiscal crisis threatened the existence of specialized music
education at the elementary level. However, this year, all fifth grade students are participating in a weekly course, Exploring
Music, in which students sing, participate in musical games, listening activities and play the recorder. Our community values
the arts and our students continue to thrive in their creative pursuits and artistic expression.
Ensuring All Student Needs Are Met
George Anich, Director of Special Education
The Special Education Department continues to improve programming for our students in need and training for staff that
support them. Recently, we have expanded our Language and Social Skills (LASS) program for our youngest students with
autism. With consultation from Dr. Mark Sundberg, a local resident and a nationally renowned expert on autism curriculum,
we have created a preschool program to serve this population of special needs students. The aim is to prepare these students and their peers for success in kindergarten and beyond.
We are also increasing our expertise to serve all elementary students in need as we create effective pilot “Response to
Intervention” (RTI) programs at several sites. RTI matches timely interventions for reading and writing problems to specific
breakdowns in learning the components of these skills. When targeted help is delivered to struggling students by general
education teachers, all students receive the appropriate level of support. If special education services are needed, we will
have better intervention information to make referrals.
Throughout the District, we are increasing the amount of time students with Individual Education Program (IEP) plans spend
in general education settings in accordance with mandates that we serve students in the “least restrictive environment.”
Formal Inclusion programs at Croce Elementary, Altamont Creek Elementary and Christensen Middle School have been
duplicated at Sunset Elementary and Michell K-8 with expansion to Jackson Elementary and other sites next year. At every
site in the District, IEP Teams for students are making decisions about placement that fully embrace the social and academic
benefits of more fully including students with disabilities.