[EVSD News] Superintendent's Newsletter

[Jodi Brown]

October 20, 2008
 
The purpose of this newsletter is to update you on events that are
happening in the district, provide information to address issues or
rumors and provide you a forum to communicate with me on items of
interest. If you are receiving this e-mail you are either an East Valley
Staff member, you have signed up for this service, you have sent me an
e-mail or have had some form of contact that we think would cause you to
want this information. If you do not want to continue to receive this
information you may unsubscribe by clicking the link below or contacting
the district office.  
 
Since our last correspondence I have been meeting with as many groups
within the district as possible to try and get a feel for the district.
What I have found should not surprise those of you who have been around
here for any period of time. This is a place of great strength.
Everywhere I go I find people doing extraordinary things. I have yet to
meet an employee of this district who is not committed to doing the best
job possible. Likewise I am finding very committed parents and community
members. It would be easy for folks in this school district to feel a
little sorry for themselves and/or make excuses for why they cannot
accomplish certain tasks. The district has been through some tough
times. One of the common themes that have come out at all of my meetings
is the sense that folks feel a little “bruised”.  However, I can
guarantee you that those bruises are not keeping people from working
hard for kids.  
 
Fiscally we are in very good shape. At the next Board meeting, to be
held on October 28, 2008, the books for last year will be closed. We
have ended the year with a good cash reserve position. So far our budget
projections for this fiscal year appear to be on track. Barring a
catastrophe, our economic well being for the year looks sound.  
 
Our enrollment has increased slightly since the start of the year. We
are however working on ways to sustain and build our attendance. Barbara
Cruse is working with a variety of different stakeholders in an effort
to understand what populations of students we may not be serving well or
may be failing to serve. To this end, one of the meetings we held last
week was a meeting with some of our home-school parents. This is a
population of students for whom we would like to explore offering more
options. If you or someone you know is interested in this discussion,
please do not hesitate to contact me or Barbara.   
 
The Board has all but decided to move forward with a replacement levy.
The purpose of this levy would be to replace the levy that is expiring
in 2009. The date for this election will probably be February 3, 2009.
More information will be available as the plan to present to the voters
develops.  
 
The Board is also strongly considering putting together a bond proposal
to run with the levy. The current bond is set to expire in 2009. The
bond would be designed to provide funds to upgrade schools to ensure
that the learning spaces are safe and healthy. The Board will be seeking
more input on this subject and you are strongly encouraged to submit
your thoughts to the board members or to the superintendent.   
 
At the last Board meeting the Board adopted two sets of goals. The
Board Goals, which we will make available on our website, will help the
board to focus their energies towards a common set of outcomes. The
Board also adopted a set of goals to use in evaluating my performance as
superintendent. My progress towards the accomplishment of these goals
will be part of my year- end evaluation.  
 
In other business the Board adopted a change in policy to allow
students who have asthma more access to inhalers. This policy also
allows some students with allergies to carry epi-pens. The Board adopted
an updated policy to prohibit bullying and harassment. They also
ratified the Teachers Contract.  
 
 I hope you will contact me if you have any questions or concerns about
issues facing the district. You can call me at the district office at
924-1830 or my home at 868-0087. You may also contact me via e-mail
GlenewinkelJ at evsd.org.  I hope each of you is having as much fun as I
am having. It is a privilege to be part of this learning organization.  
 
 
John
 
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