[EVSD News] Superintendent's Newsletter

[Jodi Brown]

April 29, 2009
 
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.  
 
Last night the East Valley Board of Directors undertook what is arguably the most difficult task of any board. They approved a resolution to reduce educational programs.   
 
I need to be very clear about this action. The resolution that was adopted is a worst case scenario. It reflects our need to meet our contractual obligations to our bargaining units and it is designed to protect the district in a time of great uncertainty and financial unrest.  The fact that it is the only course of action the Board felt was prudent to undertake does not make the action any less heart wrenching for the Board or for me.  
 
I am hopeful that when we know the full extent of the state budget cuts and federal stimulus backfills that we can collaboratively come together to develop a plan that will mitigate the impact this budget crisis has on our staff.  We believe that if we make some changes to the way we operate that we can avoid a wide spread reduction in force.   
 
Because our current situation is unknown, we are in the process of delivering notices of possible reduction in force to approximately 62 certificated staff members. This action meets our bargained obligation.  By May 15, 2009we will have narrowed that list to about 21 full time equivalent staff.  If we cannot implement a plan to cover those costs, those staff will be effectively laid-off.   
 
This is a terrible situation. I feel like we have made real and significant progress this year towards improving student performance, regaining our fiscal soundness and plotting a course for the future of this district. I am deeply saddened that this work will be undone if we are forced to lose our most valuable resource, our teachers. 
 
How we face this challenge in the next several weeks will speak volumes to our character and resilience as both a community of caring individuals and a community of learning.  We can seize this as an opportunity to take some risks and face this challenge with a united front.   
 
Regardless of the path we choose I pledge to you to be as transparent and open with the process as is possible. I want to hear from everyone who has an idea of how we can avoid cutting our service to kids.  When we know the final impacts to our budget and before we implement steps that will negatively impact service, we will offer opportunities for our staff and community members to provide input.   
 
As always, please do not hesitate to call or contact me with ideas, suggestions or concerns. You can call me at the district office at 924-1830.  My home number is 509-928-0519. You may also contact me via e-mail GlenewinkelJ at evsd.org.      
 
John
 
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