[EVSD News] Superintendent's Newsletter 12.09.09

[Jodi Brown]

December 9, 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.  
 
As winter tightens its icy grip on our community I cannot help but become reflective.   Somehow, for me, the cold has a calming effect and everything seems to slow down just a bit. This slackened pace, combined with the spirit of giving and good will that seems to permeate the community causes me to become really grateful for my good fortune.  
 
Yet as I celebrate all of wonderful things that we are doing and all of the outstanding opportunities that we stand ready to embrace, I realize that this year the East Valley School District will continue to face challenges.   As our state continues to fall short in revenue collections, we are anticipating a significant reduction in funding for the next school year.  These cuts are anticipated even as we strive to expand the learning opportunities for our students.  On the table for cuts are early childhood programs, enrichment programs for gifted students, staff development opportunities for teachers and a variety of other programs that make learning more than a chore but a truly special event.    
 
We will weather this storm.  We have done so in the past and we will do so in the future but now, more than ever, we must get on the same page about our purpose, our desired outcomes and our capacity to effect change.
   
To do this we must actively support each other and operate by giving each other the benefit of the doubt that we are all doing what we believe to be best for students and the district.  We must stop promoting rumors and misinformation.  We must find the courage to speak to each other about our concerns and we must sweep out non-productive actions as we innovate to serve our students and families.
   
There is currently a rumor circulating about the babysitting service at our Teen Parent Program.  Let me assure everyone with concerns that the service is operating legally, ethically and safely.  Providing babysitting is a short-term solution that is allowing a group of young women, who would otherwise be disenfranchised from school, an opportunity to better themselves.  Furthermore, the folks involved in this program are developing an innovative way to provide educational opportunities for students who are not directly connected to this program.
  
In the grand scheme of things this is a minor issue.  We should count our collective blessings that an issue of such relatively minor magnitude is causing concern.  There are however other issues bubbling below the surface.  It is beyond the scope of this note to explore those issues but I implore you, as we head into the holiday season, that you take some time to clear your plate of issues that might be festering in your mind and impacting your work.  We will need to be working with one purpose as the New Year dawns.  
 
In board action last night:  the Board recognized our outstanding staff members who completed their National Board Certifications.  These teachers have my deepest respect for their hard work and dedication.
  
The Board also recognized the Mountain View Middle School wrestling team.  This team set a national record for most consecutive wins last week and continued to extend that record with a hard fought win against East Valley Middle School last night.
  
The Board also discussed the athletic classification of the high school.  Because of our lower enrollment we are anticipating being moved down a classification to 2A.  This would require us to leave the Greater Spokane League (GSL) and move into the Great Northern League (GNL).  There are pros and cons to each league and the position of the district has historically been to participate in the league that our numbers dictate.
      
We can petition to opt up into 3A and the Board would like your input on this issue.   There will be a special meeting on December 15, 2009 at 9:00 am, the last day the board has to decide, to evaluate public comment and make a decision.  If you have comments please send them to me or Joe Kostecka before 4:00 pm, Monday, December 14th.   
 
This is a great time to be in our schools.  Athletic events, concerts and many other activities are taking place.  I encourage you to attend some of these events.  
 
As always you may contact me at the district office 924-1830, at home 928-0519, via e-mail at glenewinkelj at evsd.orgor regular mail in care of the district office, 12325 East Grace, Spokane Valley, WA, 99216.
 
Thank you for the opportunity to serve this district.  
 
John
 
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