Monrovia School Link ~ Number 172 ~ May 27, 2006
We are closing in on the June 6 election, so please make sure to mark your calendars. Locally, Measure M (a bond to raise money to improve MHS) is on the ballot. So, I hope you'll show up at the polls and vote whichever way you think best. Me, I'll be voting "yes." Following are some highlights from the last board meeting. Thanks for writing this up, Maritza. I'm still blown away by the district saving two-thirds of its transportation costs (now $50,000, vs. $150,000 before) without a significant hit to service. I doubt this can be done across the board, but I sure hope the district looks at its other expenses with the same cost-saving eye.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Maritza Diaz
It was a Wednesday night and instead of staying home to watch the American Idol finale the board got together to honor loads of people, hear some Measure M comments and conduct other board business.
STARS ~ Well, it should come as no surprise that, yet again, students and employees from Monrovia’s schools received awards. This time there were many, may people receiving an award. It’s a long list, but everyone deserves a mention.
The Monrovia Chamber of Commerce and the board honored some employees for outstanding service.
Mary Peterson, School Office Manager, Monroe Elementary Susan Sauvageau, Teacher, Monroe Elementary Javier De La O Lainez, Clerical Assistant II, Monrovia High Tome Reale, Teacher, Monrovia High
Award Winners:
Sal Perez, Monrovia High ceramics teacher, received the Art in Education Award; Councilman Joe Garcia received the 2006 Renaissance Award
2006 SkillsUSA Medal Winners:
Photography:
Sarah Steffen - Gold Medal
Melissa Marone - Silver Medal
Jessica McAnnally-Linz - Bronze Medal
TV Production:
Max Arteaga - Bronze Medal
Steve Komlos - Bronze Medal
Ad Design:
Sarah Pfau - Gold Medal
ROP Outstanding Students of the Year:
Brittney Buchanan - Clerical Aid - Bronze Medal Priscilla Inda - Retail - Silver Medal Kelsey Kilbury - Video Production - Bronze Medal Cindy Salmeron - Recreation Leader - Silver Medal Darryll Stoudemire - Security Guard - Bronze Medal
ROP Employer of the Year:
Liz Yoder - Dollar Tree, Duarte, California
Wow. Maybe Monrovia’s teachers and students should slow down.
Nah!
All recipients were praised and thanked for their hard work. If you know one of these shining stars, make sure to congratulate them.
MEASURE M ~ With the election around the corner, Measure M took center stage during the public comment part of the meeting. Many supporters (easily spotted as they wore their green "Yes on Measure M" t-shirts) went up to the podium to express there gratitude for the measure.
Not everyone had praises, however. One Monrovia resident, Monica Pollack, asked some questions regarding how some of the money from Measure M would used. She wanted to know how spending millions of dollars on an athletic field would help improve scores and why (and for what purpose) a construction contingency fund was created.
Supporters of the measure were quick to say how important it is to focus on the "whole student" not just concentrate on academics.
President Clare Chesley also commented on the importance of providing students with a well-rounded education that includes art and athletics and that not doing so would be "irresponsible." Chesley also said that setting aside a contingency fund for additional costs that may arise during construction was important, and not doing so, would also be "irresponsible."
Chesley encouraged anyone who had questions to call the district office or any board member directly. Visit www.monroviaschools.net or call the district office at (626) 471-2000.
RIDES ~ The board approved the addition of home-to-school transportation for the 2006-07 school year for a budget increase of $50,000. After taking into consideration declining enrollment, merging bus routes and a recent reduction of a bus driver, there was enough money to fund transportation. Good news, no?
BUILDER ~ The board approved the use of WLC Architects to provide services if Measure M is passed .Proposals were sent out to five qualified architectural firms and after interviews and references, WLC Architects was selected as the best for the project.
FACILITIES ~ Third time's the charm? Maybe not. The board heard a third reading the policy for the use of school facilities. In previous readings, there was some confusion in identifying which groups would be charged fees and which will not. Well, this time around, the board requested the clarification or addition of three items.
1) The issue of utility costs. Who would pick up the cost (or how much of it) of lights, air-conditioning and other utilities? Board member Bryan Wong said that he wasn't looking to "nickel and dime" costs, but wants to avoid big expenses that the district might not be ready for.
2) Make it clear that the Business Office approves the contracts and not the board.
3) Send the policy to the schools for input.
Hopefully the board won’t still be discussing this policy four meeting from now.
WELLNESS ~ The board heard the first reading of a proposed Local School Wellness Policy. The plan is to help kids eat healthier and steer them away from the Doritos.
The meeting was adjourned in memory of those who have given their lives for America.
Next time around, everyone will get together on June 14.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com