Monday, February 21, 2005
Monrovia School Link Preview ~ Number 107 ~ February 21, 2005
The board is going to discuss how to advocate for Monrovia schools and all the other schools in the United States (sounds like a big project). Also, there's a letter below about the proposed snack bar at MHS, and the Monrovia/Duarte PTA wanted me to pass along an announcement. Always glad to help... sometimes.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
The next Monrovia School Board meeting is this Wednesday, February 23, at 7 p.m. in the board room at the district office.
In closed session the board is going to talk about whether to expel two MHS students and one Clifton student. That, and it is going to discuss its contract with the Monrovia Teachers Association and evaluate the Superintendent.
Then there's item 8.3: "Receive position control report for 2004-2005." What that is, I have no clue.
Item 8.4 I can figure out. "Receive the annual enrollment and certificated staffing report.
The board will also consider whether to proclaim March 1-5 as National School Breakfast Week, March as Arts Education Month, and March 6-12 as Week of the School Administrator. My bet (and I'll give 10-to-1 odds on it) is that the board approves all these.
The board will also discuss "plans for advocacy on behalf of Monrovia Unified School District and public schools across the state and nation" and will vote on candidates to fill two open slots in the California School Boards Association Delegate Assembly.
LETTER ~ "One short response to the person who was indignant that we could raise $36,000 for the MHS snack bar, but not for fundamentals - Let us explain to the letter writer that Mr. Gililland, no children left in the school district, has been fighting for YEARS to make this happen - we are still short - and we are still lacking a basic building - restrooms/snackbar that most other schools have for sports events -
I would agree that I should hope parents are willing to open pocketbooks for the basics, but the $36,000 collected has taken a long, long long time - and not taken one dime from other school services!"
FROM THE PTA ~ The Monrovia/Duarte PTA asked me to pass along the message that it wants you to contact the Governor's office to let him know your thoughts about his proposed 2005-06 State Budget. You can contact the Governor's office at (916) 445-2841. (Press the hot issue button, #5, and follow the prompts to leave a message.) Also, you can get in touch with local legislators by entering your zip code at www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html. The PTA suggests saying something like: "I am calling to urge your support for the Proposition 98 guaranteed funding level for our schools. A strong economy requires a first-class education system. The children in my schools are suffering because the present level of school funding is forcing cuts in important programs." You can find more info on the PTA's advocacy campaign at www.capta.org/sections/advocacy/advocacy-campaign.cfm.
This newsletter is also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com.
(1) comments
The board is going to discuss how to advocate for Monrovia schools and all the other schools in the United States (sounds like a big project). Also, there's a letter below about the proposed snack bar at MHS, and the Monrovia/Duarte PTA wanted me to pass along an announcement. Always glad to help... sometimes.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
The next Monrovia School Board meeting is this Wednesday, February 23, at 7 p.m. in the board room at the district office.
In closed session the board is going to talk about whether to expel two MHS students and one Clifton student. That, and it is going to discuss its contract with the Monrovia Teachers Association and evaluate the Superintendent.
Then there's item 8.3: "Receive position control report for 2004-2005." What that is, I have no clue.
Item 8.4 I can figure out. "Receive the annual enrollment and certificated staffing report.
The board will also consider whether to proclaim March 1-5 as National School Breakfast Week, March as Arts Education Month, and March 6-12 as Week of the School Administrator. My bet (and I'll give 10-to-1 odds on it) is that the board approves all these.
The board will also discuss "plans for advocacy on behalf of Monrovia Unified School District and public schools across the state and nation" and will vote on candidates to fill two open slots in the California School Boards Association Delegate Assembly.
LETTER ~ "One short response to the person who was indignant that we could raise $36,000 for the MHS snack bar, but not for fundamentals - Let us explain to the letter writer that Mr. Gililland, no children left in the school district, has been fighting for YEARS to make this happen - we are still short - and we are still lacking a basic building - restrooms/snackbar that most other schools have for sports events -
I would agree that I should hope parents are willing to open pocketbooks for the basics, but the $36,000 collected has taken a long, long long time - and not taken one dime from other school services!"
FROM THE PTA ~ The Monrovia/Duarte PTA asked me to pass along the message that it wants you to contact the Governor's office to let him know your thoughts about his proposed 2005-06 State Budget. You can contact the Governor's office at (916) 445-2841. (Press the hot issue button, #5, and follow the prompts to leave a message.) Also, you can get in touch with local legislators by entering your zip code at www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html. The PTA suggests saying something like: "I am calling to urge your support for the Proposition 98 guaranteed funding level for our schools. A strong economy requires a first-class education system. The children in my schools are suffering because the present level of school funding is forcing cuts in important programs." You can find more info on the PTA's advocacy campaign at www.capta.org/sections/advocacy/advocacy-campaign.cfm.
This newsletter is also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 106 ~ February 14, 2005
I got enough comments about the last issue to create a whole "letters" edition of the newsletter. Two of the letters - which take opposite views - are about my interview with school board candidate Clarence Shaw. Also, I asked Shaw to give me his response. I won't weigh in with my opinion this time (except to say I think Shaw's response is very gracious) since I don't want to always have the last word... Well, actually I do always want the last word, but I'll restrain myself. Also, I now know what Clare Chesley means when she talks about "home rule" for schools.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
UNFAIR ~ I think you've been unfair to Clarence Shaw: "He's a nice guy, but...," and you kinda wish he wasn't running this time around.
Of course, it's your list, and so you can call 'em as you see 'em. But to poke him in the eye while the other candidates are still hiding in the shadows seems rather unfair. And rash, unless you are trying to keep the field small. I think you should save the criticism for the fall, after everybody's cards are on the table.
I'm glad he's running ASAP. It indicates that he feels a sense of urgency about leading the schools to a better point. And if he has ideas for the finances that he wants to save for the campaign, that is reasonable. It sounds like you think he's sitting on some magic bullet idea that will suddenly save the day. Rather more likely he has ideas for strategic initiatives, the kinds of things that make for good campaign grist.
FROM A PTA MEMBER ~ I am a parent and PTA member at Monroe Elementary. I remember meeting Mr. Shaw at one of our Coffees with the Principal that Mr. Villegas holds monthly. He does indeed seem to be a nice, interested fellow. However, as you pointed out, he is new to the district, and since his children aren't at any of the schools yet, isn't knowledgable in school matters.
He asks that the district set goals for API scores. No Child Left Behind has already done that. There are target levels that all students nation-wide must achieve, and all students are expected to be Proficient (75th percentile) in all areas by 2013 (I believe that's the correct year). Additionally, each school should have their own target percentage increases set, as part of the Schoolwide Plan at each site. It's in each schools Accountability Report, under Performance Targets.The goals are very specific, and anyone can see these numbers. Ask your principal, or attend a school site council meeting.This is being done in response to NCLB, to insure that our schools meet the criteria. I believe this was district mandated, as the schoolwide plan's are.
In addition, he may have joined our PTA, but he has only shown up for one or two meetings. He does not attend on a regular basis, nor is he involved with the PTA.
I also agree with you that if he has ideas to help bring in money to the district, he should share tham now when we're in dire need. He may well turn out to be a great help to our community and our schools, but at this point he seems to be in need of experience and knowledge.
FROM CLARENCE SHAW ~ In one note, Shaw writes, "I want to thank you for your time and I want to commend you and your staff or keeping this newsletter moving. By the way, I thought the write-up you did on me was very good and I appreciate it."
In a separate letter, when I asked for a response to my comments, he wrote:
At this point, the only thing I want to clarify is the budget comments. I was not speaking to the fact that I knew where to find monies for this fiscal year's budget dilemna. The comments I made about improving the funding streams to the district's budget were ideals that I have that need to be carefully planned and implemented (with time and concerted efforts).
I don't "sandbag" or hold back valuable information. That is not an element of my character.
I do understand that with any run for public office there will be pro's and con's on candidates. I take the "high" and I will run a very positive, professional campaign because the city and the institute of "politics" deserve that. I welcome positive and the negative comments. Negative comments do not break my spirit, nor do they hamper my goal of running for school board and winning a seat. I am a highly qualified and trained combat officer who has been in the combat zone for one year plus and I know how to stay focused on the mission without disruptions. My focus is to run a very effective, professional campaign and win a seat, be a very productive and dedicated board member whose complete interest is putting students first and raising academic achievement.
I am a very concerned parent who has the experience, qualifications, and more importantly the dedication to make a very good run for the school board. As the campaign progresses, voters will find that I am dedicated to my community, hard-working, and I give up a "whole" lot to make quality of living the very best for my community. I have children who will come up through MUSD and my streak in this is very, very, very high. I will not be going away even if I lose the election.
Hey, if I don't win it wasn't meant to be. But I tell you I am going to give this the very best shot.
Thanks a Bunch!
v/r
Clarence R. Shaw
CPT, FA
Commanding
NEW TOPIC; STATE MONEY ~ Another correspondent writes to say: I agree; time to get to reality and realize that the state will not come through with money owed, as is true for all other districts. The governor is clear about that. It ain't going to happen. Also, merit pay and tenure are two items that the governor mentioned in his speech. This, also, will be a very, very, very long time in coming if never. CTA will not agree to it. It is difficult to come up with one set of criteria that is objective that will apply equally to all districts with very diverse student/parent populations. This, too, probably ain't gonna happen. Good idea conceptually, but extremely hard to implement.
FUNDRAISER ~ And yet another: I just read the Feb. 11th entry. I can't believe that we can raise $36,000 for something sports related [the snack bar/restrooms at MHS], but can't muster up a fundraiser or something for the basics. It boggles the mind. We can't change decreasing enrollment (it's a trend throughout California). Perhaps we all need to write letters or postcards to the Gubernator and have him prove how much he values education. Thanks for letting me vent...again!
HOME RULE ~ I saw a letter to the editor of the Star-News from school board member Clare Chesley that explains her "home rule" quote in the last issue. She writes that Assembly member Lynn Daucher has introduced a "Home Rule Bill" that will give local school districts greater flexibility in how they spend their money. She urges parents, taxpayers and educators to contact their representitives to support the bill.
This newsletter is also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com.
(0) comments
I got enough comments about the last issue to create a whole "letters" edition of the newsletter. Two of the letters - which take opposite views - are about my interview with school board candidate Clarence Shaw. Also, I asked Shaw to give me his response. I won't weigh in with my opinion this time (except to say I think Shaw's response is very gracious) since I don't want to always have the last word... Well, actually I do always want the last word, but I'll restrain myself. Also, I now know what Clare Chesley means when she talks about "home rule" for schools.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
UNFAIR ~ I think you've been unfair to Clarence Shaw: "He's a nice guy, but...," and you kinda wish he wasn't running this time around.
Of course, it's your list, and so you can call 'em as you see 'em. But to poke him in the eye while the other candidates are still hiding in the shadows seems rather unfair. And rash, unless you are trying to keep the field small. I think you should save the criticism for the fall, after everybody's cards are on the table.
I'm glad he's running ASAP. It indicates that he feels a sense of urgency about leading the schools to a better point. And if he has ideas for the finances that he wants to save for the campaign, that is reasonable. It sounds like you think he's sitting on some magic bullet idea that will suddenly save the day. Rather more likely he has ideas for strategic initiatives, the kinds of things that make for good campaign grist.
FROM A PTA MEMBER ~ I am a parent and PTA member at Monroe Elementary. I remember meeting Mr. Shaw at one of our Coffees with the Principal that Mr. Villegas holds monthly. He does indeed seem to be a nice, interested fellow. However, as you pointed out, he is new to the district, and since his children aren't at any of the schools yet, isn't knowledgable in school matters.
He asks that the district set goals for API scores. No Child Left Behind has already done that. There are target levels that all students nation-wide must achieve, and all students are expected to be Proficient (75th percentile) in all areas by 2013 (I believe that's the correct year). Additionally, each school should have their own target percentage increases set, as part of the Schoolwide Plan at each site. It's in each schools Accountability Report, under Performance Targets.The goals are very specific, and anyone can see these numbers. Ask your principal, or attend a school site council meeting.This is being done in response to NCLB, to insure that our schools meet the criteria. I believe this was district mandated, as the schoolwide plan's are.
In addition, he may have joined our PTA, but he has only shown up for one or two meetings. He does not attend on a regular basis, nor is he involved with the PTA.
I also agree with you that if he has ideas to help bring in money to the district, he should share tham now when we're in dire need. He may well turn out to be a great help to our community and our schools, but at this point he seems to be in need of experience and knowledge.
FROM CLARENCE SHAW ~ In one note, Shaw writes, "I want to thank you for your time and I want to commend you and your staff or keeping this newsletter moving. By the way, I thought the write-up you did on me was very good and I appreciate it."
In a separate letter, when I asked for a response to my comments, he wrote:
At this point, the only thing I want to clarify is the budget comments. I was not speaking to the fact that I knew where to find monies for this fiscal year's budget dilemna. The comments I made about improving the funding streams to the district's budget were ideals that I have that need to be carefully planned and implemented (with time and concerted efforts).
I don't "sandbag" or hold back valuable information. That is not an element of my character.
I do understand that with any run for public office there will be pro's and con's on candidates. I take the "high" and I will run a very positive, professional campaign because the city and the institute of "politics" deserve that. I welcome positive and the negative comments. Negative comments do not break my spirit, nor do they hamper my goal of running for school board and winning a seat. I am a highly qualified and trained combat officer who has been in the combat zone for one year plus and I know how to stay focused on the mission without disruptions. My focus is to run a very effective, professional campaign and win a seat, be a very productive and dedicated board member whose complete interest is putting students first and raising academic achievement.
I am a very concerned parent who has the experience, qualifications, and more importantly the dedication to make a very good run for the school board. As the campaign progresses, voters will find that I am dedicated to my community, hard-working, and I give up a "whole" lot to make quality of living the very best for my community. I have children who will come up through MUSD and my streak in this is very, very, very high. I will not be going away even if I lose the election.
Hey, if I don't win it wasn't meant to be. But I tell you I am going to give this the very best shot.
Thanks a Bunch!
v/r
Clarence R. Shaw
CPT, FA
Commanding
NEW TOPIC; STATE MONEY ~ Another correspondent writes to say: I agree; time to get to reality and realize that the state will not come through with money owed, as is true for all other districts. The governor is clear about that. It ain't going to happen. Also, merit pay and tenure are two items that the governor mentioned in his speech. This, also, will be a very, very, very long time in coming if never. CTA will not agree to it. It is difficult to come up with one set of criteria that is objective that will apply equally to all districts with very diverse student/parent populations. This, too, probably ain't gonna happen. Good idea conceptually, but extremely hard to implement.
FUNDRAISER ~ And yet another: I just read the Feb. 11th entry. I can't believe that we can raise $36,000 for something sports related [the snack bar/restrooms at MHS], but can't muster up a fundraiser or something for the basics. It boggles the mind. We can't change decreasing enrollment (it's a trend throughout California). Perhaps we all need to write letters or postcards to the Gubernator and have him prove how much he values education. Thanks for letting me vent...again!
HOME RULE ~ I saw a letter to the editor of the Star-News from school board member Clare Chesley that explains her "home rule" quote in the last issue. She writes that Assembly member Lynn Daucher has introduced a "Home Rule Bill" that will give local school districts greater flexibility in how they spend their money. She urges parents, taxpayers and educators to contact their representitives to support the bill.
This newsletter is also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com.
Friday, February 11, 2005
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 105 ~ February 11, 2005
Whoo-ee! Perhaps I'm reading too much into this, since I wasn't at the meeting, but looking below, I see a battle between unpleasant reality and wishful thinking. Clare Chesley and Bryan Wong on one side seem to be saying that the district ain't gonna get much money from the state, so it needs to plan accordingly. On the other side, it appears Betty Sandford is saying the district should focus on pushing the state for the money it owes. Yup. I think the money is owed and you oughta push for it, Betty. But nope. I don't think you're gonna get it. Thanks so much to Missy Weber for writing up this report on the February 9 board meeting! Also, I've added a little interview I just had this morning with Clarence Shaw, who is planning to run for the board of education next election.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Missy Weber
First they honored two MHS students with the Automotive Service Excellence award, in conjunction with Sierra Autocars. Students Parker Rounds and Michael Morrill, who with teacher Phil Jellinick, competed against eight other high school seniors in automotive competition tests. They were trained in auto shop classes at the high school and at the dealership.
The Seaver Award for Outstanding Monrovia High School Teacher was given to Norman Franz, an English teacher at MHS. He had once been in administration, but went back to teaching for the love of it. Retiring this year. His master teacher came to see him receive the award, which included a check. Current SB prez Monina Diaz said she remembered him when she was an MHS student 10 years ago.
Ed Gililland spoke to the board to let them know the Big M Booster Club is still collecting funds to build the concession stand/restrooms for the high school. He has collected $36,000 so far and has plans in hand. The groundbreaking ceremony will take place April 23, and the facility should be constructed in time for the fall sport season of 2005.
Board member reports - this was interesting! Bryan Wong and Clare Chesley recently attended the Education Summit in Sacremento. Clare reported that she found herself to be the minority opinion up there in favoring merit pay for teachers. She believes, and Bryan agreed, that there is no further money to be coming from the state. She said we need to make the money we do receive go farther, by increasing the hours teachers are in the classroom, and that one reason revenue is decreasing is because of decreasing enrollment. She also thought tenure rules were unrealistic. Most of the other board members were firmly behind trying to get more money from the state, despite her reasoning.
Linda Dempsey reported that the revenue per pupil will decrease as enrollment decreases and that this is what the coming years revenue is then based upon. When we looked at the chart of class size averages, they are down in elementary schools, to around 18.5, and less than 30 for grades 4 and 5. At Clifton, they hover right around 30, as at Santa Fe.
The school board spent a while trying to agree on how best to advocate for the students of the district. It was agreed that they would return to the next meeting with 2 or 3 ideas they personally wished to see happen. They would be able to work towards their own ideas as well as try to reach a consensus about a few to get behind as a group.
Clare Chesley said she would like to see the Home Rule Bill pass (I'm sorry not to have a definition or explanation of this). She said the No Child Left Behind legislation requirements have less emphasis on teacher reporting and paperwork, which reduces the amount of time teachers spend in the classroom. She and Bryan Wong agreed that there are items that can be pushed for that do not add more spending.
Betty Sandford wishes to push for more state funding as number one priority, as did others. Many said they wished to see "the promise of Prop 98" be fulfilled by the state. One thing Linda Dempsey (Chief Business officer) reported was that because the state deficit has been reduced by one percent, the schools will benefit. But basically California education is owed "1.1 billion dollars" due to increased state revenue and Prop 98. No one thought we would get this but it was hoped we could.
Bruce Carter wants to push for IDEA, which emphasizes special education. He also encouraged the board members to email the legislators and so gain insight as to which of "300 bills" might be up for the vote at any given time in Sacramento. Get involved in the Legislative Action Committees so MUSD needs are heard.
CLARENCE SHAW ~ Clarence Shaw has taken out papers to run for the school board during the next election, so he and I got together for a cup of coffee at "0800 hours" (he's a captain in the Army Reserve and spent 15 months in Iraq) at the Starbucks in the Pavilions market.
Clarence is fairly new to Monrovia. He and his wife and two children have been here since September 2004, having moved to town from Pasadena because it's more affordable, there's less crime, and the school district is "fairly good." He works for the Department of Health Services for LA County.
His children do not yet attend Monrovia schools. He said his daughter is just 2-1/2 and is in preschool near his wife's work in Los Angeles, but he said his son will be starting at Monroe School in the fall.
In going to the meeting, I was expecting a buzz-cut, no-nonsense military type, and was somewhat surprised to find Shaw to be a friendly, easy-going guy. But what struck me almost immediately as we started talking is that he's a joiner. He's only been in town since September and he's on the board of the Boys and Girls Club - Foothill Branch, he's a life member of the Friends of the Monrovia Library, he's a member of the Monroe Elementary School PTA, and the Big M Booster Club. He's also involved in the NAACP, and various professional organizations. That, and he said he attends all the school board meetings, has met a lot of the influential people in town and has even met with the local Service Employees International Union to seek its endorsement.
Why is he so involved?
Well, he said he's always been that way (and his bio tends to bear that out, citing several administrative offices he's held). He just believes in giving back to the community. Also, he said his children will soon be in the school district, and he has been interested in politics for a long time.
He said he ran the successful campaign of Tommy McMullins for the Pasadena Unified School District, he helped on Diana Peterson's bid for the Assembly, and on Sid Tyler's race for the Pasadena City Council.
Okay, so what does Shaw think needs improving in the Monrovia School District?
Well, he thinks the current board members and past board members have set a good foundation, but now he wants to take the district to a higher level.
Details?
He said it is time to "roll up our sleeves" and come up with more concrete goals. He said he doesn't feel the board's current goals are specific enough.
He said he thinks reading and math scores need to be higher and the board should set the the goal that "x number of students should perform at grade level by such and such a date."
Also, he said he'd set a goal to have the API scores increase to some specific amount by some date, and would like the district to be even more responsive to parents.
He added that he doesn't want to release a lot of ideas too early, since he is in a election, after all. But, he said, he does have ideas for increasing funding for the district.
You know... I hate to say this since he's a nice buy, but this last comment bothers me. It strikes me that if ever there was a time to share ideas for how to increase funding for the district, now's the time. The district's in a tight spot with money, and if any of us have ideas on how to ease that problem, it doesn't seem right to keep those ideas quiet, even for someone who's running for office. Or maybe, especially for someone who's running for office.
Share those good ideas at the next board meeting, Clarence. You'll win a lot of respect.
In summary, I think Shaw is a nice guy who seems to enjoy being out and involved in the community; good qualities for a school board member. It seems a bit odd, though, that he's planning to run for the school board almost immediately upon moving to town. I kinda wish he'd hold off until the following election so he'll have more experience as a parent with the schools, and so people can see how he does in the many community organizations he's a part of. But still, having more candidates is generally a good thing. As I told him, if nothing else, it keeps the incumbents on their toes.
This newsletter is also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com.
(0) comments
Whoo-ee! Perhaps I'm reading too much into this, since I wasn't at the meeting, but looking below, I see a battle between unpleasant reality and wishful thinking. Clare Chesley and Bryan Wong on one side seem to be saying that the district ain't gonna get much money from the state, so it needs to plan accordingly. On the other side, it appears Betty Sandford is saying the district should focus on pushing the state for the money it owes. Yup. I think the money is owed and you oughta push for it, Betty. But nope. I don't think you're gonna get it. Thanks so much to Missy Weber for writing up this report on the February 9 board meeting! Also, I've added a little interview I just had this morning with Clarence Shaw, who is planning to run for the board of education next election.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Missy Weber
First they honored two MHS students with the Automotive Service Excellence award, in conjunction with Sierra Autocars. Students Parker Rounds and Michael Morrill, who with teacher Phil Jellinick, competed against eight other high school seniors in automotive competition tests. They were trained in auto shop classes at the high school and at the dealership.
The Seaver Award for Outstanding Monrovia High School Teacher was given to Norman Franz, an English teacher at MHS. He had once been in administration, but went back to teaching for the love of it. Retiring this year. His master teacher came to see him receive the award, which included a check. Current SB prez Monina Diaz said she remembered him when she was an MHS student 10 years ago.
Ed Gililland spoke to the board to let them know the Big M Booster Club is still collecting funds to build the concession stand/restrooms for the high school. He has collected $36,000 so far and has plans in hand. The groundbreaking ceremony will take place April 23, and the facility should be constructed in time for the fall sport season of 2005.
Board member reports - this was interesting! Bryan Wong and Clare Chesley recently attended the Education Summit in Sacremento. Clare reported that she found herself to be the minority opinion up there in favoring merit pay for teachers. She believes, and Bryan agreed, that there is no further money to be coming from the state. She said we need to make the money we do receive go farther, by increasing the hours teachers are in the classroom, and that one reason revenue is decreasing is because of decreasing enrollment. She also thought tenure rules were unrealistic. Most of the other board members were firmly behind trying to get more money from the state, despite her reasoning.
Linda Dempsey reported that the revenue per pupil will decrease as enrollment decreases and that this is what the coming years revenue is then based upon. When we looked at the chart of class size averages, they are down in elementary schools, to around 18.5, and less than 30 for grades 4 and 5. At Clifton, they hover right around 30, as at Santa Fe.
The school board spent a while trying to agree on how best to advocate for the students of the district. It was agreed that they would return to the next meeting with 2 or 3 ideas they personally wished to see happen. They would be able to work towards their own ideas as well as try to reach a consensus about a few to get behind as a group.
Clare Chesley said she would like to see the Home Rule Bill pass (I'm sorry not to have a definition or explanation of this). She said the No Child Left Behind legislation requirements have less emphasis on teacher reporting and paperwork, which reduces the amount of time teachers spend in the classroom. She and Bryan Wong agreed that there are items that can be pushed for that do not add more spending.
Betty Sandford wishes to push for more state funding as number one priority, as did others. Many said they wished to see "the promise of Prop 98" be fulfilled by the state. One thing Linda Dempsey (Chief Business officer) reported was that because the state deficit has been reduced by one percent, the schools will benefit. But basically California education is owed "1.1 billion dollars" due to increased state revenue and Prop 98. No one thought we would get this but it was hoped we could.
Bruce Carter wants to push for IDEA, which emphasizes special education. He also encouraged the board members to email the legislators and so gain insight as to which of "300 bills" might be up for the vote at any given time in Sacramento. Get involved in the Legislative Action Committees so MUSD needs are heard.
CLARENCE SHAW ~ Clarence Shaw has taken out papers to run for the school board during the next election, so he and I got together for a cup of coffee at "0800 hours" (he's a captain in the Army Reserve and spent 15 months in Iraq) at the Starbucks in the Pavilions market.
Clarence is fairly new to Monrovia. He and his wife and two children have been here since September 2004, having moved to town from Pasadena because it's more affordable, there's less crime, and the school district is "fairly good." He works for the Department of Health Services for LA County.
His children do not yet attend Monrovia schools. He said his daughter is just 2-1/2 and is in preschool near his wife's work in Los Angeles, but he said his son will be starting at Monroe School in the fall.
In going to the meeting, I was expecting a buzz-cut, no-nonsense military type, and was somewhat surprised to find Shaw to be a friendly, easy-going guy. But what struck me almost immediately as we started talking is that he's a joiner. He's only been in town since September and he's on the board of the Boys and Girls Club - Foothill Branch, he's a life member of the Friends of the Monrovia Library, he's a member of the Monroe Elementary School PTA, and the Big M Booster Club. He's also involved in the NAACP, and various professional organizations. That, and he said he attends all the school board meetings, has met a lot of the influential people in town and has even met with the local Service Employees International Union to seek its endorsement.
Why is he so involved?
Well, he said he's always been that way (and his bio tends to bear that out, citing several administrative offices he's held). He just believes in giving back to the community. Also, he said his children will soon be in the school district, and he has been interested in politics for a long time.
He said he ran the successful campaign of Tommy McMullins for the Pasadena Unified School District, he helped on Diana Peterson's bid for the Assembly, and on Sid Tyler's race for the Pasadena City Council.
Okay, so what does Shaw think needs improving in the Monrovia School District?
Well, he thinks the current board members and past board members have set a good foundation, but now he wants to take the district to a higher level.
Details?
He said it is time to "roll up our sleeves" and come up with more concrete goals. He said he doesn't feel the board's current goals are specific enough.
He said he thinks reading and math scores need to be higher and the board should set the the goal that "x number of students should perform at grade level by such and such a date."
Also, he said he'd set a goal to have the API scores increase to some specific amount by some date, and would like the district to be even more responsive to parents.
He added that he doesn't want to release a lot of ideas too early, since he is in a election, after all. But, he said, he does have ideas for increasing funding for the district.
You know... I hate to say this since he's a nice buy, but this last comment bothers me. It strikes me that if ever there was a time to share ideas for how to increase funding for the district, now's the time. The district's in a tight spot with money, and if any of us have ideas on how to ease that problem, it doesn't seem right to keep those ideas quiet, even for someone who's running for office. Or maybe, especially for someone who's running for office.
Share those good ideas at the next board meeting, Clarence. You'll win a lot of respect.
In summary, I think Shaw is a nice guy who seems to enjoy being out and involved in the community; good qualities for a school board member. It seems a bit odd, though, that he's planning to run for the school board almost immediately upon moving to town. I kinda wish he'd hold off until the following election so he'll have more experience as a parent with the schools, and so people can see how he does in the many community organizations he's a part of. But still, having more candidates is generally a good thing. As I told him, if nothing else, it keeps the incumbents on their toes.
This newsletter is also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com.
Friday, February 04, 2005
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 104 ~ January 30, 2005
This is one of those special newsletters, about an aspect of the school district that you don't necessarily see at the board meetings. In this case, it is an interview with the head of the Pro-Active Tutoring (PAT) program, Duke Freyermuth. He's an interesting guy, who, by the way, says that if you'd like to seen the program in action, just give him a call or send him an email. By the way, if there's some aspect of the district you wonder about, send me a note and maybe I'll do a story about it.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
I got together with Freyermuth at the Monrovia Coffee Company at the suggestion of Joel Shawn at the district office (actually, Shawn didn't suggest the coffee shop, just that we get together, but you probably guessed that). Anyway, I came to the meeting a bit warily because I had a suspicion that this interview was in response to a critical letter about the PAT program from a parent who wrote to say she saw some tutors chit-chatting instead of tutoring, so I figured this was going to be about setting me straight.
So, with this thought in mind, I sat down for a chat.
Freyermuth is retired now, if you can call it that. He worked for the district for 32 years as a teacher and counselor, from 1968 to 2000, first at Monrovia High School then at Clifton Middle School. Then, since 2000, he's been running PAT, still working for the district, in a manner of speaking.
Basically, Freyermuth doesn't deny that the parent who wrote the letter saw tutors chatting instead of helping students ("What the parent saw probably happened," he said.) - and he wants to correct that - but overall, he said, the tutors do a great job and the program is very successful.
Specifically, he said 87 percent of students who participate in the tutoring program improve by at least one grade.
O-kay. That's a pretty impressive bottom line.
He said the program has won the California School Boards Association's Golden Bell award, that both the County of Los Angeles and El Monte are interested in doing their own versions of the program, and that "the biggest barometer" is the teachers, who are very enthusiastic about the results.
Duke (Can I call you Duke, Duke?) said be began the tutoring program with Citrus College students and some of the Maryknoll Sisters, who have a community in Monrovia. From that it has expanded to - if I'm counting the names correctly on the sheet he gave me - 40 tutors at every school except Mayflower, which - for weird reasons I don't wish to get into - needs to have a separate tutoring program. It has also expanded from offering help to at-risk students to offering open-to-all after-school help.
He said the tutors, who are paid about $8 an hour, have $6 an hour of their wages paid by the Federal Work Study program, which leaves $2 an hour, which is covered by various Monrovia community groups. Monrovia, he said, is generous. "Almost everywhere I've asked, I've gotten help." Cost to the district? Nothing.
The tutors, Duke said, get about four training sessions per year. He said they are specifically told to press the students about what they need help on. He said that if you just ask a student if he needs help or if his homework is done, he or she - from shyness or whatever - will almost always say that everything is fine. So the tutors need to push a little, and say, "Well, let's go over what you've been working on."
With its success in Monrovia, Duke has expanded his vision. He's thinking in terms of a Tutoring Corps. He figures we already have a Peace Corp and a Job Corp. Why not a Tutoring Corps? Why not call up Oprah and get her to plug the idea? Why not get the state to fund the idea? (Uhh. Bad time to ask the state for money, Duke.) Okay, but still. Why not?
Yeah. Why not?
Oh, and back to what brought this up this interview in the first place, if you see a problem with what the tutors are doing, or not doing, or if you would like a firsthand look at the program in action, give Duke a call at (626) 445-7375, or write him at dukemargie at aol.com.
This newsletter is also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com.
(0) comments
This is one of those special newsletters, about an aspect of the school district that you don't necessarily see at the board meetings. In this case, it is an interview with the head of the Pro-Active Tutoring (PAT) program, Duke Freyermuth. He's an interesting guy, who, by the way, says that if you'd like to seen the program in action, just give him a call or send him an email. By the way, if there's some aspect of the district you wonder about, send me a note and maybe I'll do a story about it.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
I got together with Freyermuth at the Monrovia Coffee Company at the suggestion of Joel Shawn at the district office (actually, Shawn didn't suggest the coffee shop, just that we get together, but you probably guessed that). Anyway, I came to the meeting a bit warily because I had a suspicion that this interview was in response to a critical letter about the PAT program from a parent who wrote to say she saw some tutors chit-chatting instead of tutoring, so I figured this was going to be about setting me straight.
So, with this thought in mind, I sat down for a chat.
Freyermuth is retired now, if you can call it that. He worked for the district for 32 years as a teacher and counselor, from 1968 to 2000, first at Monrovia High School then at Clifton Middle School. Then, since 2000, he's been running PAT, still working for the district, in a manner of speaking.
Basically, Freyermuth doesn't deny that the parent who wrote the letter saw tutors chatting instead of helping students ("What the parent saw probably happened," he said.) - and he wants to correct that - but overall, he said, the tutors do a great job and the program is very successful.
Specifically, he said 87 percent of students who participate in the tutoring program improve by at least one grade.
O-kay. That's a pretty impressive bottom line.
He said the program has won the California School Boards Association's Golden Bell award, that both the County of Los Angeles and El Monte are interested in doing their own versions of the program, and that "the biggest barometer" is the teachers, who are very enthusiastic about the results.
Duke (Can I call you Duke, Duke?) said be began the tutoring program with Citrus College students and some of the Maryknoll Sisters, who have a community in Monrovia. From that it has expanded to - if I'm counting the names correctly on the sheet he gave me - 40 tutors at every school except Mayflower, which - for weird reasons I don't wish to get into - needs to have a separate tutoring program. It has also expanded from offering help to at-risk students to offering open-to-all after-school help.
He said the tutors, who are paid about $8 an hour, have $6 an hour of their wages paid by the Federal Work Study program, which leaves $2 an hour, which is covered by various Monrovia community groups. Monrovia, he said, is generous. "Almost everywhere I've asked, I've gotten help." Cost to the district? Nothing.
The tutors, Duke said, get about four training sessions per year. He said they are specifically told to press the students about what they need help on. He said that if you just ask a student if he needs help or if his homework is done, he or she - from shyness or whatever - will almost always say that everything is fine. So the tutors need to push a little, and say, "Well, let's go over what you've been working on."
With its success in Monrovia, Duke has expanded his vision. He's thinking in terms of a Tutoring Corps. He figures we already have a Peace Corp and a Job Corp. Why not a Tutoring Corps? Why not call up Oprah and get her to plug the idea? Why not get the state to fund the idea? (Uhh. Bad time to ask the state for money, Duke.) Okay, but still. Why not?
Yeah. Why not?
Oh, and back to what brought this up this interview in the first place, if you see a problem with what the tutors are doing, or not doing, or if you would like a firsthand look at the program in action, give Duke a call at (626) 445-7375, or write him at dukemargie at aol.com.
This newsletter is also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com.
