Carolyn's Corner

June 1, 2006

And again we come to the end of an eventful and exciting school year. Each year seems to fly by faster than the previous one! Age must be catching up with me as it seems only yesterday that we were welcoming our brand new teachers to the district, and now we are bidding farewell to many of our friends and colleagues as they move into the golden years of retirement. 2005-06 went by in a flash with more than its share of good and sad happenings. Let's take a moment to look at some of the highlights of the year.

Many of the happenings around PVUSD this year were wonderfully positive. Student achievement is at an all time high thanks to the dedication and hard work of our classroom teachers and support staff. Many of our sites have built strong professional learning communities where collaboration is the norm and student success is the reward. The million word campaign is in full swing at most sites and is contributing towards student growth and accomplishment. Three of our schools have been recognized as Distinguished Schools by the state, and many of our schools have raised their comparative API ranking significantly. More than 150 teachers and administrators have received training in RSRA and many of their sites have implemented the strategies and are experiencing amazing results. We also had our first PAL retreat this year which brought together the principal and the building rep from each site to discuss and adopt common Beliefs, Guiding Principles, and Behaviors that will guide our decision making. We recently had a reunion of this same group to revisit these commitments and discuss how they have been used at the various sites. Many strides have been taken by all this year, and we need to recognize them. Sometimes teachers don't take time to celebrate successes, but now is the time to do so. Pat yourselves on the back and take a bow…you deserve it!

Other events in the district were not as positive. Recently our superintendent and our associate superintendent announced their retirements from PVUSD. This loss of leadership could have a significant impact on the district. Mr. McHenry's fiscal expertise has kept the district on solid financial ground in spite of the antics from the state. He has generated over $150 million for construction and modernization throughout the district. We were at one time the only district in the county that had a positive budget certification from the COE. On the other hand, Dr. May's expertise has centered on curriculum and learning communities. Her respect for district staff professionalism has given her the confidence to work hand in hand with the union to try to protect staff from the sanctions of NCLB as much as possible. Without her confidence in the teachers of this district and trust in PVFT leadership, this journey could have been far more confrontational and negative. I am not saying that it's been easy or painless, but it has, at least, kept the teacher voice in the conversation. Dr. Mays is the first Superintendent that I have worked with who has gotten the concept that working with the union in an equal and productive partnership is the only way to bring about gains in student achievement; not just on high stakes testing, but in the true meaning of improvement in learning for all students.

Next year will bring its new share of challenges and rewards. The November elections could bring new trustees to the district, a new governor to the state, and a new majority to Congress. It will bring, at some point, a new Superintendent to PVUSD along with a new Financial Officer. We need to be involved with all of these changes as they will affect us, either directly or indirectly. So, rest and relax during your summer break. Read some good books; take some long walks; go on a great vacation; enjoy your families. Most of all, take good care of you because, without you, nothing great will happen next year! Happy summer and see you in August!

Carolyn Savino