Carolyn's Corner

October 9, 2006

It’s difficult to believe that October is here already. With all the issues, events and concerns swirling throughout the district, the weeks have flown by with nary a moment to catch our breath! I honestly have not forgotten any of you or your staffs and will get to your sites soon. The months of August and September were nearly taken over by the work of the DAG committee which has become a full-time job for all of us on it.

We did have our second annual PAL retreat a couple of weeks ago, and the feedback was positive and enthusiastic from all. Nearly every principal and building rep attended the day’s activities along with the District Cabinet and the PVFT Executive Council. Also attending were several trustees and candidates. We spent the day focusing on how we communicate with each other and how to use those skills to enhance each site’s culture as well as approaching the difficult discussions surrounding data. I believe everyone left with skills and plans to take back to their sites. In just one short year, this partnership between the union and management has become much more equal and productive thanks to everyone’s hard work.

We also have just conducted our first all member endorsement process which was approved last year by the members. There was much positive feedback from many of you. You felt you had a voice in who PVFT endorsed. Nearly 40% of you responded with clear direction of which candidates to endorse. Using our controversial issues policy, we did not endorse any candidate for the Board without a 60% majority. In Area I, although Libby Wilson received the most votes, she did not receive 60% and was not endorsed. In Area IV, although Leslie DeRose received the most votes, she didn’t receive 60% and was not endorsed. In Area V, Willie Yahiro received 60% of the votes and was endorsed. And in Area VII, Kim Turley commanded more than 60% of the votes and is our candidate. In the SCCOE Superintendent’s race, Baker and Watkins were dead even, and we chose to endorse them both. Thanks to all of you who participated in the highly democratic process. I believe that PVFT is truly speaking with the voice of its members for the first time in the political process. Let the games begin, and may the best candidates win.

What’s a DAG, anyway?
NCLB keeps adding new regulations as more and more schools go into program improvement status. The most recent regulation creates an alternative governance oversight group of all schools in year 5 status. Thus was born the PVUSD District Alternative Governance committee, or DAG committee for short. Their charge is to oversee the school plan, budget and implementation of standards-based curriculum in these schools and to monitor their progress.
The committee has studied the APS, school plan and budget of each of the seven year 5 schools. They have visited each site for an entire day to collect base line data. They spent the instructional day in classrooms, primarily observing the implementation of Language Arts, Math, and ELD programs. All staff was interviewed at each site, and the committee debriefed their findings of the day before leaving the site. At a subsequent meeting, the committee reviewed all of the site’s data and came up with findings and corrective actions for the site. These documents are not recommendations; they are mandates for change at the site. The committee also has developed findings and corrective actions for the district as a whole.

Smaller groups from the committee will then monitor each school on a monthly basis and discuss their findings with the principal and site rep on a bi-monthly basis.

Although controversial with the schools under the microscope and some trustees, the district hopes that this committee will convince the state and county that the district takes improvement and student achievement seriously and are committed to excellence in all PVUSD schools. This, they hope, will convince the state and county to allow the district to continue to be in charge of its own schools.

Thanks from the candidates

From Rowland Baker:
I am honored to have received your endorsement for Santa Cruz Co. Superintendent of Schools. As a former teacher in PCUSD for 15 years, it means a lot. This is a very important election for all K-12 teachers, with a lot at stake. I urge you to take an in-depth look at the background, experience and expertise of both candidates to assist you in making an informed decision on who you want leading our schools in the county. If you can assist in any way in this important election, please call and “Catch the Fever” growing county-wide. Contact: 332-2352 or dbsurf@aol.com

From Michael Watkins:
The Campaign to Elect Michael Watkins for Co. Superintendent of Schools would like to express our sincere appreciation for your recent endorsement. As you can see from the many endorsements listed on our website, the Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers is not alone! In fact, even though both candidates have worked at the COE for a number of years, Michael alone has been endorsed by both the certificated and classified staff member of the SCCOE. This speaks volumes about the kind of support Michael has at the COE and county-wide. Michael brings people together to get things done. If you want to help Michael the contacts are: polhamus@sbcglobal.net for precinct walking, and www.winwithwatkins.com for other important information.

Carolyn Savino