Carolyn's Corner

December 13 , 2006

The first semester has evaporated into thin air! It seems like only yesterday we were welcoming each other back after a restful summer, and now we’re days away from the holidays! It’s not that the time hasn’t been eventful, but it sure did fly by.

Serving on the DAG (District Alternative Governance) committee has taken its unfair share of my time and energy this year. This is the hardest role I have ever been asked to take on. NCLB and the state accountability system have brought strange sanctions that we all have to navigate through and PVUSD is in the middle of them. Their solution, the DAG, is controversial at best with the seven schools that it is working with. My role on it is even more controversial. It is easy for the perception to be that I am siding with administration by serving on this committee, but my role is truly to keep the teacher’s voice at the table. I have struggled with this role and have sought council from people that I respect. We have concluded that it is better that I remain on the committee than resign. Without me at the table, there would be no voice for certificated staff at all. I hope that most of you understand this and support it. We will address this issue in depth at the February general membership meeting.

The time is nearly here for Winter Break and a well deserved rest for all of you. I hope your holidays are filled with happiness and joy. May you find family and friends close to you with their support and love. And may we all find a new year of peace and prosperity in 2007. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Carolyn Savino