March 2005 News Archive
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
State Education Funding: State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell
State Superintendent of Public Instruction was unable to attend Monday’s press conference on state education funding. Following are his prepared remarks, which were delivered by interim Superintendent Brian Sarvis.
It is great to be back in Santa Barbara County. I want to thank Superintendent Brian Sarvis for inviting me to speak at this event to fight for funding for our schools and our children’s future.
Governor Schwarzenegger promised when he was campaigning for the job of Governor that he would protect Proposition 98, but sadly his current proposed budget underfunds Proposition 98 by $2 billion, and he is supporting efforts to decimate Proposition 98 through a constitutional amendment or initiative that I believe would permanently consign California’s public schools to the basement in funding.
The real world effect of the Governor’s proposed budget is NO additional resources for our K-12 schools, and a likelihood of program cuts at the school and classroom level. It’s a step backward, when our students, our economy, the future of our state can least afford it.
California has some of the most rigorous standards in the nation, and we have the most challenging student population in the nation. We are asking our students and our schools to reach for the stars with funding that doesn’t get them off the ground.
But the majority of Californians clearly believe we should be investing more in the future of our students, according to a recent study by the Public Policy Institute of California.
Yet the Governor’s proposals ignore the people’s will to invest more in our schools. His constitutional amendment, SCA 4X, would perpetually threaten our school districts with the possibility of unanticipated, midyear cuts. Far from giving more control to our local districts, it would give the Governor power to unilaterally slash the funding of even the most prudently managed schools in the middle of the budget cycle.
This is the most direct assault on our public schools I’ve seen in my years of public service, and I’m astonished that it’s being proposed at a time when the public clearly believes we should be investing more in the future of our students.
This is a meat-ax scenario far worse than the budget uncertainty that led voters to approve Proposition 98 in the first place. It would remove all budgeting certainty from our schools, and take away from the Legislature the ability to prioritize funding. It is the very embodiment of auto-pilot budgeting.
Let’s remember that voters passed Proposition 98 with the intention of restoring California’s schools to their position of excellence, from which they had fallen precipitously since the 1970s.
With Proposition 98 voters intended to give school districts a stable and predictable source of funding so that they can plan their budgets and prioritize funding year to year. They also intended for school funding to increase over time, not merely to guarantee that it would stay flat.
Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposal would eliminate that flexibility, and Proposition 98’s promise of building on our public school investments when the state can afford to do so.
It is the job of the Governor and Legislature to budget annually, setting priorities that reflect the public will and serve the best interest of our state.
I do believe there is action the Governor and the Legislature should take regarding Proposition 98. That action is to fully fund it. We need to restore the promise of stability, growth and investment in our schools. We cannot allow the swings of the economy or politics to swing a wrecking ball at our classrooms. Instead, we need to invest in our schools, to build for the future of our economy and our state.
Dr. Brian Sarvis Selected to Serve as Superintendent of the Santa Barbara School Districts
Following a closed session interview, at 12:10 p.m., the Board of Education announced a 5-0 vote to appoint Dr. Brian Sarvis as the new superintendent of the Santa Barbara School Elementary and High School Districts. The contract and salary will be negotiated, beginning April 11, 2005.
Following the announcement, Dr. Sarvis stated, “I am honored to serve the 16,000 students and families of the Santa Barbara Elementary and High School Districts. These are high performing districts with dedicated, professional staff.”
Dr. Sarvis has been serving as the interim superintendent of the districts since mid-2004. Previous positions in the Santa Barbara School Districts have included: assistant superintendent, elementary education/research and technology (2003-04); director, research and technology (2001-03).
Prior to joining the Santa Barbara School Districts, he held the following positions in Modesto City Schools: assistant superintendent, research and technology (1997-01); director, curriculum and assessment (1988-97); and educational analyst (1986-88).
Additionally, his work experience includes service in the Linden Unified School District as a principal (1984-86); director of pupil personnel services (1978-84); and school psychologist (1976-78). Dr. Sarvis was a university instructor at California State University, Stanislaus (1976-83) and a grant writer in the Livingston School District (1973-75).
Dr. Sarvis received a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from Western Washington University; master’s degree in psychology from California State University, Stanislaus; doctorate in educational administration from Brigham Young University; and postdoctoral study in educational technology at Stanford University. He also engaged in specialized study in Spanish, Hispanic culture, and bilingual assessment at the University of the Pacific, National Hispanic University, and University of Guadalajara, Mexico.
Dos Pueblos High School State Mock Trial Results
The California Mock Trial tournament took place March 18-20, 2005 in Riverside, CA. Dos Pueblos High School’s Mock Trial team, winners at the Santa Barbara County level, placed a highly respectable 12th out of 34 schools statewide.
Science Fair Season is Underway
Most schools in the Santa Barbara Elementary and High School Districts are conducting science fairs. At the secondary level, the district’s junior high and high schools are getting ready for the county science fair on April 17-20, 2005.
La Colina Junior High School will have a public viewing of science fair projects on Tuesday, March 29, 3:00-6:30 p.m. All 8th grade students at La Colina are required to complete a science fair project. This year there will more than 450 science fair projects focusing on chemistry, physics, astronomy, behavioral, environmental and earth science. In the elementary district, Roosevelt and Monroe elementary schools will conduct their science fairs on Wednesday, March 30, at 6:00 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.
Press Conference: State Superintendent of Public Instruction to Speak on State Education Funding
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell will be present for a Santa Barbara School Districts’ press conference on Monday, March 28, 2005, at 2:00 p.m. The news conference will focus on state education funding and will be held in the Board Room in the districts’ Administration Office, 720 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
Mr. O’Connell will be joined by interim Superintendent Dr. Brian Sarvis and Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools Bill Cirone.
Elected in November 2002, Mr. O’Connell is the state’s 26th superintendent of public instruction. He is serving a four-year term. Prior to assuming the current position, Mr. O’Connell served for approximately 20 years in the California State Legislature representing the Central Coast.
San Marcos National Honor Society to Host Nobel Laureate Kroemer at Chapter Induction Ceremony
Dr. Herbert Kroemer, a UCSB professor and recipient of the 2000 Nobel Prize in physics, will be the keynote speaker at the San Marcos High School National Honor Society new member induction ceremony on March 21, 2005, at 6:00 p.m. in the newly renovated San Marcos auditorium. The event will include a short performance by the San Marcos performing arts, the National Honor Society (NHS) meeting and induction, then Kroemer’s keynote address followed by audience questions.
The San Marcos NHS hosts prominent speakers at its twice-yearly induction meetings. In the past Representative Lois Capps and “Sleepless in Seattle” screenwriter Jeff Arch have addressed the students and their parents.
The San Marcos chapter of the NHS has approximately 250 members in grades 10 through 12 who hold a minimum of a 3.75 academic grade point average and complete a community service project each term. After remaining eligible for NHS for two to three of their high school years, the members are honored at graduation with an NHS diploma seal and a special tassel and cord.
With chapters in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, many U.S. Territories and Canada, the NHS and its junior high component, the National Junior Honor Society, has more than one million student members. Each year, the NHS offers 200 $1,000 scholarships to its members as well as the Principal’s Leadership Award, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards and the Wendy’ High School Heisman Award.
Six San Marcos Students Attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Nursing in Boston
Six students in the San Marcos High School Certified Nursing Assistant program, along with Sue Dachenhaus, director of the Health Careers Academy, recently returned from the National Youth Leadership Forum on Nursing, a six-day program in Boston, Massachusetts. Katie Coy, Courtney Giers, Maria Gutierrez, Gloria Ochoa, Rachel Myers and Brenda Rubio had the opportunity to interact with nursing professionals, attend lectures, learn about the critical role of nursing, gain hands-on experience in hospital settings, meet students from around the nation who are interested in the nursing profession, and visit nursing colleges.
The National Youth Leadership Forum was established to help high-achieving high school and university students define their personal and professional goals, strengthen their leadership skills, and make well-informed career choices. “I will never forget this experience for it changed my life and my thoughts on nursing. I went in wanting to be a nurse and I came out with a passion to become a great nurse,” stated Rachel Myers. Gloria Ochoa added, “Before going to the forum I was already interested in becoming an E.R. nurse, but this experience solidified my decision.”
The Health Careers Academy began in school year 2000-01. Each year, 80-plus students enroll in the three-year program and, to date, 45 students have graduated. Courses focus on anatomy, physiology, communications, psychology, health careers and, in grade 12, a certified nursing assistant program that includes a nine-week internship at Cottage Hospital The academy is a unique partnership between Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and the Regional Occupations Program.
The Health Careers Academy at San Marcos High School is located at 4750 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA.
Fun-filled Nutrition Decathlon at McKinley Elementary School
It is National Nutrition Month and McKinley Elementary School students will celebrate on March 18, 2005, with a fun-filled nutrition decathlon. Students in grades 4-5 will participate from 9:00-10:00 a.m.; some grade 2 classrooms from 10:00-11:00 a.m.; grades 2-3 from 11:00 a.m. to noon. The decathlon will include a five-a-day fruit and vegetable toss, melon weight lifting, carrot hop, strawberry relay, squash stretch, and apple taste testing.
According to Jeri Waite, Santa Barbara Public Health Department, “The nutrition decathlon is designed to provide a fun and active opportunity for students to learn about the importance of eating five or more fruits and vegetables each day and engage in 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Healthy eating and physical activity contributes considerably to the prevention of short- and long-term health problems in children and adults. Children who establish the habits of eating two servings of fruits, three servings of vegetables, and regular physical activity in childhood get a head start in reducing their future risk of obesity, diabetes, some types of cancer, heart disease, and hypertension.” The nutrition decathlon sponsors are the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department Dental Disease Prevention Program, UC Cooperative Extension Gold Coast 5-A-Day Power Play, Gold Coast Collaborative, Assistance League of Santa Barbara, Albertson’s, and Partners for Fit Youth.
Nutritious meals boost brain power and the districts’ food service program helps address that challenge each day. Santa Barbara Elementary School District’s cafeterias comply with all state and federal nutrition regulations. Salad bars are provided daily. Fresh mixed greens and at least one fresh or canned fruit and one item rich in protein are salad bar staples but there are also at least four additional items (e.g., cucumbers, cottage cheese, broccoli, chicken salad, trail mix, jicama, kidney beans). Other healthy choices are part of the menu. Cafeterias offer students a selection of water, milk or 100% fruit juice. There are no soft drink machines available to the district’s 6,000 elementary students.
McKinley Elementary School is located at 350 Loma Alta Drive in Santa Barbara, CA.
Students Score in the Santa Barbara County Spelling Bee
The annual Santa Barbara County Spelling Bee was held last Thursday, March 3, 2005. In the elementary division, third place went to sixth grader Kevin Griffin, from Adams School, who spelled ambidextrous. Fourth place winner was Andrew Purwadi, a sixth grader from Harding School.
In the secondary division, Angela Dai, an eighth grader from Goleta Valley Junior High School, took second place by spelling isosceles.
The two top winners in each division proceed to the state level, which means that Angela will go on to the State Junior High spelling Bee on May 14 in San Rafael at the Marin County Office of Education.
Community Input for Criteria to be Used in Selecting the New Superintendent
The Board of Education of the Santa Barbara Elementary and High School Districts has selected Dr. Marty Butt, California School Board Association (CSBA) Executive Search Services, as adviser to assist the board in the search for the next superintendent to lead the districts.
One of the first tasks in the search and selection process is to determine the specific traits, skills, abilities, and experience desired in the future superintendent. The board believes input from others regarding desired qualities is important to obtain. Therefore, the board invites members of the staff and community to meet with Dr. Butt to offer opinions and ideas about the criteria to be used as the board seeks the superintendent of the districts.
Three formats for input are provided:
- individual or small group meetings, by appointment, with the CSBA adviser;
- town hall meeting for any interested community members to first hear about the process used and then to solicit input from those who attend the town hall meeting;
- written input from individuals on the questionnaire form provided.
Appointments may be made by calling Barbara Keyani, the districts’ coordinator of special projects and communication, at (805) 963-4338, extension 206. She can schedule an appointment for individuals or small groups. These individual or small group meetings will be scheduled March 14-16, 2005.
To attend the town hall meeting, no appointment is necessary. The town hall meeting will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., Tuesday, March 15, 2005, in the Board Room at the Santa Barbara School Districts, 720 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA.
Written comments will also be accepted; the questionnaire can be downloaded or it can be obtained by calling Ms. Keyani at (805) 963-4338, ext. 206.
Each person’s ideas are encouraged and welcome.
Santa Barbara: Site Of The Only High School In The Nation To File Tax Returns From The Classroom
With IRS Help, High School Students are Trained to Assist the Taxpaying Community
Room 32 at Santa Barbara High School is abuzz with activity because teacher Lee Ann Ben-Kinney (“Ms. B”) and about 25 students are in the midst of tax season. The story actually began in the fall when, with the help of IRS revenue agent Bob Correa, Ms. B’s students in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program began on-line training in order to receive the appropriate tax certification. By the first week of February, the newly certified tax preparers began gaining real world experience with twice weekly sessions at local community centers, where they offer free income tax assistance to low-income taxpayers. The twice weekly, three-hour sessions will continue through tax season, with agent Correa present at each session to monitor and help the students while they work.
VITA, part of the Santa Barbara County Education Office’s Regional Occupational Program, was established at Santa Barbara High eight years ago and continues to be the ONLY high school in the nation with the capacity to file tax returns from the classroom. Santa Barbara High’s VITA program has its own electronic filing identification number, which is used to send returns directly to Ogden, Utah.
According to Liz Elguea-Keating, the Los Angeles territory manager of the Wage and Investment Operating Division of the IRS, in 2004, VITA’s students provided approximately $48,870 in free tax preparation to 543 low-income, senior communities, non-English speaking, and physically challenged taxpayers. She noted, “Aside from the pure savings on return preparation cost, the tax preparation program resulted in refunds of approximately $500,000, of which included about $120,000 in earned income tax credits.”
IRS agent Correa noted that students are trained to interview the taxpayer, gather the information they need, input the data into the computer, and do a diagnostic to make sure that all the forms are properly completed. They then print out a copy for the taxpayer’s records, making sure the paperwork is ready to e-file. If the taxpayer has a refund coming, students have to ask for the bank’s routing number and verify the account number for direct deposit. If the request for refund is processed in a timely manner, the taxpayer will get their refund in eight days, direct deposited in their checking or savings account. When the taxpayer owes money, the VITA student explains to the client their options for payment.
Mr. Correa states,“The students are a little nervous at the beginning, but I work with them to give them the experience they need to be more confident. My hope is that down the road this may be a profession that they consider.” According to Ms. B, “This is a real life experience for students because they have the opportunity to connect in a meaningful way with the community. Most important, they see, firsthand, how important education is and how the skills they learn in the classroom are linked to the business world.”
Santa Barbara High School is located at 700 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
San Marcos High School’s 8th Grade Parents’ Night
San Marcos High School will host its annual 8th Grade Parents’ Night on Thursday, March 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the newly renovated San Marcos High School auditorium.
The San Marcos High School 8th Grade Parents’ Night will include a performance by the San Marcos jazz band, an informational presentation by teachers and administrators, campus tours, presentations and demonstrations by extra-curricular groups – including athletics, video production, leadership, performing arts, The King’s Page, Virtual Enterprise, Friday Night Live, and many more. Department chairs will be on hand to answer any questions about their program.
Parents and families who are interested in finding out more about San Marcos, its academic curriculum and extra-curricular opportunities are encouraged to attend. For more information, please call San Marcos High School at (805) 967-4581.