NSBA FRN 2/1 - 3/2009

I went to Washington DC last week to take part in the NSBA's Federal Relations Network. It was exciting to be in Washington so closely after the inauguration - there were still bleachers and banners along the parade route. People were still excited.

I flew in on Saturday - there was a little snow on the ground. Sunday and Monday brought warmer weather - about sixty degrees. These days we were in meetings pretty much all day. I did duck out on Monday to tour the Capitol, and went into the Senate Chambers to watch the debate on the Stimulus package.

On Tuesday we visited our legislators - Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein had their aids meet with us, and we went over the effects of the budget on public education. Lynn Woolsey, herself, met with us after speaking at the luncheon about food in school. Because she was on welfare at one point the lunch program is very near and dear to her heart.

It's always a treat to visit that city, indulge in the beauty and be reminded of the incredible foresight of our forefathers.

The Trustee's Dinner 2/6/09

On Friday the SCBE and Superintendent Carl Wong hosted a Trustee's Dinner at SCOE. This was the first in many years - apparently they used to do this all the time. There were trustees from many districts, and superintendents too. Noreen Evans, Wes Chesbro, and Jared Huffman were all there, with Assembly member Evans speaking candidly about the common K-12 challenges for the State in general, and for Sonoma County specifically.

Prior to the dinner there was a newcomer orientation for first time board members led by the legal counsel. It was well attended.

With about 100 in attendance we handed out interest cards. I am anxious to see the results. I am interested in getting folks talking about what is going on in their district, and this is the first step to just getting them in the same room.

SCBE Feb 2009

We started with a discussion about the mission of the alternative education program; how the stats showed not many kids return to their school, and because of that should we consider the goal to be graduating them? We were supposed to have time to talk about Board Standing Committees but there was no time. There was a sub group formed to discuss standing committees and I'm chair.

The summer kindergarten jump start progrem has five new schools involved, and the school from last year is continuing the program on their own dime.

There was a presentation on the 2008 Progress Report - improving academic achievement and the technical connection. There was an ROP student followup report - with dismal stats.

The Board agreed to put $40k towards a Student Accountability Specialist.

This meeting was tough. The River Montessori Charter School had a second appeal. The committee volted against the proposal and upheld the decision of the school district, which originally denied the proposal.Thecommitte did due diligence - including and especially thouroughly filling out the charter school matrix

Career Development Steering Committee 2/5/09

A group of about 40 interested community members met to discuss the possibility of a system initiative to prepare "all youth for success in college, career, and life." Generally there was agreement to the steps to success:

1. Ensure community awareness, engagement and adoption
2. Develop K -16 Career Development framework
3. Form partnerships and implement a comprehensive Career Development System
4. Obtain funding to hire support
5. Ensure all populations are recognized, respected and addressed in the development an implementation of the system.

How do ePortfolios fit into this?