We continue work to both close our budget gap as well as communicate information about what we are doing and what the circumstances are at any given time (as this picture is constantly changing based on modifications from the state, as well as the actions that we must take). In that regard, I provided some references to that information previously that is found in various locations on our RUSD webpage. At this time, we are also providing a Fact Sheet regarding some of the issues and information regarding the budget. As things change with time (e.g., May Revise, etc.), we will attempt to keep the Fact Sheet updated and accurate.
You can find the “button” to take you to the budget facts in the upper right hand corner of the opening RUSD webpage or click here. We hope that this continues to provide timely information to all as the situation continues to change. Additionally, you may be interested in President Vanderzyl's OpEd piece in the Press Enterprise on Sunday.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Transparency?
I know that these are difficult times and the simple and obvious seems to be neither. My commitment is to continually work for transparency in our operations. However, that being said, I am clear that transparency is an ideal that will never be fully realized – but we can certainly get a lot closer – and then continue that journey. I know that our Board is committed to the same principle.
I understand that some of you are frustrated that we don’t have more and better transparency; however, I believe that we have made substantial progress in the past year (not that we should stop or slow the pursuit of improved transparency). My concern though is that sometimes, people are not entirely clear on what options are available to them. If I could beg your indulgence, I would like to make sure that all that read this blog are aware (based on the hyperlinks below) of the various mechanisms that are available – AND we will still work on improving our communication and transparency.
Our webpage is a great resource and the primary location of most of this information – as it makes your ability to obtain it easy (we revised it for ease) and anonymous. On the opening page are news items of note that constantly change. The Board meetings are available from the agenda (in full detail) to the minutes (yes we do get behind with our staff reductions), Board Sub-Committee meetings, and podcasts of our Board meetings. We also have updates on negotiations as that becomes available and appropriate. Relative to the budget we have essentially ALL of our budget documents online and available …e.g., independent audit reports, budget documents, interim reports, presentations, county comparison data, activities of the Budget Advisory Committee (BAC). Obviously, there is a lot more there, but you get the idea. Additionally, to the degree that someone wishes to request a copy of something we will make every attempt to provide it, and if you can't find it -- please ask.
We will continue to work on improving in this important area of our operation of communication and provision of information in a timely manner.
I understand that some of you are frustrated that we don’t have more and better transparency; however, I believe that we have made substantial progress in the past year (not that we should stop or slow the pursuit of improved transparency). My concern though is that sometimes, people are not entirely clear on what options are available to them. If I could beg your indulgence, I would like to make sure that all that read this blog are aware (based on the hyperlinks below) of the various mechanisms that are available – AND we will still work on improving our communication and transparency.
Our webpage is a great resource and the primary location of most of this information – as it makes your ability to obtain it easy (we revised it for ease) and anonymous. On the opening page are news items of note that constantly change. The Board meetings are available from the agenda (in full detail) to the minutes (yes we do get behind with our staff reductions), Board Sub-Committee meetings, and podcasts of our Board meetings. We also have updates on negotiations as that becomes available and appropriate. Relative to the budget we have essentially ALL of our budget documents online and available …e.g., independent audit reports, budget documents, interim reports, presentations, county comparison data, activities of the Budget Advisory Committee (BAC). Obviously, there is a lot more there, but you get the idea. Additionally, to the degree that someone wishes to request a copy of something we will make every attempt to provide it, and if you can't find it -- please ask.
We will continue to work on improving in this important area of our operation of communication and provision of information in a timely manner.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
More Sad News
The Board met last night to make the next round of budget reductions to close the gap created by the State (group #4 of reductions if you are counting). Mike Fine made a presentation outlining the specific reductions which included:
This is clearly a situation where no one "wins." It was very ironic and an unbelievable paradox that we had teachers from Mark Twain Elementary School which have been grossly effected (based on law) such that 2/3 of their teaching staff is being laid off -- while at the same time they are preparing to host a validation visit as a California Distinguished School (and we believe they will be recognized as such). Similar circumstances are found in every phase of our operation.
This is all very painful and upsetting. The best I can hope for is as some of the speakers asked: ...what can we do together? ...what are we willing to do together? While I still advocate your consistent calls and letters to our State representatives, I think our best solution is here between all of us in the Riverside / RUSD community.
- Further reductions of Elementary Assistant Principals
- Adjustment of Middle School Assistant Principals Work Year
- Further reductions in district wide Department budgets (HR & Instructional Services in this case)
- Implementation of the previously discussed reductions in Athletics
- Elimination of all home-to-school transportation for High School (grades 7-12) students
This is clearly a situation where no one "wins." It was very ironic and an unbelievable paradox that we had teachers from Mark Twain Elementary School which have been grossly effected (based on law) such that 2/3 of their teaching staff is being laid off -- while at the same time they are preparing to host a validation visit as a California Distinguished School (and we believe they will be recognized as such). Similar circumstances are found in every phase of our operation.
This is all very painful and upsetting. The best I can hope for is as some of the speakers asked: ...what can we do together? ...what are we willing to do together? While I still advocate your consistent calls and letters to our State representatives, I think our best solution is here between all of us in the Riverside / RUSD community.
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