27 replies to this topic

[Soonerborn]

I regards to declining enrollment, I think some of it may be in part to parents pulling their children from public schools to home school or go private (school). I know in my daughters class last year, three of her classmates parents were pulling their kids to home school this year specifically because of the CSR issue. I know two families that have gone private. For one person to know five families that have pulled their kids from public education is scary. Magnify that across all areas...that may be where the decline in enrollment is coming from. I know a teacher that just got a job with a home school agency. The teacher just started and their case load has "gone through the roof"; the agency is trying to hire more teachers to handle the increased demand.

With economy, housing markets, education problems....no wonder there is a decline in enrollment. During many discussions with families over the summer, I too have had people move from...or refuse to move to Folsom because of many reasons, education being the top one! It is mess. I never would have thought I would see the day when the San Juan District was a better option for student education than Folsom. Sad.

I finished coaching two of our local soccer teams yesterday and three seperate families (total of 7 students-all in elementary) on these two teams are reseraching options on how to leave FCUSD ASAP to BENEFIT their student's education. Being curious, I questioned them as to why they would do this during the middle of the year. Their responses only strengthened what I already believe is happening in FCUSD. They all stated that the quality of education in FCUSD elementary schools has deteriorated too much in the past two years due to the district deciding to slash CSR in 1-3. This is a huge problem in our district!

FCUSD was the first locally to slash CSR in third grade (huge knee-jerk reaction IMO) and quickly jumped in a two year time period to 30:1 in first and second. That doesn't even mention the fact that we have 30:1 for K, whereas most districts still have much smaller class sizes in K. The district's priorities in cuts have demonstrated to families both in and out of the district's attendance boundary that laying the foundation, in our youngest students, isn't nearly as important as spending money elsewhere. JoAnne, thank you for being the sole voice to oppose these cuts. I hope the newest future elected board members will stand up for our young ones and tip the tide on the rubber stamp board...if not, we are leaving the district as well...four more students gone!

[JoAnne Reinking]

School Board Meeting 9/16 6pm Mills Middle.

Agenda:http://www.fcusd.org/BoardWeb/BdAgendas/10_11/09-16-10%20agenda.pdf
Packet: http://www.fcusd.org...Pkt. 091610.pdf


Discussion/Action highlights: Budget Update~ (recommendations/approval for use of portion of funding received from Federal education jobs bill to reinstate positions for this school year)
New Common Core Standards (English Language Arts)
Approval of Unaudited Actuals Financial Report.

[stacycam]

Thanks, Joanne! Wow, maybe I'm glad I didn't attend the meeting. It looks like it was depressing. I'm surprised there wasn't more discussion about enrollment.

[gottasmile]

School Board Meeting 9/16 6pm Mills Middle.

Discussion/Action highlights: Budget Update~ (recommendations/approval for use of portion of funding received from Federal education jobs bill to reinstate positions for this school year)

JoAnne can you clarify what is meant by recommendations and approval for use of Federal Education job bills to reinstate positions this school year? What positions does the district want to reinstate? Teachers, Librarians, Custodians, and/or others?

This is curious because at the last board meeting the Superintendent noted the district is currently overstaffed by eleven teachers due to the decline in enrollment. Does the district have to use any portion of the funding from Federal Jobs Bill this year? Can the money be saved to assist in next year's budget as it seems more reductions will need to be made? Any help in understanding this would be great. Thanks!

[JoAnne Reinking]

JoAnne can you clarify what is meant by recommendations and approval for use of Federal Education job bills to reinstate positions this school year? What positions does the district want to reinstate? Teachers, Librarians, Custodians, and/or others?

This is curious because at the last board meeting the Superintendent noted the district is currently overstaffed by eleven teachers due to the decline in enrollment. Does the district have to use any portion of the funding from Federal Jobs Bill this year? Can the money be saved to assist in next year's budget as it seems more reductions will need to be made? Any help in understanding this would be great. Thanks!

At the last meeting the Board was asked to recommend priorities for positions/cuts to possibly reinstate this year. Debbie originally said up she was comfortable using 100k in funding but then made mention that figure was negotiable. Counselors were a common Board priority. Some of the other suggestions included, librarians, supplies, ETIS support. Staff's recommendations are also being requested. At Thursday's meeting we will discuss/act upon those recommendations. Yes, the money can be saved for next year.

[mac_convert]

How about CSR?

[JoAnne Reinking]

How about CSR?

The amount of funding being considered at this time is not enough to reduce elementary class size. Until we have a state budget, additional use of the Ed Jobs funds seems unlikely. The state has been known to find ways to creatively fund or rather underfund education. Reference is already being made that because of declining enrollment elementary is overstaffed. Apparently the district 1st-2nd average is 27 per class. Better than the 30 per class that was anticipated. Grateful that some classes are smaller than expected but still disappointed in the higher number of students per class. If class size or finding creative ways to improve upon the situation, is the most important thing to elementary teachers/parents than the district and union leadership need to hear that message loud and clear. To improve upon the situation it needs to become a common priority.

For reference, next year the expected deficit is 5M. Our district expects to receive $3,518,290 from the federal jobs bill.

[JoAnne Reinking]

I forgot to mention (and will include in future posts) that ~ " Bond Projects Updates" are included as "information" in this week's board packet.

[mac_convert]

I don't know if I have another fifteen years in me! SHOOT!!!
Class sizes were larger before CSR but our student standards were so much lower. Good luck seeing some of our Folsom schools increase their API next year! I'm surprised my school's score increased again.

The amount of funding being considered at this time is not enough to reduce elementary class size. Until we have a state budget, additional use of the Ed Jobs funds seems unlikely. The state has been known to find ways to creatively fund or rather underfund education. Reference is already being made that because of declining enrollment elementary is overstaffed. Apparently the district 1st-2nd average is 27 per class. Better than the 30 per class that was anticipated. Grateful that some classes are smaller than expected but still disappointed in the higher number of students per class. If class size or finding creative ways to improve upon the situation, is the most important thing to elementary teachers/parents than the district and union leadership need to hear that message loud and clear. To improve upon the situation it needs to become a common priority.

For reference, next year the expected deficit is 5M. Our district expects to receive $3,518,290 from the federal jobs bill.

[tessieca]

Thanks, Joanne! Wow, maybe I'm glad I didn't attend the meeting. It looks like it was depressing. I'm surprised there wasn't more discussion about enrollment.

There was. The minutes were lacking in that regard. Superintendent is setting up a committee to determine the cause of loss of students to other districts (if that is what is occurring). 80 from San Juan in ARC have transferred IN to FCUSD schools.

[l479]

Was the decline in enrollment in both cities?

[gottasmile]

-1 more student in FCUSD. Daughter told me Friday it was a classmates last day as mom was pulling him out to go private. When I asked why, my daughter said her classmate told her "so I can get more help and a better education".

[Folsom Hills Mom]

To the FCUSD Governing Board Members (CC Folsom Forum viewers),

Please bear with this posting - it is not specifically about the 2010 board elections....

To prepare for the upcoming elections, I reviewed a number of available websites - including this Folsom Forum. While I was able to find some valuable information to help me make my voting selection, it also reminded me of how ugly participating in our political system can be. As a parent of two children, I have been active in this district's school system over the past 5 years - volunteering in the classroom, helping with school programs, and participating in some of the school board meetings. Because of my past involvement, I would like to share my feedback which hopefully represents what other, less vocal, members of this district's communities may also be feeling.

I'm sure we all agree that this has been a terrible and challenging time for everyone. Many have lost jobs and homes, and this recession has hit everyone, everywhere. The board has had to make some very difficult and unpopular decisions to keep our district functioning well, but you've stayed focused as much as possible on the well being of our kids and teachers. They are ultimately who matter - so thank you.

While the internet can be a great resource, it is also too easy in this period of social networking technology for some individuals to sit anonymously or (even publically) and pass malignant rumors, ignorant judgments, or blatant lies. While I know it has been hard, I admire that you can see past those ugly instances and remain professional, open to rational inputs, transparent, and fair.

I know that we still have some major problems to address. But I just wanted to take a moment to share some feedback. I am constantly impressed (and often baffled) by your strong commitment in your largely volunteer Governing Board positions despite the negative environment you must often operate in. But mostly, I am grateful for your service and hope you will continue to share your passion, experience, and knowledge for the good of our kids.

Respectfully,
One Folsom parent