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Comments Received Regarding 2011/12 BudgetFor background, you can review 2011/12 Budget Reductions page. Tally of Comments
Due to size constraints, the comments received regarding the 2011/12 are continued on a new webpage. This pages contains comments received through November 14. For comments received after November 14 go here. Parent 11/14 I support the idea that was raised of a floor to accompany the tax ceiling. A $500 floor seems reasonable unless the added amount is insignificant ad would impact ability to pass the tax. I'm concerned about reducing the proposed tax proceeds from $14M to $12M especially when there is no accommodation for inflation. Accepting the need to balance the potential benefits with the ability to pass the tax, I urge the largest tax amount so that we can achieve quality schools with this tax and not mediocre schools. Parent 11/14 Looking at the statistics from AUSD, I can’t help but look at Washington School. It is under-enrolled and under-performing. It seems like a no-brainer to spread their student population into Franklin, Paden and Lum. The students would still be with a portion of their classmates and be close to home. Current Enrollment: http://www.alameda.k12.ca.us/images/stories/pdfs/boemtg/boe_102110_closureppt.pdf API academic performance: http://api.cde.ca.gov/AcntRpt2010/2010GrthAPICo.aspx?cYear=2009-10&cSelect=01,ALAMEDA Schools listed on Map of Alameda: http://maps.google.com/maps?um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=alameda+schools+map&fb=1&gl=us&hq=schools&hnear=Alameda,+CA&ei=gU3gTLGROIaesQPspsHGCg&sa=X&oi=local_group&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CAQQtgMwAA&iwloc=13149307825364215077 The second issue is the Adult School. I have attended classes at the Adult School, and I love that our community has one. However, as an adult, I have many options to take classes off the Island, online, and at the local college. Our children do not have that freedom; it is their right to have access to quality education close to their home. Parent 11/14 As a parent of a charter school student I will not support a parcel tax that does not guarantee a fair, proportional share of dollars for Alameda's charter schools. The language in the parcel tax needs to be clear and unambiguous to earn support from all of us who pay parcel taxes in Alameda and send our children to Alameda's superlative charter schools. Without this language, the measure will fail and waste more time, energy and dollars that could be directed toward student achievement. Staff 11/14 As you know, I am also a tireless advocate for the schools I work for and the parents and learners of the ACLC and Nea. Having also done this for a long time, I also seem to have become the Alameda charter school advocate. Parent 11/14 I just took the survey regarding preferences for the parcel tax, and I just want to add that I feel most strongly that the tax raise enough to fund what we would lose. The $12 million number that was floated as an example the other night doesn't seem like enough to cover everything. Parent 11/13 I don't understand why you are so determined to keep small, therefore, costly schools. Parents are whining that they want neighborhood schools or they will pull their kids out and put them elsewhere, which would definitely NOT be a "neighborhood school". Think about it. They are threatening that if you don't play by THEIR rules, they will take their ball and go home. Time for some parents to think of the good of all students, and not just their students who can walk to their little school. Parent 11/13 I realize my daughter's school, where I also work as a Noon Supervisor is on the chopping block. I understand the necessity of re-structuring, with or without a parcel tax. What I would like to ask for your consideration is that IF we close, can you PLEASE keep our special community together. Let us ALL go to a new school that we could help enrich with our parent involvement and excellent teachers. Parent 11/13 I urge the board to reconsider the placement of the Adult School funding on the parcel tax. This large amount of money should be spent on the children of Alameda enrolled in the K- 12 schools. Please consider swapping the 7-period day in middle school for the adult school funding. The adult community of Alameda has a number of organizations that offer a multitude of enrichment classes. We have ARPD, Mastic Senior Center, many church communities and CoA as well as neighboring community resources. All of these offer classes that can benefit the adults in Alameda who are looking to enrich their lives. Our kids do not have these same options. I believe an incorrect statement was made at the board meeting Tuesday night. Moving to a 6-period day in middle school does not increase total minutes in ALL core classes. As I understand it, the current configuration of a 3-period core class will be changed to a 2-period core class when changing to a 6-period day. I may not have the exact minutes correct, but the point is the same. The subjects of Language Arts, Literature and History will be shortened from three 45-minute periods to two 55-minute periods per day. Instruction time lost per day is 25 minutes, which is 125 minutes per week for those important subjects. The other core academic classes, math and science, will increase by 10 minutes per day, 50 minutes per week. Does the increase in math and science instruction time (50 minutes/week) outweigh the lost instruction time in language arts, literature and history (125 minutes/week) with the move to a 6-period day? If my premise is incorrect, please correct me. I have had one child graduate from Lincoln and currently have one in 8th grade at Lincoln. Both of my children have consistently been given time during their math classes to start their homework. My children have not experienced this rush to fit in all of the content for the math courses. The opposite is true. They have had ample extra instructional time that is utilized for doing homework, not instruction. While this may not be true in every math classroom at Lincoln, it has been our experience for 6 years of math classes. The science curriculum is also extremely regimented at Lincoln. Do the teachers want/need an additional 10 minutes per period? What tangible benefit will it provide in science and math? With the push for students to fulfill foreign language requirements, most students choose a foreign language, and another elective such as band, drama, shop, art, ODD or leadership. With a 6-period day, 8th graders will only have one elective. Because of the pressure to keep up, most students will choose foreign language and the other electives will become under-enrolled and most likely, the other electives will only serve 7th graders. How long will it take for the electives other than foreign language to be cut completely, because they will only serve 7th graders. Finally, middle school students who need intervention will never have an opportunity to take an elective course in middle school. The students who would possibly benefit the most from elective courses will not have the time to take an elective, even in 8th grade. If an 8th grade student is in an intervention class, they will not even have the opportunity to take a foreign language class. For these reasons I cannot support having Adult School funding in the Parcel Tax and I urge you to switch these two items. The parcel tax should serve the children of Alameda. Parent 11/13 First of all let me say thank you for the hard work the staff and board has done thus far during this difficult time. In a short time you have heard the community speak and tried to recognize the requests of various groups among the island. Regardless of the decisions I make for my children in future years, I will work hard to help efforts to pass this parcel tax. A passed parcel tax is the best outcome for the children, schools and for this community. Great schools and a great community go hand in hand. You really cannot have one without the other. P.S. I wanted to clarify, my note is in regards to prioritization for language for the parcel tax. I am not making suggestions for the consolidation and closure presentation, but rather giving input for percentages in directing funds for the parcel tax. I would also like to add, in a time we need to make cuts to education, it seems the priority for children's education should come before adults. Again, I am not suggesting one thing be entirely cut over another. When determining what percentage of funds should go to adult education, the priority should be given to our youth. Parent 11/12 I attended the Board meeting on Nov. 9, and want to voice my support for consolidating schools in order to be able to keep enrichment programs in the schools. It seems to make sense to combine Franklin and Washington to make one full school and be able to keep programs for all children. If that is going to happen eventually, why not implement it in 2010-2011, and save programs? I think most parents would like to be able to have their children walk to a neighborhood school, but I would venture to say most children do not walk even to their neighborhood school. Franklin and Edison are in the middle of their neighborhoods, but most schools are on the fringes of neighborhoods, and those students don't have the opportunity to walk to their schools. I also have a problem with calling Earhart a "neighborhood school", when I see cars lined up from the bridge from the main island to drop their children off at Earhart. I'm not suggesting closing Earhart, but I have a problem with calling it a "neighborhood school". I also like the suggestion of possibly closing the Adult School to keep more schools and programs going. ARPD, the Senior Center and Alameda College offer similar programs as to what Mrs. Appezzato spoke. As far as I'm concerned, our taxes should pay for the education of CHILDREN. If adults want enrichment programs, they can find them elsewhere. It is not up to me to fund their pleasures and pass-times. If you do decide to keep offering the types she spoke about (knitting, computers, yoga), I hope you would apply the same rule of 30 students to keep a class open. Also, since Seniors can opt-out of the tax, they could be getting their programs virtually "free". This should be about school-age students, and not adults. It was suggested that the "opt-out" option be for low-income seniors, only. It was said that there is no list and there is no precedent for doing this. Perhaps, this should be looked into, so that, when future parcel taxes are needed, this provision could be included. I have heard many seniors say they will vote for the tax because they can opt-out, even though they can well afford to pay. I have even heard some people that get their paychecks from the District say they opt-out. Can't blame them, as no one likes to pay taxes, but the future of our students is at stake. Please do not keep small schools open to keep some parents happy and sacrifice being able to offer a well-rounded educational opportunity for all students. I don't have any children in the schools, but I believe in equal education for all the children in Alameda. Parent 11/11 I also appreciate that you are concerned about the passage of the parcel tax and making it agreeable to as many people as possible. However, I feel that we are aiming too low in our current discussions. If we pass the tax, and then we are still forced to make significant cuts, many people will be surprised and upset. Most people are looking to this parcel tax as a way to solve most of our budget problems. If it only solves a few, then we really need to look at increasing the tax. I think many people will support a higher tax if we can truly show the value. We do not want to aim so low on the tax that it only becomes a band-aid. Another point; it was stated at the board meeting that students would still be able to have an elective during a 6th period day. So, part of this is true, but the part that you must understand is that the elective the student would take could possibly come from someone with out a credential in that field. How? A core teacher would teach 2 core's equaling 4 periods, plus 1 prep period, thus leaving that teacher 1 more period to teach. What would they teach? Possibly an elective of their choice. Now, that could result in about 15-16 teachers teaching a random elective. So, yes the student would still get an elective, but at the risk of a teacher who says, I like to doodle, I would love to teach an art class. Given what I just stated above, we know for sure that no core teacher will be taking over a band class, nor would the administration want to piece meal it together. I am a highly qualified teacher in my area, I don't think we should put our children at the mercy of a 6 period day if one, the savings are not truly gained and two, that we would end up with a large pool of random electives. One more note, the targeted students, who often fall into the achievement gap, still might not receive an elective. Math tech, resource, and fusion are an elective. Now, how fun is that for a student who struggles? Parent 11/11 Parent 11/11 I want to be clear, however, that my concern over increased class size is greatest for K-3. These are major developmental years, emotionally, physically and mentally. It is critical to the future education of our children that they get solid foundations in the early years. Moreover, it is in first and second grades that most learning differences are identified. With 32-35 students per teacher I cannot see how this foundation or identification can be achieved. Most of us attended public high schools where 30-32 students per class was the norm. At this age, unlike kids ages 5-8, students are better able to adapt to new responsibilities, are more independent mentally and physically, and can be held accountable for their actions. Like I said at the meeting, I realize the immense amount of compramise that much be reached and the priorities that must be set. I encourage you to look carefully at this sub-set of grades when moving forward with spending parcel tax dollars. Lastly, it seems that in an effort to please everyone the amount of the parcel tax $12M has been reduced from $14M. I'm not entirely sure why or when that was decided. I think that members were right to be concerned about a 7 year term for the tax. I do believe we need to think longer term given the amount of time and effort that goes in to passing a parcel tax. And, think about whether we can really afford to reduce our budget from $14M to $12M. How much extra is it to property owners in the long run? (Sorry I have not kept up with the numbers, I'm sure you have publicized this somewhere.) Parent 11/11 In the event Alameda is unable to pass a new parcel tax, I believe the board is doing the right thing looking at the Option 1 scenario. I believe this option has the least impact on our community and keeps our children in a school as close to home as possible. If the community of Alameda passes a parcel tax, I understand that there may still be cuts. I encourage the board to seek as large of a tax as possible keeping our children, schools, and education as our top priority. Specifically, I would like to see:
If we have no parcel tax, I understand that AUSD may be forced to combine middle and high schools, despite the fact that it is not the model I (or most parents) desire. But if a parcel tax passes, I do not want two mega schools that serve grades 7-12. And I believe that keeping Lincoln open should be a priority. Lincoln is a success story in our community. The school seems to be at capacity and it is academically strong. The environment is serving the students well and I think it would be a short sighted to close the door on this success. In addition, I would like to see the “soft cuts” from the 2010/2011 reinstated:
Please also keep in mind that while we have been so focused on making the current budget work, and looking at scenarios for the next year or two, do not lose sight of how far we have come from what we offered our children just a few years ago. It’s not about bringing our kids just to California’s low-lying parity, but being out in front in equipping them for their futures. You know all this, I know, but I just want to remind you that we’re all looking at the long term too, and this District needs a real plan for how it’s going to get there, and get there soon enough to make a difference in our own kids’ lives. Again, I appreciate the amazing efforts by our AUSD board members. Please keep the focus on what is best for our children and their education. Parent 11/11 In the attempts to reach consensus, I have seen the discussions veer to lower and lower levels of taxation and am concerned that we are losing sight of what we are trying to accomplish and what we could accomplish. These low levels of funding would mean continued cuts and, frankly, this has got to stop. It is imperative that we continue to communicate a vision of better schools to the community and advocate for our children and our educational programs so that the consensus does not put us on the lowest bar. I would like to see the Board focus on the vision and possibilities and would like to see you put a parcel tax on the ballot that could accomplish these goals. A tax of 12M or 14M will not do this. I encourage the Board to seek 20M. In addition, I would like to see us restore many of the cuts we have seen over the past seven years. I would like the parcel tax structure to leave room to reinstate programs that help our students thrive. I realize you hear a lot of views stating the opposite from the community but I think it is important for you also to hear that there are community members who hold a vision that AUSD's public education system can be one of the best in the state. Parent 11/10 I am sorry to have missed tonight’s important Board meeting and the opportunity to comment as you deliberate a new Parcel Tax and budget scenarios. I understand that all of you are in favor of a Parcel Tax, and I commend that action. In determining the form of a parcel tax, I urge you to ensure that the funds are sufficient to address the shortfall as adequately as possible. I understand that all of the funds lost from sunsetting Measures A & H and the state budget cuts cannot be recovered, but I hope that enough funds will be raised and for a long enough time, that we will not have to go through this torture of parcel tax elections again for some time. It is my belief that for the most part, people will not vote for or against the parcel tax because of the amount (with the exception of business owners). Those in favor will vote for nearly any amount and those against will not vote for a parcel tax on principal, so please place a sufficient tax on the ballot to make the campaign worth our while. My husband and I will both vote for it and actively advocate for its passage. I understand that tough choices and changes are inevitable. We are already laboring under the effects of larger class sizes, furlough days, and other cuts in resources. Parent 11/10 This is just an idea. Instead of a "cap" on $ amount of parcel tax. Put a cap on the taxable square footage, with a "donut hole" clause. I am writing to remind us that Physical Education is a huge proponent of the AUSD curriculum at all grade levels. Our students need to stay physically fit in order to fight childhood obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Our country is always looking for ways to keep our members healthy and also help keep the costs of medical coverage down by building up our healthy fitness levels. Physical Education at the earliest possible stage is the answer. AUSD has a Kindergarten program of Motor Fitness and continues through the elementary level up through 6th grade. Our Physical Education program speaks to the needs of the overall human being. The healthy, active child that is emotionally, pychologically, spiritually, physically and academically fit. A well balanced individual who can meet the world with the most positive abilities available. I would like to bring to your attention the lengthy Parent/Community Survey that was distributed last year by the district. Physical Education was asked to be ranked among Music and Art by the Community. It was given top priority. The Alameda Community spoke loud and strong to the need and desire to keep our AUSD students active and happy with P.E. programs kept in place. Our number one choice. I am concerned that it is proposed on Agenda Item/ Document F-8 from last night's Board Meeting as a hard cut option. It is also being placed in with Media Center as an elementary Prep cut choice with the 2/3rd cut proposal. Media center was separated from the ranking choices on last year's survey. Why is it now in the ranking choice? The Agenda Item/ Document F-6 The Review of Proposed March Parcel Tax Key Terms is also a major concern to me. Specifically citing certain "programs that are critical to education in Alameda and that should be preserved with the replacement parcel tax." The programs included in the document are art, music and advanced placement courses with no mention of Physical Education or Media. This is not satisfactory or fair. Again referring to last year's survey, Physical Education was top choice. I am also concerned that there is a new survey that is not easily found or visible on the AUSD website that asks for new community input. How is the entire/majority of our Alameda being notified that this Survey even Exists. What bearing does it have when measured against other input sources? Emails, Board Meeting Attendance, Speaking to the Board, Editorials, Past Year's Survey, Chat with Kirsten Attendance? Please consider and use the past integrity that the AUSD Board, as I see it is Known For. Please see to the importance and community request for a comprehensive Physical Education Program for all grade levels in AUSD. Let us keep in place our Program Excellence. Never is so much offered in one Subject Area than in Physical Education! Parent 11/10 I was a street captain for measure E and I plan on volunteering again. I have a busy work and parenting schedule but I can think of nothing more important than mobilizing to fight for our children and our community. Please help us. We have such a rich resource of parents who are ready to do whatever it takes. What an opportunity! If there are any words of wisdom you can offer potential street captains that will further our cause (e.g- messages to business's, folks without children etc), we would be grtaeful. Give us this tax because we need to believe that we’re making the right choice for our children, and that this district is capable of giving all students the education and opportunities they deserve. Parent 11/10 My name is xx xx. I have two young sons, the oldest a first grader at xxx Elementary. In the short year and a half since xxx entered public school here in Alameda, I’ve been a PTA member, homeroom mom, classroom helper, art docent, field trip chaperone, applier of sanitizer, inserter of juice box straws, moderator of four-square disputes, and Measure E street captain. This year in an effort to get my head around the district’s many challenges, I’ve tried to attend every school board meeting and public hearing. I sit and listen on Tuesday nights while the two-phased horror story unfolds: unconscionable state funding, debilitating budget cuts, competing interests, teacher layoffs, furlough days, school closures. Every meeting is usually topped off by at least one dismissal of the school my son loves as an undersized, aging facility not worthy of future funding. I leave feeling overwhelmed and defeated, go home to my husband and tell him it might be time to cut and run—the problems are too big, and I no longer have confidence that we’ve made the right choice for our kids. Wednesday mornings are my saving grace. I volunteer for an hour in my son’s first/second grade split class and watch an amazingly talented, generous, energetic teacher engage, challenge, and meet the needs of 25 wildly different children—each funny, bright, quirky, and ready to learn. Every night when I put my son to bed, he gives his day a grade. The range is anywhere from A for Awesome to F for Fantastic, though I admit his grading system is often dependent on that day’s hot lunch selection and wall ball outcome. But I’m reminded of what we’re fighting for. Tonight I’m asking you to give us a reason to hope. I understand that the status quo cannot remain. But I need to see beyond what we will lose. I need a vision of what our schools can be, West to East, K through 12. Superintendent Vital and Staff: Please give us a parcel tax that’s worth our while, that raises enough money to save what we value most in our schools. If we don’t raise sufficient funds, Phase II cuts will make school closures and consolidation look like a walk in the park. Members of the Board: You voted unanimously on June 29 to investigate putting another parcel tax on the ballot this spring. Now I’m asking for another unanimous vote in support of this tax on November 30. Please don’t delay. Give us this parcel tax on time, in time, before the families who have a choice leave our district and our town, before already demoralized teachers leave their profession. And who would be left holding the bag? Families without other options, kids in greatest need of a strong system, and the already overworked, underpaid educators who have dedicated their careers to serving them, with or without adequate resources. Parent 11/9 Our children are 5th generation Alameda residents. Their great grandparents, grandparents and parents have all attended Alameda public schools. It would awful to have to close neighborhood schools, consolidate our children into mega schools and change the quality of the public school education in Alameda. Parent 11/9 I noticed that almost all the parcel taxes in surrounding districts in Alameda County were approved by voters on Nov. 2. In order for us to be successful in Alameda, the members of the Board and the Superintendent will need to mend fences with the business community and structure the new parcel tax in an equitable manner to get their support.
Parent 11/9 Parent 11/8 Parent 11/8 This time I have a couple a quick questions regarding the new scenario that was presented last week by Ms. Vital. As I understand, if the parcel tax doesn’t pass, LMS will remain a middle school for school year 2011-2012. Our 6th grader would then stay at LMS for 7th grade. However, during phase 2 (2012-2013), LMS, Bayfarm and Earhart all become K-8 schools. At that time, will the Lincoln students going into 7th and 8th grades be asked to go back to their original elementary schools (Earhart in our case), or will there be a phase in situation to avoid an awkward change of school for these students? Parent 11/8 Parent 11/8 Parent 11/8
Parent 11/8We are very distressed about the latest school closure and consolidation proposal. If the school district is going to close and consolidate schools it should be done fairly and consistently across the district. What possible legitimate, non-political reason is there to change from the last proposal -- which had both Wood and Lincoln closing and both Alameda High and Encinal moving to 6-12 campuses? This is yet another example of how the burden is disproportionately placed on the students from mid-Island only. The district has disgracefully let Wood Middle School flounder now for 4 years, with continual threats of closure, rotating princpals, and general disorganization, to the detrement of the students. Yet Lincoln school thrives, with minimal disruption. And now you propose not only to continue but to solidify the inequitable treatment. Why is what is good for Wood and Encinal Students not good for Lincoln and Alamed High students? If we are going to have big schools with multiple grades, let's treat them the same -- and keep a structure where there is a healthy inter-island sports competition in the process. Center island parents pay taxes also. Shouldn't our kids be treated the same? We are truly appalled.
Staff 11/7 When talking about art and music, does it mean elementary? Because if it does, it looks as if we already have art funded in elementary and we don't. If it is talking about all levels, then I understand including art. In the old parcel tax, funds are only provided for music for grades 1-3, because 4 & 5 were still going to be funded by the district. I just want it to be very clear, as I'm sure you do as well, so there are no apologies after the fact like last time. I also notice it says "such as art and music" - so perhaps that's all you can give me for now. Staff 11/7 Why would we give money to Charter school competitors? Is this mandated by the State--I thought they received their funding directly??? While the previous parcel tax proposal may have been unfair to businesses, this one is unfair to home owners. Businesses are operated to make a profit and have the ability to adjust their practices to take into consideration increased costs. Home owners make no profit on their residences - unless they rent part of their home or have rental units, in which case they operated a business - and cannot easily absorb additional costs. To tax businesses and residences at the same rate is an inappropriate solution to the problem of raising funds for the schools, and I will oppose such a solution at the polls. Parent 11/7
I have 2 second graders that attend Alameda Unified. I tried addressing the Board in the October 27th meeting, but unfortunately was late and was not allowed into the chambers because of the crowd of upset parents and students about the pool closures.
Despite this, I hope that you will still consider feedback from my letter just as strongly as if it had been delivered in person. First, I want to thank the Board, Superintendent and district staff for providing information on what the proposed parcel tax would fund. I believe this level of transparency is what many folks in the community have been asking for and by providing this information, will generate more support for the parcel tax. Second, with this information at hand, I would like to provide feedback to the Board on the programs and items that the tax will support. I believe that we should be spending our precious educational dollars on programs, such as small class sizes, rather than on the facilities in which they are delivered in. This is true whether or not the parcel tax passes. I do not believe that “mega elementary” schools nor under-enrolled schools in and of themselves generate the kind of educational excellence that Alameda Unified is looking to sustain. Rather, the educational programs and programs that support instruction, such as small class sizes, are what lend to educational gains. I would support a thoughtful and reasonable consolidation of schools and redrawing of district lines IF it will help saves small class size (maximum of 25:1 ratio) and programs. Parent 11/6 How much will the parcel tax generate? What amounts are to be given to each program?
Parent 11/6 A. Does this mean that the consolidation of Middle and High Schools will happen with or without a parcel tax? B. It would be nice if the Parcel Tax language would dovetail with whatever Option the BOE finally selects. Let's be as translucent as possible. C. I was at AHS for a presentation Q&A with Ms. Vital and heard of a new option for the first time: close Otis, Washington and Paden. Makes several Elementary Schools k-8 and has Edison k-6 with 7-8 going to Lincoln (which is k-8), Encinal 7-12.....Where is the exact option plan for this? I'd like to see this new option in writing. Parent 11/5 I understand that weighing the educational priorities of an entire district is a difficult task. I appreciate all the outreach the BoE has done to gain input from the community regarding the school closure / consolidation process and the parcel tax process. I would also like to thank Mike McMahon for his tireless efforts to inform the community of the district’s financial difficulty and our ability to be a part of the solution. In the event Alameda is unable to pass a new parcel tax, I believe the board is doing the right thing looking at the Option 1 scenario. I believe this option has the least impact on our community and keeps our children in a school as close to home as possible. If the community of Alameda passes a parcel tax, I understand that there may still be cuts. I encourage the board to seek as large of a tax as possible keeping our children, schools, and education as our top priority. Specifically, I would like to see:
If we have no parcel tax, I understand that AUSD may be forced to combine middle and high schools. But if a parcel tax passes, I believe that keeping Lincoln open should be a priority. Lincoln is a success story in our community. The school seems to be at capacity and it is academically strong. The environment is serving the students well and I think it would be a short sighted to close the door on this success. In addition, I would like to see the “soft cuts” from the 2010/2011 reinstated:
Please also keep in mind that while we have been so focused on making the current budget work, and looking at scenarios for the next year or two, do not lose sight of how far we have come from what we offered our children just a few years ago. It’s not about bringing our kids just to California’s low-lying parity, but being out in front in equipping them for their futures. You know all this, I know, but I just want to remind you that we’re all looking at the long term too, and this District needs a real plan for how it’s going to get there, and get there soon enough to make a difference in our own kids’ lives. Again, I appreciate the amazing efforts by our AUSD board members. Please keep the focus on what is best for our children and their education. Parent 11/3 We are ready to work on a parcel tax. I'd really like to see a parcel tax plan that gives us a solid financial footing with enough longevity to stabilize the district. I would really like to see a perpetual parcel tax with a CPI adjustment. I think we all know that Alameda is known locally for our schools, safety and friendly living and we don't want to loose what makes our island special. Parent 11/1 I am a parent of a current elementary school student and a child who will soon enter elementary school. I have been reading about some people's ideas that we should protect programs over facilities and that the way to do this, is to have elementary schools that are between 500-700 students in size. I assume these parents also want to maintain class size at 25 to 1. However, my understanding from what you have said in previous board meetings is that we can't have elementary schools of that size unless we go to 32 to 1. Our current facilities can't handle the 25 to 1 configuration with that many students. Am I correct in my assumption? Editor Note: See slide 11 from this BOE presentation http://www.alameda.k12.ca.us/images/stories/pdfs/boemtg/boe_102110_closureppt.pdf Parent 10/31I've seen in several places that the school board would appreciate feedback from parents regarding the various proposals, so I thought I would send this email. I am the mother of a five-year old at Edison. We moved to Alameda in 2009 from SF specifically for the schools. First, I am a strong supporter of the parcel tax. I contributed to the last campaign and will be donating time and money this time around. Second, I am concerned that all scenarios, even with a parcel tax, show class sizes of up to 32 students per class. My son has 24 children in his kindergarten class. His excellent teacher is handling it well, but I can see how things would be better with fewer children and would be much much worse with 32 children. For me, this is a bigger issue than school closures and consolidation. While I would hate to lose the great community at Edison, I would be in favor of closure or consolidation if it meant keeping class sizes smaller. Other, that that I support the consolidation of 7-12 in Alameda or Encinal High Schools. I have friends who attended schools with this organization (mainly boarding schools or European schools) and it seemed to work well. Parent 10/30 We have three boys and one on the way. We live in Alameda primarily because of the schools, although we love the community as well. We strongly encourage the School Board to place a new parcel tax on the March 2011 ballot. Closing any of our wonderful Alameda schools would be devastating to our community, our children and our families. I cannot even imagine how I would explain to my 6 year old that his school is closing. Although he has heard about the possibility, the reality of that would be very hard for him, as well as all of us. We need to do whatever we can to save our schools and therefore we strongly encourage a parcel tax, with parameters that will enable the tax to pass, as well as with consideration to the amount of money needed to keep our schools open (including Lincoln). I already have friends who have moved away from Alameda because they did not like the uncertainty regarding school closure. Please please please vote for a new parcel tax measure. Parent 10/30 Please do everything you can to keep Lincoln Middle School open as a middle school, not a mega-elementary school. Parent 10/29 My family believes that programs and smaller class sizes are of greater importance to our children's education over neighborhood schools. We believe that having a "mega elementary school" will affect our students in a negative way. We encourage the board of education to make choices on facilities that do the greater good. 500-700 students has proven to be an effective size that allows for high test scores, diverse programs, strong growth of all the children and cost effective management of the schools. We realize that tough choices have to be made, but please listen to all your constituents not just those who want to keep neighborhood schools. Those of us with students at AUSD elementary schools that are at full enrollment have seen the benefits to our children's education while maximizing the economics of running the school. Please do not sacrifice all our elementary students for a few schools that are under enrolled and thereby not economically sustainable.
We support a parcel tax and helped in the last campaign, we urge you to design the new parcel tax so that voters know the priorities that you have in mind if it passes. It was very challenging in the last parcel tax election to try get people to understand where their money was going without any priorities other than the worst case scenario. We don't need a definite plan for every penny, but understanding where your priorities are will help tremendously. Parent 10/29 In terms of the parcel tax, I think it needs to be: 1) high enough and for long enough period of time to do what needs to be done, 2) protect quality education K-12, including middle schools, 3) have an opt-out clause for seniors and for hardship and any other accommodations (needed to get more votes and get the support of business), and 4) if possible an opt-in or pay-more-option for those who can support a little more $ (if this is legally possible…if there can be an opt-out, why not an opt-in-for-more?). If the parcel tax is not passed, and there are closures and wide-spread consolidations, I think teacher lay-off criteria needs to look not only at seniority of teachers, but also consider other teacher evaluation criteria, so the best and most qualified teachers are retained. Parent 10/28 I am dismayed to see that you are considering closing Lincoln Middle School while maintaining Washington, Paden and Franklin. At about 900 enrolled students, Lincoln not only covers its own operating costs, but also makes money for AUSD. The decision to close Lincoln and force hundreds of students into a costly alley of portables is financially illogical.
Furthermore, if you continue to fund every elementary in AUSD you will undoubtedly be taking that expense out on programs. Once again, academic programs which serve 100% of the students in the district will have to be sacrificed so that our smallest schools which serve 15%-20% can remain open. Please do the right thing by all of our children and PROTECT PROGRAMS OVER FACILITIES.
The decision to keep our smallest schools open when it is common knowledge among voters that they are draining our district financially is very risky right before a fourth parcel tax election. Please do the right thing by our community and PUT YOUR EMOTIONS AND POLITICS ASIDE AND MAKE THE DECISION TO CLOSE SMALL, EXPENSIVE SCHOOLS.
You have a fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers. You have an educational responsibility to the children. You must stop protecting the desires of the few over the best interests all.
Parent 10/28 Parent 10/26 I write to voice my opinion, that the option of closing the middle schools and creating 7-12 year high schools is not an acceptable option. If consolidation is necessary there should be K-8 elementary schools and 9th -12th year high schools. This could be done by having K-6 elementary schools at the smaller facilities and K-8 schools at the larger facilities, with boundaries shifting for 7th and 8th graders. In a recent letter home, it said “If a parcel tax is passed Phase II will not be necessary.” What about Phase I? What about closing the middle schools and consolidating them with the high schools? A parcel tax must be high enough to protect middle schools as well as neighborhood elementary schools. The character of our community and the lives of our children will be significantly harmed if we continue to push them into the incompressible world of adults too soon—a world of poverty for many, war, suicide bombers, unintended pregnancy, depression, stress, peer pressure, drugs, confusion, self-injury, etc. They are not ready for this, and they shouldn’t have to be. They shouldn’t be forced to grow up so quickly. Closing the middle schools is unconscionable. Last spring my eldest daughter, xxx, was awarded the superintendent’s award for outstanding citizenship, academic achievement, and contributions to school and community when she graduated from 8th grade at xxx. This not only speaks to her hard work, dedication and gifts as an academic and civic-minded student, but also to the high quality education and nurturing school environment she enjoyed during 6 years at Edison and 3 years at LMS. I believe that my younger daughter, Lenora, and all Alameda elementary and middle school students should be offered quality instruction, and not be “warehoused” in a mega-school institution. I believe it will be detrimental to them, to the Alameda community, and to our future if the middle schools close and the elementary schools become mega-elementary schools. I believe we must vote in this next election, only for officials who vow to actively campaign for a parcel tax for AUSD. The entire community, all the businesses, social services and social programs must come together on this issue, and vote in support of a parcel tax that is high enough to champion and maintain separate middle schools as well as neighborhood elementary schools. Parent 10/26 The non-stop discussions in the community regarding budget cuts have made me come to realize that you may not know that there are hundreds of parents in support of maintaining programs in lieu of keeping neighborhood schools open. I believe that asking parents whether or not keeping schools open is important without also asking whether they would opt to do so at the expense of programs, provides you with misleading information. For me and hundreds of other parents, maintaing neighborhood schools is NOT more important than keeping the current level of programs (class size reductions, music, pe, sports, etc.) available to our children. I believe it is more equitable to offer all children of Alameda a good education than it is to offer a mediocre education in a school close to home. In addition, it does not make financial sense to close Lincoln, a school close to capacity making money for the district, to force 600 students into portables on an overcrowded high school campus. Parent 10/26 Item One: Parent 10/26 I just wanted to pass my list of priorities to be used for funding cuts and re-establishing cut programs. These priorities are aimed at quality of eduction for our children (which I have three in AUSD). Since I went through the German school 1.) Attract and retain high-quality teachers (award/retain,support professional development) The main challenge is to maintain and attract the best teachers and maintain and enhance math and science programs and labs so everyone Staff 10/26 I am writing to plead with you for the restoration of the cuts in hours that were made to the site office assistants and health office assistants. The 5 hours that were taken from the two employees here at Lum have had a major impact on our office operations. We are all trying our best to complete our jobs each day, but we are overwhelmed and frustrated. The two employees have 2 ½ hours less each week to get their jobs done and I have to cover their 5 hours (phones, parents and students at the counter, students in the health office, etc), in addition to my own duties. The students are feeling it as well. They come into the office looking for the nurse and can’t find her because she has already had to go home. If I am busy at the counter, they have to wait in the health office longer, before they can be helped. I can only imagine the same thing is happening at the other school sites where the hours were also reduced.
Parent 10/21
It was obvious before the State budget was passed, and now it’s crystal-clear: Sacramento won’t be sending the money we need to support our schools, and it won’t be coming anytime soon. While I appreciate the dedication of Superintendent Vital and her staff, and the many hours of work they have poured into school closure and consolidation scenarios, none of the options they have presented us is acceptable for our district. We will rob our children of the education they deserve, hand our teachers an impossible task, and turn Alameda into a place we don’t recognize. Now, more than ever, we count on your leadership. A parcel tax is the only answer to our district’s dire straits. We’ll never find one tax that every voter in Alameda supports. But through your outreach to our community, every voice has had a chance to be heard. When the district presents a new tax for your vote in November, I ask that each of you step up, work together, and use your considerable influence to make voters understand that our schools cannot continue to thrive without this money. This time around, there will be no do-overs. We won’t have the luxury of waiting for another tax, arguing that we need a different structure, a different amount, different timing. The programs and schools we stand to lose this time, we may never get back. As our leaders, you do your part—and I promise to do mine. I’ll knock on the door of every neighbor and call upon every parent at school, preschool, soccer, and T-ball who felt blind-sided by the loss of Measure E and promised themselves to do more next time. Together I believe we can win this fight, and continue to make Alameda schools not a place where we have to send our kids, but where we want to send them. I feel, if we go 7-12 or 8-12, there HAS to be a way to have the Middle School on one part of campus and/or portables and the High School in the Main Building. Some separation is essential to avoid chaos. Of course some of the top 8th Graders should be able to take advanced courses, but this would be the small exception. Staff 10/21 Before embarking on simplistic solutions to the budget crisis such as creating a combined Jr. High/High School at Alameda High School, I think the School Board should tour the West Wing of this high school and see the specialized VAPA(Visual and Performing Arts) and Foreign language classrooms that we have here in the West Wing at the corner of Walnut and Central. The dance studio, the Little Theatre, the Music room, the Art rooms with sinks and display areas and the large foreign language classrooms were specifically designed by visionary planners to maximize the creative potentials of Alameda secondary students.. To use these classrooms for other purposes or to jam excessive, multi-age students into spaces designed for creative growth would be a travesty and would result in a serious deterioration of the quality of education in this city. As a 39 year veteran certificated employee, I am appalled that this type of consolidation is even under consideration. Staff 10/21 It would be impossible to enforce different rules for different grade levels on the same campus. I agree with xxx, except for the open campus for 7-8 graders. This will upset parents and we will lose students. We need to find an acceptable area for the 7-8 grades students to gather to eat lunch that will not distract instruction to our HS students. Maybe 3 lunch times (one for HS, one for 8th, one for 7th) and the 7th/8th graders are sent to the cafeteria? Is there a way to set up a school within a school (with allowances for advanced middle school students to bump up to high school classes) and keep the middle school and high school students separate? Staff 10/21 Master Schedule: I strongly recommend that if AHS becomes a 7-12 for 2011-12, that a single 6 period master schedule be implemented. There are common courses taught both in middle school and high school (Algebra, Geometry, Spanish 1, French 1, Art 1, Drama, Wood shop, PE) and staff could be shared in both schools. For instance, depending on student sign up, a teacher could teach 2 sections of Algebra to 8th graders and 3 sections in the high school, depending on need. If the 7th and 8th grade retain the 7 period, three trimester system; there would be two entirely different schools housed at AHS, with two entirely separate staffs and will result in higher staffing costs due to loss of efficiency due to smaller numbers. There would also be two different bell schedules, guaranteeing hundreds of students in the halls during class time throughout the day.
Lunch: There is no practical way to close campus at lunch, since multiple interior doors exit directly to Encinal and Central Ave. AHS has very limited seating for lunch which also will be an issue. Implementing two lunch periods guarantees at least 90 minutes each day of noise during class time. On balance, I recommend one lunch and open campus for all.
Science Labs: AHS is critically short of science labs. Currently one Biology teacher floats each period during teacher preps, and one science teacher has no lab at all. Unless we rent portable labs, the 7th and 8th grade students will not have access to science labs.
Lockers: AHS does not currently have enough functional book lockers to give each student their own locker. At least 700 lockers will need to be added somewhere.
Boundary Change-Changing the attendance boundary for AHS from Union to Willow will enrage parents who paid a premium price for a home understanding that their attendance zone would be AHS. The loss of even 100 students to private schools would negate much of the cost savings of the school closings.
Parent 10/17 My son, Vincent Chang goes to 1st grade in xxx School. We live near the ferry pier in Bay Farm Island. I strongly support the idea of the Master Plan Scenario B with closure option 1. For my son own benefits, it miminze transitions; more coherent instructionally; less crosstown traffic for parents who lives in Bay Farm Island. Other options of going to Encinal site for middle school or high school is very far for us, even within the same city. Parent 10/17 We are writing you to urge you to reconsider the proposal to shut down the middle schools in Alameda. We have 3 children in Alameda Schools who are 4th generation Alameda Unified School district students. The elementary neighborhood schools make Alameda an unique, close community. It would be a shame to see these close down. The blight in our neighborhoods would be awful for everyone. The middle schools are great transition schools from elementary to high school. The quality of education at Lincoln school is phenomenal. The skills my oldest son has already learned will have him well prepared for high school. I am not sure if this has been explored or if it is legal..... Would it be possible to use a blended system with parcel tax? A percentage for the lot and a percentage for the parcel?
For instance, 70% based on square foot of building and 30% based on the parcel.
If the building/residence is 2700 square feet and the parcel is 4000 square ft. using the numbers already given.
Example:
2,700 x 31.7 x 70% + 4,000 x 12.3 x 30% = $746.73
Just thinking outside the box.
Parent 10/15 Thank you very much to you and the rest of the board for hosting the meeting at Earhart last night. It was extremely informative.
Parent 10/14 I appreciate your continued effort to provide a vision for AUSD. I attended the last BOE meeting on Tuesday night again and recognize the progress to obtain better estimates on the financial and logistical impact of the proposed school consolidations. I agree with your approach to focus on the evaluation of option 1 and on the parcel tax and not distract yourself with other options. I understand that money savings are required but given the big remaining gap, is all the discussion and effort to close down schools really effective? Closing down schools is only solving the smaller part of the problem. The main impact these discussions have is the activation of the of the whole Alameda community so the parcel taxwill pass this time through working with the residents and the businesses of Alameda. This is good. The impact on the budget is small. This is bad. Unfortunately, you have to come up with a budget Parent 10/13 Has AUSD Administration stated HOW MUCH $ is needed for this parcel tax? It seems the "new tax every two years" plan has exhausted voters fianancially and exhausted supporters physically. (I also believe if the 'Lesson 9 fiasco" had been handled properly we would not be dealing with having to write a new tax proposal, but at least this provides another opportunity to write a better tax proposal.) I went to school in California when our schools were in the top 10% and I am outraged at the state of schools today and I am outraged that you would consider closing a single school in our district or that you would consider increasing class size to 32 students. What chaos!!! Not an acceptable option. I do think that budgets should be reviewed, in particular money spent on outside consultants, travel and accommodations. For any expense incurred there should be a measurable and absolute benefit to the kids in the schools. I realize these expenses are only a small piece of what we need financially, but it's a start. We need to start thinking fast!!! about what other ways/sources could be implemented to increase revenues in addition to parcel taxes. It seems like there could be some other kind of "parcel tax" we could attach to citizens of Alameda to help spread the costs for our schools across a broader base. Why not a city tax that applies to everyone, home owners, renter and businesses. It seems like we could figure out how to get an average of $2 dollars a week out of everyone over the age of 18 in some creative way. We should definitely get rid of the ridiculous 2/3 rule to pass a tax. Why should a minority rule a majority. We're a ridiculous system in that regard. Schools are what make a community. California is losing it's edge as an educated work force. Alameda is soon to loose what makes it a great community. We can't afford to close 1 school or loose 1 student in what will become a sea of overpopulated classrooms. I appreciate your time and willingness to be a board member, but don't make closing schools the solution. Parent 10/12 As a parent of an elementary student and middle school student, I want to give my feedback on the proposed budget cuts. Parent 10/12 Although the budget situation is serious and school closures and other measures are unwelcome, committed parents will find a way to still have their kids get through school with a good education, even in mega-elementary schools and 7-12 high schools. It will be less cozy than what we currently have, but let's not panic. Most of all, let's not get into the "don't close MY school, or we will make it into charter school" mode. That just reeks of selfishness. I do have a question, though. Where do I go to look at teacher salaries and benefits? What about union contracts? I haven't heard much about re-negotiating teacher salaries to save money?
Parent 10/10 I believe it is absolutely critical that the board act this fall to place a parcel tax on the ballot in the spring. The voters must be given a chance to provide the funding necessary to keep Alameda schools excellent. My husband and I are among the many families that moved to Alameda in the past 5 to 10 years in large part because of its schools. Our older daughter started Kindergarten this fall at Otis, and we are very impressed so far. But we are also concerned about the fate of the schools if a replacement parcel tax is not adopted this spring.
I was involved with the Measure E campaign and believe that with a well-crafted parcel tax and enough time, we can do the work needed to turn out the vote. While supportive residents and the parcel tax campaign can do much to inform the public of the merits of a given parcel tax option, we cannot make up for lost time. I urge the board members to do the outreach and work necessary to move this issue forward at your October 14 meeting. Parent 10/10 By Laws: Role of the Board The Board of Education has been elected by the community to provide leadership and citizen oversight of the district. The Board shall ensure that the district is responsive to the values, beliefs, and priorities of the community. The Board shall work with the Superintendent to fulfill its major responsibilities, which include: 1. Setting the direction for the district through a process that involves the community, parents/guardians, students, and staff and is focused on student learning and achievement. I spoke with Trish Spencer for the first time yesterday, she was the one dissenting vote on the Board's decision to move forward with Option 1, so I am not including her here in my criticism of the Board. The Board of Education By laws, its' official time line, and AUSD's Sept. 30 school closures and consolidations presentation make it plain that your opinion is not all that counts when "setting the direction for the district." The By Laws further state in the first of the BoE's major responsibilities that, " Setting the direction for the district through a process that involves the community, parents/guardians, students, and staff and is focused on student learning and achievement." Your reasoning for choosing Option 1, " Staff needed to (a) direction on where to focus and Option One was my choice." is in direct conflict of the Role of the Board. Since the other BoE members, Mr. Mooney, Ms.. Jensen, and Mr. Tam joined you in this disregard of the community and hastily voted in favor of recommending Option 1 on September 30, I include you all in this criticism. Additionally, you have a published Budget Reduction Time line and it states that the September 30 meeting was for "community feedback for review of scenarios for school closure and consolidation," not for deciding on one option of your choosing to recommend. You did not wait for any of the few community feedback forms you gave out to be returned. The power point presentation states in its' Next Steps, " Ultimately it will be the Board of Education and The Alameda community itself who must decide the next steps AUSD will take toward closure/consolidation of schools." No where does it say that the Board of Education is the only opinion that matters in deciding which Options are to be chosen for further analysis. The Board, with the exception of Trish Spencer, acted arrogantly and recklessly in deciding to pursue Option 1. In the feed back on your web site, Mr. McMahon, the majority of those who expressed an opinion on the options are united in their opposition to your Option 1. I expect that the Board of Education members will stop steam rolling through Option 1 and start listening to the community you were elected and sworn in to serve. Parent 10/9 We have been residents of Alameda for the last 20 years. We are the parents of a sixth grader at xxx Middle School and a freshman at xxx High. I attended last week’s meeting at LMS regarding the budget and school closures. While we realize that some people have put a lot of work in the various scenarios offered, we can’t help wondering whether the well-being of the students, their teachers, and their families were taken into account. Here are just a few of my main concerns:
Parent 10/8 I am a parent of two xxx third graders, an xxx sixth grader, and an xxx ninth grader. I am very concerned that the Board of Education members, namely, Mr. McMahon and Mr. Mooney have decided to pursue Option 1, without waiting for community input. After listening to Mr. McMahon speak at Earhart Elementary's BOE candidates forum on Tuesday, I realized that he does not intend to listen to community input at all, his plan is facility reorganization or Option 1, 7-12 high school. Mr. Mooney is apparently also in favor of that because he said as much when he jumped to the conclusion that no one was concerned about the closure of LMS and 7-12 high schools because we did not speak directly to that point at the September 30 meeting. Parent 10/5 We recently relocated to Alameda, namely for the reputation for outstanding public schools. I know that is a huge draw for other families living in the area. Without the support of parcel tax revenue, that all is likely going to change drastically. With the cuts in education put forth if a parcel tax is NOT passed, and we would consider moving to another community in order to ensure that our children receive the best education we can offer. We love Alameda, and it is worth fighting for. I urge you to support the proposal of another parcel tax to support our schools, and to assist as you can in moving it forward quickly. Parent 10/4 I just finished reading Ann Mulligan's synopsis of the last two board meetings. Your comments especially interested me...
Student 10/4 I am a sophomore at xxx High. I attended the meeting at Lincoln on Thursday, and considered speaking but decided that it would be better to send an email. It appears as if that was a mistake because apparently the fact that no one spoke about the potential of 7th to 12th grade schools gave the impression that no one cared, but I can assure you that is not the case. In response to Thursdays Town Hall meeting at Lincoln Middle School and the presentation of the "mega-school" options which you are proposing, I wanted to draw your attention to the research on school size and the possible downside of the "mega school" configuration which appears in all of your options. I also wanted to express that I was very offended by Mr. McMahon's sarcastic comments about "those big bad 12th graders" and his proposal to look at ACLC as an example for how the 7-12 configuration would be effective. ACLC is a very small, alternative learning community, not a"mega 7-12 secondary school". His comments raised doubt for me, in the School Board's ability to use data effectively to ensure that the very best options are provided in terms of school configuration, for our children in this time of financial crisis. Please consult the research on school size and its impact on violence, achievement, and cost savings. See attached article as reference. Is there a reason that we are not considering a K-8 configuration, which would preserve many of our neighborhood schools, even if it meant transitioning several of them into the existing middle schools campuses? Parent 10/3 Thank you for posting comments. I will recommend other parents forward comments to you as well. However, what I really want to know is when the comments that were shared on Thursday night will be made available to the public (both those in writing on the yellow sheets and those verbally shared)?
Parent 10/3
I was at the BOE meeting held at Lincoln earlier in the week and I wanted to let you know where I stand. School closures would be devastating to my family. I have four children ages 8,6,4, and 2. My older two currently attend Otis where they are very happy. I cannot imagine sending them to a mega-elementary school, or a mega high school. I want to fight for a parcel tax. Give us another chance. I want AUSD to flourish, not just to squeak by. I envision a new aquatic center at Alameda High, a spanish immersion at Washington Elementary, and many other things. I am willing to commit to doing everything in my power to pass a parcel tax. I also hope we can ask for what we need, not undercut it and get just a percentage. I hope I can count on you to dream big for Alameda schools. Parent 10/2 What are your priorities? First and foremost, we want to maintain the educational quality at our wonderful neighborhood schools. I want all of our kids to receive the same quality education that I received growing up here in Alameda. I don't want to see the schools become more overcrowded than they already are. What programs do you value? I value programs that help prepare children for the next level. I strongly feel that we need to keep classes that allow kids to have the ability to attend college if they choose. If AP and advanced classes, activities, and sports are cut, our children in Alameda cannot possibly compete with other school districts for the already limited enrollment slots at the various colleges. They will be at a definite disadvantage, especially when competing against kids from the private schools or other school districts with well funded parcel taxes. Can our children be educated in an environment with one middle school and one high school? No. The schools, especially Lincoln and Alameda High, are already overcrowded. I don't see how the students can get any attention from their teachers if there are even more students at the school. Should our elementary children attend mega-schools? No. I am so happy with the attention that my kids have had by attending a smaller, kid centered, neighborhood school. Is class size important to you? Yes Do you value the adult education program? I think that there is value in it even though I haven't personally taken a class there. I do, however, feel that the education of our children should be the priority. Do you use the swim centers? We have for swim lessons. Art? Music? P.E? They are extremely important. Especially with the rise in childhood obesity, we really need to make physical education an important part of the daily routine. I also think the children enjoy taking a break from the regular school routine by taking part in the art program and music. Art and music are very important to a child’s overall growth. We need all of these programs to produce well-rounded adults. The Cal-Safe program? Sorry, I am not familiar with this program. Are you content with a shorter school year? Yes Do you support teachers prep time? Yes What is important to you? Parent 10/2 I have a second grader at Edison and another one who is supposed to attend kindergarten next year. I’ve attended almost all the BOE meetings on the school closure issue as well as the public hearing at Lincoln and would like to provide some feedback on a few items. Closures and Consolidations While I continue to hope that none of the schools will close, given the dire financial picture painted, closures and consolidations seem inevitable. With that assumption, I think Option 1 is the best option out of what’s been presented. It appears to minimize disruption to the different communities, has the least transition periods, minimizes cross-town traffic (at least for 2011-2012), and allows for Washington to remain open. It would be helpful to share your criteria for determining sites to be closed and sites for consolidation. While the proposed sites seem reasonable, I would like to get clarity on what the factors are (e.g., site capacity, academic achievement) and how they are ranked or weighted. I am extremely concerned about the impact of traffic but would suggest that the Board and Superintendent explore the possibility of offering bus service. Of course, this would reduce the amount of savings gained through closures and consolidations but may provide a solution for the traffic problem. Class Size It is imperative that we strive to maintain class size at 1:25 for K through 3, particularly in light of closures and consolidations. These are the grades when our children learn the foundation for all future learning. Increasing the class size to more than 25 will tax already overextended teachers and will dilute individualized attention for our children even further. If our children do not learn the basics, we will be paying for them to learn the basics in the upper grades and they will fall further and further behind. Finally, keeping the class size at 1:25 will make the consolidations more palatable to many parents. Teachers It is also imperative that teachers be provided paid time to prepare, particularly in light of closures and consolidations. These are the individuals we have asked and trusted to educate our children. To do an effective job, they need to be supported. Not providing them paid time to prepare will make them less effective and will probably result in many quality teachers leaving the District. Washington School Based on the BOE meetings I’ve attended, it appears that Washington is one of the sites that has a large capacity. Accordingly, I don’t know why it is on the list to be closed. Consolidating IN to Washington would seem to provide a solution to the capacity issue and would be in alignment with the District’s/Board’s core value of equity and diversity. It is my understanding that Washington serves a population that is more socioeconomically disadvantaged than many of the other schools on the island. It is important to provide these children who are more at risk the stability and community that they need. Keeping Washington open seems like it should be an important part of the District’s strategic plan. Thinking Strategically Painful cuts cannot be avoided. It is important to think strategically and turn this crisis into an opportunity to make the District better. I guess my point is don’t avoid cuts because they are more painful now but make better sense in the longer term. From my perspective, taking a worse hit now that gets the District on the right track is better than taking several not as painful hits in the future which don’t get as where we need to get to as a community. Community Engagement To gain the trust and support of stakeholders in the community, I would recommend you provide a mechanism through which questions can be answered. The format of the BOE meetings does not lend itself to interaction with the community. Essentially, community members hear the presentations and the Board’s questions. We can choose to speak and ask questions but there is no mechanism for the Board or the Superintendent’s office to provide responses. While it is unrealistic and unnecessary to respond to each question raised, there are recurrent concerns and themes that the Board and the Superintendent’s office should address. For example, several individuals asked during the public hearing whether school closures’ impact on traffic has been considered. A one or two sentence response on an FAQ on a website should be adequate. This is an emotionally charged topic. People are scared and distrustful, and divisiveness in the community is already bubbling up. Information must be disseminated and questions must be answered. Otherwise, the Board and the Superintendent’s office will be perceived as being unworthy of trust, political, and ineffective. The community needs to trust you as its leaders to navigate this horrific situation. Perception is half the battle. Parent 10/2 Hello - I was one of the many parents/teachers/community members who attended and spoke at the Thursday special meeting. I have many concerns and questions about the plans as proposed as well as what will happen in the arena of a parcel tax. Many of my concerns were raised by others that night. Additionally, I took time that evening to thoughtfully fill out the yellow comment/questionaire that was available when I arrived. Can you clarify a few items: Parent 10/1 Driving to the meeting last night, I had a pit in my stomach. I was deeply concerned about divisions across our community, and the pitting of schools against each other. I walked in a few minutes late. My first reaction was awe at the number of people who showed up. I hoped it signaled a coming together. As I took a seat, that hope weaned as the first speaker yelled from the podium. However, soon enough speaker after speaker turned the tone around. Parent 10/1 A board member commented at the end of the meeting on Thursday night that it appeared the community does not have feelings about closing Wood and Lincoln and converting the high schools to grades 7 – 12. I don’t believe that to be true. Not knowing where the board was headed, it was hard to formulate a concise and logical statement for Thursday’s meeting. These are some of my concerns: Parent 9/30 I have a daughter that attends xxx Elementary School and twin 3 year olds who already talk about going to xx when they are “big”. My children love xxx, I love xxx, it is a fabulous school and I feel very fortunate to part of such a wonderful community. I am concerned,I feel that my school is under attack by Board Member Spencer and that she is negatively stereotyping the school. I would like to clear up a few misconceptions about the school that Board Member Spencer does not seem to know, but should. First most of the children who attend the school do not live in the “Gold Coast” (I don’t). The boundaries for the school extend all the way to Little John Park, cross streets Buena Vista and Benton. Second, most of us are not wealthy (I am not). My husband and I both work full time (we fortunate to have jobs) and we struggle to make ends meet. We don’t drive fancy cars, we don’t have a beautifully manicured lawn and our children wear hand me down clothes and shoes. Luckily my 3 year old twin boys are too little to know that wearing pink and flowered shoes is not the norm for little boys. And boy do I get a lot of comments about the pink shoes. I feel that Ms. Spencer's comments are divisive and she is trying to pit schools against one another. At this critical point we should be working together as a community for the good of all children in Alameda. The best hope we have to preserve the quality of schools in Alameda is to pass a parcel tax and that will require that all of its citizens from all schools work together. No one wants their school to close. We all love our children, want what is best for them, and believe in public education. I personally feel the failure of Measure E rests largely on Board Member Spencer's shoulders. The measure failed by a mere 267 votes, how many people do you think she influenced to vote NO through her position as a school board member? I spent a lot of time and put a lot of energy into the Measure E campaign at the expense of my family. I am not looking forward to having to do it again, but I will because it is the right thing to do. What I would like to know from Board Member Spencer: Why does she feel the need to demonize the families of xxx school? What is her position on a new parcel tax? What will it take to get her support the next measure?
Parent 9/30 I am the mother of a first grader at xxx School, and a toddler at home. I am deeply concerned about the future of our neighborhood schools in Alameda, and want to see them stay open for my children and for all other kids in Alameda. I was a supporter of Measure E, and will support any new parcel tax that is put on the ballot. We must act to make sure a new parcel tax is on the ballot – our kids’ futures are at stake! We know that there are 65.5% of Alamedans who support paying additional taxes to keep our community’s schools open. The option of taxing based on per square foot of building space seems the most equitable, and easily understandable. Taxing based on property size would benefit those in big houses on small lots, which isn’t fair. If you made some formula of taxing based on building size combined with property size it might be more fair, but it also would be so complicated that you’d lose the ability for people to understand how they’re being taxed. This might doom it to failure. Seniors should be exempt from having to pay, and there should be a cap on the amount. Help save our schools! Support a parcel tax! Parent 9/30 As a Mother of 2 elementary school children, the parcel tax is absolutely vital to our educational system on Alameda. The schools cannot survive without it. Parent 9/29 I very much support the idea of a new parcel tax to fund our schools. I have already donated money and time to the new campaign. We moved to Alameda for the schools and don't want to have to move! I think the fairest tax would be per square foot of building space, but I will support whatever you decide. Hopefully you will decide SOON!
Parent 9/29 I am the parent of a 2nd-grader at xxx Elementary, where he has attended since Kindergarten. It is my hope that my youngest son will enter Kindergarten at xxx next Fall. Community Member 9/26 As you continue to sort out the challenges of the school budget and potential school closings, I would ask that you keep in mind a major change that will occur with the expansion of particular schools. And that is, more parents will have to drive their children to school creating increased safety issues for the students. As it is now, we are confronted with driving parents doing things that create hazards: double parking, illegal u-turns, stopping across the street from school and having their children either “run quickly” to the other side or dashing with them, speeding, making rolling stops, not stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks, etc. The above situations are definitely going to increase with larger schools due to the closings. Walking and biking to school in many cases is going to cease, particularly for the younger kids, where the distances are just too far. We strongly urge you to begin now working with the Police Department and Public Works to develop and design a pick-up and drop-off zone program for these expanded schools in concert with community outreach to parents and residents outlining the program. This increase in traffic will affect neighborhoods surrounding these schools and they need to be informed to be cautious when exiting their driveways. Pedestrian Friendly Alameda, the PTAs, Public Works, BikeAlameda, the Police Department have all worked so collaboratively for the past ten years with Walk & Roll to School Day (many schools expanding into year-round programs) to encourage and educate families about the value of walking and biking, it would be a great loss to that effort if planning didn’t begin now for this huge change. Don’t wait until it’s too late and someone is hurt. Pick-up/Drop-off Zones design should be an integral part of your discussions and planning now. With a plan in place, the education and information can be quickly and effectively communicated to the individual schools, local residents, the PTAs, and families to make the transition as smooth as possible. Parent 9/24 Is emailing the Board members the best way to send my preference? I can't see that attending overcrowded hearings is going to be a good use of my time. Parent 9/24 You wanted suggestions about how to raise money for the schools . Tax the electric meter , everyone pays.
This would get tenants to pay for their load on the schools . Also if seniors vote yes and it passes they would pay . It solve everything and can encourage people to be green and conserve if they chose to.
To base a parcel tax on square footage is absurd people with large homes and lot are already paying large sums of property tax .To take a 3500 sq ft house and take on another $1260.00 DOLLARS will not fly . The absolute most balanced way is the electric meter , and we own the electric company . This economy will not allow landlords to pass on the increase to the tenants .
Want the schools to be great , but this is not the solution.
Parent 9/23 I've reviewed, with some amazement, what's coming out of the blogs and meetings regarding square footage parcel taxes. It looks like the Board may actually approve putting on the ballot confiscatory (I refuse to acknowledge the term 'progressive') tax rates going into the thousands of dollar range, depending on square footage, on the laughable assumption that square footage equates to ability to pay. Parent 9/22 While I applaud the Superintendent and the BOE spending time and effort devising a short-range option plans, you are missing a MAJOR component. The recovery plan. For every cut, have a priority number for bringing it back. (My concern is that it will end up like school portables: a temporary solution and a permanent problem.) The costs associated with closing a school need to be challenged ($304K/elementary, $575/middle, $1095/hi school). Those numbers seem based on current budget lines and it's just not that simple; AUSD nor others can't just close a school and walk away. Each school that closes will need to be decommssioned. I suggest we need a decommissioning specialist to estimate the realistic cost of decommissioning for: demotions, mothball for later recommissioning,and associated caretaking expenses. Last to add is the additional legal liabilities outlined by a couple of speakers at last week's meeting. I dont know much more but suggest Tom Rust might speak to this concern or be requested for budgetary numbers over the legal/HR potential litigation. I believe the bottom line will be near zero for the first year and doubt if AUSD is close to breakeven for a closure of <5-7 years. So, another ballot is only chance and so far the No on E committee is taking the lead? Well, here are a few of the opposition (No on any taxes-ever) ideas I've heard recently:
Last it was refreshing to hear a candid remark at the last meeting where board member McMahon seemed to be saying there are so many moving parts to this budget that it's next to impossible to be precise on the planning. This makes sense; maybe we could have a margin of error on the budget? Take the margin of error and then combine with another statement last week where even after the cuts already made and including all these planned closures that AUSD could still have other step again that large to get to even. I suggest the next tax proposal target full funding of the entire foreseen shortfall. Summary: Closings aren't going to help and I for one hope the next ballot should be ~ 1/3 larger than the last to cover the actual(?) shortfall. Parent 9/21 As a concerned parent, I would appreciate some clear, concise information on the impending school closures for next year. My child is currently an 8th grader at Wood Middle School, and we live in the Encinal High area. I have heard that Encinal is up for closure. But can't seem to find anything concrete on whether it will or not. I have checked the AUSD's website, and while there is a PLETHORA of information on school closures, etc., I can't seem to find a list of schools on the closure list. Encinal's name has repeatedly come up when talking to kids and parents but nobody seems to know whats going on. Just out of curiositiy, why close Encinal? I have only lived on "the island" just over a year now, but I live right up the street from the high school. It seems to have a diverse student body, and they certainly have very respectable test scores. Judging by the amount of traffic going in and out of there on a daily basis, enrollment appears to be good. Encinal High seems to serve low to moderate income families. If those kids have to commute across town to AHS, it will cause hardship on them and their families. Causing hardship on the kids can and will increase the drop out rate. Not to mention the extreme overcrowding this will cause at AHS, which will also contribute to a higher dropout rate. This is not acceptable. I moved here for a small town atmosphere, AND good schools. I would appreciate some concrete information on school closures.
Parent 9/21 I feel compelled to write again because I don't see the logic in closig Bay Farm while keeping Earhart open. I drive by Earhart everyday and see the cramped campus with its small play yards. How is it able to accomodate more classrooms than Bay Farm which seems to have much more room? Also, the people who bought property around Bay Farm pay Mello Roos taxes and does the district face a possible lawsuit in respect to this issue as well? Another thing to consider, Bay Farm has 2 roads leading to its campus, Earhart has one. There must be some logical explanation as to why Earhart was slated to remain open and take on 500 more kids but I don't see the logic. Parent 9/20 I'm wondering if you could provide me any information regarding magnet start up costs. I understand the discussion of creating an arts magnet at Washington has been put on hold because of the parcel tax, but we would still very much like to continue to develop a program that could possibly save the district money in the long run. Parent 9/20 After reading your material and attending last Tuesday’s BOE meeting I would like to express my serious concerns about the options presented and their effectiveness. Parent 9/14 What is truly alarming about the drastic options in front of the school board is that none of them even close the budget gap as it is projected. And of course no one will be happy or even resigned to any of the choices. Yet a decision needs to be made, and I don't pretend to have any better idea than what has been proposed so far. The only thing I will say is that for sixth-graders to get from Bay Farm Island to Encinal (Option 3B) would truly be a hardship for many families. These kids are not old enough to travel safely by bus for such a long distance, and choosing that option will result in a lot of traffic to shuttle them from one end of Alameda to another. The next worst idea is to start a 7-12 high school (Option 1). Middle school is a very difficult time period for students, and it would be unfortunate to expose them too early to what can (and does) go on in high school. Third, I think changing the elementary school ratio to 32:1 is really going to affect learning, especially in conjunction with the other consolidation measures. Is there a possibility for savings from additional furlough days instead?
Overall, Option 2B seems to both offer substantial savings and remain practical. Sixth-graders stay in their elementary schools before going off to junior high in a central location for seventh grade, at the Alameda High site. By the time they get to high school at poorly located Encinal they are able to get themselves across the island.
Parent 9/14 I actually have a question re: Consolidation Scenarios. And if you can point me in the right direction if this has already been addressed, then great! I won't be able to attend the meetings in Sept., so it there's some powerpoint presentation somewhere...
Q: What is the scenario even if a parcel tax is passed? My understanding (and please let me know if I'm wrong) is that this go around, less money will be asked for than Measure E. And since a new parcel tax won't be voted on until next year, will the first phase of the 'winning' (and I do say that sarcastically) option be put into place?
Parent 9/11 I am sending you this email because I am a parent of 3 children in the school district, all will be enrolled in middle school and high school next year.
Please don't consolidate the 2 high schools. There are already such limited resources and the kids have so much competition to participate in anything at the 2 schools. For me, my children's education is all about high school. That is what determines the colleges they get accepted to. My husband and I attended Cal and Stanford and want our children to at least stand a fighting chance to attend these schools.
We are willing to pay for A/P, honors classes, after school acitivities, make contributions to the energy bills to run AHS and to help subsidize children whose parents can't afford to contribute. There are many other parents who feel this way. These are extreme circumstances that require extreme solutions.
Secondly, if you must close a middle school, please don't have all of the children attend Encinal which is all the way on the other side of the island for those of us living on Bay Farm. A bus ride will take 40 plus minutes for my 11 year old daughter. If most people give their children rides, the traffic going across town will be terrible
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