Despite the fact that the state is now funding full day kindergarten, it appears that Cave Creek Unified School district is going to go back to the voters for more K-3 money.
"At the Monday, June 2, 2008 Governing Board Meeting, Administration will be recommending to the Governing Board to call for a K-3 Override Renewal Election to occur during the November 2008 General Election. Cave Creek Unified School District is fortunate to have in place a K-3 Override which allows the district to raise its spending limit by 5% with very specific reasons and uses for the money. Our current override provides approximately $950K to $1M to the Maintenance and Operations budget. "
No mention in the article that the state is now funding all day kindergarten, but we do get this little gem...
"Since the approval of the K-3 Override, student test scores and school achievement designations have continued to improve."
Which is very interesting since kindergarten and first grades are generally not tested and they certainly do not count towards 'achievement designations' (EXCELLING!!!!). Terra Nova test results for 2nd and 3rd grade are pretty much stagnant 2006 versus 2007. Hard to see where the district thinks scores are improving.
Of course the article finishes with the threats...
"This would result in substantial changes to grade level sizes in grades K-3. This is equivalent to cutting 18-20 teachers and support staff."
Instead of the threats maybe the district could tell us all the good things it has done with the K-3 override money and the subsequent state funding. I guess they learned nothing from Dr. Merrill's survey.
So what has become a nice to have, has now become a necessity. SOP in Cave Creek Unified School District No. 93. Remember the original K-3 override passed with 51% of the vote and only 104 votes separating it from a loss.
It is only beginning! Next year should be a very interesting school year. They are telling teachers that they may or may not get a pay raise for the next school year. At the best they can maybe expect a $500 increase. They have increased their insurance deductible to $400. So much for the $500 pay increase. They have also cut the budget for classroom supplies by more than 50%. Be prepared to send more supplies to school with your kids next year. Stipends for clubs and sports have been cut as well as career ladder. What incentive do teachers have to stay? Larger class sizes? You can more kids that way, right?
ReplyDeleteThis is just sad. Sorry to hear it.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who looked into teaching as a career, it is cuts like and a district that does not focus on KIDS that makes me want to run the other direction.
ReplyDeleteI have 2 small children at DWES and am amazed already at what they are requesting for next year.
They build a new JR high they clearly did not need and they have no need for a new HS but WANT a new HS. I have a feeling it is things like this that are the main reason that Christensen left.
In talking with district reps and other persons in the district, it is clear they have their own agenda and it has nothing to do with the kids. They are cutting teachers, aids and programs that are beneficial to the students. Let's have bigger class sizes and NO aides. Hey, there is a great idea! I don't think so.
What this district needs is a complete overhaul.
Dear May 29, 2008 3:26 PM,
ReplyDeleteRemember above all else you must do what is best for your children. Even if you complain it could take years for the district to change to become child focused. You need to find an academic environment that is best for your kids. Luckily we have many choices here in Arizona. You should check out local private, charter, and open enrollment at other public schools. Email us at CCUSDWATCH@HOTMAIL.COM and we can give you specific suggestions.
Do it sooner than later. The more your children are exposed to a learning environment not suited for them, the longer it will take them to catch up.
"Since the approval of the K-3 Override, student test scores and school achievement designations have continued to improve."
ReplyDeleteYou said..."Which is very interesting since kindergarten and first grades are generally not tested and they certainly do not count towards 'achievement designations' (EXCELLING!!!!).
-K and 1 test like crazy now by the way. But they don't do national standardized testing, thus they have no scores with which to impact a designation.
But doesn't it make sense that academic achievement is built upon a base of learning? A base that begins at home and continues through each grade level and experience a child encounters.
The impact of better learning environment in K and 1st WOULD impact achievement as those kids moved forward in school years.
Lower class size, more aides, all day K- would any of those factors impact achievement in the view of your group?
Does your group support all day K?