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Toni Mayer May 20, 2013 at 04:31 am
This is excellent news. I am so pleased to hear it. The return of the arts to the schools can only…Read More enhance and enrich children's educational experience. It's a good use of our tax dollars and I'm happy to pay them.
G.C. May 18, 2013 at 08:56 am
This is great news.
The article also reports a decrease in suspensions and expulsions. I hope…Read More this decrease is the result of better behavior on the part of our students and not the decision to allow disruptive students to remain on campus.
Such students create an environment less conducive to learning, more akin to baby sitting, and also a less safe environment for both their peers and our teachers.
In fact, such a policy shift could possibly contribute to the truancy problem, that the message from the WCCUSD is that school is place to have fun, come and go as you please, and not work. I hope that isn't what is happening.
shirley kirsten May 18, 2013 at 05:11 am
You tube does the same.. makes changes that are eternally hard to adapt to...in the name of…Read More perpetual innovation.
G.C. May 7, 2013 at 11:08 pm
To President Kronenberg
(Excerpt from letter)
"Dear President Kronenberg and Superintendent…Read More Harter,
I just read about the WCCUSD's truancy rate. The fact that other districts with similar demographics, including John Swett and Mt. Diablo Unified, are doing much better is evidence that we can, and must, do better. For this reason, I respectfully request that you respond to this recent report. Please tell us what you intend to do to address this recurring problem. Personally, I would suspend all WCCUSD high school sports programs and other extracurricular activities. Send a loud message to the community that this is unacceptable and that it is the parents and children who are accountable for showing up to class. The kids and parents do not respect the WCCUSD. They are not appreciative of the bond and parcel tax monies we give year after year. They take it for granted...
Perhaps the achievement gap is a misnomer, that what what we really have is an "attendance gap."
I am appalled at this spectacle that repeats itself year after year within our district. It is also a safety issue. Kids not in class are kids who might be getting into trouble doing drugs, or even worse, finding themselves in harm's way. Please take action. You currently do not have the respect of the most important stakeholder of all, that being our kids."
Karl A. May 7, 2013 at 07:34 pm
I guess this means the latest redundant WCCUSD trophy project, the "new" Portola Middle…Read More (Junior High) School, will only be about 41.8% full once built, with a result that there will be a 58.2 % increase in vandalism and petty crime in the Castro Park neighborhood. Nearly seven years after we Castro Residents were declared bigots for opposing the destruction of Castro Elementary to make the "new" Portola ( and the closing of Adams Middle School) the main subject surrounding WCCUSD Elementary and Middle Schools, in El Cerrito, is the on going need to keep students safe from each other. I wonder if the two former WCCUSD Elementary campuses that Prospect Sierra operates have the same problem(s), especially among those students whose families receive financial aid?
Alvin Mabuhay May 6, 2013 at 01:44 pm
This is the tip of the iceberg. You want to really stir the pot? Breakdown the truancy rates based…Read More on race. No need, we all know what the numbers will say. People try so hard to explain away all the magnanimous failures of the WCCUSD. You could put an identical De La Salle in Richmond, fill it with the students from Richmond/Kennedy and the differences would be stark. High crime rates, high gang influences, a total absence of respect and discipline, and kids being raised by terrible parents, who themselves were bad students, are the true causal factors.
The good kids, coming from good households, are overcoming HUGE obstacles to achieve and succeed in these environments. I take my hat off to Larz's 4.0 GPA kid.
ncountydad May 7, 2013 at 12:52 pm
Look up news on the rejections of the following charter schools... some are experienced organization…Read More with track records... some are new... some have different designs... The details don't seem to matter. The district and union stories don't change very much.... Rocketship, Oxford Preparatory Academy, The School of Arts and Enterprise in Pomona, Neighborhood Arts and Sciences Academy in Chino, North Bay Academy in Novato (criticism was almost identical as Oxford's)... I could go on, but you get the point.
ncountydad May 7, 2013 at 12:38 pm
Wow. I live in Southern California, and I have nothing to do with this situation.
I made a Google…Read More news alert for CA Charter Schools when the school that I wanted for my children was rejected in San Diego county. If you change the name of the district and the charter school, this story is identical to almost every charter denied across the state. I wouldn't be surprised if the staff report rejecting the charter schools were from the same template. This is too fishy to be a coincidence. I think they want to keep the parents from noticing the pattern.
Valerie Snider April 30, 2013 at 01:19 pm
One of the programs funded by WCCUSD Adult Ed is a preschool in El Cerrito (Peter Pan Preschool).…Read More Under the guise of "parent education" the district provides subsidized preschool for families in El Cerrito who are happy to pay next to nothing, even though they could afford to pay the going rate elsewhere. Why do taxpayers have to pay for preschool for families who are not low income?
G.C. April 29, 2013 at 11:29 am
Thanks, Christina. I stand corrected. Although President Kronenberg and I do not see eye to eye on…Read More everything, I will give her credit where due. A few years back, the first time I ever approached the board, she was president. I had questions-concerns. A few days later, I received packets of information from the district and an invite to meet with the HR Director. Recently, when I had concerns, President Kronenberg said I could pick up the phone and giver her a holler. That's good stuff. Then this whole bond program thing came up, along with the issue regarding some words of the previous president.
I do look forward to resolving our differences so that we can work together as a team. It might mean some compromises on everyone's part.
By the way, Christina, what is up with the Bayside PTA Council? Are they active? I tried getting some information about them and have not received any reply. It is my understanding that they were critical of a Hercules citizen's protest against the WCCUSD when children at Ohlone were relocated to another school with less than 24 hours notice. If parents protesting rubs the Bayside Council the wrong way, then what does work for this organization? Did this council submit a letter to the board admonishing President Ramsey when he proposed cutting Hercules and Pinole from the district? If not, then this council serves zero purpose in my opinion.
K Murphy April 26, 2013 at 05:52 pm
I am puzzled as to why adult education would be funded by WCCUSD. Do other school districts in…Read More Calif. also fund adult education? What is the historical reason for this? And is WCCUSD funding just some programs (like the ESL)? Or is WCCUSD funding everything (like the "Computer skills for 55+" class listed on the website)? I was under the impression that WCCUSD only funded K-12 education.
G.C. April 28, 2013 at 11:49 pm
I'd be curious to see the attendance-suspension-expulsion data on children of divorced parents.
Ira Sharenow April 28, 2013 at 11:31 pm
Ira Sharenow April 28, 2013 at 11:29 pm
I decided to do a Google search: Suspensions "California Department of Education"
I got…Read More 78,300 hits. It appears to me that this is an issue that is of great interest to civil rights advocates who are eager to discuss the issue. Many feel that the current suspension policy is biased and are glad that the new data has come out as those advocates feel that with the new data they are on more solid ground.
Here is a small sample of the opinions that I found.
http://www.boyleheightsbeat.com/racial-disparities-in-school-suspension-rates-school-boards-urge-change-2346
Racial disparities in school suspension rates; School boards urge change
http://civilrightsproject.ucla.edu/news/press-releases/crp-press-releases-2012/out-of-school-suspensions-in-california2019s-school-districts-reveal-hidden-crisis
Out-of-School Suspensions in California’s School Districts Reveal Hidden Crisis
http://www.edsource.org/today/2013/more-than-half-of-suspensions-are-for-willful-defiance-of-school-authorities/30375
More than half of suspensions are for “willful defiance” of school authorities
janet enos April 26, 2013 at 12:32 pm
Among the many titles I have, solo-parent, good democrat as well as private citizen, I am indeed…Read More related to Randy Enos. He is my eldest brother. Thank-you for realizing we are two separate individuals. Mr. C. I don't remember "bashing" you, in fact I quite enjoy your posts. The kids of this district are my only colleagues. I applaud and fully support your efforts to gain more representation for the Hercules area.
Betty Buginas April 14, 2013 at 01:11 am
Giovanni's Market has a Facebook page now, too: https://www.facebook.com/giovannisproduce
Sherrybss April 14, 2013 at 12:05 am
A couple of us parents are administors of the site. Basically we post things like reminders about…Read More PTA meetings, fundraiser, and photos of events that occur at school (Halloween parade and 100th day celebration). It's all been very positive. No one has posted anything negative. Here is the sight if you'd like a peak : https://www.facebook.com/HardingPTA
Again there has been no bitching or negativity. More like a positive info page about what's happening at our school.
G.C. April 13, 2013 at 03:20 pm
Sherry,
What a great idea! I think Hercules could benefit from something like this, maybe even a…Read More "Hercules Schools" Facebook page, in addition to a newsletter. The question I have for you and the Harding folks is what can you do to keep the Facebook site one that is positive and solution oriented as opposed to becoming a site to air gripes? Some (myself most definitely) here on the Patch do just that, we voice our complaints about the district.
For example, it gets frustrating waiting for two hours to speak at a WCCUSD board meeting, as I did this week when I sought more assistance for Hercules students with disabilities. The board moved up other agenda items, cutting in front of the only two public commenters, making us wait even longer. Grrrr.
I would like to be able to vent my frustrations, concerns, and complaints about the district at times, but I also like the idea of having a more positive "solution-oriented" place for the community to come together and take ownership of their schools. A "check your bitching at the door" kind of place.
My question for you is do the Harding folks have rules for their Facebook site to promote positive dialogue? I was told that the WCCUSD had a Yahoo Groups discussion group, and that some folks were "evicted", resulting in cries of censorship. From what I heard, some used that forum for their own agenda.
Any tips on how to set up a productive Facebook site would be appreciated. Thanks!
Dixie Jordan (Editor) April 14, 2013 at 04:39 pm
Actually, there apparently were some ECHS students in the 2012 graduating group of Pacific Islander…Read More ethnicity, as the State Department of Education stats for individual schools only list groups represented at that school. Pacific Islanders were listed as 10 or fewer students.
Bobbie Dowling April 14, 2013 at 02:18 pm
Hurrah for Principal Luango! We deeply appreciate how committed he is, and the vitality he is…Read More bringing to his job.
janet enos April 12, 2013 at 01:39 pm
Maybe it's time to actively give Principal David Luongo due credit for his efforts. This principal…Read More isn't in the limelight as some in the past have been. He works un-godly hours and has a wonderful rapport with ALL of the different groups at ECHS. I believe the feather should go in his cap for any upturn in scores at ECHS.
Ira Sharenow May 17, 2013 at 10:27 pm
LAO recommends $4.5 billion CalSTRS rate hike
The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office…Read More yesterday recommended that the Legislature adopt a plan to fully fund CalSTRS in 30 years — an estimated cost of $4.5 billion a year, a hefty addition to current annual contributions totaling $5.7 billion.
contributions, $5.7 billion, are exceeded by pension payments to retirees, more than $10 billion.
Now CalSTRS is about 66 percent funded with an unfunded liability of $73 billion. Ed Derman, CalSTRS deputy chief executive, told the committee the unfunded liability is growing at the rate of about $17 million a day.
http://calpensions.com/2013/03/21/lao-recommends-4-5-billion-calstrs-rate-hike/
“If the state’s current $1.4 billion annual contribution to CalSTRS were combined with the $4.5 billion additional contribution that may be necessary to achieve full funding in 30 years, the sum would exceed state spending on the University of California and California State University systems combined,” the LAO said. “The additional CalSTRS contribution alone would represent about one-half of state corrections spending.”
http://www.calwatchdog.com/2013/03/26/lao-calstrs-massively-underfunded/
http://www.lao.ca.gov/handouts/state_admin/2013/CalSTRS-Funding-032013.pdf
G.C. May 9, 2013 at 09:22 am
President Kronenberg should do the right thing and revise the WCCUSD ethics policy. Our bond…Read More program is being managed by SGI. The following corruption scandal involves SGI.
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/232-Criminal-Charges-in-South-Bay-Corruption-Case--185959492.html
SGI has given large amounts of money in campaign contributions to Mr. Ramsey, Mrs. Kronenberg, and former Bond Oversight Chair, Robert Studdiford. In fact, Mr. Studdiford received these monies just prior to his voting on the debt limit waiver. Isn't that considered bribery?
And if you question such judgement, these folks get all huffy and accuse you of not caring for the kids. Even Senator Hancock previously criticized Mr. Ramsey for similar lapses of judgement. Somehow, the citizens are expected to ignore what we read about corruption scandals, even though it is our money that is at risk. Does the City of Hercules mean anything to anyone? Hello!? Read all about it! Corruption happens!
Let's make things right. I previously asked the WCCUSD board to consider campaign contribution limits. Let's revisit this idea. And implement some common-sense ethics policies for the bond oversight committee. In fairness to SGI, some of the corruption items are not crimes of major proportions. Let's put an end to the quid pro quo. And let's adopt a resolution to increase transparency. I also ask SGI to please support my requests. Thanks.
Ira Sharenow May 9, 2013 at 02:05 am
Check out the Contra Costa Times for some WCCUSD news.
West Contra Costa schools win state bond…Read More debt waiver
The state Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a debt limit waiver for the West Contra Costa schools that will allow the district to continue its $1 billion-plus school construction program.
The state limits a unified school district's bond debt to 2.5 percent of the total assessed valuation of property within its boundaries while elementary and high school districts are allowed 1.5 percent. West Contra Costa, a unified district, is being allowed to lift its limit to 5 percent for 12 years for Measure E bonds.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/west-county-times/ci_23201525/west-contra-costa-schools-win-state-bond-debt
Cathy Harris April 3, 2013 at 01:52 pm
Madeleine you ARE the CHANGE you seek! Awesome job promoting your cause and curriculum! Enjoy the…Read More journey!
All the best!
Deb Durant April 3, 2013 at 01:17 pm
Great work, Madeleine! What an awesome role model you are for the kiddos. VOTING NOW - Wishing you…Read More best of luck!
G.C. April 8, 2013 at 12:44 am
Yes, it seems this blog was really a statement from the entire board, not just from Todd, as he is…Read More repeatedly stating the board's position. I'm assuming this was vetted by the board prior to publication. I wonder if the WCCUSD board has a collective Patch account, just as the Co Co Grand Jury does.
janet enos April 7, 2013 at 04:57 pm
One might ask themselves why only one board member felt oblgated to "blog" an entire…Read More boards stance on education in this district.
Ira Sharenow April 2, 2013 at 04:06 am
That certainly could be true for a few students, but there are also more than 250 transfers each to…Read More Berkeley and to San Francisco.
I have a project idea; perhaps some students can do this and then write a report with the writing tutors and then publish it in EC Patch. Interview students who transferred to another district and find out why they transferred. I am sure that many Portola students have friends who transferred, so this should be easy to do and it would help inform the public. A quality business would have done something like this years ago, businesses need to fully understand why they are losing large numbers of customers, but as previously mentioned, I think that WCCUSD is a very iffy operation and it seems that management just likes to blame other districts for WCCUSD’s losses. In order to improve, WCCUSD needs to understand the dynamics of the transfers out rather than simply repeatedly saying they do not have enough money.
Becca April 2, 2013 at 02:52 am
Since you keep commenting on Albany schools, I just want to point out that there are areas of El…Read More Cerrito (particularly near Harding Elementary) and Kensington that are closer to Albany Middle School than to Portola. It makes sense that there might be a number of El Cerrito families asking for transfers to Albany even if the two schools were of equal quality, simply so that their kids could attend a middle school within walking distance of home.
Analisa Harangozo (Editor) April 1, 2013 at 02:21 pm
Hey all, if you would like to share your input of how the meeting went, feel free to blog about it…Read More on our Local Voices platform. Anyone can do so, just log in and fill out this blog template: http://elcerrito.patch.com/blog_posts/new
G.C. April 14, 2013 at 12:17 pm
Elin,
The coffee is on me. You, Paul, and anyone else who wants to share-exchange thoughts and…Read More ideas on education, please feel free to shoot me an email. This week, I will be attending the Town Hall Common Core meeting, the Hercules Strategic Plan meeting, and one school site council meeting, so next weekend or after is best.
Thanks for the invite, Elin.
Giorgio Cosentino
gcosentino1964@gmail.com
Elin April 14, 2013 at 11:42 am
GC thank you for responding to my comment. Perhaps, Paul's comment works in my favor if "I…Read More wish the District and the union would work together to address teacher performance" made sense. In the short run it doesn't because our District (including the union) is so dysfunctional, but in the long run it does, after all of the other dysfunctions are corrected. There are so many decades of underlying history here, in the district, and in the nation when it comes to education that it would be better if we first had the opportunity to agree on the history, then as we talked about what's happening currently we more likely would see things similarly, but this also depending on what side of the fence we came from, the more conservative or the more liberal. Maybe you, me and Paul should meet for coffee and a few hours of conversation?
Ira Sharenow April 14, 2013 at 04:05 am
Teachers already receive approximately 3% annual raises plus the opportunity to receive additional…Read More raises by attending workshops. Merit is not a consideration, so the compensation is riskless. Typically those who invest in riskless assets expect to receive lower compensation.
Teachers continued to receive raises even when the economy collapsed and inflation was very low.
The teachers union supported an increased tax burden on the public when they supported the parcel tax AND bond taxes.
In spite of all of these taxes, the district appears to be running a deficit and is in significant financial difficulty.
If the teachers receive even bigger pay hikes, it would seem that cuts would have to be made elsewhere. Where does the teachers union want WCCUSD to cut? Or is it supporting another parcel tax hike?
Maybe the teachers union needs to run board candidates who support education over construction.
G.C. March 21, 2013 at 09:59 am
Often, the single teacher is also the new teacher, the one making $38,000 per year. So why would…Read More you want to make them pay more for benefits than a married couple? Worse yet, there is no sliding scale for union dues, that the new teacher pays around $100 monthly for these dues.
El Cerrito Invited to 'Move Forward' With St. Jerome School
0 3 Recommend Tom Abate (Editor)