, Feb. 2013
, Nov. 7, 2012Bias-Related Incidents Down
The number of bias-related incidents is decreasing each year at Hart District schools, according to the second semester report on the District’s Diversity Action Plan. Name-calling is still the biggest category of infraction, and junior high schools have the highest number of incidents. The Governing Board also heard a report on the Safe School Ambassador program, which is in place at 10 District schools. The program recruits and trains student leaders to recognize and intervene in such mistreatments as exclusion, put-downs, bullying, unwanted physical touching and acts against the campus (including littering). Diversity Coordinator Greg Lee also told the Board of outreach programs conducted by students at Canyon and Valencia high schools and Rio Norte Junior High School, reaching thousands of elementary school students before they reach the Hart District.
Safety Plans Approved
Each school’s Safety Committee reviews its own site Safety Plan each year, and those updated plans are reviewed and approved by the Governing Board. Many of those sections are required by law and are the same across the District, but the Safe and Orderly Environment section is unique to each school. The Board also heard a report on the District’s emergency preparedness program, which has resulted in communication stations and trained personnel at each site, plus ongoing training for administrators and emergency response teams. The District tested its emergency procedures at a valley-wide earthquake drill last fall and will participate again in October.
Advisory Committee Focuses on Equity, Volunteer Recognition
Lee Schramling, chair of the District Advisory Committee, reported on his group’s focus this year on equity and equality in the cost of extra-curricular activities across the District. The study included such activities as athletics, music, dance and booster clubs. The committee reviewed a survey completed by the District this spring and will continue to work on the issue in the coming year. Schramling also passed along his committee’s recommendation for compilation of a handbook for booster clubs. The year-end report also included the Parent Volunteer Recognition reception which the DAC sponsors each spring. This year brought 95 nominations and attendance by more than 120 guests at the recognition reception, which was funded by sponsor donations.
Favorable Bid Climate Benefits Local Projects
A favorable bid climate continues to stretch the amount of work the Hart District can get done with available Measure V bond funds. Twelve contractors bid on utilities and site work for the relocatables at West Ranch High School, coming in well under the projected budget. A similar wealth of bidders for the modernization of Hart High School, Phase I, will allow the District to add remodeling of Building E to this phase of the project. The project drew 21 bidders, and low bids are approximately $5 million below the initial budget projections.
Collective Bargaining Proceeds
The Governing Board approved the final collective bargaining agreement with its classified employee association for the 2008/09 school year and continued with the process of “sunshining” the initial proposal from the Hart District Teachers Association for the 2009/11 school years and the District’s proposal to the classified employees for the 2009/10 school year. The proposals must be presented in a public session before the actual bargaining process can begin.
Personnel Matters
Congratulations to the following staff members:
May 20, 2009 Regular Governing Board Meeting
Certificated
Josh Fogel (change of status) Special Ed. West Ranch
Erum Jones (change of status) Asst. Principal Hart
Monica Ludlow (change of status) Social Studies Placerita
Jessica Mendez (change of status) Spanish West Ranch
Classified
Anthony Failla (promotion) Custodian II Valencia