It is an honor to have been elected to serve the TUSD Governing
Board as president, and I begin my tenure with a great deal of
excitement and optimism.
I would like to express my deepest appreciation and respect for
Dr. Mary Belle McCorkle, who stepped down as president this year,
and Jim Christ, who retired last fall from the position of clerk.
Their visionary leadership has set the standard that will guide us
as we move forward with the challenges and opportunities that lie
ahead.
The number one priority facing the Governing Board today is the
implementation of Propositions 203 and 301. At the recent Jan. 23
meeting, Dr. Leonard Basurto, director of the Bilingual Education
Department, presented a proposal to create a language education
policy that will replace traditional bilingual education programs
in the district, which we adopted unanimously. (Click
here for more details.)
We also held a special study session at that meeting to address
Proposition 301 funding opportunities and accountability measures.
(Click here for more
information.) The district is well on its way to devising a plan
that will take advantage of this new funding source while raising
the bar on educational standards within each of our schools.
The Governing Board this year also will make strides toward
realizing the Bold! Game vision
statement articulated by TUSD Superintendent Dr. Stan Paz. His
charge to the Governing Board and leadership team is clear: We
must develop effective strategies and action plans related to
student achievement, salaries and benefits, new teacher
recruitment, professional development for teachers and leaders,
resource development, and shared decision making and parent
involvement in order to lead TUSD in becoming the premiere school
district in the nation by June 2005.
Finally, we are committed to expediting negotiations for all
employee contracts related to salary, benefits and working
conditions in a timely and positive manner before the end of this
academic year.
I look forward to a productive and exciting year ahead.
Carolyn Kemmeries
Board Report
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