A Message from the Board President
As TUSD continues to form partnerships with individuals,
organizations and government entities from every sector of our
community, our district should make great strides toward Dr. Paz's
BOLD! Game Statement:
"By June 2005, TUSD is the premier school district in the
nation."
One example of TUSD's comprehensive outreach program is our
ongoing collaboration with the 4th R Board. This month, Dr. Paz
led a retreat for 4th R Board members to outline an action plan
for the next 18 months that will strengthen teachers' and
principals' ties to the business community in support of his
priorities for the district.
The new funding proposals and intergovernmental agreements
outlined on pages 2-3 are further evidence of our ongoing
commitment to providing the very best educational opportunities
for students by extending our resources through cooperative
efforts.
We also created a way to extend district resources through
Board action that allows parents to earmark Arizona Tax Credit
monies to support specific extracurricular activities at their
child's school (click here for
details).
In addition, I am pleased to see that students are stepping up
to the challenge of increased participation in the educational
process. Leonard Kisto, student liaison to the Governing Board,
reported at this month's meeting that the Student Advisory Council
is planning to streamline its application and selection process to
create a smaller but more effective group next year. Such
initiative is rewarding because creative problem solving is
exactly what we encourage in all our students.
Finally, I would like to focus on how essential it is to
recognize the value of every single member of our educational
community. Each of us plays an integral role in the education of
our students, and it is only through respecting and supporting
each individual that we will be able to foster a sense of
collaboration and commitment to reaching our common goals.
Sadly, the salary negotiations currently underway force us to
deal with some difficult realities.
Namely, that even with the infusion of Proposition 301 monies,
available resources will not stretch to meet the expectations of
all members of each bargaining unit.
I believe I speak for the entire Governing Board when I express
profound frustration in knowing that we will not be able to do all
that we would like for our employees. However, the work of the
Joint Task Force has been truly appreciated and should assist us
in reaching agreement in a timely manner.
We on the Board deeply appreciate the contributions and
sacrifices made by all of you because of your focus on our bottom
line: the success and well-being of our students. Thanks to you
all.
Carolyn Kemmeries
Board Report
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