Focus on TUSD - February 2008

Board President's Message
Steps Taken to Meet Challenges
I have long believed that public education in our nation is about hopes and dreams. While in TUSD, much controversy has erupted recently regarding everything from small class size to potential school closures, I remind myself every day that these difficult challenges require our best collective efforts. With our students' hopes and dreams in mind, we must step up to meet these challenges.

Resource Allocation
In the area of resources, TUSD entered the current budgetary planning cycle for the next school year with deep uncertainty regarding unfunded state and federal mandates. This has created significant uncertainty during a time when greater, not less, financial support for public schools is necessary. While our goal for non-proficient English speakers is for them to master the English language, and support for exceptional education students is vital on these two mandates alone, a lack of funding to the tune of $10 million has dramatically affected the District's financial commitments in all other areas.

As a result, Superintendent Roger F. Pfeuffer has had to propose difficult and controversial budget cutting measures. All areas that we intuitively understand support student learning, such as small class size, counselors and librarians, have had to absorb deep budget cuts. Under-enrolled schools that year after year operate as a strain on our limited budget complicate the budget. As the budget cycle moves forward, we will do our best to minimize negative effects to our students.

Recent Board actions affecting long-term TUSD success

• In collaboration with Superintendent Pfeuffer,the Board retained MGT of America last fall to recommend ways to strengthen our district's management practices and save money. This report is expected to be presented to the Board in March.
• The TUSD Governing Board Audit Committee continues its meticulous work and is expected to submit its formal charter for approval to the Board in March.
• The performance-based budgeting process is well underway. As a change from previous budget setting practices, this process will help TUSD make better use of its limited resources.
• Finalists for the position of TUSD superintendent are expected to be announced Thursday evening, Feb. 21.

Each of these highlighted items help the Board and School District better align resources that support student services and achievement. Despite the tough challenges we face, I am sure that our District and schools will continue to improve by focusing on student learning and achievement.

Happy Rodeo Days to all and...Go TUSD!

--Alex Rodriguez
President, TUSD Governing Board

TUSD - Proud Supporter of Small Classes

Photos in the February issue by Jes Ruvalcaba of Communications & Media Relations, unless otherwise noted.

The deadline to submit material for the March Focus is Friday, March 7. The Focus will be published Monday, March 17. Email submissions to Chyrl Hill Lander or Sharon Dunham in the Communications & Media Relations Department or use the online Tip Sheet.