School board member David Dollar was presented “the Power of One” award at Tuesday’s meeting.

FUSD Board President Tony Prado announced at Tuesday's, February 16 Board Meeting, that David Dollar was selected as this month's Power of One honoree for his seven and a half years of service to the Fillmore Unified School District.

Prado presented Dollar who is retiring as a School Board Member March 1, 2010, with a silver clock encased plaque. “Thanks for all your time and effort you put in,” praised Prado.

Dollar served on the board from December, 2002 to 2010. Prado said Dollar's successor will be appointed to complete his term until November's election. Applications are being accepted for the position until March 1 at 4:30 pm. Dollar replied, “Thanks to the community for this opportunity. We have some very strong administrators from the top down.” He specifically mentioned Superintendent Jeff Sweeney, Assistant Superintendents Katy Hadley and Mike Bush along with Bev Jones, Human Resources consultant, as well as the rest of the board members.
In light of the current state and local fiscal crisis the district and teachers have agreed to reopen negotiations. Theresa Marvel, President of the Fillmore Unified Teachers' Association questioned the board concerning the districts decision to hire an attorney. “It is the prerogative of the board to have or not to have an attorney for advice,” said Prado. Items in the talks include salaries, and extra pay, health benefits for retirees, early retirement, class size, summer school, salary schedules and extra pay assignments.
School Board member Liz Wilde reported that she attended a collaboration meeting between Fillmore Middle School and High School instructors. She sad they exchanged ideas and methods of instruction techniques. “I was pleased to see the collaboration discussions,” she said.

Superintendent Sweeney said that the district has learned that the Piru School Charter proponents have re-filed a petition. On April 6 the Charter Commission will study and make a recommendation to the State Commission. May 12 or 13 the State will either approve or deny this second petition. The County rejected the first petition for the Piru School to become a charter school. Sweeney said, “If the State approves the charter school it will greatly affect the FUSD budget for next year.”

Assistant Superintendent Mike Bush gave an update on Sierra High School modernization. He said that to save money they reduced the amount of concrete around the school. They'll use colored concrete instead of pavers to save money and they'll be using more low maintenance landscaping to catch the water and make it more aesthetic. They also redesigned the windows. He also said, “They could save as much as 30 percent if we go out to bid in this financial climate.” “Contractors are giving lower bids than they did when the economy was in better condition. We are eligible for a $700,000 State bond, plus available from other sources which can only be used for building improvement. We're looking at August, 2010 for the school opening.”

Student representative Garrett Reilley told the board that the boys' soccer team won their first game. He said the ASB was discussing renovating the student bookstore to make it more student-friendly. He added that reward cards have ordered and the students are looking forward to the Sadie Hawkins Dance.

Future board meetings include: February 23 special meeting (closed session). The next regular meeting will be March 2, with a closed session at 5:15 pm and regular session at 6:00 pm. On March 9 the closed session will be at 5:15 pm and at 6:00 pm a special session will be held to interview candidates for the open board position.