Scott Lee, representing the Lions Club International, presented FUSD with a check for $200 to be used for recognition plaques.

At the October 16, 2012 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting Assistant Superintendent Michael Johnson presented the Board with FUSD’s Academic Performance Index (API) Report and the status of the schools that are under Program Improvement (PI). The AIP scores give a sense of where the schools are today and what gains or loses have been made over the past five years. Parents of students attending the district will be happy to learn that the Alterative Governance Board (AGB) schools have made double digit growth. Their growth points are: Mountain Vista Elementary 48, Piru School 85, San Cayetano 36, Sespe School 17, Fillmore Middle School 5, Fillmore High School 55, Sierra High School 152, District overall 35.

Johnson informed the Board that most of California’s primary through high schools can expect to fall into PI at least once more, adding, “There are 26 different ways for a school to fail” and most schools have at least one deficiency. He went on to say that the challenge is to sustain momentum once the school starts improving.

One challenge FUSD has taken on is raising the bar on Math. Last year 55 seventh graders took algebra with 27 of them becoming proficient or advanced. This year 81 seventh graders are taking algebra and 51 are taking geometry. But what is impressive is that 201 eight grade students are taking algebra. Many of the students were encouraged by the success of the Summer School Math Bridge Academy which will be adding pre-algebra, algebra II, and chemistry to the summer 2013 session. Dr. Alan Nishino, FUSD Superintendent, said the goal is to allow those who want to move forward that option…” Raising the bar means the students are better prepared.” John Wilber, Principal at Mountain Vista, informed the Board that every freshman is enrolled in biology this year adding that it was quite a task to achieve, but they did it.

Johnson also went over the 2011-2012 Educational Service Goals reviewing the Task Force System FUSD started developing last year. Chrissy Schieferle Principal of San Cayetano, told the Board, “I’m seeing a difference in the quality of teaching…they (teachers) are putting a lot of thought into the lesson plans” and that teachers are feeling the success of the lesson templates and pacing guides which are being shared through EdCaliber.com; an internet communication service for schools. Nishino told everyone in attendance that “The goal is to have teachers working with teachers…. that they speak the same language.”

Another item for the Board to consider was adopting a resolution approving money for future teacher retirement. A Special Reserve Fund of roughly $2,500,000 will be set aside over the next 25 years or until fully funded for Teachers Post Retirement Benefits. These benefits are part of exchange of salaries and benefits for the teachers’ total compensation offer and are provided separately from their pension plans.

Scott Lee, representing the Lions Club International, presented FUSD with a check for $200 to be used for recognition plaques. Lee informed the Board that the Lions Club contributed $11,300 last year for various functions and has budgeted $8,000 this year for FUSD. He said the goal of the Lions Club this year is to be more aggressive in getting donations which have funded such things as the lights for the football field. Lee also wanted to make note that the Lions Club has gave $33,000 to the community last year. There are three Lions Club fundraisers throughout the year; the fireworks booth, bingo and the Enchilada Dinner. The Enchilada Dinner Fund Raiser was started in the late 40’s or 50’s and has always been a big draw of support and donations. This year the Enchilada Dinner is being held on November 3rd Saturday, 5-7p.m. at the Memorial Building. For $10 adult and $5 children, you can eat all the enchiladas your plate or stomach can hold.