The April 21, 2015 Fillmore Unified School District Board Meeting began with a recognition of those that participated in the Fillmore High School (FHS) Art Show along with two announcements and five agenda items requiring approval.

Of the four Art Show honorees to be recognized, Rosalind Mitzenmacher, who teaches art at FHS, was the only recipient in attendance. Mitzenmacher commented that although the Art Show is in its 17th year, this was the first time she has been recognized. Board Member Lucy Rangel, in recognition of Mitzenmacher's efforts stated, "She brings out the best in our students and provides a service they enjoy and learn."

Board Member John Garnica mentioned that not everyone who made the program a success could attend the meeting, but "...all that contributed to the Art Show would receive a certificate later on." Those to be acknowledged are honorees; Josh Overton-Drama and Glee Club, Greg Godfrey-Band, Lourdes Juarez-Ballet Folklorico.

During information/discussion Superintendent Dr. Adrian Palazuelos announced there will be a Joint City/School District Meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at Fillmore City Hall. Palazuelos informed the Board there will be three FUSD items discussed; (1) Military Banners, (2) City Mobile App., (3) Joint Use Agreement with the City of Fillmore and FUSD.

A contract was approved with enVision Consulting Group, Inc. for School Site Safety Plan Services fiscal yrs. 2015-16 and 2016-17. The two year contract will be paid through FUSD General Funds. Stefan Cvijanovich, Director of Special Projects and Student Services for FUSD, explained the need for the consulting group stating".....presently all schools have emergency plans for fire drills and such, but each school's plan is different than the other schools." The goal is to standardize the emergency practices throughout the district. The new information and practices are to be shared with fire, law enforcement and community planners to help manage a crisis.

FUSD is once again having to borrow to pay its obligations. Andrea McNeill, Assistant Superintendent explained the problem districts throughout the State face. Cash flow from both Sacramento and property tax payments are slower than FUSD's obligation payment schedule; about a six month laps. The Board approved participation in a Cash Reserve Program sponsored by California School Boards Association Finance Corporation. This will be an issue of a tax and revenue anticipation short term note as part of the cost -effective pooled structure used by school districts throughout the state. The maximum about FUSD may borrow is $5,000,000.

The Board also approved Staff Appreciation Week from May 11th-15th. Festivities are still in the planning stage, but some past celebrations have included a barbeque, entertainment by the Board, special breakfasts or special lunches.

Student Representative/Speaker of the House Alma Torres brought the Board up-to-date on students activities. Juniors are presently undergoing the Smarter Balance State Test which will continue to May 1st. AP testing starts May 4th through May 14th.

On April 10th FHS held the Bi-annual Blood Drive. Also the Future Farmers of America (FFA) are presently in Fresno at the FFA State Conference where they participate in educational workshops, career shows and listen to keynote speakers.

Project Unify is preparing for the Special Olympics in Newbury Park on Saturday, May 2nd starting at 9 a.m. and the FHS Band will be performing at Knott's Berry Farm on May 21st.

Prom will be hosted at Sunset Hills County Club on Saturday, May 9th. And there will be a fundraiser basketball competition between the students and staff on Friday, April 24th at 6 p.m. in the gym. Admission is $5 with proceeds going to purchase an ice machine for the Athletic Department.

Palazuelos also announced the FUSD Mission Statement's first reading and update.

Mission, Vision, Core Values. Strategic Goals
Board Policy; Mission, Vision, Core Values
Philosophy, Goals, Objectives and Comprehensive Plans
Mission: Every day we develop high-performing students who become engaged and productive members of society.
Vision; Fillmore Unified School District provides a culture of high expectations where every student achieves future success.
Core Values; Accountability, we hold each other accountable for results.
Excellence, we set standards for excellence and take steps to achieve them.
Culture, we have a positive environment where students and staff work and learn together.
Staff; we hire, support, and retain high-performing staff.
Respect, we treat each other with dignity and respect.
Trust, we are open and honest and trust each other to do the best for students.
Partnerships; we engage families and community members in partnerships to support our students.
Fiscal Responsibility; we are fiscally responsible and transparent with our resources.
The Board shall review the district mission, vision and core values at least every three years or whenever a new Board member or Superintendent joins the district. Following these reviews the Board may revise or reaffirm the direction it has established for the district.

The Superintendent of designee shall communicate the district's mission, vision and core values to staff, parents/guardians and the community and shall regularly report to the Board regarding the District’s progress toward achieving them.

Board Policy; Strategic Goals
Philosophy, Goals, Objectives and Comprehensive Plans

Strategic Goals
Student Achievement; Improve student achievement by raising the quality of teaching and learning in the classroom, increasing attendance and graduation rates, decreasing discipline and closing the achievement gap.

English Learners; Ensure all English learners have access to high-quality English language development and access to high-quality instruction in the core curriculum.

Staff; Attract, hire, support and retain high-performing staff who are passionate and committed to providing high-quality teaching and learning for all students.

Facilities; Develop a plan to upgrade and maintain our schools to support 21st century learning environments.

Monitoring and Evaluation
The Board shall regularly monitor the progress of the district's effort in achieving the strategic goals. To that end, the Superintendent of designee shall provide the Board with the necessary data and analysis to help the Board evaluate the effectiveness of the district's efforts. These data shall include and analysis to the progress based on the performance indicators and benchmarks for each goal.

If the Board determines that sufficient progress is not being made toward a particular strategic goal, the Board and Superintendent shall determine what types of additional district resources and support should be provided so that progress in increasing student achievement can be made.