At the opening of the Fillmore Unified School District board meeting on Tuesday, October 20, Blanca Martinez was recognized as the Power of One recipient for 35 years of service to the district.

As a migrant support teacher Martinez served students in the homework center since its’ beginning. She was an instructional assistant in reading. “It was a pleasure to serve the students of Fillmore for all these years,” Martinez said. She was presented a certificate honor by board member Tony Prado.

Student board representative Garrett Riley told the board that Joe Ricards, Fillmore alumni and science and agriculture teacher at the school was voted to be Grand Marshal of the homecoming parade. Riley will be leaving as board representative in the next few weeks. He’ll be participating in the Civil Air Patrol at Camarillo Airport.

Katy Hadley, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services presented the board with a detailed District-Student Performance Report. She explained that there are two accountability areas they have to meet. One is for the State of California, the API (Academic Performance Index). The other is the Federal measurement, the AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress). “Every group in our district made gains in English Language Arts last year,” she said. Teachers attended a workshop, called Data-Wide Training where they learned how to compare student data and research common improvement standards for uniformity in the district. “Many of our schools are comparing student data and doing research to help students improve even more,” Hadley added. After reviewing the report board member Prado said, “We have made growth the last five years.” The State goal is to have 100 percent students proficient in English Language Arts and math by 2013-2014.

Mike Bush, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, presented the board with a long list of improvements that have been made to school facilities. Some of the major accomplishments include: security cameras, air conditioning improvements and technology infrastructure with E-Rate at Fillmore High School; asphalt and paving and electrical security alarm at the Middle School, which is almost 10 years old. Termite and rot repair have also been completed at various schools, as well as painting. The district office also had some repairs completed, including electrical work; painting and they’ll soon be doing some window repair. Bush said he’d bring more updates to the board in January concerning the Sierra High School project.

Board member Virginia De La Pieda told Bush, “You’ve done a great job in putting together this information.” District Superintendent Jeff Sweeney also complimented Bush on the appearance at the high school. Board member David Dollar expressed appreciation to Bush for finding funds to do work that was not on the list.
There was a special board meeting Wednesday night at Piru Elementary School in the auditorium. The public meeting began at 6:00 p.m., and addressed Piru’s proposed Charter School. The next regular board meeting will be November 3 at 6:00 p.m. at 627 Sespe Avenue.