Fillmore Unified School District

Every seat was filled in the board meeting room as people came out to support two Power of One honorees at Tuesday night's December 1 meeting of the Fillmore Unified School District Board.

Under the Power of One heading, the board recognized Amelia Ramirez and Dena Wyand for their service to the district. Sespe School Principal Rose Hibler introduced Ramirez. “Ramirez offers comfort to students, parents and staff with her positive attitude,” Hibler said. “She always asks what do we need to do to get it done. She is the pulse of the school.”

Wyand was introduced by Middle School Principal Todd Schieferle. He said she has been on campus since the opening of the school, where she started as a sixth grade teacher. Now she is a counselor. “She is very organized and she has a can do attitude,” he said. Assistant Principal Tricia Godfrey said, “She handles advisory and makes us better all the time.”

Superintendent Jeff Sweeney said he's received a letter from the County Board of Education concerning a public hearing on the proposed Charter School in Piru. The hearing is set tentatively for January 12 or 13 at 6:00 p.m. On January 25 at 6:00 p.m. the County Board will either grant or deny the petition for the Charter School.

Superintendent Sweeney asked Fillmore High School Principal John Wilbur to review the freshman planning packet. The high school career planning packet is given to eighth grade students, as well as freshmen to plan for proper training and education for a career after high school. It talks about graduation requirements, selection of career paths and training for college, vocational training, apprenticeships and the military. Each student gets guidance counseling to help them complete a four year plan. Parents are notified of the tentative program planning and may question guidance counselor Karen Ashim by calling 524-6100 during school hours.

Sweeney said they can create activities such as job shadowing. Job shadowing means that a student would go to a business and be mentored by an employee for a workday. Board member Tony Prado brought up the importance of the health science profession. He said health science is at the top of the job market, especially nursing. Board member John Garnica said a health science career path might also apply to local businesses. Sweeney agreed and said they could explore this opportunity at the high school.

Assistant Superintendent Mike Bush brought up a solar energy and power purchase agreement proposal for the district. It involves a solar power partnership with Scott and Sons Electric, a local company from Ventura. The company claims the district can save 1.3 million dollars over three years by using solar energy. Scott and Sons has been working with the Ventura County Energy Commission, which is funded through the State Energy Commission. Bush said the company had worked with Cal Tech University and the University of California. The district would have a 30 to 60-day evaluation period of the plan. “We'll be making a long-term decision and I recommend legal counsel look over the contract,” Bush said. There's no cost to put the system in. If the district signs a contract they'll agree to purchase electricity from Scott and Sons at a reduced rate and then from Southern California Edison.

Fillmore High School French teacher Debbie Hoffman is planning a trip to Paris in mid-June of next year. In order to make the trip she needs four students to go along. She said that she has the four already signed up to go. Board member Virginia De La Piedra reminded her that this was not a school-sanctioned event and John Garnica chimed in that the district is not liable for out-of-school activities.

Wrestling head coach Robert Cardena asked permission to take his team to the Highland High School 10-way Wrestling Tournament January 15 and January 16 in Palmdale. The board gave their approval to the overnight trip.
Garrett Reilley, Student Representative to the Board, told the board that career and college day was well attended as was the flu vaccination clinic. He noted that Winter Break and finals are coming up.

The next regular board meeting will take place December 15 at 6:00 p.m. In the board meeting room at 627 Sespe Street.