Fillmore Unified School District

The open session of the Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board meeting was February 3, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room at the District Office. The Board discussed actions they are taking to ensure that FUSD has enough money to operate, and heard a report on FUSD's independent study program.

Sierra High School Principal Tony Held presented a report on the independent study program. There are currently 32 students in the program: one Fourth Grader, two Eighth Graders, one Freshman, and multiple Juniors and Seniors. Eleven students are scheduled to graduate this year: six before June and five in June. Graduation requires 230 credits, and the students are limited to 40 credits per semester. Fillmore High School (FHS) students usually take 30 credits per semester. Held noted that the program is not easy. Each independent study student meets with the teacher weekly, and is assigned a work packet designed to be completed in approximately 20 hours. The teacher, who covers all subjects but has a slight weakness in math, is available to answer questions throughout the week. Held explained that there is no money in the budget for an FHS math teacher to help out, and that volunteer peer tutors have so far not been available.

Superintendent Jeff Sweeney said that he expects a report from Piru Elementary School Staff regarding potential issues (curriculum, facilities, personnel, etc.) with converting the school to K-6 or K-8. There will be a meeting to receive input from the Piru community at large on Monday, February 9, 2009. The meeting will be in Spanish from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and English from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Assistant Superintendent Mike Bush provided a budget update. The State budget is still under negotiation. The Federal Stimulus Package, which the House of Representatives recently passed, is expected to provide education funds to the State, but there are some differences between the House's version of the Bill and the Senate's version, which will be voted on next week. It is uncertain exactly how much money California will receive, how it will be distributed, and how soon it will be available.

Bush described how FUSD is attempting to narrow the over $2.2 million gap in the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 budgets by cutting items and reallocating funds. A list of prioritized recommended cuts is being developed. The superintendent's budget may lose $30,000. The $60,000 allocated this year for severely handicapped students will probably not be allocated next year. $206,000 of Title II money may be reallocated to cover class size reduction, which the State is expected to cut. The Director of Technology position is vacant, and will not be filled. FUSD expects to operate with one less maintenance employee next year. Piru will probably lose State funds for a reading coach and staff development. Bush explained that the next steps are to update the staffing allocation, and fine-tune the step and column projections for next year. Assistant Superintendent Evalene Townend reminded the Board that certificated employees must be notified of layoffs by March 15th, and that classified employees would appreciate timely notification as well.

The Board passed a resolution that will allow the District to borrow money against unpaid property taxes to preserve cash flow in the 2009-2010 fiscal school year.

The Board approved a settlement which would end a fourteen-year dispute with the State about funding for State behavioral intervention plan requirements that are in excess of federal law. Special Education Coordinator Mary Williams explained that in 1990 the Hughes Bill Statute established special requirements without allocating funds to cover the costs of the requirements, and the State was subsequently sued. If 85% of all districts, county offices of education, and special education local plan areas constituting 92% of statewide ADA accept the settlement and waive their rights to file future claims regarding the Highes Bill Statute, then FUSD will receive $53,961 per year starting in 2011.

The Board approved a 2009-2011 contract with the Ventura College School of Nursing (VCSN). Ellen Dewey of VCSN or District Health Coordinator Martha Romero will supervise student nurses who will provide health services within FUSD. Bush noted that this program is mutually beneficial.

The joint meeting of the City Council and School Board will not happen on February 11th. It has been postponed to March 31st.

Student Representative Garrett Reilley said that student clubs at FHS have been busily and successfully fundraising.