The April 16,2013 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Members heard both good and bad news. The good news is that the roofing of the gym has started and progress is on course for the opening of Rio Vista Elementary. Also, there was recognition of a student, Lindsey Bravo, who accomplished a goal and helped other students in doing so. The bad news is there are problems with bullying at Fillmore Middle School (FMS) that have parents very upset. Other items discussed were the purchase of a new math text for K-6 and new online courses.

Parents of students who attend FMS will be happy to know that the leaky gym roof is in the process of being repaired and will be completed by May 31st. While this is being done the staff are working on a new design for the modular classroom roofs. Hopefully it will be an improvement on what is being replaced and hold up better.

Board Member Virginia De La Piedra made a statement that people saying the roof was only twelve years old were mistaken and that the roof was over 20 years old. The Board agreed that when the original roof was being discussed they all wanted a pitched roof, but the cost to do so was too high and they were assured at the time by the builder that the flat style would not leak. This proved to be untrue but the company went bankrupt and little recourse remained. The cost to replace the roof is $454,393.44 with an added $5,600.00 for additional labor and materials necessary to replace deteriorated rain gutter system on the North and South lower roofs. The Board agreed to the added cost saying it would cost more to do it later as a separate project.

Juan Toledo, father of a student at FMS, addressed the Board asking that they make sure the roof is one that will hold up for at least 20 years with and added 10 years of repairs. Toledo also asked why complaints filed by parents have not been reported. Assistant Superintendent Earl Davis responded that there are procedures to follow and a form must be filled out and then a formal complaint must be filed according to the Williams Act. According to Toledo the Quarterly Report on Williams Uniform Complaint Report (WUCR) shows a zero on reports filed. A Williams Uniform Complaint Report is a California Department of Education complaint procedure that covers emergency or urgent facilities conditions that pose a threat to the health and safety of pupils. Schools must have the complaint forms available to everyone, but they must also accept a complaint submitted in writing and those complaining may file anonymously. Toledo went on to say that the forms were filled out and given to the school site on February 14th and another to CalOSHA on February 28th. There was some discussion by the Board and they chose not to approve the Quarterly Report on WUCR and look into the matter Toledo mentioned.

One mother addressed the Board with the bullying problem her fourteen year old daughter is having at FMS. According to this mother the problem started January 13th and has continued. Her daughter was assaulted again July 12th on school grounds and told her mother about it when she went home. Later she found out that the school called the police to report the incident but did not call the students parents. The mother told the Board she sent emails to school staff asking for information but only a few responded. "I've had nothing but problems" she said adding "My daughter is afraid to go to school....I shouldn't have this fear of sending my daughter to school...I feel there should be a better policy...I feel that the discipline is not good enough...I don't feel confident with my children in this school." She went on to say that there have been six incidents of various bullying and conflicts at the school within just the last month. She also brought with her copies of the cyber-bullying where the students involved bragged to their friends congratulating each other on the "beat down" her daughter received writing "she got what she deserved." The mother said a friend of one of the students involved told her daughter "I'm going to slit your throat." She said her family move to Fillmore less than a year ago from Alaska because her husband is in the Coast Guard and stationed in Channel Island. She added that she has never had to deal with this sort of thing in Alaska and she is trying to get a transfer for her children to attend school in Moorpark. She asked that the Board put this problem on the next meeting's agenda.
At the end of the meeting Board Member John Garnica brought up the mothers request stating, "She brought up some specific questions and wants them answered. We should answer them." It was then added to the next meetings agenda under Middle School Discipline.

Lindsey Bravo, a young girl from Fillmore who competed on the television show, 'The Biggest Loser' was recognized for being a good role model for other youth struggling with childhood obesity. Bravo said she struggled with her weight and bullying adding that she achieved such a positive goal and is proud of what she has accomplished. She is going to try out for cheerleading and sees a bright future. Board Member Lucy Rangel presented Bravo with plaque and announced that the show 'The Biggest Loser' donated physical education equipment to the school.

Superintendent Dr. Alan Nishino informed everyone that FUSD will be offering K-12 summer school classes that include Academic Vocabulary K-5, Math K-12, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I&II, Geometry, Biology and Chemistry. Nishino added that some seniors need to take a math class this summer to graduate. It is being paid for through Title One funds.

New K-6 math textbooks were approved at a cost of $20,000 that can be paid for over a two year period. The last math textbooks FUSD purchased was seven years ago. There was some question as to whether the money will be available, but Nishino added that in case the money does come through, "we've already gone through the process." The new textbook in available for the public to view for the next 30 days.

The online Fillmore Academy is being set up at Fillmore High School in room 6 and will be ready in three weeks. One hundred percent of the juniors at Sierra High School are enrolled in the online courses. Spanish is one of the available courses along with a number of electives.
Also the pilot program by the Discovery Channel is now being used by about 60 students and showing great progress. The cost of the program is $40 per student for six years. This is very reasonable considering the cost of textbooks. Also, Assistant Superintendent Michael Johnson announced that FUSD is working on a new report card called Common Core Report Card that works with the new Common Core Standards.

There will be an Open House at all FUSD elementary schools this Thursday, April 18,2013. Mount Vista will start at 5:45 p.m., all other are from 6-7 p.m.

School Board Representative/Speaker of the House Mary Ortiz announced the Freshman Assembly on Friday, April 19th in the gym with a motivational speaker, Ernie Gee. Next Friday April 26th, there an Elementary School Rally in FHS gym. Sports is the theme and all four elementary schools will be attending. April 30th thru May 3rd will be CST Testing. On May 6th at lunch Cinco de Mayo will be celebrated and May 21st 'Make a Wish' will be honored at the FHS track. They are planning to have a child from Make a Wish Foundation attend. This is open to the community and all the elementary schools including Piru will participate.