Fillmore Unified School District

On Thursday, May 5, 2011 Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Jeff Sweeney sent an email to all staff members announcing his retirement. He explained that he had presented the School Board with a letter on Tuesday, May 3. His letter simply stated “I wanted to thank you for the last five years of serving the Fillmore Unified School District. It has been a distinct pleasure working with you, the staff, the students, and the community. I wanted to let you know that I plan on retiring effective June 30, 2011. I will carry with me lifelong memories of working with all of you.”

School Board Member Lucy Rangel commented, “I was surprised with Jeff's retirement. I had heard from colleagues that either last year or the year before he had mentioned that he planned to retire in a few years. I had thought that he might wait another year or two.” When asked about what process the Board will use to find a new superintendent, she indicated that the Board will be notifying the press and added, “It is my opinion, however, that the process include community members since it is their school district.” By press deadline Sweeney did not respond to requests for an interview.

Sweeney’s retirement comes amid calls for accountability at Piru Elementary School regarding an apparent failure by the Principal to utilize all funds available to the school for tutoring and interventions with students who are below grade level.

In an online (www.greatschools.org) statement made on April 13, 2011 a person claiming to be “a parent of a kindergartener at Piru School” stated “I am very concerned about the administration here…the principal did not even read the school budget so our kids lost out on around 70 thousand dollars…Things like this should never happen our kids deserve a proper education and that includes educated and qualified administration.”
Sweeney explained, “At a recent School Site Council (SSC) meeting the Council was reviewing its budget and determined there was approximately $70,000 in categorical fund that was still available for this year [and allocated for various uses including tutorial interventions].” These funds were “use it or lose it” and according to staff members the school has been rushing to spend the money this year. Sweeney reported, “Teachers at the school were conferred and made recommendations to purchase instructional materials that will augment the instructional program for years to come.” Items purchased include “computers, supplemental workbooks and instructional materials.”

The District has confirmed that a parent of a student at Piru has filed a uniform complaint regarding the matter and the District is investigating. When asked for a response the Principal stated, “My outstanding error as a new principal… was taking my eye off the school plan. If I had done things correctly in this arena…I would have caught that … School Site Council designated $36,000 in funds to after school interventions.” She went on to explain that after discovering this error and taking it to staff it was determined that a “between the bells” intervention program was in fact preferred. Teh Principal pointed out that this means “our overall program now has a huge, unexpected boost in the arm next year.”

As their technology meets are now met, and categorical monies can be focused where it’s needed on intervention. Parents and staff have commented that is all well and good but wonder about the effect this mistake had on students this year.

A FUSD School Board Member responded to a request for comment by stating, “Superintendent Sweeney is resolving the issue to minimize the impact to students and ensuring that the principal, fully understands the SSC budget process and her obligations regarding Categorical Funds (meaning funds which must be spent in a particular way), as well as ensuring that she communicates effectively to the parents and staff about the School Site Council budget process.”

When asked how oversights like this will be avoided in the future Sweeney commented, “The District will provide additional training next year for Piru’s School Site Council. This will include processes to ensure the Council is provided budgets at all meetings to ensure greater transparency. In addition, the Council will be encouraged to adopt bylaws that will help guide the group in all matters.”

Piru Elementary School is in Program Improvement, meaning for several years it has failed to meet State benchmarks in the number of students which test at grade level on State assessment tests in Math and Language Arts. School Plans are part of the State mandated processes for “PI” schools and School Site Councils are responsible for creating the annual plan, overseeing its implementation and ensuring that expenditures meet the goals of the plan. School Site Councils are made up of parents, staff members and may have community members as well. The principal has a spot on the Council with staff members being elected by the staff and parent and community members being elected by parents.

Councilman Conaway gave a brief explanation of the independent auditor’s findings of the city budget’s history at Tuesday’s council meeting.

There was a great deal on the May 10th Fillmore City Council agenda with the meeting continuing on until close to midnight. This was a joint meeting with the Council and the City Film Commission. The Film Commission started the meeting with a review of past years items and activities, then addressed their trade show participation and ended with the budget/revenue for fiscal year 2010/2012.

On the Councils agenda was the cost of the Fourth of July Fireworks Show, approval of a letter of opposition regarding AB438 (Libraries withdrawal), addressing the number of homes to be built to balance out the General Plan and Specific Plan, first reading of Ordinance No. 11-3290 Heritage Valley Parks Development, Resolution No. 11-3290 Abatement of weeds and rubbish, a claim for reimbursement for the damage to a Fillmore resident’s car by a City’s tree, review of the request for a dog park, review results of the Citizens Survey, Resolution No. 11-3291 declaring a State of Fiscal Emergency, Reimbursement Agreement with Fillmore Riverview and much more.

The City’s budget was once again up for discussion and had most of the Council on edge as they continued to face the challenges of a projected 2011/2012 General Fund deficit of approximately $1.9 million. The Towne Theatre has already been closed, saving $4,700 and $23,000 annually in 2012, perhaps just the beginning of what needs to be trimmed down or eliminated.

City Manager Yvonne Quiring presented a progress report on proposed efforts to close the budget gap. A meeting has been set for May 20th to discuss Santa Paula’s interest in providing police services to Fillmore. City Staff has provided 30% across-the-board cuts and prioritized the services the City provides to the public, but it appears to be inevitable that positions will need to be eliminated which could involve employee layoffs. Employees who qualify have been asked whether they are interested in a voluntary retirement. Five to six employees have shown an interest, but once this is done, the positions are to stay open permanently.

The City employees have all taken a 5.5% cut through furloughs and the unclassified employees will be asked to take another 13% decrease in compensation and benefits in fiscal year 2012, bringing the total reduction to 18.5% over the next two years. Quiring informed the Council that other local cities are asking for only 3% cuts, but those cities are not facing the magnitude of a 26% cut to their General Fund that Fillmore is dealing with.
Quiring asked the Council to adopt Resolution 11-3291 declaring a state of fiscal emergency; and directing the City Manager to take appropriate and lawful measures to achieve a balanced budget. There was some question as to the wording of the Resolution by the Council. Council Member Patti Walker explained that what the City Manager is asking for is “the latitude to meet this problem.” With Mayor Pro Tem Jamey Brooks adding “We are in a state of fiscal emergency.”

A meeting was scheduled for CONTINUED »

Graduation and further layoffs were on everyone’s mind at the May 3, 2011 meeting of the Fillmore Unified School Board of Education. All action items were approved including the use of tickets for graduation ceremonies this year at Fillmore High School. A handful of seniors were in attendance listening to the discussion and when asked what they thought of the final plan one senior replied “I like it…that everyone will be able to attend.” Following last weeks meeting, Fillmore High School Principal John Wilber sent a form home with all 231graduating seniors asking how many tickets their family would need. As of the meeting he had received 200 forms back with requests ranging from 4 to 64 tickets. “[I keep thinking of the song] ‘We Are Family’…One third of the seniors requested 15 or more tickets…3000 [seats] could accommodate all requests” Wilber informed the Board. After a presentation from Assistant Superintendent Michael Bush the Board voted to direct staff to move ahead with a plan for 3044 attendees and numbered seats on the bleachers. According to Bush the standard width of a seat is determined by safety officials and “Chief Landeros measured my [backside] and said we could get by with 18 inches.” Using that measurement 2324 “choice seats” will be available in the stadium seats, “Butt to butt, we are going to be cozy” Bush commented. Portable bleachers will be brought in on either side of the stadium seats and some standing room only areas can be used along the fence. Bush’s report reminded the Board that occupancy cannot be exceeded for safety reasons, aisles must be clear; four-foot walkways around bleachers must be maintained and when capacity is reached the gates will be closed. He informed the Board regarding the restrictions regarding putting additional seating on the track and field. This option is not viable due to emergency evacuation requirements and the need to keep students separate from the public in the case of an emergency. There can be no additional seating on the field or track. Only those participating in the graduation ceremony will be on the field. The Board directed Wilber and staff to work with parents and students to come up with a fair plan for distributing tickets that deal with various issues such as handicap access, fairness in seating location and so on and instructed them to use “numbered tickets” with assigned seats, meaning no more saving seats or disagreements about who sits where. The plan is likely to include volunteer ushers to seat attendees. Wilber informed the Board that there is a meeting scheduled for the evening of Thursday, May 5 (today) with parents and seniors to begin this process. The Board rejected staff’s recommendation to broadcast the ceremony live on Channel 10 mainly due to the $3000 estimate to pay for it. Total costs are not determined yet for the plan; there will be ticket printing prices, cost for security and it will likely take one week to set up where usually set up is about three days. Board Member Tony Prado emphasized the need to inform families of the graduation procedures as early as possible for next year. Following the meeting Wilber stated, “As soon as the School Board meets in August and approves a graduation plan the information will be sent to senior families with the senior contract.” In other news related to graduation it was decided that Board Members Lucy Rangel and Prado will be handing out diplomas at Graduation this year. Rangel commented that this year’s class was the last class she taught when they were in 6th grade.

Public Comment: Fillmore resident Noel Villa for 11 years and a parent spoke of the “daunting task” which school boards have of involving the community. He spoke of his own experience working as a school based social worker in Oxnard and applying philosophies based on the “understanding that parents and children see things differently and asking them to give us that perspective…there was a value that all kids can learn, no matter what.” He spoke of “working with the Spanish speaking community and bringing the parents together, addressing the themes of parental involvement, school attendance, school behavior and academics” and the importance of parents feeling welcomed in the community. “Teacher conferences were packed…parents were embraced, [made to feel] like familia.” He went on to state that Sespe School Principal Rosemarie Hibler “has brought [this philosophy] to Sespe School. That confianza, that trust.” He believes that Sespe School needs “this type of foundation in order for kids to learn, to engage parents, to raise academics, and improve student behavior.” Next the Board heard from Sespe student Valerie Villa who spoke eloquently regarding her support for her principal. “Changes can be good or bad like the one when Ms. Hibler came to Sespe school, that was one of the best changes…but letting her go is exactly the opposite.” Villa explained that Hibler brought a program to the school “that taught me how to know what a word means by its Greek or Latin roots.” She went on to state “But the thing I love most about Ms. Hibler is she always wears a beautiful smile every minute of every day, and again letting her go would not do any of us any good.” Hibler is among the many FUSD staff members to have received a layoff notice due to budget cuts in the District. Maria Hernandez joined with the Villa Family in speaking in support of their principal at Sespe School. Her son had previously attended Piru Elementary but this year she chose to move him to Sespe. “I don’t think I could have made a better decision.” She spoke of the group of parents she has met and the work they do for the school with Hiblers support. The school will be hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration today from 5 to 7pm with food, and games, including a “Ballet de Cueca” a performance of Mexican folk dancing. The public is encouraged to dress in Mexican attire for a costume contest as well. Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday celebrated by communities all over the world to commemorate this day in 1862 when nearly 2,000 untrained Mexican peasants commanded by General Ignacio Zaragoza bravely fought and won the Battle at Puebla against 6,000 French soldiers under the command of Napoleon III. Hernandez spoke of the support that Hibler provides in helping the children learn about their heritage and background she added, “She has offered my son the best of the resources available for him to succeed.” She commented that he has made tremendous progress with the tutoring and after school programs available at Sespe School. Lastly the Board heard from Karen Ashim, a counselor at Fillmore High and former assistant principal about her objection to the proposed plan of cutting an assistant principal position at the school, and creating a part-time Dean position. This proposal has been made and was accepted by the Board at the last meeting as a measure that will take place even if no further reductions are required when the State budget is released. Ashim told the history of the assistant principal positions at the high school and explained that the District had already tried the proposed configuration but it does not work. “[This plan] is unfair to the teachers, students and administrators. We tried it. It didn’t work. We need to learn from history and our own history [demonstrates] that this proposal did not work then and it will not work now.” She stated, “It may save a few dollars…its not very cost effective decision [in the long run].” She asked that the Board think about it carefully.

Superintendent Jeff Sweeney spoke about CONTINUED »

On Thursday, April 21, 2011, Ernie G held the rapt attention of 60-plus lucky Sierra High School students who got to listen to one on the best motivational speeches of their lives. Ernie G, as stated on his professional website, is one of the hottest, multi-talented, young Latino entertainers in the country today. His comedy has been seen by millions of TV viewers on shows such as Comedy Central’s “Make Me Laugh,” B.E.T.’s “Comic View,” Ed McMahon’s “Next Big Star,” & Sí TV’s “Funny is Funny!” He is one of the original stars of Galavisión’s hit comedy show “Qué Locos!” hosted by George Lopez, appearing six times, along with two appearances on “The Best of Qué Locos!” He has appeared on HBO Latino’s “Habla Again,” MUN2’s “Loco Comedy Jam,” as well as Sí TV’s “Latino Laugh Festival!” and their hip new show, “Inside Joke!” Currently, he be seen on MTV Tr3s’ “Los Súper Icons” and viewers might also remember him as the “Angry Angelino” from the Channel 13 News in Los Angeles.
Ernie G is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University with his B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Chicano Studies. Ernie has developed his own unique form of Comedy he calls “Latino Edutainment – Educating and Entertaining with a Latino Flavor!” and has performed for many of the country’s top organizations and corporations, including: Disney, Pepsi-Co, General Mills, U.S. Armed Forces, National Council de la Raza, Latin American Educational Foundation and the Hispanic College Fund. He was honored by the City of Los Angeles with the first ever Mario
Moreno “Cantinflas” Award for “representing the Latino community with the same humor and distinction as the legendary Mario Moreno “Cantinflas” and who, like Cantínflas, utilizes his power to help those most in need.”
Ernie performs his rip-roaring, high-energy comedy as Host and Producer of “Ernie G’s Comedy Fiesta!”-- a National Comedy Tour featuring the country’s top Latino comedians performing in clubs, colleges and universities throughout the nation. He was the Keynote Speaker at UCLA’s 32nd Annual RAZA Graduation, and continues to spread his message of Empowerment & Transformation through Laughter as the National Spokesperson for the Hispanic College Fund and Inspirational Comedian nationwide.

Ernie G will be back to perform at Fillmore High School in May to encourage and motivate more of our Fillmore and Piru students. Ernie G was at Fillmore High School a couple of years ago. He always stays to sign autographs and to give a special message to the very last student waiting in line. Many a student has connected with Ernie G in a special way. He has continued emailing with Fillmore High School students for a few years now. Some Sierra High School students approached him after his motivational talk on Thursday and told him that he had truly reached them with what he said and that he really made a big difference in their lives.
Ernie G's performance was made possible by a private donation.

Fillmore Unified School District

A list obtained from the Fillmore Unified School District Director of Human Resources Todd Schieferle lists a total of 80 staff members who have received ‘preliminary notices of layoff’ due to potential budget reductions for the 2011-2012 school year. This information was provided in response to a request for a complete list of all staff members who have received notices from the District. Just prior to the print deadline information was received that several names are missing from the list. FUSD is eyeing the budget cuts coming with a wary eye and is recommending the School Board create maximum “flexibility”. The plan is to “over notice” staff layoffs in accordance with legal deadlines so that if the budget is a worst-case scenario the District is prepared, and if funding is better than anticipated the district can rescind many of the notices. Superintendent Jeff Sweeney emphasized at a recent School Board meeting that these notices have nothing to do with job performance.

Specifics have not been given about the exact process of determining what positions will be noticed, negotiations with the two unions (FUTA, CSEA) may play a decisive role although the Board has passed resolutions prior to completing negotiations. In relying on potential layoffs to solve the looming budget issues FUSD joins districts across the State in business as usual budgeting practices when cuts are needed. Districts continue to appear wary of considering new or creative means of meeting budget needs while keeping cuts as far from the classroom as possible. The public appears stunned as the school year shortens, class size grows while teachers and staff prepare to pack their bags.

This list was complete as of Thursday, April 21, 2011. Twelve staff members who received notices later received a “letter of rescission” which rescinded their layoff notice but notified them they “may not continue in their present assignment” or salary next year. According to FUSD “the District may reassign them to a classroom teaching position according to the credentials they hold” next year. They will be notified of their new assignment before July 1, 2011. Those who received these “letter[s] of rescission” are indicated on the following list with a star by their first name. The Board has expressed hope that they will be able to rescind many of the layoff notices but that is dependant on the final state budget. A revised State budget is expected mid May. Budget discussions and negotiations continue between the District and the unions representing the teaching staff and classified staff. Those noticed include: 50 teachers, 3 Coordinators (all rescinded), 7 principles (some rescinded), 2 assistant principals (one rescinded). Those whose positions are not indicated were not listed on the District’s website and were not obtained by the press deadline. (Note: Due to directions taken at a Special meeting on Tuesday, April 26, several of these notices are expected to be rescinded, see article for positions affected)

First Last Position
Eduardo Angel
Kari Appleford Teacher, High Schl Phys Ed
Raina Arellano Teacher, MountVist 4th Grd
Heather Atwood Teacher
Raymond Barrera Teacher, Piru 3rd Grd
Carol* Barringer Coordinator, After School Program, Educational Services, District Office
Kathleen Berrington Teacher, MountVist 1st Grd
Kayce Betzel Teacher, MiddleSchl
Loriann Boon Teacher, MountVist PE
Jenny Bortins Teacher, MiddleSchl
Jill Capra Teacher, SanCaye Kinder
Larry Carroll
Heather* Casanave Teacher, High Schl English Dept.
Lynda Catalano Teacher, Piru Kinder
Melanie Chisholm
Claudia Cornejo Teacher, Piru 6th Grd
Matthew* Dann Teacher, High Schl English Dept.
Sheila DeMerritt Teacher, Sespe 5th Grade
Andreana DeMoss Teacher, Sespe 1st Grade
Kristen Dunst Teacher, SanCaye Kinder
Veronica Duran
Maria Enriquez
Paul Fitzgerald Teacher, High Schl Social Studies
Jennifer Fitzpatrick Teacher, High Schl English Dept.
Cynthia Frutos Principal, Sierra High
Joseph Fry Teacher, MountVist Kinder
Randy Garcia Teacher, Piru 4th Grd
Mary Allyn Garcia-Lovett Teacher, MountVist
Patricia* Godfrey Principal, Piru
Jennifer Graves Teacher, MountVist Kinder
Carrie Gray
Ellen Green Asst. Principal, High Schl
Amber Henrey Teacher, MountVist 1st Grd
Susan Hersh Psychologist, Special Services, District Office
Rosemarie Hibler Principal, Sespe Elem
Steven Kandel Teacher, High Schl Math & Science Dept.
Heather Kanning Teacher, MountVist 3rd Grd
Nancy Kirtkpatrick Teacher, High Schl English Dept.
Kristin* Lairson Coordinator, Special Projects, Education Services, District Office
Kristy Lim Teacher, High Schl English Dept.
Debra Louth Teacher, Sespe 5th Grade
Jeremiah MacMahon Teacher, High Schl Math Dept.
Sandra Magana Teacher, MountVist
Viviana Magana-Laureano
Jan Marholin Principal, SanCaye Elem
Alison* Marschewski Teacher, SanCayet Reading/Science
Marisa Martinez Teacher, Middle Schl
Theresa* Marvel Teacher, High Schl Health
Ashley McClain Teacher, Middle Schl
Julie McKeever
Maria Meza Teacher, Middle Schl
Kevin Molloy Teacher, Sierra English/Lang Arts
Joshua Overton Teacher, High Schl English Dept.
Norma Perez-Sandford Counselor, High Schl grades 9 & 11
Ernesto Quiroz Athletic Director, High Schl.
Martha Ramos Teacher, Middle Schl
Rebecca Raskin Teacher, Sierra SocStudies & Science
Aide Recendez Teacher, Piru 5th Grd
Kristina Renelli Teacher, Piru 4th Grd
Juliette Resor Teacher, SanCaye, Sespe Band
Ronda Reyes-Deutsch Counselor, Middle Schl
Joe* Ricards Teacher, High Schl Vocational Ed
Brian Ricards Teacher, High Schl Vocational Ed
Christine* Schieferle Principal, MountVista
John Schweller Principal, Middle Schl
Erin Sebek Teacher, High Schl Social Studies
Mark Sebek Teacher, High Schl Math Dept.
Carolyn Shea Psychologist, Special Services, District Office
Delia Silva Teacher, Piru 5th Grd
Kathryn Spore Teacher, Sespe Science
Matthew Stockton Teacher, High Schl English Dept.
Lacy Swensen
Laura Todis Teacher, Sierra
Epi* Torres Asst. Principal, HS
Cara Waterman
Jennifer Weir Teacher, MounVist 3rd Grd / Coordinator, Special Students Populations, Educational Services.
James White Teacher, Sespe 3rd Grade
John* Wilbur Principal, High Schl
Mary* Williams Coordinator, Special Education, Special Services, District Office
Janelle Williams Teacher, Sespe 1st Grade
*indicates a rescinded notice.

Fillmore’s new Chief of Police Monica McGrath.

Monica McGrath was recognized by the City Council Tuesday night as the new Ventura County Sheriff’s Captain in Fillmore. She began her duties last week. McGrath, who lives in Ventura, stated “I’m very impressed with your town…I’m very happy to be here.”

But there was a somber feel to the April 26, 2011 Fillmore City Council Meeting as budget matters continue to take a toll on services. One item on agenda was ballot measure Proposition 218 which will have a direct impact on some property owners by increasing the assessment amounts on six separate tracks in Fillmore’s District 2. Also included with that item was a discussion on the annexation of Central Station Townhomes and Perry Ranch to the City’s Landscape and Lighting.

Other items on the agenda included a proclamation, the Council’s desire to withdraw from the County Library Memorandum and remain in the reformulated Ventura County Library system, the adoption of the Temporary Use Permits to allow Christmas tree sales to begin the day after Thanksgiving, a request by Williams Homes to reassess the Impact Fees on Heritage Valley Specific Plan and support for two State Assembly bills and resolutions.

There was a great deal of discussion between the Council and City Staff regarding the proposed ballot proposition. Several areas in Fillmore are presently not paying enough in assessment fees to cover ongoing maintenance for lighting and landscaping. Those properties assessment fees must be increased or current levels of service will have to be reduced and some may have to be cut altogether.

A proposition and balloting process is required to increase assessment amounts on property which is a lengthy process and takes preparation. The process requires creating an engineer’s report, approval of levy amounts and an election that includes mailing of ballots to the property owners. A public hearing is then scheduled to receive the public comments, determine the election results, approve levy amounts if any and order submittal of the data to the County Assessors for collection of assessments with property taxes. The added assessment costs to the property owners if approved will range from $4-$24 per month per property. The cost to the City for the ballots is $14,500.

The areas in question are: CONTINUED »

Thank you for the opportunity to provide information about the pool. A leak detection company was brought in and confirmed there was a leak in a return drain line in the bottom of the pool. The leak was fixed on April 12th, we worked hard to ensure the high school swim team and club swim were not affected. The leak was created during construction of the pool. When the pool piping was laid down it was tested and all the pipes and fittings passed a pressure test. After the piping was complete the contractor put a protective cage over the piping. The leak was created when a piece of rebar was hammered into a recirculation pipe. When the leak was found the rebar was still in the pipe.

There have been ongoing issues with the chemical balance in the pool. It was originally thought to be a mechanical issue and worked with HMH Construction Company, Nadar, and Knorr. With a leak being found under the pool and repaired we hope to have the chemical issues resolved. The pool has been open a week since the leak was fixed and so far the pool chemical balance has been fine.

The City is new to having and operating a brand new aquatics facility. There has been a learning curve and some challenges have come our way during the learning process. We realize it is very frustrating to arrive at the pool and find out that it is temporarily closed. We apologize for any inconvenience it has caused our patrons
The City has spoken to the contractor regarding all costs associated with the leak, including a requesting reimbursement for a portion of the water and chemicals used since construction.

Please join us at the pool for a fun filled summer of events! Hours and schedule of events are posted at the pool window, City of Fillmore, website and on Channel 10. Story courtesy The City of Fillmore.