Waves of change, Oceans of Opportunity

A Back to School message from Pajaro Valley USD Superintendent Dorma Baker

It’s that time of year again — back to school season in Santa Cruz County. As an educator, this is my favorite time of year. There is nothing more motivating than to see the excitement among our 33 schools as students return from summer break. Very soon, summer time activities and events will feel like distant memories.

This year, our students embark upon an exciting time at the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. Our theme for the 2013-14 instructional year is Waves of Change, Oceans of Opportunity. We think it encapsulates the positive changes for public education happening here and throughout the state.

After five very long and challenging years, the effects of the state’s devastating education reductions are turning around. The passage of Proposition 30 and the enactment of the state’s new Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) will result in significant improvements to the district’s long-term fiscal health. Under the plan, the LCFF will increase district revenues incrementally over an eight-year implementation schedule.

With positive signs on the horizon, we didn’t waste any time getting to work. This past summer, the district took bold action to initiate a series of sweeping reinvestments that will have immediate benefits to schools and students. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the restoration of class-size reduction (1st grade for this year, with other grades to follow), full-time middle school counselors, additional custodians at our high schools, salary and benefit increases for employees, and additional support for student activities (see our website for more information).

The reinvestment package totals over $12 million in critical program expansions and restorations. This is the largest, most comprehensive reinvestment package of any school district in the state. This was a good first step, but we won’t rest there. We have more to do and look forward to working with parents, community leaders, and employees to make additional improvements to our schools and programs.

We have other exciting news to report. In November 2012, our community provided overwhelming support in passing the Measure L School Bond by nearly 70 percent. Measure L will ensure that our students have safe and up-to-date classrooms and learning technology to support a 21st-century education. Providing a safe and encouraging learning environment is important to every parent, and with the support of Measure L, facility renovations and technology upgrades to PVUSD schools are already underway.

These invaluable upgrades play an important role in creating the right learning environment for our students, but as a parent, you play the most important role in your child’s academic success. Here are a few things to consider when developing the best learning environment for your child:

• Academic achievement starts when our students walk in the door, which means every parent and student should take school attendance seriously. Attending school and being committed to learning is your child’s part of the partnership.
• Parents can support children in their academic success by providing a quiet, comfortable place at home to complete homework. Encourage your child to show you his or her homework once it is complete, and emphasize the value in attending school and becoming an active participant in their own learning.
• We want to hear from parents about our students’ individual learning needs. One way to start this conversation is by volunteering in the classroom and communicating regularly with school staff. In return, we too are committed to providing ongoing communication and updates about your child’s education

It is our commitment to play an equally important role in supporting and enhancing your student’s education. In spite of the economic challenges we have been facing, we have made steady achievement gains and expect to continue to improve and enhance our educational programs and services well into the future.

At PVUSD, we believe in an educational experience for your child that will allow them to reach their goals and dreams. Please visit our website at www.pvusd.net for more information and/or how to contact your local school or district office leaders to become more involved.

Have a great 2013-14 school year!

— Dorma Baker, PVUSD Superintendent