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“One Heck of a Strong District” 6/30/09

The last six months for Chino Valley Unified have been a whirlwind. We knew this year would be tough with unprecedented state budget cuts, but unnecessary cracks developed. While acknowledging our departing Superintendent’s overall accomplishment, we can’t avoid also attributing those cracks to his watch. I supported the Board’s authorization of a special audit because I, along with the other board members, recognized the need for a second opinion. I, like many others, wondered why, in November, the closure of a school was estimated to save $500,000/yr. and just months later the Board was told closing a school would save $1,000,000/yr. The audit confirmed our doubts. I and others wondered if all available resources had been identified to offset budget cuts. The audit revealed there was $3.9 million more in one time carryover funds available. Many wondered how increasing class size in K-3 to 25:1 with the assigned loss of 88 teaching positions would save $3.6 million/yr instead of the more modest $1.5 million/yr. demonstrated by the audit. I also wondered why the Board and public were asked to close three elementary schools with just 48 hours public notice. The authorization of the special audit, the new board policy requiring a thorough process with extensive community input before a school can be closed, and the selection of the new Interim Superintendent have all demonstrated the Board acting to provide oversight and accountability …

I congratulate our outgoing Superintendent on his new job in Georgia. I wish him the best and I’m optimistic for the new direction CVUSD is headed with Wayne Joseph as interim Superintendent .... Already my confidence is growing. Unfortunately, we, along with all other districts, face ongoing state budget cuts, but I believe CVUSD’s new executive team will get us through them with reliable numbers, transparency, and the necessary community involvement we need to make the best possible decisions together. Despite the setbacks, CVUSD will continue to be “one heck of a strong district.”

Michael Calta

CVUSD Board Trustee

6/30/09 Inland Valley Daily Bulletin