As I write, the Giants are still alive in the playoffs (Don't Stop Belivin'!). Alas, time must be made in our life for other things, too, so here we go. The Board will be gathering for its regular monthly meeting this coming Wednesday, October 27th, at 6:00 pm in the Hall library. I have reviewed the agenda and the accompanying packet materials, and the following items intrigued me the most.
Superintendent's Evaluation (Closed Session) - The Board was scheduled to provide Dr. Pitts with her annual evaluation during Closed Session of last month's meeting, but that plan was delayed. This month, Dr. Pitts' evaluation is once again on the schedule. This discussion will take place in private, but any of you concerned parents out there who have any input regarding the Superintendent's performance should take this opportunity to email the trustees at trustees@larkspurschools.org.
Board Self Evaluation (Agenda Item 11) - According to the Board's bylaws the Board shall annually conduct a self evaluation of how well the Board has been performing its duties. The Board members will discuss how they think they have been performing individually and how well the Board as a whole has performed over the past year. To review the criteria that will guide the evaluation discussion, you can review the detailed packet material on pgs. 40-41 of the document Agenda Items 6-10. Board procedures do not ensure the ability to ask questions or provide comment at the time an individual item is discussed, so if you have input your would like to be sure the Board considers when evaluating its performance, I recommend you send an email in advance to trustees@larkspurschools.org.
Budget Update (Agenda Item 8) - The state adopted a budget! I'm not exactly sure that celebration is in order, but having an adopted budget beats the continued uncertainty that's been hanging over public agencies in the state for the last few months while the budget stalemate dragged on. District staff have updated the projected revenues and expenditures for the year based on the school funding components of the adopted budget, and the bottom line for our district is a reduction of only $53,618 from the original budget adopted by the Board last June. For more detail, see pgs. 19-32 of the document Agenda Items 6-10.
Facilities Planning (Agenda Item 10) - The Board will not be acting to approve any specific facilities item at the upcoming meeting, but it will hold a discussion regarding the overall facilities needs outlined in the Facilities Master Plan generated in 2008 and potential strategies for moving forward with projects included in the plan. On the short-term front, the Board will discuss progress on the planning stages of a project to add 4 1/2 portables to the Neil Cummins campus this year. See details at pgs. 34-35 of Agenda Items 6-10.
Technology Plan (Agenda Item 4) - Over the last few months the district has made significant investment in computers and technology infrastructure, funded by $275,000 from the general budget and $154,000 donated by SPARK (thanks to you contributors out there!). The Board will discuss how the new purchases are being implemented in the classroom and how they fit in with the district's overall technology plan. Now's your chance, tech professionals, to weigh in on how our schools are integrating the latest and greatest new tools into our students' educational pursuits! Share your thoughts at the meeting or by sending an email to trustees@larkspurschools.org.
Those are my agenda and packet highlights, everybody. Please share comments below if you have them, and check back on Thursday morning for a summary of the meeting.
-Rob
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