District News

District Reorganization Update

Superintendent Eric Andrew provided an overview of the actions taken and those that are planned regarding transforming Campbell Middle School (CMS) into a PreK-8 school.

Key Points:

1. Transformation model and guiding principles: Superintendent Andrew explained that the Transformation Team will be considering the three approaches for transition that the Board discussed at the December Study Session, and that the group would be drafting some Guiding Principles for Board approval.
2. Placement of incoming CMS 5^th and 6^th graders: Dr. Andrew also noted that plans are underway for having incoming 5^th graders be able to remain at the elementary school, and he asked for the Board’s direction regarding placement of the 6^th graders in the CMS attendance area.
   The Board agreed that CMS should not take new 5^th graders, but that incoming 6^th graders should be allowed to attend CMS through grade 8.
3. Facility needs: Deputy Superintendent Jim Crawford described the anticipated modifications needed at some school campuses to accommodate the increase in 5^th and 6^th graders during and beyond the transformation. Estimated increases in the number of classrooms needed at Monroe, Rolling Hills, Blackford, Castlemont, Capri and Rosemary schools are based on available enrollment projections.
4. Transformation Team: Many of the members of the newly formed Transformation Team were present and were introduced. Members represent elementary and middle school teachers, parents, support staff and neighbors. The Team had its first meeting on January 12^th.
   Transformation Facilitator Derek Mitchell explained that the first steps for the Team are to determine the best ways to communicate and work together, define what success would look like, and identify key decisions needed before presenting a proposal to the Board in June 2017. The Transformation Team’s next meeting is currently scheduled for February 2.

Strategic Plan Progress

Superintendent Eric Andrew reported that work on the five objectives aimed at achieving the district’s Strategic Goals is going well.

Since the last Board update:

• Completed Objectives:
  - Create a Special Education Professional Development Training Series and provide at least one training in order to develop and retain special education teachers
• Revised Deadlines:
  - Create and present to the Board a plan for creating a “Parent University.”
  - Proposed plan for implementation of the K-8 school at Campbell Middle School
  - Strategies to improve employees’ work experience
  - List of wellness resources available to Campbell USD employees.

Meeting minutes and slides from presentations can be seen on request or online at www.campbellusd.org/board.

Campbell Union School District publishes a newsletter, Beyond the Expected, for the greater community twice per year.  Click on the school flyers link to read the latest edition of Beyond the Expected, or download it in English or Spanish.

Organizational Meeting:

• New Board Officers: President Thomas M. Gemetti; Vice President Michale L. Snyder; Clerk Richard H. Nguyen
• 2017 Meeting Schedule: The next regular meeting will be January 19, 2017.  All future meeting dates can be found on our online calendar and posted at school offices.

Strategic Plan Update:

Superintendent Andrew provided the Board with a copy of the Executive Summary of the District’s Communication Plan, a specified task from the September Strategic Planning session. He noted that the summary includes a marketing schedule that outlines key opportunities for telling the district’s story and measuring outcomes.

Local Control & Accountability Plan (LCAP) Update:  

Assistant Superintendent Whitney Holton reported on the State of California’s changes to the student assessment program and ensuing revisions to the LCAP template. She said:

• The LCAP allows educators to look at student achievement data in effective ways and to guide instructional decisions.
• The State’s new LCAP template promises a format that will make the reports more reader-friendly
• CUSD is preparing an executive summary of our LCAP, which will be ready in January.
• There are two LCAP Community input meetings scheduled for January 18th and 24th where the District will elicit input about goals and priorities. Slides from the presentation can be seen on request or online at www.campbellusd.org/board.

Campbell Middle Transformation to PK-8:

Superintendent Andrew described the plan for the December 15th Board Study Session and the role of the consultant who will be facilitating the discussion. Consultant Derek Mitchell, who is experienced in school transformations, will present relevant research, sample transformation models (their pros and cons); and the decisions and actions that will be needed for success.