Seattle Schools Community Forum

From the Orange County Register, a yawner of a story on the hiring of Banda.   Their loss, our gain. From the Seattle Times, coverage of Banda's selection.   Highlights: Banda plans to spend his first year on the job, getting to know the city and the district without making major changes.  Some of the reporters at the press conference seemed startled at this but Goodloe-Johnson did a lot of the same with touring schools and doing assessments of various departments.  I cannot see anyone coming in and wholesale changing things.  Sharon Peaslee said the Board did want to change things that are working in our schools but wanted to address those issues that are still of concern.  Marty McLaren named Special Education for one.   In choosing Banda over the only remaining finalist, Sandra Husk, board members opted for a low-key leader with a reputation for relationship-building. Board members said they chose him because they believe he ...

Meg Coyle over at KING-5 news is looking for a parent(s) who were affected by school closures and now see the BEX IV levy through that lens.  Anyone who can talk to her about it? mcoyle@king5.com

From SPS: The Seattle School Board on Sunday discussed the qualifications of the Superintendent finalists and asked Board President Michel DeBell to contact José Banda, the current Superintendent of the Anaheim City School District. “I spoke with Mr. Banda on Sunday night and told him the Board is very interested in having him as our next leader of Seattle Public Schools. Mr. Banda expressed his willingness to accept the position if offered,” DeBell said. “We believe he is a strong fit for Seattle.” The Board met in closed session on Sunday night. They did not take a formal vote on the candidates, but did direct DeBell to contact Mr. Banda. The full Board is expected to officially name Mr. Banda as their choice during Wednesday’s School Board meeting (May 2), and then vote on the contract on May 16. If approved, the new Superintendent would start after July 1.  Last man standing. Update (10:36 am) - Press conference at 1:30 p.m. with Peaslee and McLaren...

From the StatesmanJournal : Salem-Keizer Superintendent Sandy Husk announced this morning she has withdrawn from the Seattle superintendent search process. "In my communication with people inside the district last week, it became apparent that there are competing approaches as to where the district should go and how it should get there," she said in a statement. " I do not feel like I am a good match for that situation. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone in Seattle last week and I wish the best for the students, staff, board and community."  Husk is still in the running for a second position, which she has declined to discuss. Well, will you look at that?  I can hear the moaning all over town from the Times, the Alliance, LEV. Tough.  This process was a mess and the mega-control way didn't work well. What this means, I don't know.    

I had been meaning to write this thread for some time now.  It's a worthy example of how Seattle Schools starts off with a good idea but cannot follow-thru with execution. I will be upfront and say I probably should have done more research so fill in the gaps if you know more.  But the issues are in very sharp focus right now and it is a program that is going to reach a stress level soon.

The Times is reporting that Eckstein won two division places and four soloist awards at the Reno Jazz Festival yesterday. Garfield's combo, won first place in the AAA division (probably some salve to the wound of not going to the Essentially Ellington contest in May in NYC). Roosevelt's Jazz Band III won second place in the Apprentice II division.  From the story : The legacy and influence of Seattle's nationally-renowned school jazz band programs was manifest at the festival. Garfield high school alum Tatum Greenblatt played trumpet in one of the festival's featured professional ensembles, The Mingus Big Band. The middle school jazz band competition winner, from Lindero Canyon, Calif., is directed by Matt McKagan, brother of former Guns N'Roses bassist Duff McKagan, both graduates of Roosevelt High School. Congratulations to all these fine young musicians and the great teachers who guide them (and the parents who back them).

After being very late with this editorial , it finally showed up at the Times' website.  Frankly, it's doesn't lay out the greatest case and spends time writing around some flaws.  One key item to note from the editorial (and remember for later on down the road if she is chosen):  When it comes to talking and listening, she's more likely to do the latter.  They even spend time writing about Enoch even though they state that he withdrew.  So why bother?   He is well-read and steeped in the latest pedagogical research. But Enoch's track record of doing is more mixed. He has the least experience working with urban students and when he left one school district, it was essentially broke. His withdrawal was probably a good decision. Not very nice (Enoch explained the financial issue) and not necessary unless you really wanted to back up the weak decision that is their endorsement for Husk.   They end by saying there will be " large mon...

From SPS: A statement from School Board President Michael DeBell: “We enjoyed getting to know all three of our finalists last week and we are disappointed to learn that Mr. Enoch has withdrawn his candidacy. I want to thank Mr. Enoch for his interest in Seattle Public Schools and his commitment to public education. We know this is a two-way process and we want to find a leader who is a good fit for Seattle, and who believes Seattle is a good fit for them.”

As I previously posted, a finalist has dropped out and it is Steven Enoch.  (The district decided not to tell me so I get official notice from the Times.  I suspect they will drop me as media when we get a new superintendent so I will be forced to state many things off the record.)  From the Times: “I have concluded that what Seattle needs is a younger person, potentially able to provide longer stability and direction for the district,” wrote Enoch, who will turn 63 next month. “I believe you have two very viable candidates that will better meet the long-term needs of the district.” Enoch added he enjoyed his visit to Seattle for final interviews last week. “I loved the tours of the schools, meeting with staff, students and community leaders,” he wrote. “I most enjoyed meeting each of you as you are all wonderful individuals, who give unselfishly so very much to the the children of Seattle.” This is very genuine and generous of Mr. Enoch to say this but...

 Monday, April 30th  Seattle Council PTSA meeting: Navigating SPS: Steps for Positive Advocacy JSCEE from 7-8:30 p.m. Speakers: Ron McGlone, SPS Ombudsman, Adie Simmons, State of Washington Ombudsman, Bernardo Ruiz, SPS manager of Family and Community Engagement Tuesday, May 1 Community Conversations with ELL and Special Education Directors  6-7:30 p.m. at Jane Addams K-8, 11051 34th Ave NE Please join Veronica Gallardo, Director of ELL and International Programs, and Becky Clifford Interim Executive Director for Special Education at one of their upcoming Community Conversation hours. Wednesday, May 2nd Board Work Session on International Education from 4-5:10 p.m. at JSCEE School Board meeting from 6-9 p.m. Agenda .  This is one of the last meetings at 6 p.m. as on June 6th, Board meetings will start at 4:15 p.m. with public testimony at 5 p.m. Announcement of an offer to a superintendent candidate with a final approval - if accepted by the...

I missed posting this before but Director McLaren has a community meeting today from 1:15-3:00 pm at the West Seattle Library, 2306 42nd Avenue SW.    The Board continues their superintendent finalist discussion (albeit with one fewer person - details to come when I get an official press release) later this afternoon. I am hoping that if they cannot find agreement for a number one choice, that they can all agree to their second choice.  Meaning, they need to have a united front on this issue and a split vote on a candidate is no way to start that person's tenure. Better to be united in agreement on the second choice than the hard feelings of a majority vote that 2-3 other Board members did not concur on.

There are two important education stories in the Times today but there should be a third. The Times was all set to put forth their endorsement for superintendent in their Sunday edition.  Lynne Varner was quite clear on this when we taped KING 5's Upfront with Robert Mak on Friday. (We discussed the superintendent candidates.  It airs at 9:30 am and 11:30 p.m. on KING 5 on Sunday; 11 am Sunday on KONG.) It's not at their editorial page (and one reader says it is not in the print edition).  I suspect something is going on.  Someone may have dropped out or the process may have been compromised to the point where the Times is waiting on their endorsement. Curious. More on the other two stories in the next thread.

Can't say which candidate but there's talk out there from credible sources that one superintendent candidate may have dropped out. Details as I get someone to go on the record.

As for the Focus Group Committee recommendation issue, several readers pointed out that on April 19th there was a press release that had said the same thing.   A 25-person Community Focus Group will meet with each candidate next week and make a recommendation to the School Board.  Do I think this was all an error?  Not sure.  I think since the committee's own non-disclosure form said there would be no recommendation, it is an odd mistake.  (They had to sign it before the April 19th press release.)  It could have been someone laying early groundwork to say there was a recommendation in case cover was needed for a superintendent choice, either during Board deliberations and/or when there was a public announcement.  The Times will be revealing their pick in Sunday's Times.  You have three guesses. Budget update from Dr. Enfield.  Highlights:    Over the last two weeks, we have reached that $1.1 million target b...

It really should go without saying but I'll say it: Do NOT EVER sign a real name if it is not your own.   Not in jest, not out of spite - don't do it.  No one has the right to try to speak as someone else nor use their name as a moniker. 

Update:  The information below has now disappeared from the website. You pick: 1) We are paying some big bucks for Communications that makes huge errors in what they write to the point where they say something that is not true. 2) Someone who put this information up originally had to back off because of how incredibly suspicious it looks to say the Committee made a recommendation when they didn't (and it wasn't even part of their charge. I pick #2 but remember this happened going forward. End of update. Something is happening.  The SPS website says this:  Community Focus Group to recommend next Superintendent from three finalists.  Board will make final decision in early to mid-May; media interviews online.  A 25-person Community Focus Group has met with each of the three candidates for Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools and will make a recommendation to the School Board.  What?  Folks, we have been told all along the Committee w...

What's on your mind?

After reading and talking and researching, if I had to choose a superintendent, I would choose Steven Enoch. Pros - experienced, enthused, open to new ideas, nothing to prove, not using SPS as a stepping stone to next job, able to claim good academic outcomes for his district, keeps up with new educational ideas Cons - had already planned to retire, possible financial issues at one district Folks, there is no perfect superintendent.  But I can see Enoch interacting well with the Board.  His enthusiasm would match theirs for progress and new ideas.   He wants to listen, to learn and to interact with teachers and parents.   For someone who was about to retire, he seemed to still have fire in his belly for this work. Second choice would be Banda but by a hair.  I think he is a little too green to step into a job this big and complex with the issues we have today.  But he seems to be bright, caring and someone would could communicate well wi...

Sandra Husk was our last finalist interview.  She speaks in a crisp, polished manner and with confidence.  There were three people in our interview; Lynne Varner and Brian Rosenthal of the Times and me. Q&A Why are you the right person to lead SPS? When you look to fill a superintendent position, you need a good match between needs and talents.  You look for a track record of closing the achievement gap, a good communicator and someone who can build a team.  You had some sort of professional business certification for your district in Tennessee.  Do you believe a district should be run like a business? She said she had this certification in her district in Oregon as well and that it is a quality assurance one.  The idea is to make sure your district and central office are providing services to schools.  She said we benchmark student progress and teacher progress but it's rare for the whole central office to have that kind of accountability....

Going into another press conference for Van Asselt issue. Husk is considering another offer elsewhere (don't know where). Q&A to come. Important to start considering an e-mail to the Board TODAY for your pick. They will vote tomorrow.

Didn't know this was available but our colleagues over the West Seattle blog have videotape of the candidate interviews (only one 15-minute segment each).  It is a great way to hear and see the candidates for yourself.  I believe that the public has the right to hear these people to inform their own opinion so I am glad for the opportunity to bring them to this blog.  Banda Enoch I will, of course, post Superintendent Husk's when it is available (likely sometime today).

I knew about this investigation and the results.  I had being holding off on raising the issue until next week out of courtesy to the superintendent search.  The Times got the info anyway.   (I don't have a total for the amount of money that is likely gone/missing but I think it is around $20-30K which is a great deal of money for Van Asselt.) From the Times : Seattle police are investigating the possible misuse of school funds by a former principal and a parent coordinator at Van Asselt Elementary School. Former Principal ElDoris Turner retired March 16, two days after being placed on administrative leave following the release of an ethics investigation that found a "gross waste of public funds." The parent coordinator, Ramona Fuentes, was fired Tuesday, according to the school district. The investigation, conducted by the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission, found $30,000 in unexplained cash withdrawals from an unauthorized school bank account ...

Parent Cecilia McCormick, who is active in Special Ed issues, took it on herself to do some research on Superintendent Enoch's district and gathered info on their technology use  Here an e-mail she sent to the Seattle School Board: I would like to share with you information provided by SRVUSD PTA yesterday.  Given the costs of scaling up our district's use of technology and its ever-evolving nature, I'm sure you would agree that the plan and direction should be developed in a thoughtful and flexible manner, so that we don't chase money down rabbit holes. Each School Building has Tele-conferencing Capabilities All middle and high schools have been fitted with a large media video screen and videoconferencing systems.  In their 84 pg CA state-mandated Technology Plan (TP), the district states "we anticipate using these systems for students' virtual field trips, leveraging guest speaker events simultaneously across multiple school sites...

What a difference a day makes.  You could not get more of a contrast between candidates than Banda and Enoch (except for the fact that both seem genuine and honest). In his interview, Banda was more a Zen Master while Enoch could not be more enthused about the work.  He was very chatty and friendly. We had a larger group today with Lynne Varner of the Times and David Goldman of The Stranger joining Brian Rosenthal and me.   Q&A You came saying you were looking for a good fit between you and the district.  What do you think? I hope my perspective can be useful and that I can be a good leader for this district but that's for the Board to determine.  I really enjoyed visiting schools and seeing the good work going on. We understand that your Special Ed program has been recognized as a model for inclusion; could you tell us about it and your thoughts on Special Ed? The model for inclusion is the right thing to do for most kids (recognizing that some st...

Just got a tip from a reader (thanks!) about a new BEX IV scenario . This one costs in at just under $700M (I think they are trying to keep it under $1B between BEX and the Operations levy that will also appear on the ballot). Jane Addams to Cedar Park?  Yup. New middle school at Jane Addams building?  Yup. Winners Arbor Heights - no mention of Roxhill joining them SLU - Good luck with that one North Beach - full replacement Bagley (sorta) - partial replacement Thorton Creek - stays a K-5 Mercer - gets an addition QA - gets an addition Losers Roxhill Rogers Jane Addams community I still don't get why TT Minor needs to be reopened. 

Sorry, missed yesterday's Open Thread. In big news from the AP Stylebook (the bible for news reporting), hopefully has finally won out in the usage wars.  The barbarians have done it, finally infiltrated a remaining bastion of order in a linguistic wasteland. They had already taken the Oxford English Dictionary; they had stormed the gates of Webster’s New World College Dictionary, Fourth Edition. They had pummeled American Heritage into submission, though she fought valiantly — she continues to fight! — by including a cautionary italics phrase, “usage problem,” next to the heretical definition. Then, on Tuesday morning, the venerated AP Stylebook publicly affirmed (via tweet, no less) what it had already told the American Copy Editors Society: It, too, had succumbed. “We now support the modern usage of hopefully,” the tweet said. “It is hoped, we hope.”

Or at least the media interview I was at because there were three. Ours started late as the first one ran to about 25 minutes and that was good because we could push for a longer interview than 15 minutes.  The tv people went first with KING 5's Robert Mak pushing for all the media to be there together for 45 minutes.  No go. Besides the TV people I saw The Stranger's David Goldstein and KUOW's Phyllis Fletcher, both sharp and knowledgeable. As I mentioned previously, there was just Brian Rosenthal and me in our interview session although there was a cameraman from somewhere (likely KING 5) but without a reporter.  Why he got to stay, I don't know. This was Mr. Banda's third trip to Seattle in the last five weeks and he called it "an interesting process." Here's the Times' take on the interview; there are differences (including the fact that I didn't mention TFA nor did Banda but Rosenthal at the Times seems to think it was said).   ...

News from the Statesman-Journal in mid-April in Oregon (via one of our readers).  I would link to the story but you can't unless you pay. Here's the lead storyline: All library and media jobs at Salem-Keizer elementary and middle schools would be cut under a proposal by Superintendent Sandy Husk.  The 48 library and media instructors were notified Thursday of the plan, part of the district's attempt to deal with a $55M shortfall. District officials have said they will need to lay off 9-16 administrators, 250-400 teachers and 130-230 support staff members to close the budget gap. There were no quotes from Superintendent Husk. Boy, and we thought it was bad here with our budget. Update:   doing some more research, I want to point out that you need to keep in mind that this district has had major cuts the last three years with increasing amounts each year.  Also, the libraries will be open at the schools but staffed via media assistants or other staff. ...

A group has been formed, the Later Start Time Working Group , and they are having a meeting this Thursday, the 26th, from 5-6 p.m. at the Wayward Coffee House on 65th and NE Roosevelt.

Dear readers, I will put it to you - should I write about the media interview I was at this morning with Superintendent Banda with or without impressions?  Meaning, I could just write the questions and answers without my take on them.  I thought maybe it would make more sense to give my impressions on Thursday after the last interview of finalists so I would have some comparisons to make. I'll wait a bit for answers and then go from there. 

The Times has a good profile of the work that superintendent finalist, Jose Banda, has done in Anaheim.  Banda was born in Texas, the son of migrant farmworkers who had little formal education. His first language was Spanish. When he was 2, the family moved to California, where he has stayed. His father began picking cotton at a ranch outside Bakersfield and eventually was promoted to supervisor. During breaks and summers, Banda and his six siblings worked in the fields, too.   "We really learned the hard work ethic," he said. His parents also taught him the value of education. "My opportunities came from having caring teachers," he said. He has raised scores in a largely Latino community (although the district is less than half the size of SPS and serves only K-6 students).   He seems to be respected by parents and labor partners (although the teachers union rep declined to comment for the story).  From the story: Banda also has enc...

Seattle Special Education PTSA General Meeting Tuesday, April 24th from 7-9 pm at JSCEE Auditorium Topic:  Student Discipline/Elections of 2012/2013 PTSA Officers We are pleased to welcome our guest speaker Stacy Gillett , Ombudsman with the Governor's Office of the Education Ombudsman, who will share a presentation on Student Discipline .  Stacy will cover the Procedural Safeguards related to Student Discipline for students receiving Special Education Services. She will also share thoughts on promoting a school climate, policies, and procedures that focus on understanding challenging behavior and teaching positive/expected behavior rather than punishing children. We also have invited Pegi McEvoy , interim Chief Operations Officer, to share a brief Facilities and Capacity Management Advisory Committee (FACMAC) update at the beginning of the meeting. Elections of Executive Committee Officers for the Seattle Special Education...

From SPS: Dear colleagues, I am proud of the work we've done during my time at Seattle Public Schools and hope that I have helped make a positive difference.  My time here has been some of the most rewarding of my career, but I have decided to pursue a new opportunity as Deputy City Manager for Mercer Island.  This is an exciting opportunity for me to be part of a strong city leadership team and address new challenges.  Please know that my decision is not a result of the current Superintendent search – I was not an applicant and am pleased with the candidates who have been named as finalists.   I know we are in the midst of a transition at SPS and I am confident the School Board will find a new leader to continue the work in a positive direction.  I will still remain a part of the SPS community and look forward to supporting the District as a parent.  My last day in the office will be May 21. I wish you all the best. ...

Okay, so getting with the times, I got a Twitter account - #westbrookmel. So do follow me but don't expect 20 Tweets a day.  I don't have it in me.  But I will be Tweeting more this week as I follow the superintendent search.

In the end, the Board chooses the superintendent. This is pretty much the Board's most important duty and they are responsible for it. They have to make the choice. Not only that, but they have to determine their process for making the choice. When it comes to everyone else working in the District, the readers and writers on this blog generally support autonomy and oppose micromanagement. We want teachers to be free to do their jobs as they see fit. We oppose their micromanagement by principals and certainly by central office bureaucrats. Similarly, we oppose the micromanagement of the superintendent by the Board. The Board sets policies, priorities and goals, but then it is up to the superintendent to determine how to achieve those goals within the context of the policies. If we support autonomy for workers, to determine for themselves how to accomplish their duties, then we should support that autonomy for the Board as well. The Board has the duty of selecting the superintenden...

If ever there was a reason to pull a stop on standardized testing mania, it's this story. The Hare and the Pineapple. Yes, apparently in NYC's 8th grade standardized test there was a reading section, based on a story by Daniel Pinkwater, the children's author, about a hare and a pineapple having a race, based on The Tortoise and the Hare.  (The story was altered from Mr. Pinkwater's original according to Mr. Pinkwater.) So the Pineapple challenges the Hare to a race and as all the other animals are standing around, the Crow says the Pineapple has something up his sleeve because the Pineapple can't move.  (It is also pointed out that pineapples don't have sleeves.) So when Hare arrives and takes off, they are confounded but then the Hare finishes the race and everyone cheers and eats the Pineapple.  The End. What? Naturally, if you are an 8th grader who can actually READ, you may have a problem figuring out the moral of the story. The Education Comm...

Not that it has likely missed your notice but it's going to be a hopping weekend here in Seattle.  First up - good weather with Sunday being the best day at 73 degrees. Second, big celebration starting at the Seattle Center in honor of the 50th anniversary of the World's Fair.   The kick-off event starts Saturday at 10:30 am with opening ceremonies in the Mural Amphitheater.   According to the Times, those ceremonies conclude at 4:30 p.m. with "The Chair Spectacle": 200 community members in procession to the International Fountain with movement performed on and around chairs, accompanied by music related to the 1962 World's Fair. Could be great. Festivities throughout Saturday include a skateboarding party, zip-line rides, a beer garden with trivia games, and a variety of food trucks and carts. Displays include "Celebrating Century 21" featuring "The Future Remembered" artifacts from the 1962 World's Fair, and a travel...

Many, both here and in the Times' comments section, have expressed unhappiness that none of the finalists are local.  That doesn't mean no locals applied; I know of at least two who did.   I don't know if some of the other locals did but there is star power in Mary Alice Heuschel in Renton and Rob Neu in Federal Way. I just listened to the KUOW discussion about the finalists.  The pundits were all struck by the fact that these low-key finalists all come from smaller districts.  They were also all struck by the lack of any public meetings for these finalists.  What was interesting was Knute Berger's statement that the Board has asserted itself in the last couple of years for " equal or greater force than the Superintendent ."  That a member of the media thinks that this was a good thing is telling.  He also said that the district " provides the drama, not the superintendent ."  Hmm. Joni Balter of the Times thought they should have picke...

Last day of Spring Break vacation for the kids.  Hey, we now know who the mystery date superintendent finalists are.   I am planning to be ready with at least three questions to  each finalist (I'll be lucky to get one but better to be ready).   Upcoming threads: - International Education and its costs - CTE - looks like the Obama administration is coming back on-board with that issue What's on your mind?

Here's an interesting trend: calls for civility in the discussion of education issues in Seattle. They are coming from a variety of sources. Here's one from Alison Krupnick that I read in Crosscut. Yeah, Crosscut, where the editor referred to the two newly elected board members as "insurgents" and refuse to interview them as candidates. Here's one from Robin Lake of the Center for Reinventing Public Education that appeared on the EdWeek blog. Here's one from me on this blog in August of 2010. And, as usual, there are a lot of Ed Reform organizations re-posting the articles on their blogs. They re-post from each other and the Seattle Times a lot. What I really like about the first two is that they are calling to Education Reform organizations to be more civil even more than they are calling on folks on this blog to tone it down. Actually, not only are our posts more informative, less biased, and more civil than you typically see on Education Reform ...

There are just a plethora of events and meetings coming up. Friday, April 20th Community meeting with Director McLaren from 5- 6:30 p.m., High Point Center Saturday, April 21st Community Meeting with Director Peaslees from 1-2:30 p.m. at Northgate Library Tuesday, April 24th Community meeting with Director McLaren from 1-2:30 pm. at SW Library Thursday, April 26th Curriculum&Instruction and Operations Meeting of the Whole from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, April 28th Community meeting with Director Patu from 10am to noon at Caffe Vita Citywide Teen Summit South Lake High School, 8601 Rainier Ave. S. from 10 am to 3 pm Addresses issues including teen pregnancy and prevention, self-expression and technology. Hosted by the Seattle Alumae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Delta GEMS in partnership with South Lake High School. Features guest speakers, a DJ, giveaways, and a performance by ABK, a Native American rapper FREE and lunch is provided. For additional i...

She was previously at the Clarksville-Montgomery district in Tennessee, before that in Mapleton Public Schools in Colorado.  She has had about a 5-year tenure at each job. Like Mr. Banda, she has worked in a bilingual school  Post doctoral studies include: Consensus Building and Conflict Resolution and Public Sector: Labor and Management Cooperation. Her current salary is $188k. Interesting contract note: a requirement to get a physical every two years Her district has 9% gifted students, 14% Special Ed, 19% ELL, 60% Fr/R Also worked hard to pass a recent bond measure. A quote from the Tennessee Business Journal from her in 2006- The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System is the only system in the state that has earned ISO 9001 Certification, an evaluation system based on international standards of quality used in business and manufacturing. “This is a continuous improvement system,” Husk says. “It is part of our accountability component. We are reviewed every s...

Enoch has also worked in the private sector as executive director of a large educational seminar and conference organization. Married with grown children. Announced March 28th, 2012 that he was retiring from the San Ramon Unified School District.   From the San Ramon Valley Times:  Enoch said he plans to continue to be involved in education. He is interested in the challenges of urban education, leadership development, global learning connections, high school reform, and changing classrooms through technology. Letter to parents about budget cuts  From San Ramon Valley Unified School District: Academically, SRVUSD currently ranks 6th among all unified school districts in California, and is the highest ranking unified school district in the state with enrollments of 9,000 or more (California Academic Performance Index, 2008). Over 94% of our graduating seniors attend college or university, and district students are accepted into the University of Califor...