Association of California School Administrators
SUPERINTENDENCY COUNCIL
Notes of meeting of Thursday, March 22, 2012, ACSA Sacramento Office, Sacramento, CA.
WELCOME/CALL TO ORDER/INTRODUCTIONS -- Phil Quon
President Phil Quon called the meeting to order at 9:06. Members of the council and guests
provided self introductions.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MEETING – The Council…
o
Considered ways in which the voices of superintendents and the work of the council
could be more effective.
o
Continued its study of the changing landscape of education with a focus on areas for
system transformation that will best prepare students to succeed today and in the future.
o
Voted Sandy Thorstenson, superintendent of Whittier Union High School District, as
president of the council for the three-year term, 2012-2015.
o
Noted the quality professional development offered by the successful ACSA academies.
o
Sensed renewed hope for filing a waiver from the onerous provisions of No Child Left
Behind with the Secretary of Education, an application that could be from the state,
consortium or district.
ATTENDING (from sign-in sheet)
Council President: Phil Quon, Region 8
Region Representatives
Region 1:
Region 2: Scott Leaman
Region 3:
Region 4: Liz Schott (for Casey D’Angelo)
Region 5:
Region 6: Richard Rogers
Region 7: Bill Draa (for Louise Johnson)
Region 8: John Porter
1
Region 9: Marcus Johnson
Region 10: Dorma Baker
Region 11: Carl Olsen
Region 12:
Region 13:
Region 14: David Verdugo
Region 15: Marc Winger
Region 15: Linda Wagner
Region 16:
Region 17: Skip Roland
Region 18: John Roach (for Lou Obermeyer)
Region 19: Elliott Duchon
Other Committee Members:
Tod Anton, Scribe
Dennis Byas, CIF Liaison
Christine Frazier, California County Superintendents Educational Services Association
Donald Carter, High School Districts Association
Bill Draa, Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team
Laurie Kimbrel, Schools for Sound Finance
Gil Montano, Regional Occupational Centers/Programs
Ralph Porras, Superintendents’ Symposium
Alice Petrossian, President, Association of California School Administrators
Bob Price, California League of Middle/High Schools
John Roach, California Association of Large Suburban School Districts
José L. Gonzalez, Latino Superintendents
Mary Sakuma, Small School Districts Committee
Gary Smuts, Association of Low Wealth Schools
Sandy Thorstenson, California City School Superintendents
Catherine Jovicich Walcott, WestEd
Bob Wells, ACSA Executive Director
Others Attending
Sherry Skelly Griffith, ACSA Governmental Relations
Joe Jones, ACSA Assistant Executive Director, Membership
George Manthey, ACSA Educational Services
Kari McVeigh, ELC Representative
Deanna Niebuhr, Coalition for Community Schools
Laura Preston, ACSA Governmental Relations
Cary Rodda, ACSA Communications
Lisa Villarreal, Coalition for Community Schools
Sal Villaseñor, ACSA Governmental Relations
Karen Stapf Walters, ACSA Assistant Executive Director, Governmental Relations
Julie White, Assistant Executive Director, Communications
2
ACSA ACADEMIES 2012-13 -- Mary Gomes
Advancing professional development in your districts is a major thrust of ACSA. All of ACSA’s
professional development opportunities are being well subscribed. This year there are 539
enrollees in academies. Mary shared the preliminary list of academies planned for 2012-13 with
locations noted. They include curriculum and instruction, special education, personnel, school
business, categorical programs, principals, and pupil services. There are two new academies on
charter school leaders and advanced school business being planned for the coming year.
Possible future academies may be for classified leaders and central office leaders.
Featured will be the ACSA Superintendents Academy in five locations (Burlingame, Fresno,
Oxnard, Whittier and Oceanside) around the state. This is a must for aspiring superintendents.
The academy offers 70 hours of instruction over seven weekend sessions.
SUPERINTENDENTS’ VOICE IN ACSA – Phil Quon/Bob Wells
Thinking about Effectiveness: Over the past two months, there have been several conversations
with groups of superintendents around the state, including Executive Director Bob Wells and
Council President Phil Quon, about becoming more proactive, making our meetings more
action-oriented, and ensuring that the voice of superintendents is well-represented and effective
in ACSA. We will try to email out ACSA staff reports to conserve time for discussion at council
meetings.
Time for Interacting: More time at council meetings should be used on what is going on and how
we can best function as system leaders. Let us consider restructuring our time together.
Should we have more focused agenda items? Should council meetings be stand alone or
linked to other meetings of superintendents such as CSBA conferences, the annual ACSA
Leadership Conference and the City Superintendents meetings. How can we use modern
communication to help keep us up-to-date? How can we use social media?
Symposium: The Superintendents’ Symposium has been seen as a professional development
time. Could it also contain some conversation forums, perhaps deliberating positions on issues,
perhaps coming to agreement? Could our council sponsor an action-oriented meeting on
Thursday at the Symposium? Perhaps later we could hold a press conference in Sacramento
on what California’s superintendents say, wish would happen.
Other ACSA Involvement: To advance our influence and involvement in ACSA, we need to be
involved in ACSA activities on charter and region levels.
Models: Darline Robles had an 80-superintendents action unit in LA County. Bob Wells has led
purposeful discussions among ROC/P superintendents. .
COALITION FOR COMMUNITY SCHOOLS -- Lisa Villarreal/Deanna Niebuhr
Forum on Community Schools: Districts were urged to consider sending representatives to the
Community Schools National Forum, “Scaling Up School and Community Partnerships: the
Community School Strategy,” in San Francisco, May 9-12, 2012. The Coalition for Community
Schools belief is that community schools are fundamental to education reform. There will be
sessions at the forum on working with local government partners, engaged learning, addressing
3
chronic absence, family engagement, early childhood education, STEM, etc.
successful community schools will be highlighted.
Examples of
Invitation to Superintendents: Aligned with the conference is a session for superintendents in
Oakland on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 on strategies, funding, innovative practices, results
expected, getting started, and enhancing what you are doing. For more information contact
Deanna at deanna@partnerforchildren.org.
TRANSFORMING CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS – Phil Quon/Bob Wells/George Manthey
George Manthey continued his work with the council in determining what should be the focus of
California’s overall plan for improving the quality of life through a revitalization of public
education.
The council examined fourteen recommendations from the literature on
transformative practice.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Make it Personal
Engage Actively in Practice of Democracy
Embrace Deeper, Not Wider Standards
Start with Early Childhood
Assess More, Test Less
Offer More Options and Choices
Stabilize Funding
Base Funding on Student Needs
Strengthen Quality
Involve Students and Parents
Emphasize Learning and Innovation Skills
Ensure Equal Opportunities for Success
Leverage Technology
Continue Transformation
Council members reviewed the fourteen recommendation areas and began discussion about
them. Among the ideas brought forth in discussion were systematic reform of the state system,
having students career and college ready, have 21st century facilities and learning
environments, develop responsibility of a citizen in a democracy, advance personal finance
skills, provide adequate as well as stabilized funding, test strategically, meaningfully and
smarter, career mathematics, take advantage of personal use of technology, character
education, respect, manners and morals, serve all kids helping all be successful, define multiple
pathways, foster professional learning organizations, continuous upgrading of staff competence,
enhancing instruction, recognizing effort, and strengthen skills for adapting to changing times.
The council will be continuing its review of the desired changes coming in delivering education.
THE NEXT SUPERINTENDENCY COUNCIL PRESIDENT -- Phil Quon
The council members considered five superintendents for the position of president of the council
for the three-year term, 2012-2015. Following a vote, Sandy Thorstenson of Whittier Union
High School District was welcomed as the incoming president.
4
PROPOSED COUNCIL MEETING DATES 2012-13 -- Phil Quon
Phil presented the proposed meeting dates for 2012-13:
September 20, 2012
November 1, 2012
November 30, 2012
January 30, 2013
*March 14, 2013
*May 9 or May 30, 2013
ACSA Sacramento Office
San Diego (in conjunction with Leadership Summit)
San Francisco (in conjunction with CSBA Conference)
Monterey (in conjunction with Superintendents’ Symposium)
ACSA Sacramento Office
ACSA Sacramento Office
There will be two reimbursable meetings. Three meetings are held in conjunction with
conferences council members will already attend. *Thursdays are not good days for visiting
legislators in Sacramento. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are better. We will come back with
additional information on last two meetings; they could be shifted to days earlier in the week.
GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS UPDATE, WAIVERS ON NCLB – Sherry Griffin
Raising the Waiver Option: The input of superintendents has enabled Sherry to elevate attention
to the issue of waivers on NCLB on the State Board of Education agenda. We have advocated
for a stronger waiver, the 2013 date was unacceptable. We worked on a waiver proposal to use
our API, focus on lowest performing schools, adopt the common core curriculum, and have a
plan for teacher and principal evaluation. The SBE has sent its current proposal back to the
drawing board. General thinking is that if a waiver request isn’t close to what Secretary Duncan
expects, it is dead in the water. The federal government could reopen the application process
beyond September. Michael Yudin, acting assistant secretary in the department’s office of
elementary and secondary education, recently stated that the department plans to open up
some sort of flexibility options for districts. It seems that at the state level, Texas and California
may sit out the waiver process.
State Board Position: Having the SBE apply for a waiver is not likely. CTA has objected to the
waiver idea. If the state applied for a waiver, there must be local union support. If a local district
(s) applies, union approval is not needed. A district or consortium can submit its own waiver
directly to the federal government. However, it may be prudent to keep your bargaining units
aware of progress toward a waiver.
Direct District Applications: President Obama and Secretary Duncan want waiver requests that
echo their vision. The waiver is a commitment to work toward the vision. California Office to
Reform Education (CORE), a group of school districts, is working on a waiver application. If
others like the proposal, they can use it. It would be nice to have a template for preparation of a
waiver request. Many, if not most, districts have insufficient central office staff to prepare a
waiver from scratch. Districts can work together, helping each other write a waiver. We heard
that Mayor Villaragoza has advocated in Washington for Los Angeles Unified’s waiver. We
want something ready to go soon.
Comments from the Council: We have too much pride, have worked too hard, have advanced
student learning too far to have our district labeled as low performing.
5
REAUTHORIZATION OF ESEA/ HOUSE BILLS HR 3989/HR 3990 -- Sherry Griffith
These bills, The Student Success Act and The Encouraging Innovation and Effective Teachers
Act, comprise about 1000 pages. Sherry shared two summaries of the bills’ content. The bills
have gone through committees, but haven’t gone to the floor. Action may wait until after the
election. What are the objections to these Republican bills? Most of the features are positive.
The Democrats like the Duncan waiver provisions better. The bills include:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Retain the English and math standards and testing.
Have a state accountability system, our API rather that the federal AYP
No labels imposed from the federal government.
Interventions locally determined
Eliminate definition of high qualified teachers.
Use the funds schoolwide
Teacher evaluation with student achievement a factor
Innovation in personnel management
Support for magnet schools, charter schools and other options
The social justice lobbying groups are influencing support for the Duncan vision. We need to
educate legislators on what is takes to transform schools.
ACSA working with AASA will weigh in on reauthorization of ESEA. AASA sees these bills as
the stepping stones to eventual action. AASA would like ACSA support. Are we comfortable in
moving these bills? Share with your regional superintendents and get feedback to Sherry
(sgriffith@acsa.org). Sherry will send letters to senators and congress members after
superintendents, legislative action and the ACSA board provide direction. There is a lot in these
bills to like. We’ll continue examination of bills at next meeting. If these bills start moving,
Sherry may set up a conference call
SUPPORT OF KLINE BILL TO FUND SPECIAL EDUCATION – Sherry Griffith
John Kline (R-MN), chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, has
requested additional funding for special education. Under current law the federal government is
authorized to fund up to 40% of additional cost for special education students. The highest
percentage the government has funded was 18.5% in 2005. Kline’s bill would raise the federal
contribution from 15.8% to more than 17%.
FCMAT -- William Draa
Bill Draa shared a report from FCMAT regarding the program status of the California School
Information Services. The report affirms that the CALPADS is making progress in gathering
information on enrollment, graduates, dropouts, teacher demographics, staff assignments,
student course enrollment and English learner services. Upgrades in the system and training
plans are ongoing. FCMAT/CSIS is prepared to deliver effective future support and
maintenance of CALPADS.
6
CALIFORNIA CITY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS -- Sandra Thorstenson
The City Superintendents’ spring conference will be in San Diego on April 26 and 27 at the
Westgate Plaza Hotel. Sandy Thorstenson distributed comprehensive information packets
regarding registration, agenda, presenters and activities. There will be round table discussions
on conference topics and best practices. Resource experts include Kate Kinsella, Sue Burr,
Bob Wells, Kevin Gordon, Vernon Billy, Ron Bennett, Deg Sigman, Jack Ehnes, and Sal
Villaseñor.
SUPERINTENDENTS’ SYMPOSIUM -- Ralph Porras
Ralph Porras noted that your comments and suggestions for the Superintendents’ Symposium
are sought, considered and appreciated.
CALIFORNIA INTERSCHOLASTIC FEDERATION -- Dennis Byas
The last meeting of the CIF was a short meeting as work continued on the review and
modification of the by-laws. It is taking some time due to having attorneys review each
modification.
The executive director, Marie Ishida, announced her plans to retire June 30, 2012. Since her
announcement, the CIF has formed a search committee to begin the search for a new executive
director.
PENSION REFORM AND CSBA POSITION – Phil Quon
Raising Retirement Age: CSBA is considering issues in the pension reform discussion. If you
have contacts with members of the CSBA delegate assembly, provide them with information on
the impact of raising the retirement age from 65 to 67. Discuss the needs of children and youth
and what is needed to provide effective teaching. You can share your experience in working
with teachers approaching retirement age.
Cap on Retirement Amounts: Also provide information on the issue of a cap on retirement
annuity payments. What would be the effect of a cap, say of $100,000, on the system, the
impact on recruiting qualified leaders? Also, STRS members and their districts contribute to the
system based on the members’ earnings. STRS is functioning rather well; it may only need a
little tweaking, not a major overhaul. The idea of gently ratcheting up contribution rates has
merit.
STRS CEO: Jack Ehnes, STRS Chief Executive Officer, will be at our next council meeting.
OTHER DOCUMENTS DISTRIBUTED AT THE MEETING
Deadline Approaches for Filing Form 700s FPPC Resources Assist Public Officials to Comply
with Disclosure Requirements and Explain New Rules Related to Gifts for 2012, from Fagen,
Friedman and Fulfrost.
7
CSU Early Assessment Program – Change in the Reporting of Test Results in English
NEXT MEETING DATE: Thursday, May 24, 2012, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., ACSA Sacramento
Office, 1029 J Street, Suite 320, Sacramento, CA 95814
ADJOURNMENT: The council president, Phil Quon, adjourned the meeting at 12:52 pm.
NOTES PREPARED BY: Tod Anton, Professor of School Administration Emeritus, California
State University, Stanislaus.
NOTES REVIEWED BY: Phil Quon, Superintendent, Cupertino Union School District, and Bob
Wells, Executive Director, Association of California School Administrators.
8