8:00 AM - Noon
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Dr. Swize welcomed everyone and then introduced Dr. Anderson.
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She announced with sadness the recent passing of Tiffany Mingo (psychologist).
 Dr. Anderson stated that for a year the District and Pinnacle Fund have been working to have an
Executive Director for the Pinnacle Fund. The interview process has taken place. The new director should be announced in September.
 Dr. Anderson announced that on a personal level, her daughter, Megan, will be getting married in March.
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Regarding the upcoming school year, Dr. Anderson discussed “what is the theme?” Every year it’s about change, as it has been in the past and will for the next years. She named the various changes that the District is experiencing
– LCFF, common core, synergy, accountability, funding, calendar and other issues.
Chris reminded everyone that the important thing is to embrace the change and be excited in the communication of it to staff.
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Mauricio introduced the new staff. He reintroduced Devlinn Clinton, VP at CV Charter; Louisa
Castrodale as coordinator of fine arts, Dennis Zink new VP at PSHS.
 Joan Boiko provided everyone the United Way packets for their site this morning. She mentioned that there would be a brief presentation a little later.
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Mike mentioned that before test scores discussion he would also talk about change. He mentioned that Sandi Enochs is out on extended leave and pursuing disability retirement. He mentioned there will be a new position created as Director of Data and Assessment and that goes to the Board next week for approval. Another change in the department is around Linked
Learning grants that have been received and a new job is being created as a Director of Linked
Learning and CTE. This will allow opportunity to grow the career technical academies. This position goes to the board for approval next week as well.
 Mike began a discussion of test scores and began with the history of the data. What he presented was raw data; no AYP restrictions are reflected. He presented a five-year look. He discussed the ELA-elementary data first. The trend was flat. ELA for secondary shows a decrease in MS and an increase in HS. Math for the district is flat for the past 3-year period.
Elementary math is overall stronger than secondary. Fifth grade math took a significant dip.
Sixth grade math had a significant increase; 7th flat; 8th grade had an increase as did Algebra I.
Focus has been on MS math. Science has been an area that has grown steadily until this year - down across the board this year. Social studies, an overall increase (strong at 8th grade and
US History). Mike mentioned there would be time to hear some of the success stories today.
CV, VdM had gains. Middle schools and high schools had good news on both fronts.
 Mike asked Mike Long to talk about his success at RV this year. Mike Long talked about the
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starting point last year - 4th and 5th grade. He explained that he decided to focus on 4th/5th grade in Math and stated several programs he implemented, including the use of classroom responders and a study table in the classrooms.
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Mike introduced Brian Murray who introduced the next segment. Tony Knapp shared the presentation time with Brian. Tony focused specifically on elementary progress and plans for
CCSS. They used a PPT and stated that it would be sent to everyone later via email for future reference. The discussion began with the Timeline for CCSS. Brian and Tony spent the time moving through the timeline for implementation. Tony focused on the Unit of Study companion and the next steps - again, this info is detailed in the PPT handout. Tony discussed the
Elementary common core PD implementation. He stated that common core will definitely be implemented beginning with 2nd grade and has already begun K-2. Brian discussed the common core PD implementation plan for secondary. The wrap-up presented by Tony and
Brian included successes in 2013. Brian asked some teachers to speak to why they experienced API growth. (Mike Long spoke earlier.) The teachers who shared their successes were: Kiela Snider/DSMS (largest growth in Math); Joe Scudder/VdM (multi-year process based on changes in staff culture; focused on good teaching; met 16 of 17 API targets with good growth in math); Ryan Saunders/PHMS (credits academic team, AVID program, tutoring; PD
AVID summer institute, and Data analysis; invited Eric Antuna to speak to improvements in 8th grade math); Milt Jones/Alt Ed ( based growth on three “R’s” - relationships, respect and reward;
ELA was bumped up significantly; focus on CAHSEE; principal visibility in classrooms on testing days; monitored details in print outs - participation rate).
 Tony also mentioned that CV is our first school over 900 API.
Mike introduced Jeff Theory from the United Way of the Desert. He spoke re the UW program in the
Valley with emphasis on targeting funds to many multiple entities. He also spoke about financial responsibility and encouraged participation from PSUSD staff.
Dr. LaMar led a discussion on state and federal funding. She reminded that FPM applies to everyone.
District was reviewed in five areas last year (about 75 specific areas within the five) – PSUSD was found perfect in all areas. Diana complimented the four schools that were identified for review: JC, CY,
NNC and RCMS. They were required to provided many documents and supporting receipts and had to send a multitude amount of paperwork (all online only) – a very rigorous process. She encouraged everyone to take time to read the story being told when preparing site SPSAs because that is what is used for comparison when a site is audited. Diana thanks everyone for providing great records overall - minutes, receipts, notes, etc.
Jane Mills introduced the guest from Sprigeo who will launch the bullying program, Joe Bruzzese. Joe said that administrators should have received their link for login, but if they have not, they should send an email to team@sprigeo.com
and they will resend. Joe demonstrated the Sprigeo Web site, using a test site with data. He provided the information that administrators need to get going. Other support can be given thru the year. He suggested that the primary responder for the site be identified so everyone on the team knows who that lead person will be.
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Mike stated that many projects have been in the works in Student Services thru the summer and Jane has worked to put plans into action.
 Jane stated the goal is to improve attendance rates, reduce discipline, work toward reducing time administrators are pulled off campus for expulsion hearings.
 Jane talked about changes in Ext of Suspension meetings and shared the new format for working through Ed Services. She said the plan is to offer alternative opportunities via conference calls, Skype, etc. (possibly using Google hang-out app)
 Jane said 9-12th Rebound program has been eliminated and shared the options in place.
 Jane stated they are rol ling out the Expulsion Panel “Duty” using 4-6 retired administrators onboard to be a part of the panel (cutting down on the amount of time administrators have to serve). She also discussed how the law has changed the use of Other Means of Correction.
She explained the definitions and examples of alternative intervention.
 Jane concluded with support programs in place. Four Prevention Specialists have been added to mentor, support and monitor Essential Students (one at each high school). She announced th e Botvin’s Life Skills lessons will be offered to all 5th graders by Jewish Family Service. 9th graders will all be getting another anti-bullying class thru JFS. Jane provided schedules for
Smile Factory, T-Dap, Vision and Hearing.
 The District will be allotting some additional general fund financial support for SPED teachers and schools this year. District will allocate $500 per SDC or SH class per school to provide additional clerical support for IEPs or other clerical needs.
 Mike briefly demonstrated the new Electronic Principal’s Handbook that is located on the P: drive which has been updated and is nearly complete. The resource can be opened in iBooks on iPads. Will Carr will finalize and a link will be sent for sharing this with site staff.
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Mauricio began talking about the improvement of steps in eliminating the under-performing teachers based on documentation, adequate support, etc. PAR is not a “death-walk”; most people who go in also come out intact. Kudos to administrators.
 Every year sexual harassment policy, disaster preparedness and technology safety policy must be reviewed. Mauricio announced that uniforms and security staff colors will be changing for the uniforms this year.
 Mauricio stated that three managers, three PSTA and three teamsters are on a committee to explore and compare other medical groups vs the group we are currently with. This committee meets monthly, receiving information on medical benefits, etc., and will be educated through
December. The District may go out to bid soon thereafter. Everyone will be kept apprised of what is being learned.
 Mauricio stated that union negotiations will be very important this year. PSTA will pursue a defined workday; want staff meeting restrictions; stipends; 2-1-2 scheduling; grade level or department chair voting; elementary prep coverage. The management side is looking at middle school minutes and staff development days for common core, etc.
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Lisa Howell talked about fiscal issues and changes, and mentioned re E-track that class size reduction may not be as affected as she first reported. State is recognizing that it is just impossible to do what the law is requiring. K-TK class size is target 28.23 (not more than 33 as from last year); grades 1-3 is
29.03 (not over 32) - The District will need to be slightly better than that; grades 4-8 is 29.9 average size. Average is recorded at end of each month. The goal will be to reduce class size K-3 over time.
Using a PPT, Lisa showed and explained the breakdown of budget funds with LCFF, stating that the amount of money is known but the rules for spending are still an unknown.
Denise Ellis, PSLA President, made introductions of the PSLA officers for the coming year. She also invited everyone to participate in the raffle opportunity and to also attend the social at Escena that would follow the Principals Meeting today.
Recorder: Theresa O’Dell
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