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E-Updates
TAG update - District in compliance
Salem-Keizer's Talented and Gifted (TAG) program is in compliance with state requirements, based on a report by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) released this week.
In summary, the report stated: .... compliance has been demonstrated. Many of the corrective action items have been implemented exceptionally well. Other items have been implemented to demonstrate compliance, but may need additional attention and refinement in order for Salem-Keizer to maintain its compliance.
In March 2008, Oregon Department of Education found that Salem-Keizer was not in compliance with Oregon Administrative Rule 581-022-1320 and 581-022-1330 regarding TAG programs. Corrective actions were recommended. This spring, ODE staff reviewed our progress toward compliance and released a detailed report of findings this week.
Here are a few highlights from the report:
- 100% of teachers were able to identify who their TAG students were
- 91% of teachers (who were interviewed by ODE) were able to explain strong examples of differentiated instruction they have used this year for TAG students.
- 100% of teachers interviewed by ODE could clearly site specific examples of pre-assessments they used to determine TAG students' level of learning and formative assessments used to determine TAG students' rate of learning.
- ODE also commended Salem-Keizer for its use of the TAG Advisory Council as an avenue for on-going two-way communication between stakeholder groups.
The full report can be viewed at: http://www.salemkeizer.org/system/files/S-KCAPReportJUNE2009.pdf
2009-10 budget is ready for Board vote
The proposed budget for the next school year has been reviewed by the Citizen Budget Committee and recommended for approval by the School Board. The School Board will meet in a special session on June 23 to vote.
The proposed budget includes cuts and reductions in programs and services: $8.6 million cuts from central services, $9 million reduction in reserves, and $4.5 million from instructional services.
In addition, $5 million was pending as we worked with our employee associations. A few things have been done since the proposed budget was released on May 27.
Salem-Keizer Association of Classified Employees members approved a memorandum of understanding that includes lowering the cost of living increase and taking unpaid leave. The Salem-Keizer Education Association members are currently reviewing a proposed memorandum. And school/district administrators had already agreed early in the year to give up their cost of living increase. All of these add up to just over $4 million in cuts.
We're still about $900,000 short and plan to find the remainder through vacant licensed positions and licensed staff attrition to prevent anyone from losing their job.
Again, this is a budget based on a best estimate of State funding. The State Legislature is still determining the K-12 education funding level. Once that number is known, we will update the School Board and this might mean an adjustment to our budget. However, State law requires us to adopt a budget by June 30 of each year so that is why we are moving forward based on a best estimate of State funding.
If you would like to review the proposed budget presentation, please visit our web site at http://www.salemkeizer.org/inside24j/special-edition-may-28-2009/superintendents-2009-budget-message
Deputy superintendent leaving Salem-Keizer
Deputy Superintendent Glenn Gelbrich is leaving Salem-Keizer to be the new Superintendent of Schools for the Juneau, Alaska school district.
Gelbrich made the announcement today to district staff. "This is an exciting step in my career and I feel fortunate to have learned from all of you in preparation for this move. I will miss so many of you, but I am so thankful that I've had the chance to know you and work with you," said Gelbrich.
His new position in Juneau, Alaska is effective July 1.
Need Your Feedback on Student Stories
We need your feedback on the Student Stories publication
Local business, Mountain West Investment Corporation, funds the monthly publication called Student Stories. This publication gives our students an opportunity to publish their written and artistic work in the Statesman Journal. Mountain West would like to know if the publication is useful and promotes a positive image of our students.
Please take a minute to fill out the online survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=dE1HWuKY42msAjtJjzziWg_3d_3d
Deadline to submit feedback is June 5.
If you'd like to view the current and past issues of Student Stories, please go to http://www.salemkeizer.org/content/student-stories
ALSO - Last night's presentation on the proposed budget for 2009-10 is online:mms://159.121.94.26/skbudget052709.wmv
Proposed budget released on Wednesday, May 27
Wednesday, May 27 ... the Proposed Budget is released
Superintendent Sandy Husk will deliver her Budget Message, which is an overview of the 2009-10 budget including proposed cuts.
The message will be presented at 6 p.m. at SSC, School Board meeting room (2575 Commercial St. SE). The meeting is open to the public, but no public testimony will be taken at that time.
If you can't go ...
CCTV Salem will air it on cable TV and on their Web site as well - ww.cctvsalem.org. We'll post links to it on our Web site - www.salemkeizer.org also.
Hammond graffiti removal project; Gubser sings for spring; sports physical night
Three items:
1. Hammond removal graffiti project - May 30
2. Photos: Gubser students sing for May; and a bit of "Gubser Idol" at Iris Festival
3. Sports Physical Night - August 19
1. Help Hammond Elementary with their "remove-graffiti-from-our-community" project
On Saturday, May 30th (10 a.m.) the entire community will be working together to paint the exterior fences along Kale and Bayne Street, as well as clean up the general area. We are working with the City of Salem Police Department, Marion County Sheriff's Department, and the City of Salem Graffiti Abatement Program to make this a success. We want anyone and everyone in the community to be a part of this project, to send a positive message about our neighborhood.
If you would like to volunteer, donate supplies, or help in any way, please contact Hammond School.
Jason Weaver: weaver_jason@salkeiz.k12.or.us 503-399-3454
Volunteers meet at NE and NW corners of Kale and Bayne streets.
2. PHOTO Gallery highlight - Gubser Elementary choir:
On May 14th, about 90 Gubser first graders entertained their families by singing songs about spring. The program was titled "Hey May!" and was held at 7 p.m. in the Gubser gymnasium. The program was directed by Holly Albertson.
http://picasaweb.google.com/hollybooalby/HEYMAY1STGRADEPROGRAM2009#
The Keizer Iris Festival Village was entertained by Gubser Choir members on Saturday, May 16th at 2 p.m. The choir sang three songs including an eight minute medley of 22 Broadway songs. This was followed by their version of "Gubser Idol", a non-competitive talent showcase. Holly Albertson directed.
http://picasaweb.google.com/hollybooalby/IrisFestivaal2009#
3. Sports Physical Night is set for August 19
Therapeutic Associates has scheduled the yearly Salem-Keizer School District sports physical night. It will be at McKay High School (2440 Lancaster Dr. NE) on August 19th from 4:30-7pm. The cost will be $35.00 but if the student qualifies for free or reduced lunch, the physicals are free. Each student athlete must bring with them an OSAA School Sports Pre-Participation Examination form.
Budget talks between SKACE and district continue
This is an FYI to keep you updated on work being done around the budget shortfall:
The district and SKACE (Salem-Keizer Association of Classified Employees) interest-based problem solving teams have worked toward resolving the district's budget shortfall for the 2009-2010 school year, through discussion of common interests:
- Minimum impact on student achievement
- Preserving jobs for our employees
- Honoring our group relationships and promoting trust
- Least amount of impact on employee insurance and retirement
- Sharing the financial burden across the employee group
- Maintaining the level of service in the district
The teams reached a tentative agreement that will be shared with the SKACE membership and the district next week.
Also - put May 27 on your calendar. Superintendent Sandy Husk will present the proposed budget for the 2009-10 school year at an evening meeting with the Budget Committee. We'll send out a formal notice of the meeting next week.