Common Core, Budget, New Property and Lots More

Common Core

Before you read on, I ask you to do one thing.  Please view this video on the Common Core. Once you view it, please pass the link on to at least 4 other people.  Common Core is taking place, and we, the people, have yet to have the debate over the pros and cons.

"Ever since the Federal Government, in the mid-sixties, became heavily involved in public education, we've been consistently fighting that battle over standardization versus freedom.  Freedom should be our goal."
--Utah Congressman (and former public school teacher) Rob Bishop



My fellow board member, Paula Hill, has written an excellent piece on the Common Core.  Click here to see her comments.  She states it very well, and adds the perspective of a school teacher. 

Americans have a history of prizing and valuing local control, especially when it comes to the education of our children.  We want an educated populace, but we take seriously the responsibility that parents have of doing just that.  At the top of my blog, you will see a quote from Jefferson about turning education of children over to "any other general authority of the government". Jefferson's opinion was that parents needed to manage the schools, and that believing government could do it better was a complete fairy tale (his words "a belief against all experience").  The responsibility for education rests with the parents.  Our schools exist to aid parents in this responsibility.  Common Core takes this idea and allows us to turn the responsibility and the accountability over to another pseudo-government entity, unelected, and unaccountable to you as a parent.  As the teacher in the above video mentions, if she has concerns with what her children are being taught, she can't go to the school, the district, or even the state anymore.  This is a fundamental transformation of the responsibility, the accountability, and the power associated with educating our children. 

Budget/Agenda for 6/21/11

The 2011-12 budget for the school district is on the agenda for Tuesday's Board meeting (along with Trustlands plan approvals, and association (teachers, school support services, and administrators) labor contracts.  For full agenda, please see below or click here.  I would like to see more public, as well as board, involvement in the budget process earlier on.  I have discussed this subject with the administration, but will be discussing it with the full board, hopefully, during the study session.  Associated with the Common Core thread, from above, the proposed budget contains $860K for implementation of the Common Core. 

New Property for Junior High in Eagle Mountain

On the Agenda for Tuesday's meeting is the proposed purchase of property for the new Junior High in Eagle Mountain.  There have been two properties under consideration, and many of you have written to express your thoughts about the different options.  We have taken into account, bussing costs, infrastructure costs, power needs, as well as the overall land prices.  The bottom line is when all these things are accounted for, the proposal for the Mid-Valley location makes the most sense, both financially and logistically.  I would be happy to answer any questions you might have about why I will be supporting this purchase.

Meeting with Eagle Mountain City

Wednesday, I had the opportunity to meet with the Mayor and City Council Members of Eagle Mountain City, along with my fellow board members.  It was good to get their perspective on their growing population.  We discussed the needs the district has when looking at properties for new schools.  The city often requires large developers to include plans for school sites as they present their plans to the city for approval.  We discussed when would be the appropriate time for the district to be involved in that process.

Agenda

STUDY SESSION

4:00 P.M.

The purpose of the study session will be to receive an overview of the proposed 2011-2012 M&O budget and an update regarding the proposed November 2011 bond.

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

6:00 P.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

REVERENCE

RECOGNITIONS

COMMUNITY COMMENTS

MINUTES

CLAIMS FOR MAY

ROUTINE BUSINESS
1. Budget Report

2. Personnel Reports

3. Alpine Foundation Report

4. Student Releases

5. Student Expulsion

6. Student Reinstatements

7. Property Items

A. Resolution 2011-009 – Purchase of Property in Eagle Mountain

B. Resolution 2011-010 – Sale of Property in Saratoga to LDS Church

ACTION ITEMS
1. Adoption of Bond Resolution and Designated Officer

2. Public Hearing – Approval of the 2010-2011 Final Budget

3. Public Hearing – Approval of the 2011-2012 Tentative Budget

4. Approval of the 2011-2012 School Land Trust Plans

5. Approval of the 2011-2012 Certified Negotiated Agreement

6. Approval of the 2011-2012 Classified Negotiated Agreement

7. Approval of the 2011-2012 Administrative Agreement

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEM
1. Proposed Change of Date for August Board Meeting – to August 16

DISCUSSION ITEM
1. Revised 2013-2014 School Calendar

REPORTS
1. Membership Report

BOARD MEMBERS’ AND SUPERINTENDENT’S INFORMATION ITEMS

CLOSED SESSION

ADJOURNMENT

Proposed 2012 Budget

The proposed budget for this next fiscal year can be downloaded from the district's website here.  I am personally thrilled that it is listed as one of the 'revolving' items on the main page of the website.  Thanks to our district staff for getting this information out to the public in such an easily accessible format!

Please take a moment to peruse the budget and give me your feedback.  A printed, bound copy was delivered to me yesterday.