Highlights from Oster Elementary
Principal Lisa Taormina introduced Oster educators and students and a glimpse into Oster’s Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI) program.
Linda Cline, teacher on special assignment at Oster, explained that LLI is designed as a short term intervention program of approximately 6-8 weeks of supplemental instruction. The program started with 1st grade students and has expanded to serve students through 5th grade. Students are assessed throughout the 6-8 week period to measure progress.
Gladys Beagle, who works directly with students in LLI groups, shared about her experience. She described how students get really excited and how after reading the book together, the group engages together to discuss the beginning, middle and end of the story, write sentences and draw pictures. She also shared how the program has boosted students’ confidence when they finish reading, and how the students can see and experience the progress they make in realtime.
Teachers Dawn Ullmark and Kathy Hudson spoke to the need to address the large variance of abilities within their classroom and how LLI has been able to support students who need additional instruction in foundational skills. The LLI aides have provided that valuable support and they have both seen a measurable improvement.
Oster students Dyllan, George and Kendall shared how the program has improved their reading skills and how they have all enjoyed being a part of the LLI program. Currently reading Charlotte’s Web in class, Dyllan shared that LLI has made a difference for him and that his goal is to read more smoothly. George explained how LLI has helped him be more confident with his reading. Kendall shared that she has started reading more difficult books, is more relaxed reading aloud, and now enjoys reading for fun. Thank you teachers and students for sharing about the Leveled Literacy Intervention program at Oster.
Announcement of New Principal at Guadalupe Elementary
Following approval by the Board of Trustees, Ms. Daisy Barocio was announced as the new principal for Guadalupe Elementary School as of July 1, 2022. Dr. Andrews introduced Ms. Barocio, sharing that, “she has a wealth of experience that will add value to this District and to Guadalupe.” Dr. Andrews also thanked the Guadalupe community, staff and interview panelists for their participation during the rigorous search process.
Ms. Barocio has been a 5th-8th grade science teacher and bilingual kindergarten teacher. She has served in several leadership capacities–as principal in a TK-8th grade school as well as a Director of Student Achievement, Instructional Coach and most recently as Director of Educational Services.
“I am excited to be provided with this honor, this privilege, and this great responsibility to serve the Guadalupe community,” Ms. Barocio shared with the Board, Dr. Andrews and the public. She shared her excitement to partner together with the Guadalupe community, educators and leaders and will begin getting to know the community prior to the transition this summer.
Field and Facility Use
In compliance with the Civic Center Act, Union School District makes school and athletic facilities available for rental when they are not being used for school purposes. In order to optimize facility utilization and rental revenues, the District is considering utilizing a full service facilities management system. Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Rita Sohal provided an overview of the current field and facility use process and goals for the program. Representatives from Facilitron presented information on their field and facility use rental management system.
As Mrs. Sohal explained, the current challenges around facility use include:
- Extensive staff time to process applications and fee payments
- Underutilization of available facilities and fields; we have several spaces/fields not being utilized currently
- Maintenance costs (proportionate share) exceed reimbursements
- Current permitting system is difficult to navigate and view available facilities
No Board action was taken during this discussion item.
Click here to view the full Field/Facilities Use presentation.
Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) Plan 2022-25
As part of the 2021-22 proposed state budget plan and legislative Assembly Bill 130, Associate Superintendent of Learning and Innovation Sarah Jellin and Director of Educational Services Heather Scharer provided an overview of the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP). The program plan outlines how Union School District will extend learning opportunities beyond the school day, during summer and during intersession to a minimum of 50% of our TK-6th grade unduplicated students. The ELOP will be integrated with our well established Extended Day program and additional community partners.
Click here to view the Expanded Learning Opportunities Grant Plan.
Approval of the 2021-22 Employment Agreement with the California School Employees Association (CSEA)
The CSEA bargaining unit and the Board's representatives reached Tentative Agreement on a reopener to negotiate Article 8.1 Salary for the 2021-22 school year.
The Board of Trustees held a public hearing and approved the 2021-22 Employment Agreement with the California School Employees Association (CSEA).
Union District Educators Association (UDEA) Opener Proposal to Union School District
The current 2019-22 Collective Bargaining Agreement between Union District Educators Association (UDEA) and Union School District (USD) expires June 30, 2022. The district received the initial proposal to negotiate the UDEA-USD collective bargaining agreement at the District Office in March. The proposal was “sunshined” during the April 11 Board Meeting per Ed Code requirement.
Click here to view the sunshine statement from UDEA.
The Board held a public hearing and unanimously approved the acceptance of the UDEA reopener.
Revised Board Policies
The Board of Trustees approved the new and revised Board Policies. One of the roles of the Governing Board is to ensure District Board policies are reviewed, added, removed and kept up to date in order to keep the District legally compliant. Click the links below to review the new/updated policies.