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June 29, 2005
Forget the track - the train has already run us over
59% of Californians think the state is on the wrong track. Many think it's unlikely to be turned around. 29% of those surveyed believe it's our schools that are the main problem.
I don't know about that. Although I do think that the schools are not only not on the right track, I think the train has already run us over.
Without a summit, or a frank discussion as to the ills of public education, we will continue to see a downward spiral in the quality of public education in California, and subsequently California in general.
Let's discuss as adults:
How do other states fund their schools?
What does it cost to run a school?
What's the appropriate size of a school?
How do other districts in other states fund maintenance?
Teacher & staff working conditions
Taxation & Prop 13
The costs of Illegal immigration
Parental Involvement
Spending cuts and re-prioritization
What else should be on the table? Frankly, I am ready to discuss it all, and sit in Sacramento until some "leader" takes up the charge. Our leaders in Sacramento have failed to make education, and educational reform a reality, or even a priority.
And so, we will.
Tim Keaney
Posted by Tim Keaney at 09:19 AM
June 27, 2005
A Classic Legislative Tale
You're not going to believe this, but it's true: Politicians in Sacramento and Washington are wasting your tax dollars. Yep, it's true - I'll bet your SHOCKED!
Don't ask me, ask Dan Walters and his crack staff at the Sacramento Bee. Walters issues a story today about state and federal funds (in the tens of millions) going to support a Northern California railroad. It's been going on for years since Southern Pacific Railroad killed it as a money loser. Nope, private business didn't "get it" and the state and feds came in to pick up the tab.
Except the joke is on them, and subsequently you, the taxpayer. Want to know why? READ THE TRUTH FOR YOURSELVES.
YES - it's true. The Railroad doesn't exist. Never really has. But you're paying for it, every year, over and over again.
So the next time someone says "We shouldn't cut spending, we should raise taxes", Feel free to refer them here for an eye opening education on your tax dollars in action. Folks, we HAVE enough money for education, if our leaders in the Legislatures weren't so stupid.
Tim
Posted by Tim Keaney at 01:52 PM
Summer School is a GOOD thing
Kids all over Ventura County are headed to summer school today to get remedial help in math and reading. This is a great thing that will help bring these kids up to speed and get them ready for the next school year.
When I was young, summer school meant cool programs, different programs that weren't available during the year. It's too bad it can't be both.
The GREAT thing though, is it's really helping the kids that need it. And, it seems that increased Standards from the state are, in part, driving the need and success.
From the Star...
"Simi Valley district is not getting more students needing summer school this year in the elementary grades. The students who are enrolled seem to be from the lower grades rather than the higher, Wetzel said.
It's a trend she attributes to the state's increasingly stringent standards, allowing teachers to see problems earlier in a student's academic career.
"We have lots of children that are first-graders that we want to get in and get their reading skills up to par," she said.
About 500 of Simi Valley's fifth- through eighth-grade will attend summer school this year."
If the state standards are helping schools intervene earlier and help kids along at an earlier age, I, for one, think this is a good thing.
What say you?
Tim
Posted by Tim Keaney at 08:52 AM
June 20, 2005
Um, forget what we said about new white boards
Or modernization, or new technology, or updated safety systems and libraries at Simi Valley's schools. In a stunning announcement (interestingly not even mentioned by the Star) The SVUSD, in a recent Daily News Story said it wasn't going to have enough Bond money to finish all of their projects.
1. They underestimated construction costs
2. They're 20% over budget at Royal High alone
3. Labor costs are higher than expected
4. Lots of districts have passed bonds, as well as the College District (Which also admits it has the same problem and is realigining priorities) so there is limited supply of contractors, driving up prices.
The meaning of all of this is clear. Simi Valley has two schools that have been modernized, and a 3rd is under modernization right now. There will not be enough money to fund a plethora of modernization, let alone new construction throughout the district. Remember those projects you were promised at your school site in order to pass the bond?
They are not going to happen.
So what would you do? If you were a Trustee of the district, and your worst nightmare for the bond was actually coming true, what would you do? What priorities would you have for the school district, and what projects would you abandon?
What would you do differently, technology-wise to get more done with less? What fundraising efforts would you undertake to get needed modernizations funds? Would you go back to the taxpayer?
Would you build the performing arts center at Santa Su? Many say that is an $8.75 million mistake, that if eliminated from the project list, could provide almost $300K in funds per untouched school.
Would you spend the money on new construction? Play equipment projects at elementary schools?
In other words, the Trustees have the responsibility to come up with solutions. But if you have some creative ones, let's hear them. The district needs solutions, and fast. If they've gone through $30-45 million in just a year, and it was all a ten-year plan - then SVUSD is on track to be out of bond funds by 2008.
What say you?
Tim Keaney
Posted by Tim Keaney at 06:54 PM
June 17, 2005
Help our schools - Win a new House!
Recently, the Irvine Public Schools Foundation raffled off a house, yes, a house, with proceeds going to programs in the Irvine Public Schools. It was a hugely successful event, and they are gearing up to do it again.
Their impressive website claims the following, very specific mission of this group: "Enriched art, science, and music programs, retaining class size reduction, music instrument rental, after school enrichment classes, and innovative teaching methods in our middle and high schools are just some of the activities funded and managed by IPSF for the benefit of our public school students."
Apparently it raised over $1 million for Irvine Public Schools.
What would you do with $1 million extra dollars for your school district? What programs would you hold dear, or sponsor? Are there programs you would restore? Are there programs that get the short end of the stick, that would receive additional funding?
This is the ultimate public/private cooperation, and for the bnefit of kids. Innovative ideas beget action.
I want to congratulate the Irvine Public Schools Foundation, for working to make a difference for kids in school!
Tim Keaney
Posted by Tim Keaney at 07:52 PM
June 14, 2005
The Battle for California
Ok - so it seems the special election is set for November. The estimates of its costs are in the $40-$80 million range. But the costs to California, in terms of the political warfare we are about to encounter, are incalculable.
There is one issue on the ballot that will simply cause the biggest fight, and trust me, the proponents and opponents are already lining up - including money and interests from outside of California.
So which issue on the special election ballot is this?
Lewis Uhler's so-called "employee consent" act. According to the Sac Bee, the measure would require public employee labor unions to get written consent from their members before using any of their dues for political campaigns.
The back-story is this: Public Employee Union Employees often disagree with the political positions and motives of their unions. Their union dues are collected, and membership is compulsory.
The other backstory: Unions collect millions in dues, and will spend it on this campaign to continue to do just that.
So, if you are a teacher, cop or other public service employee, I want to hear from you! What do you think? Should your leadership get your specific permission before spending dues? What would you LIKE to see your dues spent on? Would you opt-out if you could?
This is going to be the battle Royale of the fall. Tell me what you think...
Tim
Posted by Tim Keaney at 03:59 PM
June 12, 2005
A School Near You?
A recent visit to a school district web site showed me the STANDARDS that each of their elementary school students was expected to master before they move on to middle school. Below are just the basic STANDARDS students are expected to master in Foreign Languages and Technology:
Foreign Language
By the end of Grade 5, our students are expected to:
participate in exploring languages other than English.
Students will:
-experience one or more languages and cultures;
-develop effective strategies for learning foreign languages;
-develop basic communicative skills in one or more languages;
-develop and maintain the ability to hear and reproduce a variety of language sounds;
-develop the confidence needed to risk speaking a foreign language;
-develop a positive attitude toward acquiring a foreign language.
Technology
In grades 3 through 5, students are expected to
demonstrate mastery of all grades pre-K - 2 technology skills, plus:
-use menu options and work with multiple software programs simultaneously;
-demonstrate keyboarding speed and technique appropriate for grade level;
-use graphics, databases, spreadsheets and simulations to solve problems and express ideas;
-use a variety of data types, including text, graphics, digital audio and video;
-use computerized simulations;
-use research skills and electronic communication to create knowledge and participate in group projects;
-use technology to evaluate work.
So which Ventura County School district is posting this type of information on their web site? Which Ventura County School district has this level of expectations for their students? I've visited Ventura's district web site, Simi's and Oxnard's and sorry to say, not only do they not have these expectations, they don't even post what expectations they DO have. See for yourself:
Same for the Ventura County Sup of School office - Nope, nothing - NADA.
So - this school district I posted above has high achieving standards for science and foreign languages. Does yours? Do you know?
I'll announce you as the winner of the week if you can name the School District that POSTS these standards and has these expectations for their kids. (HINT - It's NOT in Ventua County.)
Where is it....?
Tim
Posted by Tim Keaney at 12:12 PM
June 01, 2005
Do Higher Taxes Help Our Schools?
Happy June!
June gloom has set in, kids are almost out of school for the summer, and the State Capitol budget negotiations (well, turf wars) are heating up! It's going to be a hot summer!
Yesterday, Assembly speaker Fabian Nunez proposed raising the top income tax rates on families and small business owners to provide an extra $3.1 billion in new taxes next year that would go to California's public schools.
It's a proposal that is probably DOA because he needs a 2/3's majority to get it passed, but it does beg the question - Do higher taxes save our schools?
What do you say?
Do higher taxes mean better schools?
How much are you willing to invest in tax money in our schools?
What do you consider GOOD schools, or well funded schools?
If our schools educate all of our kids, shouldn't everyone have to pay?
Why would we RAISE taxes without EVALUATING spending?
Another question I have is this - is the Nunez proposal even constitutional? Under prop 98, 40% of the general fund is suppose to go to education. Wouldn't that mean that just 40% of the increase would go to schools? IF so, where would the other 60% go? If not so, is this tax increase OUTSIDE of prop 98 funding?
And - how would this money be spent?
Inquiring minds want to know...
What say you?
Tim Keaney
Posted by Tim Keaney at 10:33 AM
