Schoolboard member John Garnica presents Piru Elementary School Principal Diana Vides with the Administrator of the Year award.

The April 7, 2015 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting began with recognizing four FUSD Staff and Student of the Year recipients. On the agenda, an update on the Federal Program Monitoring, and discussions on a new Mission Statement for FUSD.

The first to be recognized was Student of the Year David Cadena (who was not in attendance). Cadena, a senior at Fillmore High School (FHS), has been enrolled in every AP class starting as a freshman, and received a 4.0 GPA or higher for consecutive semesters. He was also an elected member of the Student Council and has received numerous awards for his academic and sports achievements.

Classified Staff of the Year was awarded to former FHS graduate Alfonso Martinez. Martinez has worked as a custodian for FUSD for nine years, previously at San Cayetano Elementary School and presently at Fillmore Middle School (FMS). Martinez, who coaches soccer at FHS, was recognized for his positive impact on his school community. School Board Member Scott Beylik spoke of his dedication and remarked that on rainy nights before the roof was replaced at FMS Martinez would drive to the gym at 2am to place buckets in the gym.

Certified Staff of the Year was awarded to Mary Allyn Garcia. Garcia who is presently teaching at Rio Vista Elementary School, has taught at Sespe, Mountain View, and San Cayetano Elementary School. She has four children who have all attended Fillmore schools, and her husband who is also a teacher. School Board Member John Garnica commented he has known Garcia for years and praised her leadership skills.

Administrator of the Year was awarded to Piru Elementary School Principal Diana Vides. Vides is a graduate of UC Davis and the credential program at CSUN. She is the recipient of the ConnectED Apple Award and coordinator for the migrant program.

The Federal Program Monitoring Update was presented by Assistant Superintendent Martha Hernandez. Monitoring was done in February at both FHS and FMS to make sure federal funds were spent properly and records are correctly documented. FUSD had 45 days to bring the cited items into compliance. The deadline was April 6, 2015.

Of the eighteen items requiring compliance, seven have been resolved (1 Uniform Complaint Procedure; 2 Physical Education; 3 Improving Teacher Quality; 1 Career Technical Education).

Extension have been approved for six (1 English Learner; 3 Education Quality; 2 Compensatory Education).
Extensions have been requested for five (4 Career Technical Education; 1 Compensatory Education). Most of the remaining unresolved items will be in compliance by May. The remaining problems are associated with Career Technical Education.

FUSD Superintendent Dr. Adrian Palazuelos approached the Board on updating FUSD's Mission Statement and presented a draft of what he would like to see implemented. Palazuelos began the process with input from teachers, staff, parents, city leaders and organizations on how to improve the district. Palazuelos explained that the new statement will help to identify the achievements made, provide a guide for the staff and hold each other accountable for success adding, "[We're] making sure we engage every day.....this will be part of the District’s DNA."

Board Member Sean Morris responded, "I appreciate all the effort." Beylik, who worked with Palazuelos on gathering information and responses, replied, "One of our goals was to layout the core values.....take it seriously."

Palazuelos spoke of the input custodians had. They suggested recycling projects in education, stating "The more opportunities we have to talk to staff the greater the new opportunities going forward." Transportation/bus drivers were also asked what input they had and were very receptive to contribute.

Board Member Lucy Rangel said she was pleased with the concept and said the only way things were going to improve would require everyone working together.

Once approved it will become Board Policy. The draft presented had four goals to expand on: Vision, Mission, Core Values, Strategic Goals. The Strategic Goals are a three year plan that address student achievement, English learners, staff and facilities. The first draft will be presented April 21, 2015.

The District put out a bid notice for the wireless and cables at FUSD, but only one bid was received. To receive the funding a competitive bidding process is required. Also, the bid received was double the funds available; Internal Connections from Nexus IS for $1,199,382. This exceeds the ERate allowance of $463,000 and local contributions of 13%-17%. The competitive funding is available for five years. FUSD has met the criteria and is approved for funding, but the setback will leave the District with only four years to get the upgrade completed, and require the work be approached again next year.

FHS students will have the honor of attending the US Navy SEAL Challenge once again. The competition will be held at Coronado, San Diego on April 24th and 25th.

Student Representative Irma Torres announced the Make a Wish FHS Program on April 24th at 8:30 a.m. and Ms. Mitzenmacher will be holding the annual Art Show at the Veteran's Memorial Building, Thursday April 16th.
In sports senior Justin Coert broke the FHS record in discus throwing 149 ft. at the Easter Relays on March 28th.