Sacramento City School Board—Area Two Highlights 2015
A Teacher on the School Board
Ellen Cochrane
Sacramento City School Board
Trustee Area 2
Sacramento City School Board
Trustee Area 2
The New Year holds much promise for Sac City, as well as many challenges. It seems that better economic times will offer a boost to the districts finances. However, the responsibilities of the district are complex and urgent and will require every new penny gained from taxes and a careful spending of resources. I consider votes on the budget to be one of the most important parts of my job.
When you contact elected officials you should hear back from them, promptly. The feeling that you’re yelling down a well is thoroughly unacceptable. One simple first year goal was to respond quickly to every constituent contact, via email, letter, phone or in person. So it goes for 2016, if you need anything SCUSD related—Call Me! (916) 457-2725.
At the beginning of last year retired teachers faced a crisis with health care when changes were abruptly made without a board vote. Under board direction the district has returned retirees’ health benefits as they were at the beginning 2015. Our retired teachers are secure.
Teachers will enter into contract negotiations this year. I support a 10% raise in teachers’ salaries and retention of solid health care benefits. While this raise may seem extraordinary, it will bring SCUSD teachers into parity with surrounding districts, which pay significantly higher salaries. Last year we started the school year with more than 80 unfilled credentialed positions. We cannot attract and retain new teachers unless we can compete with other districts. This spring I will participate in university visits (with district personnel) to promote the job openings in SCUSD. If you know of anyone who is interested in a teaching career, let me know!
Summer school of yore is no more, and most activity and elective courses are gone. Even credit recovery is not always available; however, SCUSD does have a bright spot. Visions 2000 Foundation’s College Prep Math & Reading Academy at Sac State is committed to addressing the critical needs and interests of students in the public school system. It is a model of summer school intervention that works with and supports SCUSD. In the dearth of summer school opportunities, it’s a bright light. One of my goals this year is to begin reinstating summer school programs.
Broader district endeavors include the 5 Year Strategic Plan, Local Control Spending, Restorative Justice, and contract negotiations. If you have any specific questions about these major issues feel free to contact me.
Area Two Highlights
Caleb Greenwood Elementary —Caleb continues to develop its International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which was authorized as a Primary Years Program in the spring of 2015. The school is part of the kindergarten-through-12th grade International Baccalaureate track for Kit Carson Middle School.
David Lubin Elementary—The students, teachers and parents are two years into developing a full STEAM program. Congratulations to the school.
Phoebe Hearst Elementary—This no-boundary school is gearing up for open enrollment. All parents have the ability to apply, but spaces are limited.
Tahoe Elementary—Tahoe neighborhood school is in the process of program reassessment. With a strong neighborhood association, new principal, dedicated staff and parents the New Year will bring many new ideas for the community to consider.
Theodore Judah Elementary—Ground will break for a new stick-built building this year. This is one of the first non-portable district additions in many years. The school boundary now includes McKinley Village. I advocated unsuccessfully for additional school crossing signage on Elvas Avenue at 40th street, but will continue to request Sacramento City School Board—Area Two Highlights 2015 | Ellen Cochrane:
