BOB'S TRACK RECORD AS TRUSTEE

By Robert A. "Bob" Singer

Bob Singer has made major contributions to the quality of the District during his tenure on the Board.

• Helped strengthen the curriculum, educational standards, and classroom effectiveness across the District

• Led efforts to introduce top-quality courses and magnet programs to meet the needs of both academic and vocationally-oriented students
  - International Baccalaureate Program at four high schools
  - Troy Tech Science/Computer magnet, FUHS Academy of the Arts, Sonora HS Medical Careers Academy, La Habra HS Heritage of the Americas, Buena Park HS School of Aviation Research, FUHS Culinary Arts Academy, JROTC programs at five schools

• Led effort to save and expand the District's agriculture programs. We now have the largest agriculture program in California.

• Supported well-selected staff development programs for strengthening instructional skills, using new classroom technology, and dealing with the changing mix of student backgrounds

• Five schools have become California Distinguished Schools, three National Blue Ribbon (or Exemplary) Schools, one New American High School, and several of our schools have won national or State-wide honors in science/technology, debate, social science, agriculture, and the arts

• La Vista High School selected this year as the only Model Continuation High School in Orange County

• Buena Park High School AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) program chosen as National Demonstration School

• State publications recognized the District's performance in writing, Advanced Placement, and student retention

• Insisted on careful allocation of funds, both near and long term, focusing on the classroom and direct educational benefits for students

• Reduced administrative and overhead costs, enabling increased investment into enhanced classroom instruction

• Built six new modern classroom buildings, one at each comprehensive high school, on schedule and within budget

• Moody's Wall Street evaluation of our construction bond stated that the District manages its finances "as well as any school district in America".

• Enabled use of one-time funds to benefit students:
  - Class size reduction in 9th and 10th grade English and 9th grade math
  - 7-period days for students in specialized programs
  - Preservation of valuable elective opportunities
  - Established the most extensive academic summer school in Orange County
  - Upgraded science and computer laboratories and facilities and installed air conditioning at all schools

• Assured sound financial condition of the District despite the Orange County bankruptcy and late and reduced State budgets

• Auditors consistently give our District an "A" rating for fiscal management

• District budget process and transportation management system became Statewide models

• Built strong partnerships among staff members, students, parents, the community, and the Board of Trustees

• Led efforts that enabled parents, community members, and teachers to have a greater role in school and District decision-making

• Helped secure five consecutive, three-year employment contracts with teachers, classified employees, and others that allowed District to focus on instruction and education

• In recent surveys, parents and teachers have indicated very high satisfaction with the schools, the District, and the Trustees. Received the highest ever satisfaction survey results (in over 20 years) in our most recent 2005 survey

• Established higher discipline standards

• Supported efforts to raise student attendance levels and reduce tardiness. We achieved the 2nd highest attendance rate in Orange County - so our students are in the classrooms to learn.

• Supported effective District programs for substance abuse prevention and student safety, including partnerships with local police departments

• Initiated implementation of District's comprehensive public accountability system, which has effectively guided policy-making for over 20 years

• Received invitations to present the District's accountability system to districts across the state and country