Open letter to voters

By Jan Wagner

Four years ago you supported my re-election because we shared a vision of progress for our children, our schools and our community. Here is why I am again asking for your vote.

Four years ago I shared my priorities with you, and asked that you hold me accountable for progress toward our shared goals. I am proud to be able to say that much has been accomplished. There is also much more to do.

School Facilities: I am so pleased! After over twenty years of lobbying, cajoling, and serving on committees to address school overcrowding and deterioration in PYLUSD, I was instrumental in developing, approving, and implementing a strong Facilities Master Plan. The plan has six parts:

State Modernization Funds + We moved agressively to receive state approval to modernize all but three of our schools. 40% of the cost was paid locally, and 60% was paid by the state.

Local Bond Funds + Together we approved Measure Y, our local bond issue. Measure Y funds continue to provide PYLUSD's share of the modernization plan, plus provided the local matching funds necessary to access state school bond funds.

California State School Bond Funds - Together, state and local bond funds modernized twenty-four schools and built an elementary Placentia. Bond funds are also being used to build a new middle school in Placentia, and purchase land for the new Yorba Linda High School.

Yorba Linda Redevelopment Funds + Our successful lawsuit against the Yorba Linda Redevelopment Agency will provide construction funds for Yorba Linda High School, which will open in 2008. Over the next thirty years, redevelopment funds will also be available to eliminate portable classrooms, build arts and athletic facilities, and provide for future maintenance or modernizations.

Local Developer Funds - Vista Del Verde Elementary School in Yorba Linda opened last year, completely built through an agreement with the developer in lieu of fees. We will continue to work with developers as growth continues in our communities to provide their fair share of providing schools.

Fiscal Management + We built a warehouse/ training facility with the district revenues previously spent to rent a warehouse, saving millions of dollars over time.

I am also very determined. These projects are significant community investments and each required careful utilization of resources and personnel. I remain committed to spending the time neccessary to provide appropriate oversight, ensuring that the new middle school and high school are ready for students in 2008.

Challenging Coursework: Honors and Advanced Placement course opportunities have increased significantly, including non-traditional offerings, such as music, foreign language, and visual arts. The Val Tech and International Baccalaureate magnet programs provide new, very rigorous, options for students. Both will require continued committment from the Board until they are well established.

Basic Skills: I remain convinced that Reading, Writing and Math are at the heart of all learning. Every PYLUSD elementary school emphasizes reading, including phonics, writing, and mathematics. Hands-on learning takes place through the Beckman science program. Schools, teachers, and students are evaluated against clear performance goals, allowing adjustments in time and focus to meet individual needs. Tutoring and remediation sessions take place before or after school at all sites. Specialized programs are in place at middle and high schools for students who struggle.

Technology: I want to continue the progress we are making in technology. We hvae developed and adopted a K-12 technology standards curriculum, with performance tasks assigned for elementary students in each grade level, and by department in secondary schools. We have made significant strides in equipping our classrooms with the technologies needed for modern teaching and learning. All teachers have email, and parents have secure online access that enables them to view their child's progress. Challenges continue, however, in replacing outdated hardware and providing the increased bandwidth necessary as technology has become fully integrated into classroom learning.

Safety: Students today are still safer at school than anywhere else, yet safety remains a great concern for all of us. Over the past couple of years we have increased the number of psychologists and counselors in our schools, developed threat assessment teams with local law enforcement, initiated lock-down procedures and installed classroom telephones. Resource officers are on all high school campuses. Above all, we encourage all staff to be make an effort to establish an appropriate, positive, daily connection with students. Students are expected to attend school regularly and behave in a manner that allows them to be taught; we have no tolerance for drugs and gang activity. Discipline must be fair and consistent.

Values: Schools should support parents by reinforcing core values such as honesty, self-reliance, responsibility, respect, and tolerance. In 2002, after two years of work by teachers and staff, the Board adopted an excellent Character Education program that teaches positive character traints through the general curriculum.

Excellent Staff: PYLUSD averages six applicants for every new teaching position. 51% of PYLUSD teachers and administrators have advanced degrees. Both beginning and experienced staff receive ongoing training. Our award-winning Beginning Teacher Support & Assistance program is in its seventh year of providing classes and support for all new teachers. The new Professional Development Academy prepares educational leaders who are assuming administrative positions in our schools.

Fiscal Accountability: Taxpayers deserve to know that their money is used wisely. Through conservative fiscal management, we have been able to maintain programs, including our award-winning arts program, with sufficient reserves, even in difficult economic times.

I am proud of what we have accomplished. Yet we cannot rest, because even good school districts like ours must be constantly striving and changing if we are to prepare our children to compete and prosper. I promise to continue to serve you with honesty and integrity, and to do my best to continue the progress we started eight years ago. Thank you for your continued support.