Tehachapi School Board Update

It was standing room only as community members and district teachers filled the meeting room to capacity at the Jan. 17 board meeting of the Tehachapi Unified School District. The regular meeting began with public comments.

Ann Chiarini, a teacher from Cummings Elementary, received a standing ovation after her moving speech in public comments entitled "I have a dream". Chiarini addressed concerns among teachers in the district. Because the issue was not on the agenda there were no comments made by board members.

Taydin Macon, ASB President, and Emma Grimes, Steam Ambassador from Tehachapi High shared recent and upcoming activities in their student report. Highlights were the Nov. 10, veterans Day Assembly during which they presented $3,100 to cover the cost of sending two World War II veterans to Washington DC. They also spoke about ugly sweater day, a campus tradition, "Deck the Study Halls", and the upcoming Kindness Week.

It was recommended and approved by the Board to proclaim the week of January 23-27, 2017 as the Great Kindness Challenge Week in all schools of the Tehachapi District. The challenge was created and launched in 2011 by Kids for Peace, a global nonprofit based in Carlsbad, California. The program has now expanded to all 50 states with over 2 million students participating. The goal is to unite all students in the spirit of kindness and respect.

The Superintendent report shared a total district enrollment of 4,425 which is 185 more students than last year which is almost a full percent increase.

In a special presentation, Leonard Evansic, Board President honored Board Member Mary Graham. Graham was acknowledged with an award for appreciation of her service and commitment to parents, teachers, staff and the community.

Next on the agenda was a school presentation from Golden Hills Elementary principal Kendra Bailey. Bailey shared school activities that promote their mission to teach academic skills and enhance self esteem among students and staff.

Tracy Cunningham, Co-president of the teachers association presented the TAT report. She submitted a counter offer to board members and spoke on behalf of the the association and their needs . Cunningham expressed concern that TUSD salaries are below the average when compared to nearby districts and stated "We continue to have concerns about recruiting and retaining qualified teachers. Many of us have devoted our lives to Tehachapi unified school district and the children of Tehachapi. We want to see that work continue and we want families to move here with confidence in their children's education."

Principals from Cummings Valley, Golden Hills, Jacobsen Middle, Monroe Continuation, Tehachapi High and Tompkins Elementary presented their annual accountability report cards. Public schools in California are required to provide information about themselves to the community in the form of an annual school accountability report known as SARC's. These report cards provide data to allow the public to evaluate and compare schools in terms of student achievement, environment, resources and demographics.

The meeting adjourned at 9:14 p.m.