GILROY—There is a lot change going around the Gilroy Unified School District—both in and out of the classroom.
The transition of materials to meet Common Core requirements, an employee group making a “long overdue” name change, surplus lands preparing to switch hands and ongoing structural improvements district-wide were all topics of discussion at the Oct. 2 GUSD board meeting.
Board certifies sufficiency of instructional materials, discusses Common Core requirements
The certification of sufficiency of instructional materials—meaning that every student is provided those materials—for 2014-15 was approved by GUSD at a cost of $567,322. Before proceeding with the approval, however, trustee Tom Bundros questioned whether GUSD’s current inventory is aligned with the new Common Core requirements.
GUSD staff said the district is in a “transition period” and while materials are available that align with Common Core, new ones are also being created by publishers. The State Board of Education, staff said, advised not rushing through the process, but rather utilizing the current materials the district has in the interim.
“We’re in a transition of waiting as more materials become available,” a GUSD staff member said. “Our charge is to address the standards and utilize all resources available to us, including digital ones.”
Teachers met with staff to examine Common Core standards before aligning their resources to them during the curriculum mapping sessions over the summer.
“We’re probably much more focused than we’ve ever been in terms
of addressing those,” district staff said.
Board approves change order for repairs at South Valley Middle School
GUSD approved the ratification of a change order for the replacement of sidewalk at South Valley Middle School, which totals $12,572. The expense is funded through Measure P and qualified to have 80 percent—or $9,999.50—refunded by the City of Gilroy under its 80/20 sidewalk reimbursement program.
Maintenance and Operations Manager Dan McAuliffe said Gilroy-based EF&S Concrete Construction, the company handling the repairs, discovered more work was needed after the project was underway.
The board approved a contract for the project with EF&S on Aug. 7 for $98,715 and the City will reimburse $84,127. Another contract totaling $20,412 is the sole responsibility of GUSD.
Wren Avenue surplus land enters negotiations
An offer has been made on GUSD’s former Las Animas Elementary site, referred to as the “Wren Avenue” site. The district approved a resolution in June 2013 that named this property, as well as the land referred to as “The Grove” on Miller Avenue and Santa Teresa Boulevard, as surplus.
The standing offer is confidential as the district is in negotiations, but Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Alvaro Meza said Standard Pacific made the top proposal. The board approved Meza’s recommendation of allowing the public property advisors to engage in negotiations with hopes of returning in a couple weeks with a purchase agreement.
The board also approved Meza’s second recommendation of allowing staff to continue negotiations on “The Grove” property, noting it’s linked to the potential for a new site.
Employee group changes name
The employee group formerly called the Gilroy Federation of Teachers and Paraprofessionals announced its name change to the Gilroy Federation of Paraeducators. The GFP is one of four bargaining units within Gilroy Unified.
Arceilia O’Connor, president of GFP, said the change was a long time coming. The group, which used to represent teachers and paraprofessionals, has only represented paraprofessionals since June 2005. O’Connor noted the formal process and discussion needed to change the name as part of the delay in doing so.
A paraeducator, O’Connor said, is a term coined by the National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals which refers to school employees who work with and under the supervision of licensed or certified educators to support and assist with instruction and other services to students and their families.
O’Connor also noted a GUSD resolution letter from May 15 which calls paraeducators an “integral part” of the district.
“You actually beat us to the punch,” she said with a laugh.
Superintendent’s Report: More changes in store at GHS, “Rock the Mock” coming to GUSD
Superintendent Debbie Flores recently visited Gilroy High and said she can hardly believe how the campus has transformed.
“I have to almost take myself back in time every time I’m there and remember how it looked three years ago,” Flores said.
Gilroy’s theatre is currently under renovation, receiving a facelift, new seats and new entrance making it look “brand new”, Flores said.
“That’s my first impression when I go to Gilroy High is how great it looks,” she said. “It really is a transformed campus.”
The super also toured the classrooms and said she was impressed with the instruction there, too.
“Rock the Mock” is coming to GUSD. The event gives seniors the chance to test their job and college interview skills but without the pressure in a series of mock interviews. Flores said Morgan Hill Unified School District has held “Rock the Mock” for several years and GUSD plans to host it in February with hopes of having 150-200 seniors attend.
Teacher pleads to board for change
During public comment, Christine Pereira —a teacher in the district and single mother of two—made her plea for a pay raise. She said she has worked in the district since 2005, but is experiencing financial hardship noting she’s now paying $877 a month for health insurance after paying $0 when she first started working within GUSD.
“I’m a huge fan of this district and I love being here, but this is the first time in 15 years I’ve had to look for second jobs because I’m barely making it,” Pereira said. “I feel as a professional who went and got a college degree and a certificate, I shouldn’t have to look for second jobs unless I’m looking for fun. Right now, I’m looking for survival.”
According to public records, Pereira’s salary was $67,590 in 2013 and received $20, 643.98 in total benefits as cited on TransparentCalifornia.com. GUSD teachers and staff are currently involved in negotiations.
The next GUSD meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 16 in the district office.
