Loma Prieta School Board Prioritizes Student Outcomes and Financial Oversight
by Andrew Naylor
Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 6:23 PM.
LOS GATOS, CA — At the January 10th, 2024 Loma Prieta Joint Union School District Board meeting, a dynamic blend of earnest financial analysis, cultural celebration, and a critical review of the School Accountability Report Cards was on full display. Led by President Erin Asheghian and Vice President Charlotte Boisvert-Khandelwal, the board navigated through the district's newly acquired Differentiated Assistance status, a lively poetry presentation by Loma Prieta Elementary students, and a detailed examination of the 2022-2023 School Accountability Report Cards.
The session commenced with a letter from the Santa Clara County Board of Education: the district's requirement for Differentiated Assistance, a move triggered by heightened absenteeism among students with disabilities. This program, reflecting California's dedication to educational equity and progress, is designed to provide customized support to meet the district's unique challenges.
The meeting's atmosphere was briefly lightened by a delightful poetry session, orchestrated by fourth-grade teacher Sidney Pescoe. Students' heartfelt recitations were warmly received, showcasing the board's support for nurturing student creativity and expression.
Attention then turned to the serious business of the 2022-2023 audit report, presented by Kyle Montgomery of Cristy White Auditors. Montgomery offered reassuring words, confirming the audit's clean bill of health with no significant issues or red flags.
Board trustee Ron Bourque, recognized for his extensive financial acumen, then engaged in an insightful discussion with Montgomery. His keen interest in the audit process prompted a playful remark from Superintendent Dr. Kevin Grier, who referred to it as "Ron's happy place." The conversation, ranging from general audit practices to specific concerns about underfunded pension plans, was informative, slightly off-topic, and engaging.
The atmosphere lightened when Bourque humorously acknowledged his fellow board members' reactions to his financial zeal: "These folks over here find this very humorous," he said, prompting laughter from everyone. When Asheghian asked for a motion to approve the audit, Dr. Grier playfully suggested, "I hope Ron does." Bourque responded with a succinct "so moved," leading to more laughter. Asheghian, struggling to maintain composure, sought a second from Boisvert-Khandelwal, eventually passing the motion through likely tears of laughter.
Montgomery wrapped up the audit discussion, remarking, "The audit presentation is usually not that exciting," to a crescendo of laughter from the board and attendees.
The meeting then delved into the 2022-2023 School Accountability Report Cards, with principal Amy Ramsay offering an in-depth review. These report cards are crucial in evaluating the school's performance across various domains and serve as a measure of the school's success in fostering student achievement and effective resource management.
Academically, the district demonstrated notable success. In English Language Arts, it achieved a commendable 40 points above standard, placing it in the green tier. Mathematics saw even greater triumph, with the district scoring 36.8 points above standard and reaching the highest color tier of blue. These results highlight the district's proficiency in these key educational areas.
However, the report also pinpointed areas needing improvement, especially in suspension rates and chronic absenteeism. The overall suspension rate, though slightly below the state average, revealed significant issues among students with disabilities, where rates had escalated from 4.4% to 8.1%. Addressing this, the district has introduced alternative measures, including educational modules on substance abuse, a prevalent cause of suspensions in higher grades.
Chronic absenteeism remains a pressing concern, with all student groups marked in concerning categories. The socioeconomically disadvantaged students exhibited a particularly high absenteeism rate of 37%, a significant 21% increase. The district is actively working to reverse this trend by enhancing attendance-focused initiatives, engaging parents more effectively, and providing independent study options for frequently traveling students. These measures reflect the district's ongoing commitment to improving student engagement and attendance across all demographics.
As the meeting drew to a close, it was clear that the District is on a path of continuous improvement and dedication to student success. From addressing critical issues highlighted in the School Accountability Report Cards to celebrating student creativity, the board's efforts paint a picture of a community deeply invested in the holistic development of its students.
