Hello Belmont-Redwood Shores Families,
I have some news to share. Earlier this week, two board members submitted their resignation from the Board of Trustees, effective June 19, 2019. Robert Tashjian’s letter can be found
here
, and Huan Phan’s letter can be found
here
. Both trustees have been remarkable leaders that have helped to guide our district, promote a shared vision for our growth, and lead our continued improvement. Trustee Tashjian has led and served our community for nine and a half years, and Trustee Phan has done the same for three and a half. I expect that we'll honor both for their service at their last board meeting on June 6.
Both trustees were elected in 2015 to a 4-year term. That same year, SB 415 was passed into state law, which required counties, municipalities, districts, and school boards in California to hold their elections on the same ballots as statewide contests in even-numbered calendar years to promote greater voter participation. In September 2016, to comply with SB 415 and save on the costs of extra elections, the BRSSD Board voted to extend the trustee terms of the time by one year, which extended Trustee Tashjian’s term and Trustee Phan’s term from 2019 to 2020. As their letters indicate, both trustees originally planned to serve through 2019.
To begin the process of finding Trustee Tashjian’s and Trustee Phan’s replacements, the Board must consider whether to make provisional appointments or call an election (per Board Bylaw 9223 and Education Code 5091 and 5093). Board President Passi and I will be adding this item to the May 16 board meeting agenda to allow the Board to discuss these options. I will update the community on May 17 regarding next steps.
Fundraising Coordination
We are continuing to improve the coordination of fundraising between SchoolForce (our non-profit foundation) and our PTAs. Looking ahead to next year, SchoolForce has agreed to greater programming commitments and teacher support to lessen the fundraising demand on PTAs and ensure the best quality program for all students TK-8. Some examples include discretionary budgets for each school to invest in teachers’ professional development and Chromebooks for K-2 grade levels as a supplement to our core literacy instruction.
In addition, our principals have identified a growing need for additional funds to provide social skills support for all TK-5 students by professional counselors, which we plan to provide next year to all schools.
In order to cover all these costs, I have asked SchoolForce to increase its contribution to the District for the coming school year, and it will take the participation of all families to give at the level that works for your budget. Please
donate
so that we can continue to support all our students at the level they deserve.
Celebrate Science and Support SchoolForce
SchoolForce has organized “Celebrate Science” events at all elementary schools as part of the ongoing support for science and STEM education in our district. For $40 (that goes directly to SchoolForce), you can bring the entire family, whether they’re enrolled in the district or not. While the children are enjoying the presentation in your school MUR, parents can catch up with friends. Please join us--we have the potential to raise $25,000 to support science and other critical programs in BRSSD schools with this fun program that allows families to connect. Mad Science will be helping children explore “magical” chemical potions, the wonders of dry ice, and the dynamics of air pressure. To purchase a ticket to this event, click on your school below.
Thank you for your support,
Michael Milliken
Superintendent
