Hello Belmont-Redwood Shores Community,
 
This update includes:
 
  • Budget update
  • Shelter-in-place update
  • Social-emotional resources
 
 
Budget update
Yesterday, the Governor presented his May Revision for the State’s 2020-21 budget.  Simply put, he proposed a 10% cut to public education, which roughly translates to $1,000 per BRSSD student.  There appear to be two factors that will lessen the impact for us (a lower mandated contribution to public employee retirement programs and strong local property taxes).  Nevertheless, the reduction will be significant, and we continue to work towards a school district budget reduction of $3.5 million (7% of our $50 million annual budget), which averages to $814 per BRSSD student from this year to next.  Here is a link to our CBO’s presentation from last night’s Board meeting.  
 
SchoolForce, the BRSSD community’s education foundation, is our best defense against these cuts.  The only immediate way to soften the economic blow to our schools for next year is to donate to SchoolForce . We together as a community can preserve and protect staff and programs that make our schools special. Please make your impactful donation by June 30th.
 
 
Shelter-in-place update
We do not yet have preliminary guidance from the County for the reopening of school in August.  However, when we’ve inquired about what we might expect, we’ve been directed to the current child care protocol as a starting point, which limits groups to 12 students with no mixing of students.  This would dictate part-time in-person schooling for our students.  More specific guidance is expected by the end of the month.
 
Looking ahead to the end-of-year promotion/graduation events, our principals are working on logistics and should be in touch with their school communities in a week or so.  
 
The County Health Officer has produced modified orders allowing retail business for curbside pick-up and delivery, effective May 18.  Here is the summary press release , and here is the more detailed series of orders .        
 
 
Social Emotional Resources 
BRSSD is sponsoring a parent education night “Managing Your Child’s Disappointment & Grief” presented by One Life Counseling on Wednesday, May 27th, 6-7 pm.  You can find more information about this event here .
 
 
I invite you to reach out to our staff if you need assistance, and we will do our best to connect you to community resources, many of which are listed at the bottom of this webpage . Our best wishes to all of you.
 

Sincerely,
 
Michael Milliken
Superintendent


Suvarna Bhopale | Amy Koo | Samuel Leinbach | Jim Howard | Rahila Passi
Board of Trustees