Hello Belmont-Redwood Shores Community,
 
This update includes:
 
  • A message from incoming Superintendent Dan Deguara
  • Summer camp guidelines and implications for schooling
  • Budget update
  • Prospective board candidate information session
  • Family resources
 
 
Incoming Superintendent Introductory Video
Incoming Superintendent Dan Deguara put together a video introduction. I encourage you to watch! Mr. Deguara and I have been talking weekly, and I am very impressed by his thoughtfulness, educational vision, and communication skills. I will continue to be superintendent through June, and Superintendent Deguara’s first official day on the job will be July 1, 2020. Welcome Dan Deguara!
 
 
Summer Camp Guidelines and Implications for School
Restrictions for summer camps and childcare organizations from the County Health Officer are slowly relaxing. This week’s announcement outlines the current restriction for both types of programs, which is a maximum of 12 youth to 1 staff member, staying together in a consistent group for 4 weeks minimum. Applying this guidance to schooling, we could imagine schools operating at half capacity, taking turns between “A” and “B” groups of students and alternating after 4-week turns. As of now, we do not yet have guidance from the County Health Officer and County Office of Education regarding the protocols we might expect for schools to operate in the fall. That is expected by June 1. Once we have that guidance, we can develop more specific models and seek staff and parent input. First and foremost, we are committed to protecting the health of both our staff and students.       
 
Also this week, the federal Centers for Disease Control released a guidance document for schools, which emphasizes the importance of individual behavior, healthy environments, and organizational strategies to allow in-person schooling to resume. This guidance helps us envision the types of facility adjustments and shifts in practice we can expect for in-person schooling.  
 
      
Budget Update
Last week, the Governor proposed a 10% cut to public education in his May Revision to the state budget for 2020-21. The Legislature’s constitutional deadline is June 15 for approving a budget. We expect the State’s final budget to be similar to the Governor’s proposal. BRSSD’s strong property taxes and a reduction to the State’s mandated employee retirement contribution will lessen the reductions for our district slightly. As outlined in CBO Craig Goldman’s presentation at last week’s board meeting, we are making $3.5 million in reductions this year and next (7% of our $50 million annual budget, or $814 per student). BRSSD’s proposed reductions are in the areas of overtime, most professional development activities, technology, supplies and outside contracts as well as a hiring freeze (see slide 4). We will provide more specificity ahead of the June 4 board meeting.  
 
We aren’t helpless, however. By taking action now, you, as champions of education and our students, can support our kids when they deserve more, not less. Right now, donating to SchoolForce by June 30 is the only way to help keep our schools strong for next year and help us maximize the way we serve each and every student. Every donation makes a difference and together, we can make a difference.
 
 
Prospective Board Candidate Information Session
Our board members, including Board President Suvarna Bhopale and Vice President Amy Koo, will be hosting an information session on Thursday, May 28th, from 7-8 pm for residents of Belmont-Redwood Shores that are considering running for school board in the November election. They will be sharing information on the role and responsibilities of school board members and answering questions you might have. Zoom information for the meeting can be found here . 
 
 
Family Resources
The San Mateo County Office of Education Safe Routes to School has put together a resource page for families. Visit the page to find ideas for kids to remain safe and active when walking and rolling. 
 
Sequoia Healthcare District is offering free live streaming access to the documentary ANGST: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety . ANGST features candid interviews with kids and young adults who suffer, or have suffered, from anxiety and what they’ve learned about it. The film includes discussions with mental health experts about the causes of anxiety and its sociological effects, as well as help, resources, and tools. More information can be found here . 
 
 
I'd like to thank the BRSSD teachers for their remarkable efforts to continue educating our students and to acknowledge the considerable effort that parents are putting forward to support their children's learning under very challenging circumstances. Thank you!

I hope that your family has an enjoyable holiday weekend. As always, you are welcome to send me questions and comments.
 
Sincerely,
 
Michael Milliken
Superintendent




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