ANTELOPE VALLEY UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Board Highlights is a communiqué from the AVUHSD Board of Trustees to the employees of the AVUHSD.
February 25, 2013 Board Meeting:
Reports and Presentations:
Desert Winds High School students Brianna Haines, Eddie Guillen, Breeanna Gilbert, Alexandra Mata, and Anthony Castillo addressed the Board and Cabinet. They started their presentation by congratulating newly appointed Assistant Superintendent Shandelyn Williams. They expressed their appreciation of faculty and staff at Desert Winds for their constant support of students, in particular, their participation in holiday events and dressing up for the different occasions. They are also proud of the school improving on last year’s API score; specifically moving from 474 to 502.
Lancaster High School students Joshua Shaver, Damond Smith, Ricardo Barajas, and Alyssa Armendariz addressed the Board. They emphasized the great cultural shift currently taking place at LnHS primarily due to greater involvement by students and staff. They also showed a video that exemplified why they love Lancaster High where everyone has a place. Students also recited several statistics showing a significant decrease in discipline issues on the campus over the past year.
Apple Computers representative Mr. Dan Roach presented an Apple Distinguished Educators Award to Lancaster High School teacher Mr. Duane Robertson for his very successful Learning and Achievement in Multimedia Production and Engineering Program.
Solar Foundations for Schools representative Ms. Tracy E. Kwiker gave a presentation regarding PsomasFMG’s, the solar panel company, and its history with AVUHSD. She introduced the Solar Foundation for Schools program and spoke about the current collaborative efforts with our District in employing the Solar to Teach Persuasive Writing program and essay contest in our schools.
Director of School Improvement Mr. Brett Neal gave an update to the Board regarding the District’s progress toward implementing Common Core State Standards. He gave a brief review of the history of common core to this point, along with an outline of a three year plan for implementation.
Director of ROP Ms. Betsy McKinstry provided an overview of the progress of the Career Technical Education Program in our District, including college and career readiness initiatives, link learning, and preparing students for the 21st Century.
District CFO Mrs. Brenda Yardeen gave an update on the current budget picture, and the possible effects if sequestration occurs, specifically that our federally funded programs could experience a 5.9% decrease unless legislative action takes place. She also reviewed what is currently known regarding the proposed Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).
From CSEA:
CSEA President Mr. Scott Fish congratulated Ms. Williams on her appointment and also mentioned the passing of Diane Utt-Davison’s husband Mark Davison and of Knight HS Locker Room Attendant Randy Ehn. The meeting was adjourned in their honor.
From the Board/Superintendent:
Superintendent Dr. David Vierra also congratulated and welcomed Shandelyn Williams to Cabinet.
Board Member Mrs. Donita Winn welcomed Shandelyn and mentioned the mock trial competition currently taking place at the court house on Avenue M.
Board Clerk Ms. Kathy Carothers welcomed and congratulated Shandelyn. She also mentioned the excellent progress made in the District regarding programs available to students and that they would be difficult to duplicate in any other district.
Board Member Mr. Jim Lott also welcomed Shandelyn and spoke about his own children’s success as graduates of the high school district. He applauded the district’s emphasis on providing greater access to all programs for our students.
Board President Mrs. Barbara Willibrand echoed the sentiments of Ms. Carothers and Mr. Lott specifically that we are providing programs that are valuable to our students as they move toward their future. Mrs. Willibrand also emphasized the desire to have access to these programs for all students.
The next Regular Board Meeting is Wednesday, March 6, 2013
.
