An overview of district personnel, program, finance and facilities improvements over the last eight years
WHAT WE'VE DONE WELL in the BOUSD, 1994-2002
- Hiring of long-time local educator Tim Harvey as new superintendent of schools, fall 2001.
- Increased professionalism, streamlining and accountability in administrative practices and procedures, fall 2001 forward.
- Passage of $27-million facilities bond, 1999.
- Modernization projects at Brea Junior High (built 1916),
Laurel (1922), Arovista (1956), Mariposa (1966), Fanning (1970) and Country Hills (all-portable school, 1981) now ongoing or scheduled for the near future; modernization AND significant expansion ongoing at Olinda (built 1964);
expansion in planning for growing population at BOHS (1989).
- Maximization of local bond money through successful application for state matching funds. Now state-approved and awaiting funding from Prop. 47: BJH, $2.6 million; Laurel, $1.2 million; Arovista, $1.7 million; Mariposa, $1.2 million; Country Hills, $705,000.
- State-awarded STAR test performance gains at Arovista, Fanning, Mariposa, Olinda, Country Hills, Laurel and Brea Junior High. (Total more than $500,000.)
- High School Exit Exam passage rate well above state average (freshmen 2001, overall 72%, language arts, 82%).
- Consistent, competitive salary increases (attracting and retaining quality employees), 39% total over eight years.
- BOHS, Arovista and Country Hills named as California Distinguished Schools.
- BOHS math teacher Scott Malloy named California Teacher of the Year, 2000.
- Implementation of elementary class-size reduction.
- Increased focus on staff development for both certificated and classified personnel.
- Enhancement of curricular opportunities (BOHS: added Freshman Honors English and World History, AP Statistics, AP Computer Science, AP European History, geography, psychology, police science, veterinary science, internet, sign language, ninth-grade reading and Step-up [at-risk] programs; added full-time instructors in vocal music, instrumental music, drama and visual arts);(BJH: first foreign-language opportunities [Spanish and Japanese], video production, first block scheduling); (elementary: staff development in differentiated instruction [GATE gifted program], Art Masters visual arts, formed elementary band and orchestral groups).
- Enhanced campus character education through adoption of the Asset Building program, fall 2002.
- Increased professionalism and accountability in counseling services at BOHS: adopted national counseling standards, added ninth-grade specialized program, personnel.
- Enhancement of athletics: (BOHS: added Girls' Water Polo, Boys' Volleyball, Life Fitness classes; enhanced
tennis courts, track, pool); (BJH: restarted after-school athletic program).
- Increased/enhanced published communications (A+ Newsletter, Annual Report).
- Enhanced employee relations through adoption of Interest-Based Bargaining (CFIER).
- Enhanced working relationship with city through increased interaction/planning, particularly for future facilities in response to community growth.
- Refinanced high school bonds (savings of $1.2 million in interest).
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