In reaction to a brighter state educational budget forecast, the Pleasanton school board voted Tuesday night to remove some items from the potential chopping block. The two with the most public support–Spanish reading specialists and coaching stipends–are likely safe as the district moves forward in preparing a final 2008-09 budget, which runs from July 1 to June 30, 2009.
One full-time counselor, who will split time between Foothill and Amador Valley high schools, was also taken off the cut list. Other positions saved were a teacher on special assignment for library services (part-time position), an elementary school vice principal, custodial and clerical services and a middle school vice principal. The total amount for these services was $725,708.
The district still has programs and services they have recommended to be removed from the potential cut list, but will wait for more information and a clearer picture of the coming year’s budget.
Sandra Lepley, assistant superintendent of business services, said about 2 percent of the district’s revenue comes from the state lottery, which is predicted to produce less revenue in the coming fiscal year.
While Superintendent John Casey and several board members were happy about the prospect of saving reserves, about $5.3 million, trustee Chris Grant said he wondered if the board was being too cautious by not using that money.
The public can review a detailed proposed budget June 19 and speak at a public hearing at 7 p.m. June 25, the next and last school board meeting of the year. While the meetings are usually held on Tuesdays, the meeting was changed so all board members could be present. That evening, the board will adopt the 2008-09 budget.
API scores released
Academic Performance Index (API) scores from 2007 were recently released by the California Department of Education. The score scale ranges from 200 to 1000, with a statewide target of 800 considered exemplary. Pleasanton schools continue to be on top, with all but one school, Village High School, exceeding the target.
The district score was up 893 from 2006’s score of 881. Overall, the scores moderately fluctuated from last year.
API scores are a mark of a school’s performance and progress that is achieved through standardized testing. They are also used to rank schools in the state, with a 10 being the highest. Each district school received the highest rank. The district as a whole as well as continuation schools are excluded from this ranking.
**SIDEBAR**
API scores by school
Alisal Elementary 897
Donlon Elementary 900
Fairlands Elementary 915
Hearst Elementary 930
Lydiksen Elementary 899
Mohr Elementary 961
Valley View Elementary 915
Vintage Hills Elementary 916
Walnut Grove Elementary 922
Hart Middle 895
Harvest Park Middle 899
Pleasanton Middle 905
Amador Valley High 870
Foothill High 884
Village High 584
