SCHOOL DISTRICT WRAP-UP

FOUNTAIN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

No Vote

WHAT HAPPENED:

Catherine Follett, the district’s assistant superintendent of

instruction, presented the board with a proposal to replace the

district’s Early Entry Kindergarten program with an early start summer

program for the youngest kindergarten students.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The state has been raising academic expectations for kindergarten

students. Staff wants to provide an intervention program for

kindergartners to help the students meet the standards.

The proposed program includes each elementary school and would run for

two weeks before the first day of school. Classes would be small and

would last about two hours. The emphasis of the classes would include

socialization skills, as well as letter, number and color recognition.

Eligible students would be those whose birthdays land between Sept. 1

and Dec. 1. Staff would screen eligible children in June. Students who

have not learned necessary skills would be invited to participate in the

early start program.

In contrast with the Early Entry program, the new one would serve more

students, give young students support rather than having them enter at an

older age, and would be more accessible to all students.

Vote: 5-0

IN FAVOR

WHAT HAPPENED: The board approved the negotiated collective

bargaining agreement with the California School Employee’s Assn.

WHAT IT MEANS:

All classified bargaining unit members, which include most employees

other than teachers and administrators, will receive a 10% salary

increase that is retroactive to July 1. The increase will be seen on the

Nov. 10 checks.

Vote: 5-0

IN FAVOR

WHAT HAPPENED:

The board adopted a resolution declaring October to be Character

Education Month in the district. Board members wanted to show their

support of the state Board of Education’s proclamation of an awareness of

the role that educators play in helping youth to develop such qualities

as respect for others, dignity, peaceful mediation and integrity.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The board hopes to help ensure that the development of strong moral

character and the promotion of responsible and ethical behavior are

thoroughly integrated into schools and activities.

NEXT MEETING

The Fountain Valley School District will meet again at 7:30 p.m. Oct.

26 in the district board room, 17210 Oak St.

HUNTINGTON BEACH CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Vote: 4-0

WHAT HAPPENED:

The board approved a developmental pre-kindergarten program at Eader,

Kettler and Smith elementary schools, starting the first day of the

second semester, Jan. 29. Trustee Brian Garland was absent.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The program is aimed at children who are too young to attend

kindergarten in September. State law required that children must be 5

years old at the time of enrollment in the pre-kindergarten program.

The curriculum is designed to address the intellectual, physical,

social and emotional development of young children. Activities are

planned to promote children’s self-esteem and positive feelings toward

learning. The length of the school day will be consistent with the

regular kindergarten program.

Vote: 4-0 IN FAVOR

WHAT HAPPENED:

The board approved a contract with the Orange County Marine Institute

for a program for fourth-graders at Huntington Seacliff Elementary

School.

WHAT IT MEANS:

About 85 students from Huntington Seacliff will participate in an

overnight fields trip to the hills of the Cleveland National Forest. The

program’s goal is to give students an experience with the daily lives,

adventures and accomplishments of those who have lived in California.

NEXT MEETING

The Huntington Beach City School District will meet again at 7 p.m.

Nov. 14 in the district board room, 20451 Craimer Lane.

OCEAN VIEW SCHOOL DISTRICT

Vote: 5-0

IN FAVOR

WHAT HAPPENED:

The board approved the district’s five-year strategic plan for

2000-05.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The goals include providing the highest quality education that will

give all students the opportunity to realize their full intellectual,

physical, creative, emotional and social potential; promote consistent,

quality employee performance and optimal growth and accountability;

strengthen the educational partnerships between schools, students,

families and the community; and provide the highest quality staff

development program that will enhance the skills of certified and

classified employees.

Vote: 5-0

IN FAVOR /

WHAT HAPPENED:

The board approved a resolution to oppose Proposition 38, the school

voucher initiative.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The district opposes the initiative because of the fiscal effect on

public education, the lack of antidiscrimination provisions, the lack of

accountability, and the overall negative effects of voucher on public

schools and children, officials said.

NEXT MEETING

The Ocean View School District will meet at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 in the

district board room, 17200 Pinehurst Lane, Huntington Beach.