Superintendent's Newsletter
December 15th, 2020
Dear FUSD Community,
Season’s Greetings! As we approach the end of 2020 and a holiday season much different than most, I am hopeful you and your loved ones are able to find time for some rest, reflection, and celebration. This has been a year for the record books and I am sure we are all hopeful that 2021 brings some counterbalance to our world.
Board of Education
As the year comes to a close I’d like to offer my thanks and appreciation, as well as congratulations to our incoming and outgoing Board Members. Recently, Alameda County elections were officially certified and Fremont Unified School District welcomes two new Board of Education Trustees. In Area 4, Yajing Zhang, and, in Area 5, Vivek Prasad. Congratulations also go out to Desrie Campbell, who returns to the Board as the elected Trustee for Area 1. I look forward to working with our governance team, as the new Trustees join the Board of Education at our December 16th board meeting. Many thanks and appreciation to all candidates who had the courage and commitment to run for School Board and for their commitment to the success of students at FUSD.
FUSD owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to our two outgoing Board of Education members, Mrs. Ann Crosbie and Dr. Michele Berke. Mrs. Crosbie has served in her role for an amazing eight years, (two terms, since 2012), and Dr. Berke has helped lead FUSD for the past six years (one and a half terms, since 2015). In both cases, we have seen a model of selfless dedication and commitment to the success of our students and staff in FUSD. Both individuals have been guided by compassion and a desire to serve. Their efforts and boundless giving of time are so appreciated. As a school community, we are indebted to both Mrs. Crosbie and Dr. Berke. Thank you both for your work and for all you have accomplished for FUSD.
Budget Town Halls
Thank you to all our staff and community members that took the time to attend one of our five recent Budget Town Hall events. The Town Halls were important opportunities to share information regarding FUSD’s current budget and the increasing financial challenges that will require significant reductions in our immediate next two fiscal years. Additionally, it was equally important to be engaged with our staff and community members to hear questions, suggestions, and other input.
A clear theme identified throughout the five presentations was the desire to focus on increased services in the area of mental health. As I am sure we can all agree, increased services for mental health support will provide a great benefit for FUSD students and staff. There is much work in front of us as we consider how to increase services while also making significant reductions, well over ten million dollars, for the 2021-2022 school year. I take very seriously the responsibility of ensuring we are good stewards of public resources. However, the duality of needing to make significant reductions while concurrently increasing important services, serves as a critical reminder of why we must continue to advocate for increased funding for our schools by the state and the federal government. As we return from the winter break, you’ll hear and see more information sent forward regarding budget development for the coming year, plans for balancing the FUSD budget, and how the Governor’s proposed budget, announced mid-January, may impact FUSD.
Alameda County Update
Just over a week ago, Alameda County, as part of a larger group of Bay Area counties enacted a modified stay at home order, in alignment with moving back into the Purple Tier of California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Under the current health order, schools that have not yet reopened, may not reopen at this time. Additionally, there is currently no waiver process for TK - 6th grade permitted within Alameda County. There is a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases locally and we’ve seen an increase in cases within our FUSD staff over the recent weeks as well. As shared in other newsletters, what is happening in our community, most generally happens in our schools as well.
Given the significant spread of COVID-19 in our community, I am not suggesting that now is the right time to return staff and students to campus. On the other hand, I do think it is the right time to ensure we have a comprehensive plan ready so that when conditions do improve FUSD is able to respond and be prepared to phase in a safe return of students and staff. Over the coming weeks, our planning will continue, and I look forward to further collaboration with employee groups and sharing more progress toward the completion of a comprehensive plan.
I’ve heard a lot of feedback from the community and staff regarding their feelings about either returning to in-person instruction, or their reservations that it is not yet time. I respect and understand both perspectives and acknowledge that each outcome results in less than ideal circumstances. As FUSD continues to navigate a path to reopening, including exploring how to bring some stable small group cohorts back for specific students in need, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all FUSD staff members for all they have done to meet the challenge of reinventing education in a matter of moments and for working so hard to support the needs of our students. Additionally, I’d like to again thank our community and parents/guardians for their support and willingness to be a great partner in education.
Meal Service
FUSD's Grab-and-Go meal service will be closed December 21st - January 1st for Winter Break. Families will be able to pick up seven days worth of meals Friday, December 18th, at all pickup locations. Visit www.fusdcafes.org for menus and more information.
Marshall Site Community Forum
This evening (December 15th) the community will receive a presentation from the District's 7-11 Committee on the work that has been done to prepare for review and discussion the disposition of the Marshall Elementary Site. During tonight's forum, FUSD staff will share information on the history of the Marshall site, what options are available for its use, and provide an opportunity for questions to be submitted via a Google form. The presentation/webinar will be held from 6:30-7:30pm. A second forum will be held on Thursday, January 7, 2021. You can join us via the FUSD website under livestream meetings.
Thank You!
As I enter the fifth month of my service to FUSD and our community, I am again reminded of the many incredible things that make this a great district. In all cases, it is always the people. The students, the staff, and the community have been fantastic examples of why our work in education is so important and how we can continue to improve the experiences and services for all our students. I am grateful to be working with such a great group of educational professionals. Thanks to all those that continue to offer such a warm welcome.
From the Cammack family (CJ, Michelle, Anthony, Gianna) we wish you a safe and wonderful holiday season and a happy new year. Here’s to a better year in 2021!
District Events, Information, and Committees
Fremont Unified School District
Website: https://www.fremont.k12.ca.us/
Location: 4210 Technology Drive, Fremont, CA, USA
Phone: 510-659-2542
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USDFremont/
Twitter: @USDFremont