ALVORD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Distrito Escolar Unificado de Alvord
March 10, 2024
A Message from the Superintendent
The end to billions of dollars in federal Covid relief funds, chronic absenteeism, declining enrollment, staff raises, increased staffing to address learning loss and mental health challenges, and now a stagnant state budget projection for 2024-25 have all combined to create steep budget challenges in districts up and down the state of California. We were careful in Alvord to not overextend ourselves, maximizing state grants to build community schools, extend the school day, increase student services specialists to support students’ mental health, and provide a high-quality summer program, for example. We have also invested in our staff to ensure we remain competitive with our neighboring school districts as it relates to compensation and professional development training. Nonetheless, we are preparing for an uncertain future as the state faces a budget shortfall.
The challenge with school district budgeting is uncertainty, since it is based on projections. Governor Gavin Newsom released his proposed 2024-25 California state budget on January 10 (see it here). He projected a $38 billion shortfall at that time. Between January and May, when the Governor revises his January projections, school districts are required by law to set their 3-year budget, 2024-25 through 2026-27. Also, during this same time school districts must meet strict statutory timelines for noticing employees for potential layoffs.
To that end, at our February 15, 2024 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education, the School Board passed two resolutions to reduce our overall workforce for the 2024-25 school year in anticipation of reduced state funding (see the Board agenda for Resolution 39 and Resolution 40 here). The process for determining those reductions is lengthy and starts immediately after the Governor's January proposal. Our Board of Education scheduled a series of study sessions to examine the budget proposal and consider every possibility. The board sets budget priorities (i.e. school/student safety, highly qualified teachers and staff, student support services in and out of the classroom, instructional materials, among other priorities that directly impact the classroom) and aligns budget reductions with those priorities.
TWO QUESTIONS I'VE BEEN ASKED ABOUT THE BUDGET CUTS
Since the Board took that action in February, I've been asked if our middle school and high school libraries will remain open all day since we elected to employ one lead librarian starting in 2024-25 to develop and support the administration of library services at all secondary schools, instead of our current model of a librarian at each middle and high school. The answer is yes. Our secondary libraries will remain open and staffed by a classified employee who will check books in and out and provide other services within their job duties. Reducing librarians was a difficult decision as Alvord has always greatly valued our librarians and has been one of a few school districts that has continued to employ teaching librarians at all of our secondary schools when many school districts moved away from the model.
The other question I have been asked related to the resolution is the impact of eliminating one of our registered nurse (RN) positions. I'm happy to report that we eliminated one position with the intent to bring the position back with different hours now that we have expanded learning until 6 pm everyday. We will still have six full time RN's this coming year. One of the six RN's, however, will start later in the school day and be available to serve our students in our after school programs.
Budget cuts are always painful. Making cuts is the most difficult task for organizations and Board members who bear the responsibility of ensuring students are provided a first class education in a safe and nurturing environment, while at the same time being fiduciaries and responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. As we enter an uncertain future on the heels of the pandemic and statewide economic challenges, please know that your Board of Education will put students at the center of every decision and deeply consider the implications of those decisions and its potential impact on students, staff, and the community before taking action.
PROGRESS REPORTS NOW AVAILABLE IN AERIES
Student progress reports are now available on-line in the Aeries Parent Portal.
NOMINATE A REMARKABLE TEEN STUDENT
The City of Riverside annually recognizes Riverside's 25 Most Remarkable Teens. The program is organized by the Riverside Youth Council. Awards are given by the Youth Council, Mayor, and City Council to celebrate high school students' various accomplishments. To be nominated, a teen should excel in one or more of the following categories: academics, visual & performing arts, athletics, community involvement, leadership, courage to overcome, or any other remarkable trait(s) that deserve recognition. Nominees MUST be in grades 8 to 12 and LIVE in the city of Riverside.Students may be nominated by any person or school that has evidence of the student's success. To nominate a student, complete the application here. The same person or school may nominate multiple students. If you have any questions, please contact Edward Coronado at the City of Riverside. Email Mr. Coronado here. The deadline to submit is March 29, 2024.
MARCH IS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
CALENDAR ALERT - PLAN AHEAD
Spring Break, March 25-29 (Schools closed. Expanded Learning is Open)*
Memorial Day, Monday, May 27 (Schools closed)
Last Day of School, May 31
*TK - 8 Students, join us for Spring Break 2024 STEAM EXPLORATION CAMP, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm on March 25-29. Campers will explore robotics, science labs, film animation, podcasting, aviation and aerospace, and much more. Sign up through Parent Square or call the Expanded Learning office Monday - Friday, 9:45 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. (951) 358-1682
SCHOOL SAFETY UPDATE
Numerous Measure J Projects related to school security are underway. These projects include security systems, video surveillance, anti-climb fencing, notification systems, and strategic landscaping. Get Measure J updates by joining the Parent Square Measure J Community Group.
IN CLOSING
On behalf of the Board of Education, thank you for choosing Alvord as your education partner. We strive to be our best, so that your children can be their best.
In partnership,
Allan Mucerino
Upcoming Regular Meetings of the Board
The next meetings is March 21. Agendas are posted 72 hours in advance for Regular Meetings of the Board of Education. Find them here. Agendas are posted 24 hours in advance for Special Meetings of the Board of Education.
Public Comments Welcome
Meetings are conducted at KPC Parkway, Corona, CA 92879. The Open Session begins at 6 pm. Members of the public may address the Board for up to three minutes on any topic on the agenda or not on the agenda.
Most Recent Board Meeting Agenda Highlights
Find the March 7, 2024 Board Meeting Highlights here. Sign up for the Board Meeting Highlights here. It will be sent to your Inbox immediately following board meetings.
MRS. CAROLYN M. WILSON
President
Lake Hills K-5
Promenade K-5
Villegas 6-8
District Office
MS. GEORGINA RAMIREZ
Vice President
Trustee Area 1
RMK K-5
Twinhill K-5
Valley View K-5
Loma Vista 6-8
MS. LIZETH VEGA
Clerk
Trustee Area 2
Arlanza K-5
La Granada K-5
Terrace K-5
Norte Vista 9-12
Alternative Ed Center
Keller Administration Site
Child Nutrition Services
MRS. JULIE A. MORENO
Member
Trustee Area 3
Collett K-5
Foothill K-5
Myra Linn K-5
Wells 6-8
La Sierra 9-12
MR. ROBERT D. SCHWANDT
Member
Trustee Area 4
McAuliffe K-5
Orrenmaa K-5
Stokoe K-5
Arizona 6-8
Alvord High 11-12
Hillcrest 9-12
LEARN ABOUT OUR PARENT WORKSHOP PROGRAM
Our partner, PIQE, is a national organization known for delivering evidence-based programs that engage, empower and transform parents to actively engage in their children’s education and strengthen parent-school collaboration. The workshops are designed to empower parents with information, skills development, and support systems, particularly for families of historically underrepresented students. Contact our Family Engagement Office for more information at 951-396-0126.
Sign Up for Weekly Notifications in Aeries & Follow Your Student's Progress
Visit the Aeries Parent Portal frequently to check on assignments and grades. You can also sign up to receive a weekly notice in Aeries for a quick summary of the grade book, missing assignments, attendance for the week. Here's how to sign up:
- Login to Aeries Parent Portal
- Click on the down arrow on the top right corner after your email address
- Select “Parent Notification Preferences”
- Check the box next to “Receive Weekly Progress Email”
- Select the day and time for notification
- Click “Save”
Sign Up for our After School Program
Alvord provides an extension of the school day and school year through its Expanded Learning Program. The focus is on academic, artistic, social, emotional, and physical development for students in elementary and middle school, including middle school sports. The program does not replicate learning activities that take place during the regular school day. Instead, it builds upon them. The program is offered everyday after school, as well as intercession, including summer and extended breaks for holidays. Learn more about it here. Or call (951) 358-1682, Monday - Friday, 9:45 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Participate in our Middle School Sports Program
Did you know we offer a full year of middle school sports? We kick off the program with Track and Field just a few days after the school year begins. Specific information regarding clinic and team tryouts will be distributed by each individual middle school site. The link to register to participate in any our middle school sports programs will be sent via Parent Square next week once our registration website goes live. All interested students will need to register and students trying out for any of our competitive teams will need to provide a sports clearance physical form completed by a medical doctor prior to their tryout. Forms can be obtained in the main office of any of our middle schools. Soccer follows the Track & Field season. Other sports include volleyball, flag-football, basketball and pep squad. Make sure your child is registered to participate. The website link is coming soon!
Activate you Parent Square Two-Way Communication
Parent Square is a safe and secure platform for school-to-home and home-to-school communication. All of our schools rely on it to keep parents informed. Instead of a one-way communication tool, Parent Square provides two-way communication. But to fully utilize the two-way feature of Parent Square, you have to activate your account. Sign in here and activate the two-way tool.
Family Engagement
Call 951-396-0126 or email Familyengagement@alvordschools.org
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Alvord Unified School District
Email: AUSD@alvordschools.org
Website: https://www.alvordschools.org
Location: 9 Kpc Parkway, Corona, CA 92879, USA
Phone: (951) 509-5000
Facebook: facebook.com/alvordunified
Twitter: @AlvordUnified
Instagram: alvordunified