Budget cuts may affect AVID program

Source: Mercury News

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a program which puts middle achieving students on the track to college by offering college-prep classes and tutorials; it also teaches students how to develop skills like critical thinking and effective collaboration.

There is some fear that last year's veto against $8.1 million in funding could impact the effectiveness of this program. This veto did not cut teacher salaries, but it did shut down 11 of AVID's regional centers. Functions such as training, data collection, and impetus for improvement will now be provided by the nonprofit AVID center in San Diego.

Even though this veto forces districts to pay annual fees of more than $3000 per school site in addition to training expenses, nearly three quarters of districts will continue AVID next year.

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CA bill mandates panic alarms for schools

Source: Mercury News

A law requiring California school campuses to install panic alarms was given preliminary approval by California lawmakers on the condition that the federal government covers the costs.

These alarms will be installed in heavily used areas of campuses such as classrooms, cafeterias and gyms. When activated, they will alert others on campus as well as local law enforcement.

The estimated cost for installation is about $1000 to $1500 per school. This depends on the size of the school as well as the type of alarm being installed.

This bill is opposed by the CSAC Excess Insurance authority on the grounds that it could add additional responsibilities to school districts.

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Efinity energizes Greenfield USD

Source: Hawaii News Now

Efinity America Corporation, a solar energy project developer, announced the completion of solar photovoltaic cells across Greenfield Union School District in Bakersfield California. These installations were operational as early as mid-December 2012.

The project is a mix of ground mount, rooftop, carport and shade trellis panels. These panels are expected to produce 3,147,409 kilowatt hours over the course of a year.

The Greenfield superintendent, Chris Crawford was quoted as saying,"We can now reduce the District's energy costs and demonstrate to our students and community the viability and benefits of using solar energy."

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In this issue...

• Efinity energizes Greenfield USD
• CA Powerball proceeds benefit schools
• Graduation rates rise

Kindle Fire Winner announced

Michael Krause, Associate Superintendent of Business Services for South Whittier School District, was the winner of an Amazon Kindle Fire, courtesy of Leader Services. Contest entries were taken at the 2013 CASBO show April 3 through 6.

Congratulations, Michael!

From left: Leader Account Manager Miguel G. Valencia, Jr; Michael Krause, South Whittier School District; and Leader Account Manager Crystal Weeks.

CA Powerball proceeds benefit schools

Source: CBS Sacramento

Californians have a chance to win it big now that the Powerball lottery finally makes its debut in California.

Ninety six cents of every dollar goes back to California schools. An estimated total of $40 to $50 million was given to schools.

California's annual education budget is $68 billion, making the Powerball proceeds seem like a drop in the bucket, but every dollar counts.

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Graduation rates rise

Source: Mercury News

Graduation rates are rising for public schools as illustrated by the 78.5 percent of California students graduating in 2012.

In addition to the increased graduation rate, statewide dropout rates also fell to 13.2 percent.

Education officials wish to sustain this progress by calling for funding for additional school counselors to curb absenteeism, guide students in course selection, and prevent dropouts.

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