Piedmont Pulse

December 4, 2023

Dear Piedmont USD Families,

As we head into the holiday season, I want to wish everyone a joyful December over the next three weeks before we head into winter break. In this week’s newsletter, you will find the following topics:

1. Budget - Where Did the $3.5M Go?

2. Pulse Check - Parent Information on Budget/Negotiations

3. Surveys - Grades 8-12 Program Surveys are Open (nudge your teen!)

In Partnership,

Jennifer Hawn, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Parents, we have had a few questions about the budget and specifically about where the $3,548,098 revenue from 2021-22 to 2022-23 went. A secondary question about this revenue is why PUSD did not give a 10% raise that year. Please see the table below that totals the 7.5% increase, the $1,500 one-time, and the increase to health benefits authorized in 2022-23.

As you can see, PUSD did use these funds for compensation increases, including an increase to salaries and benefits. In fact, most of the funds were used for staff compensation.

Parents, I am contemplating hosting an online family night to discuss the budget and negotiations. As you know, I have provided budget and negotiations information in almost all of my newsletters over the last several months, and while I have leaned on this communication platform to keep families informed, if families are interested, we could provide an information night. Please note that we host Budget Advisory Council meetings each month where anyone can attend and ask budget questions. The next Budget Advisory Committee will be held on 12/14 at 4PM online or in person. If, however, you would like to attend an additional information meeting, please let me know HERE. If you prefer a private conversation, I have met with a few parents as well and found these conversations beneficial. Send me an email if you are interested: jhawn@piedmont.k12.ca.us

Parents and Students, we sent out several grade level surveys last week and today to students regarding high school programs and courses. Be on the lookout for these surveys, and thank you for providing important feedback on our high school programs and courses. We will use your feedback to inform our decisions about which programs and courses to offer next year and in the years ahead. For parents with younger children, please know that we will likely survey families annually, and so you will get a chance to provide input in the future.

PEF - The Giving Campaign - We are grateful to our community for their support of our outstanding programs. If you are able to give, go HERE. And, the grade level challenge is on-- check it out HERE.

Computer Science Education Week - The CDE and PUSD recognize December 4-10th as Computer Science Education Week. Let's hear it for the Hour of Code!

Piedmont Portal - For all of the latest school and community events, please visit the Piedmont Portal linked HERE

Donate for Absences - Parents, please remember that if your child needs to be out of school, you can submit payment HERE for the lost revenue. Each day that a student is out of school (for any reason, including illness) means a loss of revenue in the following amounts per day: TK-3rd Grade = $61.32; 4th-6th Grade = $56.39; 7th-8th Grade = $58.06; 9th-12th Grade = $61.20. This is invitational, of course.

Winter Break - There is no school from 12/22/23-1/5/24. Happy Holidays!

Witter Field Renovation Project Updates - For updates on the Witter Field Renovation Project, please go to our Facilities page on our PUSD website.

Community Pool Construction Update - Safety measures around the Community Pool Project construction site on Magnolia Ave. across from PHS/MHS are currently in effect. Visit the City of Piedmont's website for details.

Work for PUSD - PUSD is seeking candidates for a variety of positions. Visit the District's Edjoin page for a complete list of jobs available and to apply online.

Substitutes Needed - Support students while earning up to $200/day. PUSD seeking substitute teachers for the 2023-24 school year. Visit the District's EdJoin page for more information and to apply.

Archived Piedmont Pulse Newsletters - All editions of the Piedmont Pulse are linked HERE

Follow PUSD - Please read our school newsletters sent out weekly for update to date information. The District Facebook (@piedmontunified), Twitter (@piedmontunified), Instagram (@piedmontusd) and Threads (@piedmontusd@threads) pages are active.

Email: communication@piedmont.k12.ca.us
Website: www.piedmont.k12.ca.us
Location: 760 Magnolia Avenue, Piedmont, CA, USA
Phone: 510-594-2600