Good Afternoon, CUSD,
It’s been a busy week in the district, starting with uncomfortably high temperatures on Monday and concluding with a governing board meeting last night and mediation with the Association of Coronado Teachers (ACT) today.
Thank you to everyone who demonstrated patience, grace, resilience, professionalism, and positivity in the face of this week’s challenges.
While the recent heat wave is behind us, more than likely we will experience another one in the next couple months. We will continue to seek solutions to mitigate heat, boost ‘cool zones,’ and provide relief on our hottest days. Understanding some of the challenges faced in CUSD related to our facilities, the Board directed staff to bring an agenda item forward with the objective of reviewing and discussing existing Heat Day practices.
Over the years the district has conducted feasibility and cost studies for air conditioning and solar. Based on numerous factors, including facility and power upgrades, as well as initial and ongoing costs, the fiscal reality of a long term solution has not been identified.
We find ourselves faced with serious budget decisions again this coming year. Declining enrollment, the end of one time pandemic funds, decreased COLA from the state, and inflationary pressures have all contributed to the current reality.
In order to make informed decisions reflective of shareholder input (from staff and community), we are reaching out to invite and include as many as possible in our budget study committee meetings. In addition to the regular in-person option, we have added a webinar version to increase accessibility.
We encourage everyone to attend the next Budget Study meeting on Wednesday, September 18th at 3:45pm. The meeting will take place at the District Office in the Board Room. The link option is HERE.
If you would like additional background on the budget prior to the Budget Study discussion, you can listen to agenda items 6.1 and 7.4 from last night’s board meeting HERE.
Despite all of the ancillary issues, our collective focus remains on creating conditions in which every child, every day can grow and succeed. Unquestionably the best part of my day is visiting schools across the district. The sense of curiosity and excitement in our students, the creative and engaging learning in our classrooms, and the champions who make it all happen is why we are here, and why we do what we do.
Enjoy your weekend,
Karl J. Mueller
Superintendent
