Superintendent Search Update

The Mariposa County Unified School District Board of Trustees has selected the
executive search firm Leadership Associates to conduct the search for our next
Superintendent. In January 2019, Superintendent Hopper announced her resignation,
which is set to take place at the end of June 2019.

The first step of the search process is slated to occur during the month of February, and
involve gathering input from stakeholders, including our school board, staff members and
our community members. These stakeholders will help determine the characteristics, skills
and qualities Mariposa desires in a new Superintendent. The firm will use this
information to develop a profile to recruit candidates who match our communities
priorities. Active recruitment will take place into March, with a tentative deadline for
applications set to take place on March 11, 2019.

The firm will assist the school board in reviewing applications, screening candidates,
and selecting finalists to interview. The board’s goal will be to approve a Superintendent’s
contract at the regularly scheduled board meeting in April 2019. This timeline will allow our
new Superintendent to start July 1, 2019.

Leadership Associates is the premier search firm in California.  With a vast array of
experience working with smaller unique districts like ours, Leadership Associates will work
closely with ALL stakeholder input and provide their expertise and guidance to our
school board.

I hope all of you are looking forward to providing feedback to ensure we identify the ideal
candidate who fits our unique needs here in Mariposa. Below I have attached the
Superintendent Search Process Flow Chart for your review.

For more information, visit http://leadershipassociates.org/

Warm regards,

Jeff Aranguena

Assistant Superintendent of District Operations

Employees of the Year 17/18

2017-18 Employees of the Year Winners

At the end of each school year, MCUSD employees are asked to vote for a

Credentialed Employee of the Year and a Classified Employee of the Year.

The Employee of the Year Program is intended to allow staff to select, recognize

and honor colleagues who exhibit an exemplary performance, have an inherent

tendency to serve beyond the call of duty, and who foster a positive learning

environment for the students we serve.

The ballot has been cast and the votes are in! Congratulations to all of the outstanding

employees that were nominated!

We have two winners! Fun and loving; dependable and committed; inspiring and

exceptional. These are just a few of the words that were used to describe the

recipients of the 17/18 MCUSD Credentialed Employee of the Year and Classified
Employee of the Year Awards.

Credentialed Employee of the Year

Debbie Bird

“Debbie goes out of her way to

make parents feel welcome

and children to feel loved.

I have seen her love on children

until they give up and love on her.

Plus she makes our work

environment super fun and the

kids love it!”

Classified Employee of the Year

Elena Gonzalez

  

“Elena is an exceptional custodian.

After the recent flooding of the school gym

and parking lot, Elena had the gym dry the next day.

After a few short days, the parking lot had been swept,

since it had been covered in gravel. This is just

one example of her commitment to maintaining

a clean environment for our kids.”

Please join us at the May 10, 2018 Board meeting to honor both outstanding employees!

Warm regards,

Jeff Aranguena

Mariposa County Unified School District

Director of Human Resources/Student Services

Help Wanted!

If you have been part of an interview panel over the last two years, you have seen the effects of the Great Recession, and it’s lasting impact on staffing in our school district.

Recently, Dr. James Brescia, my former Education professor at Cal Poly and Superintendent of Schools for San Luis Obispo County, partnered with California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA) to shed some light on the impacts of the Great Recession.  Dr. Brescia’s group worked to produce an in depth research brief titled, Teacher Recruitment in California. I wanted to take a moment to share highlights from the research document as it relates to our school district here in Mariposa County.

We now have data that showcases how the recession has directly impacted school districts for the foreseeable future. With the combination of skyrocketing college tuition rates (+63% over the last 10 years) and substantial teacher layoffs during the Great Recession, college age students are avoiding teaching as a career option.  Enrollment in teacher credential programs decreased significantly, ultimately leading to a limited number of new credentials being issued across California.

To compound the problem, retirements in our district and across California continue to increase.  According to the data, if this trend continues, the state’s K-12 teacher workforce will lose approximately one-third of it’s most experienced teachers by 2020.

Over the last two years, I continue to be asked the same two questions: “If I have B.A degree, can I apply for a teaching position?” and adversely, “Why are you hiring so many teachers who don't have a credential?”  Both important questions!  My hope is that this information will help address both questions.

Being a rural and remote school district, recruiting in Mariposa historically has been a struggle, as housing and social opportunities continue to be barriers to attracting first year teachers.  To compensate for this scarcity, Mariposa has been fortunate to fill teaching positions with individuals who hold Provisional Internship Permits (PIPs) and Short-Term Staff Permits (STSP’s). These staff members have showcased a passion for serving students while also living here in our community.

Hiring teachers who hold PIPs and STSPs was originally designed in California as a short-term solution address teacher shortages. Districts across the state now hire candidates with emergency credentials routinely, and the trend continues here in Mariposa. This practice has provided opportunities for many of local residents, and has become vital to ensuring our students have teachers in their classrooms.

In conclusion, while Generation X (Birth Years: 1965-1981) constitutes the bulk of today’s workforce, it's estimated that Millennials (Birth Years: 1982-2000) will comprise of 50 percent of the nation’s workforce by 2020 and 75 percent by 2025.  This evidence shows both a great opportunity to bring energetic and dedicated candidates to our team, as well as insecurity as it relates to our future for recruiting adequate personnel.

By working together, we continue to overcome the challenges that lie before us.  The future continues to hold great promise here in Mariposa. I look forward to seeing and hearing from all of you during future site visits!

Warm regards,

Jeff Aranguena

Mariposa County Unified School District

Director of Human Resources/Student Services

Politics 101: The President, State Superintendent, and a School Bond

Politically, I believe 2016-17 will go down in the record books for MCUSD.  In just one year, our small community was visited by influential politicians, while our county residents voted to invest in our school district's future.  I want to take this time to briefly recap three major political events that took place here at MCUSD, the likes of which we may never see again, let alone in one year's time.

President Obama Visits Yosemite

The National Park System turned 100 in August of 2016, and President Obama became the first President to visit Yosemite since JFK in 1962.   President Obama visited a week after Yosemite Valley School students left for summer, allowing Marine One and the Secret Service to set up shop on the campus of Yosemite Valley School during the President's trip. While in Yosemite, President Obama discussed his "Every Kid in a Park Initiative,” which allows fourth graders nationwide to download free passes for themselves and their families to visit national parks and federal lands for free.

Measure L Passes (School Bond)

History was made when Mariposa County voters passed Measure L, a school facilities bond.  That support was in the form of a $24 million facilities improvement bond passed overwhelmingly by County voters last November. It was the first time in the long history of Mariposa County that such a bond had been passed.  The bond, which had more than 70 percent of support from voters, was passed so improvements can be made on the district’s aging facilities. Many of the facilities have major problems, from poor heating and air conditioning, bad roofs and much more.

State Superintendent Torlakson visits MCUSD

The State Superintendent took time to tour multiple campuses at MCUSD.  Superintendent Torlakson witnessed first hand a  Grizzly Spell Out, performed by Coach Desandres and students. Mr. Torlakson saw first hand the fire science program at MCHS, calling it “by far the most outstanding fire department I’ve ever seen” of all the schools he has visited.  Mr. Torlakson also praised teacher Al Brondolo for his “inspirational leadership.”

Finally, I extend my sincere gratitude to all of you as we wrap up the 2016-17 school year. This completes my third year here at MCUSD and I have enjoyed working with all of you.  I am confident we have taken steps in a positive direction to create an environment that prioritizes supporting students and staff, and open to creative problem solving ideas and solutions.  I hope all of you enjoy this summer and spend plenty of time with friends and family.

Warm regards,

Jeff Aranguena

Mariposa County Unified School District

Director of Human Resources/Student Services

2016-17 Employees of the Year Winners

Every year we have the opportunity to vote for our co-workers who we feel make a positive impact in the lives of the students we serve. Although we have many people who do this on a daily basis, the nominations and narratives have helped narrow it down to a handful of Certificated and Classified employees who who will be honored this year.  

Congratulations to all of the winners and those who were nominated. We are proud of you and thankful for the wonderful contributions you make to Mariposa County Unified School District. We are better because of you!

This week we will be recognizing the winners who will be honored during Thursday, May 11th Board meeting.  Additionally, the Mariposa Masons will pay a special visit to winners sites to honor these staff members.  The Masons have championed many great causes for public education and we are grateful for their outstanding  and dedicated partnership with our local schools here in Mariposa.

2016-17 Employees of the Year

CLASSIFIED STAFF

Jan Davis

District Office Business Services

Information and Student Data Coordinator

“Jan is extremely knowledgeable in many areas. She is always patient, kind, and willing to help in any way she can. She is a very hard worker, going above and beyond what is expected of her to support others. She is dependable, reliable, and honest.  She is respectful to her co-workers and has been committed to our district for decades. We will miss her immensely as she is set to retire at the end of this school year.”

Deana Lessley

Greeley Hill Elementary/Coulterville High School

Secretary

“Deana is the first face seen by campus visitors, and she always greets with a smile and a cheerful attitude. She understands all aspects of the school and is always helpful to those who need assistance.  She is always available to do whatever is necessary to make her school grea, whether that is in the role of a cheerleader, a mascot, and or community liaison.  She takes on the job with high energy, compassion, and dedication.”

CERTIFICATED STAFF

Paul Amstutz

El Portal/Yosemite Park High School

Teacher

“Paul Amstutz always goes above and beyond to support his students.  He finds joy in teaching and wants to share that joy with his students, even if it means he is spending his weekend preparing lessons.  His students are excited to come to school every day because he plans amazing lessons and showcases that he truly cares about their wellbeing.  Paul is outstanding in many ways and provides a high-energy learning environment that has allowed students to be successful year after year. “

Melissa Harris

Mariposa Elementary

Teacher

“Melissa is always positive no matter what the day brings her.  She manages to smile and laugh with her colleagues constantly. Melissa is always willing to share and help both her students and staff. She is one of the reasons many colleagues believe it's a pleasure to come to work each day.  She always goes the extra mile and is the first one at school each morning and the last to leave. Her dedication is infectious!”

WHAT'S THE CAPACITY?

This year there are many new faces in our district that have provided an exciting opportunity for collaboration and new ideas.  PATIENCE AND CAPACITY BUILDING have been crucial in continuing our efforts to provide students a positive educational experience. Adequate training, creating a culture of trust, and understanding we are all learning and growing together, are part of building capacity which ultimately leads to serving our students at the highest level.

As we prepare to wrap up this school year, it is important to understand where we have been and where we currently are, to fully understand where we CAN go as a TEAM.

As we keep in mind that it takes a minimum of 3-5 years before a culture can effectively change, here are a few facts I’d like everyone to keep in mind moving forward:

• Over the last two years, 20% of MUCSD teachers were new to the district

• Over the last three years, 80% of MCUSD administrators were new to their positions

• In 2016-17
• 50% of administrators were new to their position
• Both MCTA and CSEA Presidents were new to their position
• Four of five School Board seats were up for election

• As of April 2017, one School Board seat remains vacant

Considering the points mentioned above, we must ensure we take time to celebrate the progress we have made, while being very clear in understanding the hard work we all have ahead of us.

I have been impressed by the welcoming environments, collaboration, teamwork I have witnessed among colleagues during my site visits.  Over the last few years, we have seen many experienced employees retire, and we have welcomed many dedicated professionals to our TEAM.  During this transition, colleagues have reached out to support and collaborate with new TEAM members, an effort that showcases our staff’s dedication to serving our students and each other.

As we wrap up the 2016-17 school year, we have begun to fill vacancies for next year.  It is heartwarming to see the supportive environments that have been created across our district, that will allow new employees to build capacity as lifelong learners along with all of us. Each of us continues to develop our skill set helping us adequately serve those who we work for, our students.  In preparation for next year, we must continue to practice patience, build our capacity, invest in each other, and give ourselves the opportunity to learn and grow professionally and collectively.  

Our work continues!

Warm regards,

Jeff Aranguena

Mariposa County Unified School District

Director of Human Resources/Student Services

Budget and Negotiations Update, March 2017

Dear Mariposa Family and Friends,

At the March 2nd and 9th Board meetings, two important decisions regarding bargaining unit negotiations and necessary budget adjustments took place for next school year.

First, the Board approved the Tentative Agreement between MCUSD management staff and the Mariposa County Teachers Association (MCTA), which will provide for the third consecutive year a salary schedule increase for our teachers.  In February, the Board approved the Tentative Agreement between MCUSD management staff and the California School Employee Association (CSEA).  This agreement also provides for the third consecutive year a salary schedule increase for our classified employees.  

Second, the news that Mariposa County Office of Education (MCOE) will be receiving a significant reduction in Special Education funding, created a new paradigm regarding budgeting for Mariposa County Unified School District (MCUSD). The certain loss of funding represents a significant challenge as Special Education continues to encroach into Mariposa County Unified School District's general fund budget. This encroachment results in fewer dollars available for district wide programs and services.

The 2016-17 school year marks the second consecutive year that reductions in Special Education funding combined with negotiated salary increases have forced MCUSD to align our anticipated reduced revenues with expenditures. Dramatic increases in employee retirement plan contributions (STRS and PERS) and health care costs, along with automatic step and column salary increases, have made this task even more challenging for staff and our school board.  

The reductions are based on the following key factors:

1. Focus on reducing personnel costs
2. Start the reduction furthest away from the classroom, beginning with the district office
3. Utilize attrition (retirements and resignations) to avoid hurtful layoffs and maximize savings
4. Negotiated increases for bargaining unit employees
5. Declining enrollment
6. Reduction in SELPA funding
7. Reduction in funding from Fresno ROP
8. Reduction in funding from federal Secure Rural Schools (forestry funds)
9. Reduction in funding from Probation “JAG” grant
10. Monitor and plan for STRS, PERS, and rising health care cost increases

Given our fiscal reality and salary investment in our employees, we have taken action to balance our budget with the following district wide adjustments for the 2017-18 school year:

District Office - eliminated and consolidated vacant administrative position

MCHS - eliminated vacant certificated teaching position; based on school class size projections

LDPE - eliminated current vacant classified secretary position; based on school site enrollment

Greeley Hill - eliminated vacant certificated teaching position; based on school site declining enrollment

Last year, given our fiscal reality and salary investment in our employees, we took action to balance our budget with the following district wide adjustments for the 2016-17 school year:

District Office - eliminated and consolidated vacant Special Projects Coordinator position

District Office - eliminated vacant Educational Services Department Director; hired part time Interim Director

District Office - eliminated vacant Alternative Education Assistant Teaching/Principal

Alternative Education - eliminated two vacant certificated teaching position; based on school class size projections

Woodland - eliminated vacant certificated teaching position; based on school class size projections

MES - eliminated vacant certificated teaching position; based on school class size projections

Special Education - eliminated/reduced Special Education Aide position/hrs; based on reduced student need

As you can see reductions over the past two years span across our entire district.  Although our resources are declining, unfortunately our requirements are not.  Staff works hard to comply with underfunded mandates, as well as keep up with state accountability systems and other requirements. This all must be done while supporting our students at the highest level.  Meeting these mandates takes time, energy, and money. Staff goes above and beyond to meet these demands on a daily basis.

In my weekly site visitations, I see how hard our team is working. I witness the commitment, dedication, and care from all staff who make our schools such great places for kids, regardless of limited resources.  We appreciate all the hard and important work you all continue to do on a daily basis.

Warm regards,

Jeff Aranguena

Mariposa County Unified School District

Director of Human Resources/Student Services