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

Administrative Restructure: Educational Services Department

Administrative Restructure
Educational Services Department

At the March 2nd, 2017 special board meeting, the Superintendent and staff proposed a long term staffing structure that would take steps in solidifying a strong foundation for both our Educational Services department and Alternative Education department.   

Student learning and achievement of their full potential is why our schools and district exist. However, over the past several years the lack of a permanent and full time Director of Educational Services has hindered our District’s ability to fully carry out its vision and responsibility to students and staff. Appropriate and coordinated support has not been available to most effectively serve teachers and students. This issue has been significantly compounded by the deeply complex federal and state changes to education.  MCUSD has not been able to keep pace with the implementation of new mandates and initiatives despite all of our best efforts. MCUSD’s struggle to provide a consistent staffing structure for our Educational Services department, has made it difficult to provide quality educational support for students and staff, despite our staffs dedicated and determined efforts.

Our Superintendent presented a list of staffing options for the Educational Services department for consideration to the Board at a special study session on January 26th. With feedback from the Board, the Superintendent, along with additional input, created a second list of proposals for consideration in February.  Upon review, the Board directed the Superintendent and staff to bring forward additional plans for consideration to a special meeting in March.  Additional plans needed to address administrative oversight and support for both the Educational Services department and Alternative Education programs, in an efficient and fiscally prudent manner.

Historical Timeline
Educational Services Department Administrative Structure

School Years 2013-15:

The department was led by a Director who was promoted to Assistant Superintendent upon the departure of the Superintendent. This resulted in additional duties in other departments and reduced focus on Director of Educational Services duties and responsibilities. This shift required the Administrative Assistant/Testing Coordinator to take on duties outside of their job classification. The Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services position was vacated in February of 2015.  A former Superintendent was hired as an Interim Educational Services Director in March of 2015 for the remainder of the school year.

School Year 2015-16:

MCUSD advertised in the Spring of 2015 for an Educational Services Director and the position was accepted by individual who had held the position as an Interim during the second half of the 2014-15 school year.  That person then resigned from the position in September of 2015, returning to their role as Superintendent in their former school district.  Due to the Educational Services Director vacancy, a consultant was secured and contracted on a part-time basis for the remainder of the 2015-16 school year. During budget reductions process for the 2016-17 school year, the vacant Special Projects Coordinator position was eliminated, and the Lake Don Pedro Principal was reassigned to be Director of Educational Technology and Special Projects.

School Year 2016-17:

Due to budget adjustments, the Director of Educational Services position was reduced to a part time position (50 days), and the consultant hired in the Spring of 2015-16 continued to work in the part-time position, in consultation with the Superintendent.

Board Approved Educational Services Department Administrative Restructure

During the March 2nd, 2017 Board meeting, the Superintendent presented multiple options and the Board voted unanimously to approve the following structure seen below as an administrative duties organization chart:

Board of Trustees

Superintendent

Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services

     ↓          

Director of Alternative Education/Educational Services

                                    

SO WHAT IS NEXT?

In the upcoming weeks we will interview candidates for the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services position, as well as develop a transition plan for the Alternative Education/Educational Services position Mr. Henderson will take on.  Additionally, we will be selecting a new principal who will replace Ms. Weaver, who will be transitioning out of her role as Interim Principal at Lake Don Pedro at the end of this year.  

Finally, we will also be recruiting and interviewing to fill teaching vacancies at sites across our district, as several teachers have informed us of their plans to retire at the end of this year.  We will be honoring retirees in the months ahead for all they have contributed to our community, and will then look forward to welcoming new educators to our team.

Jeff Aranguena

Mariposa County Unified School District

Director of Human Resources/Student Services