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

Support Students Success by Prioritizing Attendance

Through our partnership with the Mariposa Probation Department, MCUSD is actively promoting positive attendance through an initiative continuing to grow during its second year.  Attendance concerns continue to be a barrier for many students on the road to success in our district.  We are working as a team to find creative ways to support students and families in attending school regularly.  This has proven to be challenging, not only in our rural district, but state-wide.

Studies show that when students miss school two days per month, regardless of if the absences are excused, students are more likely to be adversely impacted. These absences affect students as early as Kindergarten, and the impact can last throughout a student's school career.  

This year, attendance incentives are being offered to ALL students, with a hyperfocus on supporting specific students who suffer from chronic absenteeism. Students are being monitored for growth and given objectives that they can achieve. By focusing on growth, not radical change, students are able to feel successful, which is an important key indicator for student attendance and success in school.

However tough our most challenging students can be, their lives in many cases have been exponentially more difficult to live.  Therefore, this year we began to offer support to families in getting their child to school.  Working closely with individual families, site leaders are identifying barriers and helping provide resources in an effort to remove the obstacles impacting students attendance.

As a district we are taking action to build a foundation for celebrating, promoting, and emphasizing attendance for ALL students.  Addressing attendance issues is time consuming, demanding, and complex. There are no quick fixes and no easy tricks.  If there were simple solutions to support their growth, attendance, especially in rural areas counties like Mariposa, wouldn't be so challenging.

Finally, I invite everyone to set aside time to acknowledge students and their attendance.  Our staff is exceptional at engaging with and getting to know our students.  Our positive interactions remind children that day after day we are happy they are in school and we care about their well being.  

10 FACTS ABOUT SCHOOL ATTENDANCE (http://www.attendanceworks.org/facts-stats-school-attendance/)

1. Absenteeism in the first month of school can predict poor attendance throughout the school year. Half the students who miss 2-4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month of school.
2. An estimated 5 million to 7.5 million U.S. students miss nearly a month of school each year.
3. Absenteeism and its ill effects start early. One in 10 kindergarten and first grade students are chronically absent.  Poor attendance can influence whether children read proficiently by the end of third grade or be held back
4. By 6th grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.
5. Research shows that missing 10 percent of the school, or about 18 days in most school districts, negatively affects a student’s academic performance. That’s just two days a month and that’s known as chronic absence.
6. The academic impact of missing that much school is the same whether the absences are excused or unexcused. Suspensions also add to lost time in the classroom
7. Low-income students are four times more likely to be chronically absent than others often for reasons beyond their control, such as unstable housing, unreliable transportation and a lack of access to health care.
8. When students improve their attendance rates, they improve their academic prospects and chances for graduating.
9. Attendance improves when schools engage students and parents in positive ways and when schools provide mentors for chronically absent students.
10. Most school districts and states don’t look at all the right data to improve school attendance. They track how many students show up every day and how many are skipping school without an excuse, but not how many are missing so many days in excused and unexcused absence that they are headed off track academically.

Jeff Aranguena

Mariposa County Unified School District

Director of Human Resources/Student Services

Personnel Changes

Personnel Changes

We want to share several significant staff changes that will be occurring upon our return from the holiday break. Starting this January, the following new assignments will be in effect for the duration of the 2016-2017 school year:

After 6 years  at Mariposa County Unified, Principal of Alternative Education David Naranjo has accepted an employment offer from the  Tuolumne County Office of Education as their Coordinator of Student Support Services. Mr. Naranjo has played a key role in the revitalization and development of our Alternative Education programs, including Adult Education, County Community School, Continuation High School, and independent study opportunities through Sierra Home School. While we are sad to see Mr. Naranjo leave us, we are excited to see him embark on this new career opportunity in January.

With Mr. Naranjo’s vacancy, Principal Alfonso Garagarza has been called upon to transition from his current role as Principal of Lake Don Pedro Elementary (LDPE) to take on the duties and responsibilities of Principal of Alternative Education. Mr. Garagarza has a breadth of high school and elementary school experience which will be extremely beneficial in promoting and supporting our Alternative Education programs.

With Mr. Garagarza’s departure from LDPE, former Scotts Valley Unified School District Superintendent, Penny Weaver will take on the role as Principal for the remainder of the 2016-17 school year. Ms. Weaver brings a wide range of administrative experience to MCUSD, having served as an Assistant Superintendent, Director, Principal, and Assistant Principal throughout her career.

Lastly, after ten years in the lead secretary position at LDPE, Mrs. Beebe has informed MCUSD that she and her family will be moving out of state at the end of January.  We are extremely saddened by this news, as Mrs. Beebe has been truly dedicated to the students and staff of Lake Don Pedro, and has been a tremendous asset to our organization. We all will miss her greatly and wish her and her family the best in their transition.

Filling the vacancy created by  Mrs. Beebe’s departure, Tammera Lane will transition into the lead secretary position and its associated duties. Mrs. Lane brings tremendous experience to the position and we are happy to have her taking on the role, ensuring a smooth transition.

With these changes ahead, we are confident that as a TEAM we will continue to maintain our focus on supporting our students, staff, schools and our community.  

Happy Holidays

Jeff Aranguena

Mariposa County Unified School District

Director of Human Resources/Student Services