She is in her fourth year serving the district.

$513 million budget for over 50,000 kids               

Priorities for district are teaching/student learning; communications and facilities improvements. Safety of students of critical importance: Mental health supports, emergency preparedness, safety plan for each site, partnership with law enforcement agencies and more.

Considering a bond in 2018 or 2020 to improve facilities; may consider bonds focused on smaller geographic areas. Fifty-three schools throughout the district in need of over $344 million in repairs (fire alarms, roof repair, electrical, air conditioning, etc.). ANHS, for example, determined to need $16,182,000 in capital repair improvements within next five years. 

College and Career Preparedness class (CCP); board considering making it an elective vs. a requirement.

ANHS: new STEM building to be built. Expected completion: August 2020. Overseen by school district and funded through school district’s retired Mello-Roos funds for new school facilities (not improvements). See rendering. http://www.cityofalisoviejo.com/city-hall/departments/financial-services/mello-roos-capistrano-unified-school-district-community-facilities-district-no-87-1-r4/

School funding: in 2016/2017, CUSD received $8,087 in average daily attendance funds. Other districts such as Laguna Beach and Newport Mesa, receive more as they receive more in property taxes and funding formula differs. Schools with higher concentration of economically disadvantage and English Language Learners receive more as well. State requires district to absorb higher share of retirement funds. $20 million in 2013/2014 vs. $57 million in 2021. State of Massachusetts receives $19K per student.

Fans of CSI would have enjoyed the video on the Forensics Science courses; this high school class is part of the district’s focus on career readiness. University of Californiaa-g approved course.  

Q&A by audience and other comments involved elementary curriculum, how to increase community engagement in school district matters, breakfast for PTA leaders hosted by Mayor of Laguna Niguel and more.