LATEST NEWS
June 14th, 2010
Dear Staff, Parent, and Community Members of the Ross Valley School District,
We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Eileen Rohan as the
District's new Superintendent. Ms. Rohan comes to us from the Petaluma
City Schools District where she was Director of Educational Services
for more than 7,580 students in grades K-12. She has extensive
experience with curriculum and instruction development and improving
organizational process, as well as expertise in data and assessment
systems and analyzing program effectiveness through research.
In addition, her strong communication skills and experience working in
a District with high educational expectations combined with her limitless
energy and support for colleagues makes her a perfect fit for our
community. See the attached press release to learn more about Eileen's
background and experience. Ms. Rohan's selection comes after an extensive
and thorough search and the Board is confident it has found the right person
to lead the District into the next decade.
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Rohan to the Ross Valley Community at an
Open House at the District Office this Wednesday, June 16th from 5:30 p.m.
to 6:30 p.m.
We hope to see you on Wednesday!
Sharon Sagar, President, Board of Trustees
Chris Carlucci, M.D., Trustee
Conn Hickey, Trustee
Heidi Kritscher Weller, Board Clerk
June 4, 2010
Dear Staff, Parents, and Community Members of the Ross Valley School District,
At its regular meeting held last night the Board voted to eliminate the School Street option as a solution to the enrollment growth and classroom shortage. The Board will now decide between two options: (1) modernizing and reopening its Deer Park site or (2) adding classrooms to the District’s existing elementary school campuses to accommodate between 360 and 400 students, an option previously rejected but reintroduced in light of the ongoing economic challenges affecting the community and school funding. Both options include expanding White Hill Middle School to accommodate approximately 800 students. The Board plans to make its final decision at its June 17th meeting.
In response to a request from the Fairfax Town Council, the District spent the past several weeks conducting a second round of exploration of the School Street site. Based on this work, the Board rejected the option of purchasing and developing the School Street site. Reasons for the Board’s action include:
Cost. Estimated demolition and construction costs are $14 million and, while the property was not appraised, its estimated purchase price would likely start at $4 million. The combination of these costs exceeds that of any other option under consideration.
Fiscal Responsibility. The Board determined considered that acquiring a new property instead of using the sites it already owns would be fiscally irresponsible.
Risk. Numerous variables, including the property’s appraised value and availability, approvals from the California Department of Education (CDE) and the appropriate space for physical education, are outside the District’s control, making it very risky.
Size. The 1.3 usable acres of the property’s 2.0 acres is 70% smaller than the CDE recommendations for a 180- to 240- student school.
For those of you interested in more information on these developments, we’ve attached the District’s press release announcing the Board’s decisions from last night’s meeting. Please stay tuned next week for additional details on the final two options under consideration along with an opportunity for you to offer feedback via email.
As always, if you have questions or comments for the District please send them to rvsuper@rossvalleyschool.org.
Catalina Nocon
Interim Superintendent
Ross Valley School District
(415) 451-4060
March 17, 2010
Congratulations, Golden Bell Recipients!
The Golden Bell Award recognizes the outstanding teachers in Marin County. Along with teachers, this year’s event will be recognizing our schools’ Community Partners.
Ross Valley School District’s Teacher Honorees are:
- Barbara Davis Kindergarten/1st grade teacher, Brookside School - Lower Campus
- Joyce Chartock 3rd grade teacher, Brookside School - Upper Campus
- Laurel Marinell Resource Specialist, Manor School
- Mary Olund 2nd grade teacher, Wade Thomas School
- Tim Lentini 7th and 8th Grade Teacher, White Hill Middle School
Collectively, these teachers are described by their colleagues as having a true care for students and are inspirational. They set high expectations for students. They possess sensitivity towards each child, have a deep love for teaching, and are outstanding educators and colleagues.
RVSD’s Community Partners Honorees are:
- David Lusterman, String Letter Publishing
David has continued to support our district’s music program through the YES Foundation since its inception.
- Bill Johnson, Got Homes Real Estate
Bill has made significant contributions to the district’s art, music, and library programs.
The Golden Bell Awards Ceremony to recognize our honorees will be held at Angelico Hall, Dominican University of California on Thursday, May 27, 2010, at 4:30 P.M. More information about this event will be provided as it is made available.
Thank you, Golden Bell Recipients, for your contributions to our school district and especially for all you do for our students.
Congratulations, Barbara, Joyce, Laurel, Mary, David, and Bill!
“COMMUNITY INFORMATION”
JUNE 1, 2010
Information for RVSD happenings, various community programs, services and other opportunities.
DISTRICT OFFICE HOURS
Monday – Thursday
Open: 8 am to 12 noon / Open: 2 pm to 4 pm
Closed Fridays
RVSD BOARD MEETINGS
(All meetings are held at the District Office, Board Conference Rm., 110 Shaw Drive, and San Anselmo)
- Special Budget Workshop / TBD Sat., 6/5/10 Starts at 3:00 pm DO Conference Rm.
- Board Meeting/Open Session Thurs., 6/17/10 Starts at 6:00 pm DO Conference Rm.
For a board agenda and all supporting documents please visit http://rvsd.csbaagendaonline.net or pick-up a copy at the District Office. (Note: Agenda and board packet information are available 72 hours prior to each meeting.) Questions: Call 415.454.2162 or e-mail superintendent@rossvalleyschools.org.
OTHER RVSD MEETINGS / EVENTS
(Visit the link below)
http://www.rossvalleyschools.org/vcalendar
SUMMER MAILER / 2010-11 BACK-TO-SCHOOL INFORMATION
In our continuing efforts to be environmentally friendly the Summer Mailer packet, normally sent in July/August, will be available on our website only. Information will be posted to our website by August 1st. If you would like a hard copy, please contact the District Office at 415.454.2162 or email rvsuper@rossvalleyschools.org. Information includes: School Calendar; Food Service Information & Applications (Free & Reduced Lunch forms will be sent home with the 1st Day Packet); Transportation Information & Applications; White Hill Middle School Information (letter from the principal, calendar of highlights, Kick-Off Assembly and Orientation information). To access all forms visit our website at www.rossvalleyschools.org and click on the Back-to-School Information button.
TO THE PARENTS OF STUDENTS WITH INTER DISTRICT TRANSFERS
Please contact the district office at 415.454.2162 to confirm paper work for your child for the 2010-2011 school year has been received. All paperwork must be received on/before the last day of school, June 10, 2010. Forms are available at the District Office, 110 Shaw Drive, San Anselmo. Thank you!
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