A Report to our Community
October 02, 2007
October, 2007
A Message from Superintendent, Dr. Mannon
I am happy to report that the start of the new school year has gone smoothly. It is always encouraging to see the energy and expectations as staff and students alike approach a new year with new opportunities. Many times in my career, I have heard people suggest that school districts could run more smoothly if they were managed more similarly to private industry, and I could not agree more. I appreciate the efforts of our administrators as they have worked to ensure that our District of over 26,000 students and 3,500 staff members can run smoothly in spite of not having a confirmed budget. In the last few years, TUSD has improved its credit rating, expanded some programs and minimized cuts in others. If standardized tests are an indicator of a school district’s success, we can feel proud of what we have accomplished. However, the reality is that the successes have come from parents instilling good work habits in the students, students understanding the importance of improvement, and staff and teachers continuing their commitment to help each student reach his/her next step in a life of learning. I also want to salute the J.H. Hull at Levy community for their efforts and understanding as they have had to relocate to an entirely different campus. Their patience and cooperation allowed this challenging process to run smoothly. I hope all our District families will join me in recognizing this community’s efforts and know that Hull’s situation may not appear unique in the future. Our facilities are facing difficult times and we need to implement solutions beyond state and federal funding. In the 60-year history of TUSD, we have seen only one school improvement bond measure pass. On a daily basis, I am encouraged by our schools’ performances, yet discouraged by the physical working conditions in which our staff and students operate. I am hoping we can create change in the next year.
Thank you to all parents, students, staff and volunteers who make up Torrance Unified School District. May our combined efforts make for a wonderful school year.
New Staff Appointments
The Board of Education is happy to approve the following administrative appointments:
• Grant Litfin – Principal – North High School: Grant has served as the Assistant Principal at South High since January 2006. He previously served as Assistant Principal at Lynn and Magruder Middle Schools, and as a teacher at Magruder Middle School.
• Karim Girgis – Assistant Principal – West High School: Karim has served as the Athletic Director at West High School for the last seven years. He has also served as the Head Varsity Basketball Coach and P.E./Health Teacher at West High School for the last nine years.
• Chad Mabery – Assistant Principal – South High School: Chad has served as a Math/Science Teacher at North High School since November 2005.
• Bobbie Wynhoff – Assistant Principal – Victor Elementary School: Bobbie has served as Assistant Principal at LAUNCH for the last three years. She previously served as a program specialist in Special Education.
• Sandra Skora – Assistant Principal – Hickory Elementary School: Sandra comes to us from the Manhattan Beach School District, where she served as Teacher on Special Assignment/Grade 6 Science Teacher at Manhattan Beach Middle School. She received her B.S. at California Polytechnic University in 1986 and her M.A. at The Claremont Graduate School in 1989. We would like to welcome Sandra to our District.
2006-2007 School Wellness Challenge Leadership Circle Award Received by TUSD
TUSD received the California 2006-2007 School Wellness Challenge Leadership Circle Award, as a result of its participation in the California Department of Education Wellness Challenge this past year. Mrs. Pam Reed, former TUSD Resource Teacher, served as a member of the leadership circle and was recognized for implementing a sound wellness program for the students. Ms. Tammy Khan, Field Representative for Assemblyman Ted Lieu presented Ms. Reed and TUSD with a Certificate of Recognition for the accomplishments.
The District Enters into an Exclusive Beverage Vending Contract
This contract includes a 5-year agreement with the Pepsi Bottling Company to provide exclusive beverage vending services to all school sites and District departments. The schools may not enter into separate contracts. Dr. Stabler, Deputy Superintendent, advised that the program will utilize the Food Services Department, which staff believes will provide a much greater monetary benefit to the District. The Pepsi Bottling Company is to provide water, Dole juices, and Gatorade, all of which meet California state law, the American Beverage Association requirements, and the criteria under the District’s new Wellness Policy, with the latter being two years ahead of the required state deadline for implementation. The benefit to Food Services would be 10% of the profit, with the remaining 90% to be given directly to the school sites. Pepsi Bottling Company will donate $15,000 per year, over seventy vending machines, and the service and maintenance on these. The District’s Food Services Department will fill the machines with product and account for the money. At the high schools, any profits would benefit the ASB account, providing funding for the clubs on campus, along with supplementing programs such as publishing costs for the yearbook, band and athletics, none of which receive funds from the District. This contract does not impact the choice of items sold by PTAs or snack bars at the athletic events. In addition, the bottles in the machines would be of recyclable materials, and possibly add an additional fundraising opportunity for the ASBs.
Bond Polling Consultant retained
True North Research, Inc., a Bond Election Service company, was selected at a cost of $29,951 to assist with polling information for the purpose of pursuing an upcoming school bond. Their services will include statistical polling work with an increase from 400 to 800. The District is committed to passing a bond in an effort to modernize the facilities. The District acknowledges that it is incurring repeated costs from previous years, spent while pursuing the passage of Measure T in June 2006. Had that measure been successful with Torrance voters, these costs would not have to be incurred at this time.
Mrs. Bernardine (Deen) Schrank is Recognized for 50 Years of Service
TUSD was pleased to honor Mrs. Schrank at the September 4th Board meeting for her 50 years of service teaching at District schools. During the presentation, Dr. Kim, Senior Director - Elementary Schools, stated that Deen began her service in the District in 1956 at Riviera School as a Grade 4 teacher, and in 1957 moved to Anza School where she has taught a combo class and Kindergarten. Mrs. Schrank expressed that she has enjoyed the many opportunities to see the change in students and how they have grown in independence and sophistication. Her hope is that students will remember her encouraging them to always try harder and never give up.
