Superintendent's Message
from Dr. George Mannon
June 01, 2008
TUSD students are able to achieve extraordinary successes because of our talented and exceptional teachers and staff. Every year, TUSD recognizes a select bunch of certificated employees who have demonstrated leadership qualities by creating enriching educational opportunities for their students. This year’s Certificated Employees of the Year 2008-2009 are Marc Pioch, North High School Activities Director; Karla Frizler Octavio, Hamilton Adult School; Elizabeth Olsen, District Nurse; and Colleen Poelvoorde, English/Language Arts Teacher at Madrona Middle School. Colleen has also earned the Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year recommendation. I would like to congratulate all of our winners and thank them for being exemplary educators!
This year four of our elementary schools were honored with the California Distinguished Schools Award. While Edison has continued its tradition of excellence, three more of our well deserving schools also joined the ranks – Arnold, Riviera, and Towers. The Distinguished School process is not easy or simple. Schools are scrutinized and need to pass rigorous site visits by State officials. All four schools did a remarkable job presenting their sites. I would like to thank not only the teachers, staff, parents, and students (current and past) who spend countless hours preparing for these visits, but also the business community, many of whom donated not only supplies and beautification products but their valuable time. Thank you to all those who contributed not only to our Distinguished Schools process but also to all of our business partners who we enjoy a collaborative partnership with.
Last month the Governor released his revisions of the State Budget. After reviewing the Governor’s May Revise the only good news that can be reported is that we will not have to make any further cuts for the upcoming school year. Though the Governor is funding Proposition 98, school districts will not be receiving their cost of living adjustment or their matching funds for deferred maintenance. The loss of these revenues will have to come from our overall budget forcing us to continue with the already approved reductions. During these lean times for our District, it becomes increasingly important for our community to come together and ensure our students continue to receive the education they deserve.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Denise Mandel as the new president of the Torrance Council of PTAs. TUSD is very fortunate to have such an active and dedicated parent body that repeatedly supports our students and programs. The Torrance Council of PTAs worked tirelessly to send a message to Sacramento against the budget cuts with their Flunk the Budget Campaign. They have also been instrumental in our Save Our Schools Campaign, which is our effort to offset the Governor’s budget cuts so that we can protect class size and restore our other priorities. The Torrance Council of PTAs will be hosting an E-Waste Donation Day on Saturday, June 3 where people can donate their old electronic products. For more information, please visit our website at www.tusd.org. I am very appreciative and thankful for all the wonderful contributions our parents continue to make to ensure our students have a valuable education.
I congratulate all graduating seniors and wish them every success in their future pursuits! Hope everyone has a fun and a safe summer!
