The Facilities Steering Committee: A Step in the Journey from Context to Form. 

The ultimate object of design is form. To design is to fit a form to a context. The context includes all the constraints into which the form has to fit. The context reduces the set of possible forms. In some way, design is simple: understand the context, and then apply the appropriate set of engineering disciplines and trade arts to shape a form that fits. There is plenty of room for creativity and outstanding solutions provided they are grounded in the context. 

In the 2015 summer, the District launched a process to develop a plan to upgrade our secondary school facilities. Our superintendent leveraged internal expertise and an external consultant to assess the state of the facilities. In parallel he organized a number of meetings with parents, teachers, students, and the community at large to shape the broad parameters of the educational needs, another essential part of the context, with the goal of looking ahead:

How should we educate our students to best prepare them to function in our 21st century economy? What facilities do we need to support these evolving methods? These efforts were completed in January 2016 and resulted in two documents published on the PUSD website and presented to the Board of Education: the DRAFT Facility Site Assessment Report and a DRAFT Educational Specifications Report. 

It became clear that the context is very constraining and that the cost of meeting all the needs far exceeds the District maximum bonding capacity under a single measure. So choices have to be made. 

Tasked to make a recommendation on how to proceed, the Superintendent invited a number of Piedmont residents to join him, his senior staff, and a couple of Board members to form a Facilities Steering Committee and help shape that recommendation. I accepted to serve. From my experience in industry, reflection among a small committee was what was needed at this step in the process. 

The committee was disbanded in May having performed its functions. Its composition was very diverse with Piedmont residents from different professional backgrounds and perspectives. Our central focus was what would best serve our students. We functioned as a sounding board for the Superintendent and his staff in assessing the context and in helping generate, evaluate, and criticize potential forms that would fit. We were pressed by the Superintendent to help him set priorities so that forms could be designed to fit the financial constraint. Each one of us reached out to our friends in the community for help. My point of view was biased towards enhancing facilities to support a first class high school STEAM curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics): our Bay Area economy is driven by creativity and creativity is rooted in these disciplines. Others emphasized the poor state of our Magnolia facilities, the substandard classroom sizes, the importance of fundamentals (we are a High School, not a College), the comforts of our teachers and students (better noise insulation, air conditioning, …)… 

Most meetings were shaped by the presentation of conceptual plans with cost estimates worked out by the District Facilities Manager that reflected changes in priorities argued in previous discussions. We worked out two major forms with options. Our final report to the Board “Recommending a $65 Million Bond Measure” is available on the school website (attachment to the May 25 School Board Meeting agenda) and includes the following main points: 

● The Board should not seek to “do the minimum” by only repairing buildings or replacing failing systems at the middle and high schools. This would not meet the most urgent of the educational needs, and in the medium term would be money wasted as major renovations will have to be eventually made to an aged campus. 

● The Board  should seek voter approval to issue school bonds at its available bonding capacity to address the bulk of the educational needs. 

● Confirming that it is not possible to address all of the needs within the bonding capacity, the Committee suggested a specific list of priorities. 

● The final form should be shaped through an open public process and flexibility be built into the bond measure. More community input is needed to review and make the final trade­offs. 

● A specific design is not recommended, as the die is far from being cast. The work is not lost, as the District Facilities Manager retains the designs done for future elaboration. 

I stand by the work done by the committee. As a former active opponent to the 2014 Measure H, I support Measure H1 put by the Board on the November ballot. The District has done its homework. But much more needs to be done: for example, we did not have time to research what other peer districts have done when faced with similar issues, and how well their projects have worked out. 

As a member of our vibrant community, you need to make up your mind on the Measure and select the board members which will implement an open transparent process and ensure accountability, both paramount given the flexibility built into the Measure. I urge the local professional expertise and educational/executive talent to get involved and bring new perspectives that will maximize the value obtained from our taxes and lead to such a compelling form that the entire community will say: “This is the obvious thing to do for our students; let us work out all the problems to make it happen”. 

 Bernard Pech, Piedmont Resident

Editors Note:  Opinions expressed are those of the author. The Piedmont Civic Association does not support or oppose ballot measures.

School Board Members Respond to Piedmont Post’s Claims about the District Administration

 As a board, we all agree that the press plays an important role in providing information to the community, but it can be harmful when inaccurate claims are made, whatever the cause of such mistakes. Although School Board members (all volunteers) cannot respond to all inaccuracies in the Piedmont Post, we think it important to respond to the Post’s recent article, “School District’s Top-Heavy Administration.”

The District administration provides management, guidance and support for 502 District employees who teach, serve, support and provide a variety of programs to 2701 students.  The administration consists of a Superintendent (Randy Booker), an Assistant Superintendent and Chief Business Officer (Song Chin-Bendib), a Director of Curriculum & Instruction (Cheryl Wozniak), a Director of Instructional Technology (Stephanie Griffith), a Director of Adult and Alternative Education, who also manages the Wellness Center (Michael Brady), a Director of Special Education (Julie Valdez), a Director of Facilities (Pete Palmer), a Director of Fiscal Services (Michelle Nguyen), and a Director of Athletics (Vic Acuna).  Each of these dedicated individuals provides valuable and necessary services to the District.

The Post article does not challenge that such administrators are needed and that they do an excellent job for our children.  Instead, the Post implies that the Board has failed to provide oversight, the public has had no chance to comment, and that there are too many administrators.  The facts are otherwise.

•       The Post asserts that administration “changes appear to have occurred with limited oversight or input from members of the Piedmont School Board.”  Not true.  Not only are such staffing changes found in the public agendas (which every Board member reads), but Board members were and are aware of proposed administration staffing before staffing changes are made through frequent individual meetings with the Superintendent, which often address staffing and morale, and confidential performance reviews,  including the Superintendent’s management and plans for the administration.  Board members can and do email or call the Superintendent frequently about District issues, and that has included administration organization and staffing.

•       The Post asserts that “only one of the four new contracts was subject to board approval and open to public discussion.”  Not true, as admitted later in the article.  Each contract was presented in the Board’s public agenda as a consent item.  Routine matters not expected to be of public interest often are placed on the consent agenda.  A member of the public may ask to speak regarding consent items, and any Board member may ask to remove an item from the consent agenda for discussion.  No such request or public comment was made.

•       The Post asserts that the District’s Chief Business Officer (and Assistant Superintendent) “is now being paid over $217,000  a year in base salary.”  Not true.  Ms. Chin-Bendib started at an annual salary of $165,871 for 205 workdays, and now receives a base salary of $178,750 for 215 workdays.  The Board is aware of competitive salaries for CBOs in the Bay Area, and is pleased to have Ms. Chin-Bendib serving as our CBO.

•       With full support of the Board, Superintendent Booker has reorganized administrative roles and responsibilities in the District office to meet evolving educational and administrative needs.  Mr. Booker has flattened the organization structure by not replacing a second Assistant Superintendent and, instead, having Directors that mostly report directly to him.  The Directors provide the expertise to properly serve our student population, including: managing changes in curricula and programs; supporting the approximately 15% of District students who require special education services; developing and supporting technology infrastructure and services; managing maintenance and construction at the schools where our children learn; and providing the operational expertise to keep the District in compliance with federal and state requirements, as well as to meet the high expectations of the Board and the community.

Our community, parents, students and Board members expect a lot from our schools.  We expect them to be well-managed, and to serve the many and varied educational needs of our children.  Contrary to the assertion in the Post, the administration is not “top-heavy,” it is right-sized.  The excellent performance of our students and the support provided to our educational community show it.

Rick Raushenbush
Amal Smith
School Board Members

Editors Note:  Opinions expressed are those of the authors.

Sarah Pearson is seeking re-election to the Board of Education at the November 8, 2016 General Election.   Sarah writes:

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I have been honored to serve on the Piedmont Board of Education for the past four years, and I hope the citizens of Piedmont will support me and elect me for second term.

This is an exciting time in education, and I believe our public schools serve the children of Piedmont better now than they did five years ago. We have earned top academic rankings while focusing on the whole child and nurturing curiosity and love-of-learning in our students. Nonetheless, PUSD faces many challenges that will require thoughtful consideration and require all stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure well-informed decisions regarding the allocation of scarce resources.

My husband, Evan Seevak, and I have three children who are so grateful for the Piedmont schools. They and their classmates have benefitted from great teachers who use innovative instructional strategies, such as differentiated teaching, and make the curriculum relevant and engaging. My children have enjoyed participating in a wide range of extracurricular activities at school, such as community service, athletics, journalism and the creative arts (acting, a cappella, instrumental music, studio art and ceramics). Our eldest just graduated from Piedmont High, and it is heartwarming to look at her classmates and see that these thirteen years in the Piedmont schools truly produce thoughtful, curious, creative and caring individuals who value community and service. I am optimistic that our graduates will become engaged global citizens.

I enjoy serving on the Board, and I believe that I can provide strong leadership in the next term. I have a proven record of working well with all stakeholders. I ask tough questions, research best practices, and insist that we get follow-up whenever we approve a program change. Our children’s educational experience is directly related to the quality of teaching, and I support rigorous hiring practices and on-going attention to teacher training and evaluation. I have a K-12 perspective, and I embrace an attitude of continual improvement. I want to ensure that PUSD continues to provide an excellent education to all of our students.

I am grateful to live in a community where people work together to make Piedmont a special place, and I am honored to serve on the Board of Education. I hope to be re-elected for a second term to keep the focus of the Board on providing the best possible public education for all the children of Piedmont.

Sincerely,
Sarah Pearson,  Member of the Piedmont Unified School District Board of Trustees

Sarah’s website is being regularly updated and contains photos, endorsers, and issues.  Click to read > www.VoteforSarahPearson.com

Editors Note:  While welcoming information on the candidates, the Piedmont Civic Association does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

 Five Candidates for School Board and Four Candidates for City Council are invited to describe their qualifications and respond to questions. Also, pro and con presentations on Piedmont Ballot Measure Measure H1, the School Facilities Improvement Bond will be made. 

The League of Women Voters of Piedmont will host an Election Forum in the Council Chambers at Piedmont City Hall.

Piedmont City Council Chambers, 7:00 p.m., Tuesday,  September 20, 2016

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

The Forum will feature candidates running for City Council and School Board, and  presentations of pros and cons for Measure H1, the Piedmont Unified School District facilities improvement bond.

The community is cordially invited to attend this event.  The Election Forum will be  simulcast on KCOM­TV, channel 27.

The League of Women Voters promotes active and informed democratic participation.  Visit www.lwvpiedmont.org for more information.

Editors Note:  The Piedmont Civic Association does not support or oppose candidates for public office or specific ballot measures. 

East Bay Times Editorial states:

“After voters soundly rejected the district’s 2014 bond plan, they now face one four times as large. This $66 million proposal is a vast overreach.

“Piedmont’s existing special school taxes — added to the base 1 percent property tax — dwarf others in the East Bay.

“Measure H1 would drive that annual cost to $4,260. Even for wealthy Piedmont, this is off the charts. The district must inject fiscal reality into its plans.”

Read the full editorial > http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_30318811/editorial-school-bonds-arent-free-money-east-bay

Editors Note: Opinions expressed are those of the author.  PCA does not support or oppose specific ballot measures. 

The Piedmont Unified School District is hosting additional facilities tours throughout September and October. 

The purpose of these tours is to help the community learn more about the Facilities Master Plan and answer any questions about the current state of our high school and middle school educational facilities. 

Please join school representatives at the flagpole in front of Piedmont High School on the following dates:

Tuesday, September 13th at 6pm
Thursday, September 29th at 4pm
Monday, October 3rd at 4pm
Tuesday, October 18th at 6pm

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Pete Palmer, Director of Facilities at PPalmer@piedmont.k12.ca.us

Lengthy explanations and community input at the August 10, 2016 School Board meeting –

Superintendent Randall Booker calmly and intricately explained the selection process, funding, and need for a full time Athletic Director (AD) for the high schools.

Speaking in support of the selection, need, responsibilities and funding of the position were parents and Booster Club members: Eric Sullivan, Lisa Reynolds, Allison Elvekrog, Barbara Love, Glyn Burge, Steve Kalmbach and Wendy Fitzgerald.

They provided examples of previously unmet needs and their personal experiences. The selection process was extensively detailed.  The funding contributions by the Booster Club of $50,000 and Education Foundation of $10,000 augment the funding provided by the District for a part-time Athletic Director.  Parents emphasized the complexity of the position and the problematic turnover in the position. The AD is responsible for scheduling facility space both for the schools and external organizations, while overseeing 49 teams and 175 coaches.  A timely filing of the position was a primary consideration.

Speaking against the proposed position and selection process were: Ralph Catalano, UC professor and parent, Neil Rothenberg, former Soccer and Tennis Coach, and Burt Curtin, resident. Concern was expressed on the emphasis on athletics and a potential detrimental impact to the overall academic needs of the District. The specific chosen Athletic Director presented concern to some.  It was noted that the significantly increased compensation for a full time AD had not been announced during the recruitment process.

Questions not discussed were:

• If the position is continued in future years, will the position be partially funded by outside sources or will the funding responsibility be absorbed within the District budget?

• Will payment for retirement benefits be based on the approximate $125,000 compensation for the full time Athletic Director and funded by the District?

Below is  a letter to the Piedmont Unified School District Families from Superintendent Booker and Principal Daniels explaining their choice and rationale:

Dear PUSD Families,

As the new school year approaches, and many high school athletes are already preparing for Fall sports, we’re writing to share some important information about the Piedmont Unified School District’s administration of student athletics.

PUSD is proud of its student-athletes and successful athletic program.  With over 500 athletes (65%+ of PHS and MHS students), 175 coaches, and 49 varsity, junior varsity, and frosh teams, high school athletics in PUSD is a robust and vital component of the student experience.

In past years, PUSD’s Athletics Director position was a part-time position filled by a teacher at PHS.  As discussed below, this model is no longer sustainable or appropriate.  Given the increase in scope and responsibilities of this position, and the administrative nature of the job, PUSD now requires a full-time Director of Athletics with specific administrative experience.

PUSD Requires A Full-Time Director of Athletics
Over the past 12 years, there has been a marked increase in the scope and responsibilities of the Athletics Director position.  This is due in part to the increase in the number of athletes and coaches, and the range of travel opportunities for our teams.  Given these changes, the responsibilities of the Athletics Director can no longer be fulfilled on a part-time basis.

Over this 12-year period, PUSD has had six different teachers serve this role. This turnover, due to both the growing demands and increasingly administrative nature of the job, has led to inconsistency in leadership and had a detrimental effect on our athletic program as reported by coaches, student-athletes, and families.  By recognizing the full-time nature of the position, PUSD can foster steady and consistent leadership of the athletic program.

The Director of Athletics Position is Administrative in Nature
The Director of Athletics position requires administrative duties that include responsibility for: recruiting, hiring, supervising, and evaluating coaches; development and oversight of the Athletic Department budget; monitoring student eligibility; serving as the school representative of the Western Alameda County Conference; partnering with the PHS Athletic Boosters; and coordinating team schedules, transportation, equipment, and supplies.  By recognizing the administrative nature of the position and hiring staff with relevant administrative experience, PUSD can provide a more effective athletics program that is more responsive to student needs.

The Director of Athletics Must Provide Leadership on Core PUSD Principles
PUSD believes that its athletics program can and should instill life lessons concerning sportsmanship, hard work, teamwork, and integrity, among other issues.  Although coaches can play a critical role in this, the reality is that coaches are now more transient than in the past.  Of our 175 coaches, only two serve as PUSD teachers, and many coaches are affiliated with PUSD for only one or two years.  For these reasons, the Director of Athletics must provide leadership for the coaching staff, guiding and cultivating the social and emotional curriculum for high school athletics, and setting expectations for coaches as well as athletes.  By hiring an experienced Director of Athletics, PUSD can more consistently promote these core values across all sports.

Creation of the New Athletics Director Position
Following the resignation of the former part-time Athletics Director in December of 2015, the District advertised the position to recruit an Interim Athletics Director on a contract basis for January through June of 2016.  The District received 22 applications.  An interview committee, consisting of administrators, coaches, and parents, interviewed five candidates.  Mr. Victor Acuña was selected for the interim position due to his extensive experience and positive recommendations.

Throughout the Spring of 2016, the PHS Administrative Team and the Athletic Booster’s continued discussing the need for increased athletic leadership. Recognizing the District’s limited budget, the PHS Athletic Boosters donated $50,000 for the 2016-17 school year to support a full-time Director of Athletics. The Piedmont Education Foundation also contributed $10,000 to help fund this position for the 2016-17 school year.

With this funding secured, and working in close collaboration with the PHS Athletic Boosters, PUSD created the Director of Athletics position for the 2016-17 school year.  The Director of Athletics will be included in the salary schedule of the Association of Piedmont School Administrators (APSA). The position has a base salary range of $74,068 – $103,048 (ranging from 1 to 22 years of experience), plus health and statutory benefits.

Selection of New Athletics Director
After working with Mr. Acuña during the Spring of 2016, Principal Daniels recommended that PUSD hire Mr. Acuña for the new position.  With support from the PHS Administrative Team, Athletic Booster’s leadership, and a variety of coaches, the Superintendent interviewed and appointed Mr. Acuña as the Director of Athletics.

Mr. Acuña is a graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies.  For 12 years, he was a high school Athletics Director in Tucson, Arizona at the Gregory School and the Green Fields Country Day School.  He has extensive experience in coordinating interscholastic athletic programs.  His strengths lie in working collaboratively with principals, teachers, coaches, student-athletes, and parents to create a supportive and successful athletic program.  He is knowledgeable in developing interscholastic schedules, supervising utilization of athletic facilities, coordinating athletic uses of training and weight rooms, monitoring student eligibility, and the recruitment, hiring, and evaluating of coaches.  Mr. Acuña has direct experience developing stable athletic operating budgets and supervising team accounts.  In addition, he was an associate scout for Major League Baseball.

The selection of Mr. Acuña has drawn considerable praise from those who worked closely with him this past Spring.  Principal Daniels said, “I am enthusiastic and excited for Vic and am thrilled with his positive energy, experience, and leadership qualities.  He is focused and driven to ensure that PHS offers an exceptional educational athletics program.”  PHS Athletic Booster’s President Beth Barrett added, “PHS Boosters is proud to partner with PUSD in supporting a full-time Director of Athletics. As interim Director of Athletics, Vic Acuña has proven a very capable leader who cares deeply about youth sports and will help create a healthy, positive and safe experience for all our student athletes.”

Please let us know if you have any questions or comments about the Director of Athletics position, and please don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Acuña directly about high school athletics at vacuna@piedmont.k12.ca.us

Sincerely,

Randall Booker, Superintendent Piedmont Unified School District

Brent Daniels, Principal Piedmont High School

After taking public testimony and considering the staff report, Board members present gave full and enthusiastic support to the ratification of a full time AD compensation, plus the appointment of Mr. Victor Acuna.

Board members expressed concern over the negative comments in the press regarding the applicant and the apparent lack of information on the selection process and District needs. The Board emphasized the important role athletics and other student activities play in benefiting students now and for their futures. The three affirming School Board members voting at the meeting were Doug Ireland, President Andrea Swenson, and Amal Smith. Board members Rick Raushenbush and Sarah Pearson were absent.

The  AD position is approved for one year and will be re-evaluated prior to continuation in the following year.