Read comments from Jack Follick, Richard Raushenbush and Rick Schiller
and join the lively discussion on artificial turf replacement.

“PRFO has firmly asserted turf replacement cost is not a responsibility of PRFO or the private sports clubs.”

“Most [School] Districts do not have the use we have by outside groups. . . . . “

Read more . . .

Will voters paint with too broad a brush?

The worst kept secret in Piedmont is that City Council decisions involving utility undergrounding, staff benefits, and recreational facilities have created a fiscal crisis.  As bad, if not worse, the Council has no strategy for fixing the problem.   Indeed, it remains unclear how we will avoid what a member of the Council appointed Municipal Review Tax Committee (MRTC) called a “homeowner’s revolt” when the city increases the sewer tax by 50% and asks Piedmonters, already among the most heavily taxed homeowners in the state, to extend the parcel tax.  The MRTC further noted that without major change in Council behavior, the city would soon incur large deficits even if the parcel tax were extended. > Click to read more…

A letter from Bernard Pech discussing a new opportunity the Internet may offer Piedmont teachers

Our Piedmont Unified School District teachers are confronted on a daily basis with the contradictory expectations of two extreme categories of parents in our well-off community (I exaggerate): those (say type A) who want very structured classes with heavy curriculum and teachers dispensing knowledge; and those (type B) who want very interactive classes where creativity is fostered through discovery, investigative learning, and critical thinking. > Click to read more…

Comments before the Piedmont School Board, June 22, 2011

I am a very long time Piedmont resident. On May 25, Mr. Gadbois asked Ms. Hubbard a critical question, inquiring if turf replacement can be charged as a direct cost to the private sports clubs.  I note the Piedmont sports clubs are given priority access to the School District fields, and this is certainly a special benefit for them. > Click to read more…

On Wednesday, June 22nd, at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall, the Piedmont Unified School District (PUSD) administration will ask the Board of Education to approve a proposed 2010-11 budget with multi-year budget projections reflecting an $878,000 shortfall in FY 2013-14.

The budget includes a warning:  “Criteria and standards that are “Not Met,” and supplemental information and additional fiscal indicators that are “Yes,” may indicate areas of potential concern for fiscal solvency purposes and should be carefully reviewed.”  (At p. 5-7.)  These areas of concern include:

• The District provides post–employment benefits (other than pensions) which are lifetime benefits and funded on a “pay-as-you-go” basis.
• Projected reserves do not meet minimum requirements
• There are ongoing general fund expenditures in excess of 1% funded with one time resources. 
• The District has long-term (multi-year) commitments or debt.

The year 2011-12 budget is balanced, and there are sufficient reserves to meet obligations for 2012-13.   The $878,000 shortfall occurs in 2013-14.  > Click to read more…

• Lease-Lease Back Agreement approved for Beach Elementary School
• New appointments to Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, PHS Principal, PHS Assistant Principal, and PMS Assistant Principal
• PowerPoint Presentation on Teacher Evaluation Process Recommendations

And more – read the full report from June Monach > Click to read more…

Mid-year cuts or additional deferrals to the Piedmont Unified School District (PUSD) budget may be necessary if state-wide tax extensions are not passed, the PUSD administration advised the Board of Education at its May 25 meeting.   Current State funding levels will require the PUSD to address a $1 million shortfall in its 3-year budget plan. > Click to read more…

• PUSD may look at mid-year cuts or additional deferrals
• MOU between PUSD and the Association of Piedmont Administrators (APSA) Approved
• Facilities Use and Fees – Witter Field, etc.
  
• Applications Solicited for Citizens’ Oversight Committee

And more – read the full report from June Monach > Click to read more…

A reassuring message to the community from Piedmont Unified School District Superintendent concerning assault which occurred on school property. > Click to read more…

The Piedmont Unified School District is seeking new members for openings on the Citizens’ Oversight Committee for the Seismic Safety Bond Program for Piedmont schools.  The position will start September, 2011. The deadline for submitting an application is July 14, 2011 at 4:30 p.m.

Links: Current Members, Charge and purpose of the Committee; Committee webpage.