FOLSOM-CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Parents and students again took to the microphone Thursday night, November 16, 2023, at the Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSC) meeting and spoke of needing new schools but this time the emphasis was on how the Board has spent money in the past, or didn’t spend any, when time was of the essence to develop schools under Measures G and M, and generally. 

One student asked the Board to redesign to build simpler looking schools that are less costly so schools can be developed in each community. Mathew R. said he had learned not all funds from Measure M are being used for schools. “Why is Measure M used for specific matters and not for its purpose?” he asked, ‘…build specific schools in Folsom and Rancho Cordova. Stick to the pre-approved plan; if we change the plan, expectations for the school system will fail.”

Elena Wagner brought children to hear the meeting and commented on the $540 million that is available.  She credited the Board for the various constructions suggested, saying “Phased high schools are helpful when a community is still growing, and approved of mirroring schools.” Wagner said Flex Campuses cannot be overlooked but we cannot wait on them. Diane Laney said “Sixteen years ago the plan was to build a high school.  Some have paid for years for that and some at higher rates.”

James Garcia summed up the continuous discourse by accusing the Board of overdesigning two elementaries, and “now you lack funds for schools for both Folsom and Rancho Cordova.  This was poor planning. If you design another monstrosity school, this funding will go away. We need proper schools that meet needs; get test scores up, and don’t go design elaborate monstrosities.”

Attention turned to the graphics display on the FCUSD 2023 Fall Vital Signs Data Report. The new approach was to look at data, and ask the question “How do we help our teachers?” Data revealed that in English Language Arts (“ELA”) state standards were exceeded, with results being higher for females by 9.36%. President Reid asked why, and was told that when we became a literacy based society, we began to see struggling by gender, but they are seeing gains in the high school measures. It was revealed that teachers are learning how to teach literacy, otherwise students couldn’t interact with material.

FCUSD students often measure the highest in comparison with other districts. Math tests were the highest, holding steady. There was little disparity in gender there as usual.

Vital data on attendance showed it went up 0.8% with absenteeism down 4%, having dropped from 2021 from 22 to 17 to 13% in 2023. The district goal is to reach 10%. Attendance is close to 97% and in K-8 grades there was attendance growth in every grade. Grades 9-12 all improved. There were fewer suspensions.

A problem across the board was how Students with Disabilities measured, attendance being worrisome. It was reported there were significant behavior problems, mainly in middle school and high school. The system is seeing significant behavioral problems in Early Ed, which it was noted might be learned behavior from siblings, as well as in Special Needs students. Students with Disabilities make up 15% of those given suspensions over 10 days. The spokesman said FCUSD was seeing behaviors they’ve never seen with it being “a real challenge we are facing every single day.” English language learners need for correction is going up, it was reported. Suspension is greater for males generally.

FCUSD was told it was becoming an Improvement Focused district. Having achieved so much, it is looking for new platforms of testing.

The Folsom Cordova Educational Association spokesman reported it was reviewing its tentative agreement and will meet later. The spokesman said, “This feels fair but not satisfactory.”  They liked the ongoing funding increases and that the two-year agreement provides time to fix the budgeting process. It was recommended that  40% of budget be dedicated to recruit teachers, and allocate for staff after the fact. “Respect is more than just money,” said the spokesman; “…they are frustrated that professional input was not entertained.”

It was reported that LPAC testing begins in February for reclassified students.

A motion to set the Annual Organizational meeting of the FCUSD Board of Trustees for Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., at the Education Services Center, Rancho Cordova, California.

Superintendent Dr. Koligian announced she planned to post an opening for principal for Mitchell Middle School next week, and reported the Robert Main Recreational Facility at Folsom Middle School has been dedicated. Parents who attended the November parent night were thanked, and it was noted that the next one would be in February at 8:30 pm on a Saturday. Member Chris Clark offered that Indigenous People’s Day needs to be looked at; maybe they ought to rename a school site accordingly.

President David Reid announced this was his last Board meeting as president.