Well whadya know -- Rowe School gets into online journalism

(Editor's note: Yes, it's true. The first few issues of RSF Daily News has arrived via the web. While the few stories are on a corporate education website program with hundreds of other schools, and the links and widgets might be a bit, shall we say, rough, the first major stories by Andrew Conley, an eighth grader, was brisk and informative. In fact, thread-bare to date, the Rowe School's RSF Daily News makes the rsfreview and coastnews look like kid's play. Kudos to you, Rowe School, for entering the present and future of journalism...Here's Master Conley's effort ala' RSF Daily News.)

Organizer of upcoming race addresses potential concerns

Sunday, November 04, 2012

By Andrew Conley

SOLANA BEACH — In an effort to garner support for a race that will shut down Coast Highway 101 on a Sunday morning in 2014, the promoter, as promised, held an informational meeting Oct. 25 to better explain the event and address potential concerns. But only a handful of people attended and none of their questions focused on what the organizers and city officials expected to be the major issues — parking, noise and inconvenience from the closure of a main thoroughfare along the coast.

In August, race producers Peter Douglass and Rick Kozlowski presented plans to Del Mar, Solana Beach and Encinitas for the California 10/20, a 10-mile run along Highway 101 that would start and end at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Feb. 17, 2013.

The California 10/20, beginning and ending at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, will take runners along Coast Highway 101 to the Cardiff Kook statue. The race is slated for Feb. 16, 2014, but the promoters have already started a public outreach campaign to better inform areas residents and businesses. Courtesy artwork

The route will include 20 bands along the way to motivate runners.

Douglass, president of Turnkey Operations and co-creator of San Diego’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, received approval from officials in Del Mar and Encinitas.

But council members in Solana Beach had concerns because the stretch of Highway 101 along which most of the race would be run is currently undergoing major renovations that aren’t expected to be complete until fall 2013.

In response, Douglass postponed the event for a year, saying it would give him more time to better market the race, now scheduled for Feb. 16, 2014, the Sunday during Presidents Day weekend.

During the first of what is expected to be at least a few more public outreach meetings, Douglass said although he wanted to have the race next year his goal was to show off each city at its best.

“We like to do everything first class in places that are interesting and when people want us to be there,” he said. “This is three really cool cities all in one package.”

Based on a similar race he held in Austin, Texas, Douglass said the event should have a positive economic impact on the three cities.

“We’re very serious about helping businesses,” he said. “We want to do this every year so we want it to be a win-win for everyone. We don’t want to be run out of town the first year.”

Douglass said he expects around 10,000 runners. About 10 percent will be from out of state and 20 percent to 30 percent will come from outside of San Diego. They will need hotel rooms and will shop and dine in area businesses starting as early as Friday, when expos and package pickups will be held at the fairgrounds.

He said runners often arrive early and like to check out the course before race day, meaning they will stop to shop and eat then as well as after the event. He said he didn’t expect a surge of business during the race, when the roadways will be closed, except for local residents who may come to watch.

Douglass said road closures will begin at 7 a.m. and the race will start 30 minutes later. He said the winner should finish in about 45 minutes and anyone taking longer than three hours will be guided off the course onto sidewalks. All roads will be open to traffic no later than 10:45 a.m., he said.

In response to questions at the informational session, Douglass said there will be no charge for spectators, although many are not expected to line the course path. He said onlookers will likely be there for the start and finish at the fairgrounds, where parking will be free the day of the event.

He is currently not planning any similar future events in the state, a decision hasn’t been made on team runners and he will partner with Amtrak to encourage train use by those coming from Los Angeles and Orange County.

He also reiterated that his company will donate $30,000 to local charities, although the specifics have not yet been determined.

Douglass was hesitant to estimate the amount of money the event could generate, but he said the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, which attracts about three times as many runners as he expects for the California 10/20, brings in about $35 million.

He said he will use area vendors for necessary items such as signs and will be hiring locals to work the day of the event.

There is a traffic plan to guide motorists to the freeway along Sierra Avenue and Coast Boulevard during the times the 101 and Via de la Valle will be closed.

Eight stages are currently planned in Solana Beach but their placement hasn’t been determined. Each band will play for about 45 minutes, primarily to motivate the athletes, starting as the first runner approaches and stopping when the last one goes by.

“We can modify the amplification if necessary,” Douglass said, noting the music will likely be upbeat pop and rock ‘n’ roll.

The course will take runners just north of the Cardiff Kook statue in Encinitas, where they will turn around and return to the fairgrounds along the same route.

Josh Lujan, general manager of Courtyard by Marriott, said the event will be a boost for the city and local businesses during the offseason.

Richard Moore, who’s lived in Solana Beach since 1964, said he didn’t have any problems with the event, although others may.

“But they should be willing to sacrifice a little to help out the city,” Moore said.

                                          (Shannon Mountain, Photo: Jessica Horton)

Association lauds planning of event

Sunday, November 04, 2012

By Andrew Conley

 RANCHO SANTA FE — Shannon Mountain received a thank you in the form of gift cards from the Association for her efforts in coordinating this year’s Rancho Days, which was deemed very successful.  

Mountain’s face is usually the first seen when someone enters the Association office. Not only is she there with a friendly greeting, she also has great organizational skills having also coordinated the July 4 parade and picnic for several years.

Oct. 7 was the final day of the community’s weeklong Rancho Days Celebration and at the Oct. 18 Association meeting, reports from each of the event venues were given, and they were all positive.

Matt Wellhouser, Rotary president, told the board their barbecue was successful.

“We had a good event,” he said. “Everyone I’ve talked to said they really enjoyed the event.”

The Association’s Taco Fest was a huge success with the staff feeding 200 people and entertaining them with country western music.

“We couldn’t get rid of people. They wanted to stay,” laughed Daria Quay, Association secretary.

Al Castro, general manager of the golf club, said the club’s first hoe down was “very, very successful.”

“I’m getting very positive feedback,” Castro said. “I hope it can be an annual event.”

He said about 150 people attended and many people brought their children.

“We were very pleased with the turnout,” Castro said.

Quay said the Osuna event was well-attended and that most people enjoyed touring the historic adobe.

All the riding events were also well-attended reported directors Roxana Foxx and Rochelle Putnam.

Director Craig McAllister reported the Tennis Club’s 50th anniversary celebration on the last day of Rancho Days hosted about 300 people and several tennis celebrities.

“Tracy Austin still has game,” he said of the tennis legend’s talent during the exposition games. He said the club’s professionals were also outstanding and were enjoyed by event-goers.

He said many families with children attended the celebration.

Also at the meeting the board approved the printing and mailing to the Association membership the 2011-12 audited financial statements.

Ron Mitchell, partner representing the Association’s outside auditing firm of ATK, LLP, presented to final audit report to the board.

“You can take this as a good report,” Mitchell said. “There were no material weaknesses.”

According to the Rancho Santa Fe Association Bylaws, the board is required to prepare and distribute to all members an annual report within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year.

The Association meets at 9 a.m. on the first and third Thursdays of the month in the Association’s office at 17022 Avenida de Acacias.

Students Visit "Finding Nemo"'s Home -- The Australia Great Barrier Reef

"Finding Nemo"'s is coming to Rancho Santa Fe! The husband and wife, marine biologist and underwater photographer team, Wayne and Karen Brown, are presenting one of their nationally-acclaimed school assemblies, The Australia Great Barrier Reef Expedition, at Rancho Santa Fe School, this Friday, September 14. This fun and exciting program documents the Brown's expedition to visit and study the home of "Finding Nemo" -- The Australia Great Barrier Reef. The Browns take their audience on a virtual expedition using unique props, biological models, modern SCUBA diving equipment, and breath-taking underwater photography!

At the start of the program a life-sized coral reef is bulit on stage. Student volunteers help demonstrate some of the specialized underwater equipment we will need to visit this unique ecosystem. Using their reef and additional models, the Browns then show how Nemo's home is actually made of millions of tiny animals, called "coral polyps".

After their introduction to coral biology, undersea explorers Wayne and Karen Brown, then take students on a thrilling adventure to Nemo's home -- The Australia Great Barrier reef, via an engaging, high-definition digital presentation.

In this HD digital presentation students are invited to join the Browns on the expedition boat, where they meet the captain. As they accompany Wayne and Karen on their scuba dive, students see the incredible diversity of life on the largest coral reef on Earth. Students also meet the animals that live with Nemo and make the coral reefs their home. We see a fascinating variety of marine creatures big and small, from the most docile to the most dangerous. The students learn about the special relationships between different creatures. They also learn how fishes protect themselves from predators and how some fishes search for food.

After the "expedition", a gigantic, 8' tall inflatable, coral polyp appears on stage to dramatically show the anatomy of a coral polyp.

Whooping Cough Case Reported At San Diego Jewish Academy, Carmel Valley, Health Dept. Says

A Carmel Valley high school student potentially exposed others to whooping cough, County Health and Human Services Agency officials said today.

The 17-year-old, who was up-to-date with immunizations, attends the San Diego Jewish Academy. The County reported eight cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, to date for 2012. The case total remained at 436 for 2011.

“Symptoms of the disease can take weeks to develop after an exposure and may initially appear to be a common cold,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “Anyone who may have been exposed to pertussis should be alert to symptoms and seek treatment if necessary. To prevent the spread of whooping cough, or at least lessen the severity of symptoms, a booster shot or regular vaccinations are recommended.”

A record 1,144 cases, which included two infant deaths, were reported in San Diego County during... (more)

Rancho Santa Fe Second Graders Aid Kids Korps In Sending A Little Warmth To Homeless Children In Ensenada, Mexico

 Mrs. Kim’s second grade class at RSF’s Roger Rowe Elementary took time from their scheduled holiday festivities on December 16th to focus on some goodwill.  Rather than painting pine cones or making gingerbread houses that would eventually end up tossed aside like used wrapping paper and bows — this year the children, together with their parents, turned their attention to creating something that would be a blessing to someone else.

 At the urging of Lynn Frank, class mom, Mrs. Kim’s class teamed up with Kids Korps. After enjoying a spirited class performance and some yummy treats, parents assisted their children in weaving soft fleece strips into snuggly scarves.  The scarves, along with other cold weather staples such as blankets will be delivered to Ensenada, Mexico and distributed to homeless children.

(Kids Korps offers more than... (more)

The Prestige Estates Endorses The Philanthropy Club Foundation at Rancho Santa Fe Back-to-School Social...

Local businessmen Steve Knight and Dave Baker are “Changing the Age of Philanthropy.” To introduce the rewards ofgiving to the youth of the community, the co-owners of The Prestige Estates created The Philanthropy Club Foundation.“We wanted to teach kids the importance of philanthropy, and to do so, we break down and explain the valueof selflessly giving one’s time, talent, and treasure,” says Steve. Dave adds that it was important to them that thechildren “learn what philanthropy is in the classroom and then take it home to their families to spread the lesson ofgiving.”

After Steve and Dave introduce the concept in the classroom, they give the students a homework assignment; they mustgo home and discuss philanthropy with their parents or guardians. Additionally, the students are given a short list ofcharities and, from this list, they decide how much each will receive and why. They discuss their decisions back in classwith their peers, and the funds are then allocated among the selected charities.

The Philanthropy Club’s classroom–to–dinner table approach has been well received by Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary,Solana Highlands Elementary, and Solana Vista Elementary, and will also be part of the Rancho Santa Fe School Districtbeginning fall semester of 2011.

 (PHOTO: Solana Vista School presents The Philanthropy Club check to Rady to Children's Hospital.)

The Philanthropy Club Foundation provides the funding for each school project and, to date, the following charitableorganizations have been recipients: Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation, Community Resource Center, Helen WoodwardAnimal Center, La Jolla Playhouse, North Coast Repertory Theater, Rady Children’s Hospital, Rancho Coastal HumaneSociety, San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy, Solana Center for the Environment, Special Olympics North San Diego, Surfrider Foundation, and United Through Reading.

To support the great work The Philanthropy Club is doing and to attract new donors, The Prestige Estates is hosting a Back to School–themed event in Rancho Santa Fe on August 25th from 6:00pm until 8:00pm.

IN A NUTSHELL:

	The foundation's primary goal is to teach youth the meaning and rewards of giving without expectations. Whether it be time, talent or treasure, everyone has something they can give.
	The Philanthropy Club Foundation was established in 2009, and has presented to multiple classes and donated considerable funds on their behalf to numerous nonprofit organizations.
I	Goals & Objectives - Educate today's youth about philanthropy and how to become a philanthropist - Clearly differentiate between giving with expectations and giving with no expectations - Demonstrate that philathropy includes giving of your time or your talent or your treasure ...See More
	Here's How You Can Help 1. Donate Money: 100% of your donations go directly to the students' classrooms for them to donate out to qualified nonprofit organizations. 2. When referrals are made to The Prestige Estates, the company will contribute 10% of the net commissions to The Philanthropy Club Foundation. 3. We are looking for individuals to take the program into their schools of choice and personally present to the students. The presentation materials are easily adapted to your own philanthropic stories to share with the students.

	info@theprestigeestates.com
	http://thephilanthropyclub.org/default.aspx http://www.theprestigeestates.com/our-fo...

 

Please feel free to bring a guest and make sure to RSVP by August 19, 2011, to Yvette at Admin@thephilanthropyclub.org or call 760-419-6270. Location is The Prestige Estates offices at 6030 El Tordo, Suite #B, in Rancho Santa Fe.

SDSU WATCHDOG INSTITUTE - 'Empty Seats Costs School Districts Millions'

Empty Seats Costs School Districts Millions

Student 114 is a sophomore at Lincoln High in southeast San Diego. What makes her exceptional is the number of school days she missed last year – 87— nearly half the tenth grade.

She cost her school $2,464.71.

A KPBS-Watchdog Institute investigation found there are thousands of chronically absent kids in San Diego County schools who together cost their districts millions of dollars in state funding.

During the 2009-2010 term, traditional public schools in San Diego County lost out on at least $102 million in state funding because of absences, according to data gathered by KPBS and the Watchdog Institute, an investigative reporting nonprofit based at San Diego State University. That figure totaled $624 million over the past five years.

The attendance-based funding formula puts a bounty on the heads of students, forcing schools to meticulously track their absences – placing dollar amounts next to their names. Number 114 is one of 357 students on a list of the chronically absent at Lincoln High. A student is considered chronically absent if he or she misses 10 percent or more of the 180-day school year.

At Ramona Unified, 465 chronically absent students cost the district $345,816.89 last year. Twenty-four of them missed at least a quarter of the school year. Two were absent more than 100 days.

On average, a student with perfect attendance is worth about $5,230 to a school district in San Diego County. Every day missed reduces that amount by about $29. It may not sound like much, but the multiplier effect can be financially staggering for some schools.

A total of twelve schools in the county cost their districts more than $1 million last year in missed revenue. This was the case for five schools in Grossmont Union High District, and for the single school in Fallbrook Union High School District.

“Certainly when the state of California changed its financing of public education from enrollment to average daily attendance, it had an adverse impact on school districts, including ours,” said Fallbrook Superintendent Dale Mitchell. “That presents a problem for us.”

Schools used to be paid for excused absences, which included sick days if students had a parent or doctor’s note. But the law changed because the existing formula “encourages schools to accept excuses and discourages them from investigating possibly fraudulent excuses,” according to an Assembly Committee on Education hearing in 1998, when the law was passed.

Many experts agree that districts should have a financial incentive to get kids to class, but across the country that level of incentive varies.

“All 50 states base funding on student population and students are counted in different ways,” according to Deborah Verstegen, a University of Nevada education professor who studied school finance across the country.

Some states use enrollment; others count attendance on a specific day of the school year.

Verstegen says the average daily attendance, or ADA, formula tends to favor schools in suburban neighborhoods, where attendance is generally higher than those in city and rural areas.

The inequities in California are compounded by the existence of basic aid districts, which do not rely as much on state funding as most other districts, and “necessary small schools,” which typically serve large, rural areas and receive state funding based on an enrollment system.

For its analysis, KPBS and the Institute analyzed enrollment figures for more than 450 traditional, non-charter schools from 21 districts. The analysis compared enrollment to attendance figures schools report to the state. The difference between those figures was multiplied by a state-calculated, per-student revenue limit for each district to arrive at the potential funding losses. (Read more about the analysis.)

San Diego Unified School District, one of the largest districts in the state, lost out on $34 million last year. That’s nearly 6 percent of the $595 million the state would have paid for perfect attendance.

Of the 170 traditional schools in San Diego Unified, Hoover High lost out on the most money — $1.3 million — because of poor attendance. Lincoln High wasn’t far behind at $1 million. The majority of students in both schools are from low-income households, with more than 96 percent and 85 percent of their students, respectively, eligible for the free and reduced lunch program, according to state data.

“Our poverty families have a more difficult time getting kids to school. Access to health care, access to transportation, and that does affect attendance levels in those schools,” said Bernie Rhinerson, chief of staff at the district.

Schools keep lists of chronically absent students not just to track financial losses, but to determine who is at risk for low academic achievement, Rhinerson said, adding, if you’re not at school, you can’t learn.

“It’s really important that we look at that data and we see which students are missing school at a high rate because then we can focus on how can we help them, how can we work with the family,” he said.

Randolph Ward, superintendent of San Diego County Office of Education, said he believes the funding formula for schools is flawed and unfair in many ways.

“Are we really just paying for kids sitting in a seat? I don’t think so. We expect achievement,” he said. “But the paradigm doesn’t say that. The paradigm says we’re paying for sitting in a seat.”

Some schools go to great lengths to get kids in those seats. The Sweetwater Union High School District has in the past raffled off a refurbished car to seniors with perfect attendance. In the Poway Unified School District, administrators post running tallies of dollars lost to motivate students to show up more often.

Despite the efforts, few if any schools will ever have perfect attendance and get full funding from the state.

Fallbrook Superintendent Mitchell pointed out that just because students are absent some of the time doesn’t mean the schools aren’t spending resources on them.

Districts can use the law to get kids in class, but the process is long and complicated. In California, kids are considered truant after three or more unexcused absences.

The student must appear before the school’s Student Attendance Review Committee. Then, the county department of education steps in, and the Student Attendance Review Board gives the student a contract.

The District Attorney’s office will go to court after all those steps have been taken, according to Michele Linley, chief of the District Attorney’s Juvenile division.

Last year, the DA processed 284 truancy cases, a fraction of the number of students appearing on chronic absenteeism lists gathered in the KPBS-Watchdog Institute investigation.

“What choices they (school districts) make about who is sent to us and who is not, I can’t speak to – they vary from school district to school district,” Linley said.

The DA also requires a representative from the district to appear at truancy hearings, a requirement that may deter some cash-strapped districts from pursuing more cases through the courts , Linley said.

A law, passed in January, holds parents of children in 8th grade and below responsible for chronically absent children. They can face up to a year in custody and a $2,000.00 fine. Linley said no one has been prosecuted under the new provision.

At the urging of administrators at San Diego Unified, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis sent a letter to parents about the new law. ”If you are facing problems getting your child to school, I urge you to resolve the issues before they become serious,” she said.

Joe Johnson, Executive Director of the National Center for Urban School Transformation at SDSU, travels across the country studying high-achieving schools in urban neighborhoods, schools that are successful in getting kids to class.

“Most people would agree that students are not likely to learn from school if they don’t attend school,” he said in an email, contending that state funding formulas should provide districts enough money to run schools “in ways that help schools make regular attendance practical and even attractive for students and families.”

For example, he said, making it easy to get to school could help, but ironically, school buses are among the first things to be eliminated when districts are forced to deal with budget cuts.

Three years ago, the Fallbrook district reduced bus routes and instituted a transportation fee. That fee is going up again this year so the buses can keep bringing students to school, Mitchell said.

A bill making its way through the state legislature would simplify some aspects of categorical school funding, base more funding on the needs of students and make district financials more transparent. But, the new law wouldn’t change how revenue funding is calculated.

“We base funding on students’ attendance in school. That’s where they’re losing their money,” said Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, D-Santa Monica, who introduced the bill. “Should we change that? I certainly would like to,” she said. “The problem being the state doesn’t have the money in order to do that.”

Ward thinks the structure of public education funding in California needs to shift.

“What if we were to have a system that was based on a basic tier of enrollment, but then another tier on achievement?” he mused. “Not just achievement on a straight level, but achievement on a growth level, so even the high districts need to maintain a certain growth.”

Rhinerson said tinkering with the way funds are allocated doesn’t get to the heart of the problem – California does not spend enough money to educate kids.

The debate should be about how to fund schools “at a level we need to provide quality education,” he said.

KPBS and the Watchdog Institute have invested four months so far examining school funding in San Diego County. Andres Barraza, a KPBS intern, contributed to this report.

State Superintendent Says Unequal Funding For Rancho Santa Fe School District And Other Basic Aid Districts Could Lead to Lawsuit...

"At least eight excess tax districts districts statewide – two of which are located in San Diego – more than doubled their revenue limit spending per pupil through excess revenues. Rancho Santa Fe received an additional $5,871per student over the $4,963 state-determined revenue limit, and Solana Beach brought in $5,080 per student more than its $4,965 revenue limit."

  By Joanne Faryon, KPBS and Kevin Crowe, Watchdog Institute

Search statewide maps of basic aid districts

For a KPBS audio report on the issue go here...

If California doesn’t act soon to fix inequities in public education funding, it could face a civil rights lawsuit. That’s the message from State Superintendent Tom Torlakson (photo left).

In an interview, Torlakson responded to an ongoing investigation into K-12 education funding in California by KPBS and the Watchdog Institute, an investigative reporting nonprofit based at San Diego State University. The investigation has found a system of inequity: some districts in wealthy neighborhoods benefit from high property values and property taxes; districts in middle-class and poor neighborhoods rely on the state to make up for their falling property values and taxes, a losing proposition in today’s economy.

The Institute’s analysis of education funding data found that some districts have doubled per pupil spending because of increased local tax revenue.

Statewide, 125 basic aid districts have generated a combined $644 million in excess tax revenue. But, the increased funding per student varies greatly across the group, with one district bringing in an extra $4.85 per student while another has more than $13,000 in additional funding to spend per student.

“There are certainly big differences between the resources for various communities, that’s a fact,” said Randolph Ward, San Diego County Superintendent of Schools.

In a 1968 case, Serrano v. Priest, the California Supreme Court ordered the state to address the gap in funding between schools in poor neighborhoods and those in wealthy communities, which could raise more money from property taxes.

In an effort to close that education funding gap, the state introduced revenue limits in 1972, which put a ceiling on how much money schools could raise.

Then, the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978 caused property tax revenues to drop. Most neighborhoods didn’t – and still don’t – raise enough money in local property taxes to reach their school revenue limit. So, the state has made up the difference.

But, rising property values and state cuts to education funding have once again created a widening gap between rich and poor districts.

“Some districts, very few, about 124 or so in 2009-2010, have more than enough property taxes to meet their entitlement,” said Margaret Weston, an analyst with the Public Policy Institute of California. “They used to be called basic aid, and now we tend to call them excess tax districts.”

The excess tax districts get to keep the extra tax revenue and can spend it on students.

Revenue limit funds typically make up about 70 percent of a district’s funding. The rest comes from a mix of categorical funds, grants and stimulus funds.

At least eight excess tax districts districts statewide – two of which are located in San Diego – more than doubled their revenue limit spending per pupil through excess revenues. Rancho Santa Fe received an additional $5,871per student over the $4,963 state-determined revenue limit, and Solana Beach brought in $5,080 per student more than its $4,965 revenue limit.

Carmel Unified in Monterey County topped the list with an additional $13,094 per student over the $5,208 revenue limit.

More than one-third of the districts are located in the bay area, and eight are located in San Diego County.

But not all basic aid districts are swimming in funds. Santa Barbara Elementary School District received an additional $4.85 per pupil based on local tax revenues, and San Dieguito Union High got an additional $111 per student. In all, thirteen districts received less than $200 per student in additional funding.

For per-pupil figures, the Institute examined excess tax districts with at least 500 students average daily attendance.

A bill that aims to clarify district financials and simplify school funding is making its way through the state legislature. The bill, AB-18, would base funding on the needs of a district, rather than outdated spending formulas. Torlakson said he is in favor of the legislation.

“I think a wiser way to go is to look at the increase in revenues that come back in to the state budget and differentially target those increased revenues towards the districts that are at the low end of the totem pole,” he said.

State and local education officials have known about the inequities created by basic aid districts, but have been at a loss for what to do about them. They’ve cut funding to the districts twice. The 2009-2010 cuts totaled $104 million.

According to the independent Legislative Analyst’s office, the state has the power to redistribute funds among districts within a county. But Torlakson said that’s not the solution.

“That’s just going to create turmoil and conflict between legislators from different regions of the state and between school districts in different regions of the state,” he said.

Solana Beach, Calif. school textbook Islam coverage brings regional, 700 Club TV coverage...

(Editor's Note: A video and story airing today on the Christian Broadcasting Network, CBN, that broadcasts the 700 Club, also picked up by KABC-TV, Los Angeles, deals with the San Dieguito Union High School controversy that started in February over a school textbook's depiction of the practice of Islam. Complaints have focused in the past on texts used for 7th Grade and 10th Grade world history classes. Conservative critics say too much time is being used to study Islam. Muslim scholars say the depictions of Islam in the textbooks are incorrect and misleading.)

A classroom history book is causing controversy in Solana Beach over the description of Islam.

Three men have come forward to protest the book, saying it goes out of its way to portray Islam in a positive light. They say the book is full of distortions, omissions and falsehoods.

"If the school's going to bother to teach about Islam, they should do it as history is, according to the facts. If they want to romanticize it, they can put it in fairy tales," said Michael Hayutin, a textbook critic.

Hayutin and his colleagues say there are 22 errors in the book, everything from the meaning of Jihad to polygamy to slavery in Islam.

Islamic scholars are now accusing the men of having an anti-Islam agenda.

"I honestly think that they are using this world history issue as a pretext to malign and discredit Islam and Muslims," said Tehseen Lazzouni, a Muslim scholar.

The textbook is currently under review by the state Board of Education.

Rancho Santa Fe School District upcoming events: Ocean Weeks Are Here! RSF Players Proudly Presents...Summer Camp Flyers...

(Information courtesy Rancho Santa Fe School District. For more visit http://www.rsfschool.net/.)

Ocean Week Kick-off Assembly, May 23

Rancho Santa Fe’s annual Ocean Weeks will kick off on Monday, May 23

Environmental artist Teresa Espainola will present beach trash art projects, including the “Ride the Wave to a Cleaner Ocean” sculpture, and the K-3 “Keep Track of your Beach Toys” mural and accompanying song.  All students are encouraged to wear MARE shirts, beach or surf-themed clothing and bring their beach towels to sit on during the performances. 

Ocean Week Activities

From May 23 – June 2 students will engage in a variety of ocean-related activities and experiences.  ... (more)

SDSU WATCHDOG INSTITUTE - Basic Aid Districts Like Rancho Santa Fe School District Rise above the Limits...

Gerry Kirkeby points to the three Spanish-style buildings, brightly white-washed, lining a leafy corner of one the country’s wealthiest communities, Rancho Sante Fe.

“We just recently built a huge new modern wonderful school,” said Kirkeby, a real estate agent and long time resident of Rancho Santa Fe. “People come here from all over the world.”

Rancho Santa Fe is home to two of the highest ranking public schools in California, which despite a state budget crisis and cuts to public education, have seen a 25 percent increase in revenue since 2005.

A KPBS/Watchdog Institute investigation found the budgets of eight of San Diego County’s 42 public school districts have been steadily increasing in recent years. Some of them provide thousands more dollars in per pupil funding than other publicly funded schools in less affluent neighborhoods.

And the increases come from property tax dollars.

The districts, a majority of which are located in North County neighborhoods, received between $100 and $5,800 in additional revenue for each of their students in the 2009-2010 academic year – and that trend will continue through next year.

Data Source: San Diego County Department of Education

The extra funding comes from a series of court rulings and propositions during the past 40 years that have created a convoluted and, according to some, inequitable system of public education funding in California.

“Inequity has been the basis for many court challenges,” said Deborah Verstegen, an education professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, and the author of a national study on education finance.

In a 1968 case, Serrano v. Priest, the California Supreme Court ordered the state to address the gap in funding between schools in poor neighborhoods and those in wealthy communities, which could raise more money from property taxes.

In an effort to close that education funding gap, the state introduced revenue limits in 1972, which put a ceiling on how much money schools could raise.

Then, the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978 caused property tax revenues to drop. Most neighborhoods didn’t – and still don’t – raise enough money in local property taxes to reach their school revenue limit. So, the state has made up the difference.

But, rising property values over the decades and shrinking state funding to schools have once again created a widening gap between rich and poor districts.

“Some districts, very few, about 124 or so in 2009-2010, have more than enough property taxes to meet their entitlement,” said Margaret Weston, an analyst with the Public Policy Institute of California. “They used to be called basic aid, and now we tend to call them excess tax districts.”

Basic aid, or, excess tax school districts get to keep the extra property tax money, said Weston, who has studied the funding sources of the state’s 978 districts.

In Rancho Santa Fe, the additional funding helps the district reduce class size from 32–1 to 17–1. The school district also hires music and art specialists. An additional 10 percent of the district’s operating budget comes from a parent-run private foundation.

State legislators have known about the inequity for years, and for the past two years have taken away some of the extra funding from the excess tax districts. But, not enough to level the playing field.

The state cut about $23 million in basic aid from the districts’ budgets in 2009 and 2010. During those same years, the districts’ combined local revenue hit $505 million.

“Variations in funding can also mean variations in opportunities to do well,” Verstegen said.

Rancho Santa Fe Superintendent Linda Delaney said rather than take away opportunity from her kids, the state ought to be providing it for all kids.

“I think it’s a funding issue and a systems issue,” Delaney said.

But for now, with a budget crisis in California and more education cuts looming, that opportunity might come at too high a price for many: owning a home in Rancho Santa Fe.

“There’s a fixer upper right now I think for 965 (thousand dollars),” Kirkeby, the real estate agent, said.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A KPBS/Watchdog Institute investigation found the budgets of eight of San Diego County’s 42 public school districts have been steadily increasing in recent years despite state cuts to education. Some of them provide thousands more dollars in per pupil funding than other publicly funded schools in less affluent neighborhoods.

Read the report.

And the increases come from local property tax dollars.

The districts, a majority of which are located in North County neighborhoods, received between $100 and $5,800 in additional revenue for each of their students in the 2009-2010 academic year – and that trend will continue through next year.

These “basic aid” or “excess tax” tax districts can spend more per pupil than other public school districts which rely on state funding to meet revenue limits.

To search the maps, click on a district to view revenue and per student funding information about that district. The highlighted districts are basic aid districts.

Elementary and Unified School Districts in San Diego County

State Superintendent Looking in to Funding Gaps

California’s school districts are in deep financial trouble, but some districts in rich neighborhoods are faring quite well, according to aKPBS/Watchdog investigation.

In California, neighborhood property values should not determine how well a public school is funded. A 40-year-old court ruling was supposed to put an end to the funding gap between schools in rich and poor neighborhoods.

But an analysis of government statistics revealed some small school districts in affluent communities have nearly twice the per-pupil funding as other districts.

Above: Tom Torlakson, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Credt: CA Dept. of Education

Tom Torlakson is the state’s newly elected superintendent of public education. In response to the KPBS/Watchdog Institute investigation, Torlakson said on twitter he’s concerned about the inequities and his transition team has a committee looking at the issue.

Brooks Allen, the Director of Education Advocacy for the ACLU Foundation of Southern California, said education cuts across the state are painful for everyone, but the inequities in the system are “quite disturbing.”

“These wide disparities in funding between one district and a neighboring district are precisely the issues that drove plaintiffs to file the Serrano v. Priest action,” Allen said. That 1968 California Supreme Court ruling ordered the state to address the gap between rich and poor neighborhoods.

Search a map of the basic aid districts.

Listen to the investigation on KPBS.

The Pacific Ridge School Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a co-head leadership model for the non-profit, independent middle and upper school in Carlsbad. The co-headship will take effect on July 1, 2011, as the school enters into its fifth year of operations. Dr. Bob Ogle, currently the assistant head of school at Pacific Ridge, will be promoted to co-head, alongside Dr. Eileen Mullady. Dr. Mullady and Dr. Ogle have been collaborative partners since before the school’s inception in 2007, designing and building its programs, curriculum and campus.  Dr. Ogle completed his doctoral dissertation on global education in independent schools at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he also received his master’s in Educational Leadership and master’s in English Education. He is a graduate of UC Davis and Francis Parker School, has taught and coached for 14 years in both public and independent schools in California, Utah, and New York, and has been in lead administrative positions for six years.

After... (more)

Silent Auction of Designer Handbags Benefitting FACE Foundation

• Silent Auction of Designer Handbags Benefitting FACE Foundation
• Address:Private Estate (address provided with on-line RSVP), Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 (map)
• Date Posted:04/22/11

On Sunday, May 1st, fashionistas will gather at a beautiful private Rancho Santa Fe estate to bid on a stunning array of new and “gently-loved” designer handbags to benefit the FACE Foundation.

Over 150 beautiful handbags have been donated! Bidding begins at a fraction of retail value, so expect great deals. They’ve collected brands such as Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabanna, Fendi... just to name a few! FACE will continue to accept donations of bags until the week before the event. 

The event will also feature great deals on fine jewelry. Jewelry designers Kazanjian Brothers, Norman Covan, Rhonda Faber-Green, and Patricia Robalino will also be on hand offering stunning original creations for purchase.... (more)

In February, eight students from Pacific Ridge School in Carlsbad partnered with Unleashed by PETCO in Bressi Ranch to host a food and toy drive for two local organizations, Beagle Freedom Project and the Rancho Coastal Humane Society. The students informed  PETCO customers about the organizations and solicited much-needed donations.

Beagle Freedom Project (www.beaglefreedomproject.org) rescues beagles used in research laboratory animal experimentation and gives them a chance at life in a loving forever home. The Rancho Coastal Humane Society (www.rchumanesociety.org) provides quality shelter care, adoption services, education programs and an animal safe house program for animals displaced by domestic violence.

The eight students, including Rancho Santa Fe residents Max Jorgensen, Hope Schulman and Christopher Meyer, comprise the Animal Allies service learning group at Pacific Ridge School. Their mission is to educate others and themselves about animal welfare and determine how they can improve the quality... (more)

Rancho Santa Fe Students Offer Healing and Comfort through Food

A group of eleven Pacific Ridge School students, including Rancho Santa Fe residents Ariana Bancroft, Kati Perry and Haley Klaus, recognized the need to share the culture and comfort of food with people far from home. That’s why they formed the service learning group Cooking Cures to purchase, cook and serve dinner at the Ronald McDonald House for families of patients at Rady Children’s Hospital.

The service learning curriculum at Pacific Ridge School integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, encourage lifelong civic engagement, and strengthen communities for the common good. Students from the Cooking Cures service learning group agree, “it’s more rewarding to work on a project through the whole school, rather than to volunteer for a small number of hours. Working together can be hard, but it teaches us to understand each other better.”

Caption: (Left to Right) - Front: Louisa Ballif,...(more)

Rainy weather and winter break keeps parents scrambling for ways to keep kids entertained and active. These indoor play areas, located around San Diego, guarantee a safe and fun environment for kids and their caregivers. Most of them also include a cafe with kid-friendly snacks and caffeinated beverages for moms and dads.

• Java Mama - 9880 Hibert Street, San Diego, CA 92131
  
  858.566.6011
• Kidding Around - 9925 Carmel Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92129
  
  858.538.5000
• Kid Ventures- 5066 Santa Fe Street, San Diego, CA 92109
  
  858.272.2266
• Kid Ventures - 851 Showroom Place, Chula Vista, CA 91914
  
  619.651.8622
• PlayWerx - 6060 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA 92011
  
  760.804.1600
• My Kids Clubhouse - 12636 Poway Road, Suite 4, Poway, CA
  
  858.668.2838
• My Kids Clubhouse - 5034 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902
  
  619.434.8676
• Play Town - 858 Jackman Street, El Cajon, CA 92020
  
  619.447.7529
• Kidsville Playtown - 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92008
  
  760.730.9022
• Way Beyond - 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
  
  858.45...

Encinitas Calif.-based Grauer School Selected to Participate in Dreyfuss Initiative

The Dreyfuss Initiative (TDI) has enlisted the participation of The Grauer School in advancing its mission to reestablish civics education in American classrooms...

...According to Dreyfuss, "The Grauer School is a time-tested incubator for theory to practice in the public school setting. The school caught my attention based on their distinctive and highly effective approach to education," (46 seniors from the past three graduating classes have been accepted to 87% of all colleges to which they applied and amassed $5.5 million in scholarship offers) "resulting in achievements unmatched by any school in the region. I discovered on a recent site visit to a Grauer classroom that students enrolled there had an excellent foundation of American history, but craved more rigorous treatment of civics in the real world. These students will help us engage other students on a nationwide level in the National Conversation. They will also develop a task force to facilitate the implementation of a TDI project called 'Civics Express', an experiential learning train journey that traces the historical steps of the Founding Fathers."

Grauer School faculty recently participated in the bi-coastal National Conversation event held on January 17, 2011, hosted by TDI simultaneously at the University of San Diego in San Diego, CA and at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. Grauer School faculty provided assistance at the San Diego event, which included a panel discussion featuring Richard Dreyfuss, Roy Romer, John Fund, Diane Ravitch, Richard Shenkman, and Admiral Bruce Boland. Entitled, "It's Time for a Talk; The National Conversation on Revitalizing America's Civic Culture", the discussion addressed the unprecedented anxiety felt by U.S. citizens regarding our nation's future accompanied by the lack of comprehension surrounding the cultural meaning and heritage of America.

The Grauer School is an independent grades 6-12 college preparatory day school; its students commit several thousand hours to humanitarian and ecological service annually, locally and globally. The School, now celebrating its 20th year in San Diego's North County, is the only UNESCO associated institution in the southern California region. To learn more about The Grauer School experience, visit http://www.grauerschool.com or call 760/944-6777.

 This is a view of the Dreyfuss Initiative from JLUE'S WEBLOG

Question Concerning Dreyfuss Initiative

The Question?

What does Richard Dreyfuss suggest students be taught in ‘Civics’?

In 2006 Dreyfuss made the comment that when terrorist go into Disney World and do something horrible, we will willingly toss the Bill of Rights into the ocean. He suggest that our young people are not ready to lead a free country in a dangerous world. This is one of the reasons he suggest all schools have a civics course of study.

Simply stated, ‘Civics’ is the study of the rights and duties of citizens. Certainly there should be either a course of study in civics or an emphasis on civics in social studies. This should go without saying, so why do we need an initiative such as ‘The Dreyfuss Initiative’ to accomplish something so simple?

Richard Dreyfuss, David Barton, and many other educators realize that American students are not performing well and that ignorance is a big problem in our nation. How can we continue to govern ourselves if we do not understand our own government and are not familiar with our own rule of law? We spend hours arguing and listening to politicians, but we often remain ignorant or allow our youth to grow up without even a fundamental understanding of our government.

Despite the fact that America far outspends other nations on education, ourstudents are outperformed by students from Poland, the Slovak Republic, Czechoslovakia, Iceland, China, Taiwan, Canada, Korea, Wales, and many other nations. America currently has one of the poorest outcomes per education dollar spent among all industrial nations.

I have spent a good deal of time looking and listening atand this initiative and I have to say that I think his heart is in the right place here. He does want to improve our nation. He believes ‘Civics’ isn’t being taught and he wants true ‘Civics’ taught in public schools. He doesn’t propose to teach the subject, just that it be done.

In 2006, Dreyfuss also said that when it comes to teaching our children ‘civics’, a lack of money is not a reasonable excuse. He suggested that educators who understand the importance of civics can find ways to make the subject accessible and exciting, engage students and make parents demand it. He is, however, wrong on one important point. He also said:

“We are the richest country in the history of the world, and can afford to do anything we wish, if we wish it… The trick is to make the powers that be share our wish …”

While we have been the richest country in the history of the world with the highest standard of living, it only takes one or two administrations who fail to understand our economy, our economic system, to put us in second, third or last place. We are no longer the richest nation. We are now a nation deeply in debt with a president who plans to continue to spend borrowed money. How many men and women have bankrupted themselves through the continued spending of borrowed money? Americans must realize that nations also have to accept and live by economy reality and principles!

Here is the point where I feel that Richard Dreyfuss and many others fail to make a connection.  He not only espouses the teaching of ‘Civics’, he also is a very outspoken liberal. Liberalism hasn’t, doesn’t and will never work with our economic system or with our constitution.  Therefore, the choice becomes more than liberalism and conservatism.  It becomes a choice between living in freedom from debt or living in bondage to nations to whom we are indebted.

To teach ‘Civics’, (the study of the rights and duties of citizens) in our public schools we must also teach financial responsibility. A good citizen accepts responsibility. Students must be taught economics as well as civics if our nation is to survive. The steady diet of ‘liberalism’ that is being taught in most colleges cannot continue if students are going to become responsible for themselves and ultimately for the nation.

Monica Pastor, a Rancho Santa Fe resident, accomplished tennis athlete, and a senior at Pacific Ridge School in Carlsbad, will attend Williams College in Massachusetts this fall. Starting at the age of six, Monica began playing tennis recreationally. By the time she turned 10, her family moved to Rancho Santa Fe and Monica began to realize her tennis prowess. She played in tournaments around the country, and her ranking quickly grew.

Monica notes that her love for tennis is not about the rankings; rather, it’s about what the sport has taught her both on and off the court. “Tennis has shaped me to adapt easily to different circumstances. I’m able to tune out any distractions, and stay focused and positive. Tennis has made me more confident and independent, as I’m relying on only myself to achieve the desired result.”

She also credits a supportive academic environment for her success thus far. “We have so much talent at this school, from concert pianists to international award... (more)

San Dieguito Woman's Club of Encinitas Become first Stardust Angels to Sponsor Youth Art

The San Dieguito Woman's Club of Encinitas sponsors students in need and serves as Stardust Angels in an art program that serves the underserved in communities in North County. With appreciation and gratitude from students and families.

The San Dieguito Woman’s Club is sponsoring Britnee, (photo, left) and Hailey as “Stardust Angels” in an art program, which provides art as an education and life skill experience. 

Britnee and Hailey experienced educational art instruction in the development of creativity and imagination. Providing them an opportunity they would have not been able to share in otherwise, their enthusiasm and awe of their hidden abilities, brought smiles to their faces and warmed the hearts of parents and school staff. The art classes are being held in the Oceanside Unified School District schools and have been a well accepted... (more)

Open Letter to RSF School Families: You can give to the school through OneCause.com...

Dear RSF School Families,

Chevron Energy+San Dieguito Union High School District=$4.7 million solar energy project, expected to save the district millions in the future

          (New solar panels at Canyon Crest Academy, San Dieguito Union High School District)

The solar installation is expected to produce more than 70 % of the electricity needed at Canyon Crest Academy and La Costa Canyon High School. By reducing its purchase of utility power, it is anticipated that the district will reduce carbon (CO2) emissions by more than 2,200 metric tons.

Chevron Energy Solutions, a unit of Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX), and San Dieguito Union High School District announced today the completion of a 2MW solar project, which is expected to save the district more than $10 million in energy savings over the life of the project. The solar project is producing approximately 70 percent of the electricity required at Canyon Crest Academy and La Costa Canyon High School. By reducing its purchase of... (more)

The Rancho Santa Fe Education Foundation will host a special evening in recognition of Scholar’s Circle level donors at the gracious home of Laing and John Rikkers on Saturday, Feb. 26.

The evening will be filled with music, food, wine and fun! The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe will be preparing four delicious food stations. A jazz trio will provide musical entertainment while guests participate in a light-hearted “Champs and Challengers” wine tasting contest.

Scholars’ Circle members continue a tradition that began in 1997 when a group of 25 Rancho Santa Fe school families came together to provide considerable funds to supplement the RSF School District annual budget allowing for an enriched public education. Today’s Scholars’ Circle is made up of parents and members of the community who pledge $30,000 or more, usually over a three-five year period.

The funds that The Education Foundation provides to the RSF School District, $1 million this year, are... (more)

Rancho Santa Fe Residents Work to Break 'Cycle of Homelessness' with Monarch School...

For more information on supporting the Monarch School, visitwww.monarchschools.org or call (619) 685-8242 ext 227.

Judy Roberts acknowledges that the stories and images of children sleeping on the streets initially frightened her. That fear and the desire to help led to her most recent community post serving as a Board Member and Head of the Outreach Committee for Monarch School in downtown San Diego. She joins Rancho Santa Fe resident Mark McLaren on the Board. In concert with 22 other Board Members throughout San Diego County, Roberts and McLaren are working diligently to help put an end to the cycle of homelessness through quality education.

Monarch School is a K-12 public school established exclusively for homeless and at-risk youth. Monarch School exemplifies an ideal public-private partnership between the San Diego County Office of Education and the Monarch School Project, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, as it fulfills students’ basic needs (shelter, food, medical services, clothing, shower, transportation and an after-school program) to empower youth to focus on education while removing all barriers to regular school attendance. Monarch is one of only three schools throughout the U.S. specifically established for homeless students, and the only public school of its kind with a non-profit partnership to supplement students’ basic needs.

Thanks to the generous efforts of Roberts, McLaren, their fellow Board Members, Monarch School faculty and staff, and the community, Monarch School will break ground on its new campus in East Village-Barrio Logan, just south of Petco Park, in spring 2011 to serve more than double its current student population.

Roberts notes, “I have worked with a number of charities over the years and Monarch School became one of my interests because it really pulls at my heart. My personal hope and goal is to create an after-school program of theater arts and speech once the new campus opens.” A fitting goal since Roberts graduated from Arizona State University as a Theater Arts major and Speech minor. She went on to become a flight attendant and teacher, then a commercial airline pilot with UPS. Today, Roberts resides in Rancho Santa Fe with her husband, Bill.

McLaren is a commercial real estate investor, San Diego native and, in addition to serving as a Board Member for Monarch School, he has given his time and expertise to organizations that include the Downtown San Diego Rotary Club, Junior Achievement, San Diego Taxpayers Association,  and others, even serving a youth baseball and soccer coach. McLaren graduated from San Diego State University as an Economics major with a minor in Marketing and Business Administration. Mark  and his wife, Kathy also reside in Rancho Santa Fe.

Mark lends his professional knowledge to the school. He explains, “Monarch School is a wonderful cause serving San Diego’s most disadvantaged youth. I’m very excited about the opportunity to apply my real estate development background toward making this new and expanded campus a reality for Monarch.”

For more information on supporting the Monarch School, visit www.monarchschools.org or call (619) 685-8242 ext 227.

Grauer School Installs 'Portraits of California' Photography Exhibit at San Diego Airport

The Grauer School located in Encinitas was invited to install a photographic display at San Diego International Airport/Lindbergh Field of revealing photographs depicting the Southern California coastline taken by eleven Grauer School students during a recent expedition. The students traveled along the California coastal route in search of unique subjects illustrating the raw nature of the coastal wilderness and wildlife. Entitled, ”Portraits of California”, the exhibit is displayed on the East side of Terminal Two on the Youth Art Wall and will be available for viewing through June 1, 2011.

According to Teacher Christy Goodson of The Grauer School Center for Visual and Performing Arts, “The images tell a story of Southern California in a pictorial format. It portrays students engaging in the natural coastal environment while admiring the developing culture, making steadfast relationships with nature and engrossing themselves... (more)

Build it (maybe) and they will come: RSF schools approve new field, need state funding..

Rancho Santa Fe School District  trustees this week agreed to install artificial turf for a mid-sized youth soccer field.

The 100-yard by 55-yard field isn't going in just yet, however. Scheduled for construction this summer, the district must receive state funds to complete the project. Given Gov. Jerry Brown's and California legislator budget slashing, those funds are much in question.

Turf costs around $1.78 million, compared to $1.3 million for the organic, natural soccer field grass set.

Factoring in water costs, for example, and other wear-and-tear factors for natural grass, trustees decided the fake grass would hold up better financially over the next decade.

Field add-on options continue to evolve. District officials are considering adding a scoreboard, bleachers, snack bar and other amenities to the new field.