Thank you so much for allowing me to serve as a board member of the Hollister School District. I campaigned on these promises:
- Will work hard to have the Hollister School District provide a great education for all students
- Prepare children for a productive and healthy life
- Keep your children safe at school
- Not be a “placeholder” school board member. I will speak up!
Here is what the school board has been doing in my first 100 days:
We have emphasized better academic outcomes as the most important district goal in our meetings. There are many issues with measuring, describing, and evaluating academic outcomes using the tools mandated by the state and federal governments. Regardless, the key is to get everyone involved to quickly answer the question: Are the students in the Hollister School District meeting state standards? In a state and nation where education measurements, requirements, and curriculum are always in a state of flux, that not always an easy question to answer! There is much discussion about solutions for the students who are not meeting standards. We all need to understand the solutions available to us, how to implement them, and what results we can expect.
We have stressed that financial decisions have to lead to better academic outcomes, and more efficient and effective use of taxpayer funds. We are currently spending a lot of money, but we have a lot of hard work to do to get the best academic outcomes possible. It is a board responsibility to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of spending and adjust how and where we spend our dollars.
Can these two items be considered accomplishments on my part? A single school board member cannot act on his own —he can only move forward with the other members. But emphasizing the conversation amongst the board, administrators, teachers, and staff can help lead to good decisions.
In connection with the above, we have recently held two special board meetings with principals and district administrators to focus on academic performance and the financial situation. These meetings helped to set the board’s priorities.
We have also added two days to the teachers’ calendar for professional development.
Because of cuts to state funding and increased costs, we are in the middle of a reorganization and reallocation process for the entire school district. Many difficult decisions have to be made. This process is being done out of necessity and good governance. It will lead to a better school district.
I am confident in my fellow board members, district and site administration, teachers, and all other staff that we will deliver a great education for all students.
Please know that I appreciate your support and am honored to serve you. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments. I can be reached at rbernosky@hesd.org.