South Whittier School District held their monthly board meeting on Tuesday, November 16, at the district office. At this month’s meeting there were two presentations, Impact of 2020 Census Data on Trustee Area Map Population Balance and Educator Effectiveness Block Grant, and one Above and Beyond Award recognition.
Impact of 2020 Census Data on Trustee Area Map Population Balance Presentation
The Board heard a presentation from the District’s demographer and legal counsel that reviewed the latest census data and how the change in population may affect the trustee area maps. Following each federal census, the Board must approve adjustments of trustee area boundaries, if necessary, to make sure the population in each trustee area is as nearly as equal as practicable, amongst other considerations.
Based off the latest data the map will need to be adjusted. Next steps will include the demographer preparing draft map options that ensure compliance.
Above and Beyond Award
This month the Board recognized Los Altos 3rd grade teacher, Stephanie Cortez, with the Above and Beyond Award.
Ms. Cortez was recognized after the parent of one of her students wrote to the District sharing how she went above and beyond. Superintendent, Dr. Gonzales, read the letter sharing that Ms. Cortez helped the student who struggled to focus in class. She listened to her student and recognized how that student was struggling in class and bought supplies that would support them and help them improve their focus. The parent shared that Ms. Cortez is a hero in their home because she recognized what her student needed and took action to help.
Thank you, Ms. Cortez!
Educator Effectiveness Block Grant Presentation
The Board heard a presentation from Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, Dr. Rebecca Rodriguez. Dr. Rodriguez shared about the the Educator Effectiveness Block Grant (EEBG) which is a program providing funds to districts to provide professional learning and to promote educator equity and effectiveness.
Dr. Rodriguez shared details regarding the grant that included the grant’s requirements and that it will be spent over a five year period. She also showed the Board how the District plans on allocating funds. The funds can be expended to provide professional development in implementing effective language acquisition programs and support for English Language Learners. They will also be used in implementing a Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) which includes coaching, mentoring, academic and social-emotional learning, and much more.