Friday, February 12, 2016

Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee Issues 2015 Annual Report

The independent Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) has issued its 2015 Annual Report to community.

It is publicly accessible via this link. It will be available in all school offices, county libraries within the district, and at CBOC and Governing Board meetings.

CBOC community volunteers met a total of 15 times last year. They reviewed all planned projects and expenditures, the district’s Deferred Maintenance program, and annual performance and financial audits completed by an independent auditor.

The CBOC annual report provides a comprehensive review of the CBOC’s role as well as challenges and accomplishments of the Prop H/U program. Included in the report is a review of the financial status, projects, and results of the latest audits.

We appreciate the work of these volunteers’ steadfast commitment to actively review and report on the proper expenditure of taxpayers’ money for school construction.

Third Public Hearing on Board Elections Moving to By-Trustee-Area Selection

The next opportunity for the public to provide oral input on the establishment of Trustee Areas will be held at a Special Meeting of the Governing Board on Thursday, February 25, 2016, at 4:00 p.m. The meeting venue is the East County Regional Education Center located at 924 East Main Street in El Cajon.

Following the third Public Hearing on February 25, the Governing Board will choose a trustee area plan to submit to the San Diego County Committee on School District Organization and will also vote to submit a General Waiver Request to the California Department of Education. 

More information is available here.

El Cajon Valley Students Explore Health Occupations

An El Cajon Valley student learns to check a radial pulse
El Cajon Valley Health Pathway students benefited from learning hands-on skills from students and professors at our District's Health Occupations Center (HOC). Following a presentation from director, Mrs. Carol Otjens, students rotated through classrooms to tour each health-professions program offered at HOC.

The Health Pathway students were able to work directly with Medical Assistant students to practice taking a radial pulse and learned how to take a blood pressure from the Licensed Vocation Nursing class. Our students observed how to make medication in the Pharmacy Tech lab, learned how to take dental X-rays, and witnessed the Phlebotomy students practice capillary pricks on each other. This tour exposed students to post-secondary educational options in a health-related field.

2015 Fall All-Academic Football Team Captain for San Diego County and All-CIF San Diego Section Honored

Governing Board Recognition of Santana student Jake Kitten
Santana High School student-athlete Jake Kitten was recognized by the Governing Board for his selection as the 2015 Fall All-Academic Football Team Captain for San Diego County and All-CIF San Diego Section.

The 6-foot-2 Center also helped coach Santana’s JV offensive line this season. Coach Tim Estes said that in 15 years of coaching at Santana, Jake’s the best offensive lineman he has ever worked with. Jake maintains a 4.447 GPA, and envisions himself as a future math teacher and high school football coach. 

He is considering several universities to study engineering or math. Jake volunteers his time at the Leo Club and beach clean-ups.

Laurie Tong Named Third Quarter Outstanding Classified Employee

Governing Board Recognition of Laurie Tong
At the Governing Board meeting on Thursday, February 11, Laurie Tong was recognized as the Third Quarter Outstanding Classified Employee of 2015-2016.  Ms. Tong has served the Grossmont District as an Office Assistant in the Library/Media Services Department for over 20 years. She is recognized for her expertise and diligence in ensuring the smooth operation of the department, which provides multimedia and information resources across the District. 

Classified employees provide critical support to our educational mission and programs. Congratulations, Laurie Tong, on being selected as the Third Quarter Outstanding Classified Employee of 2015-2016!

Mike Love Recognized for Continuing Success of Annual Young Men’s Leadership Conference

Mount Miguel teacher Mike Love is honored by the Governing Board. Joining him are teacher Thomas Gomes, two students and Principal Kimberlee Hedrick
Also at the Governing Board meeting on Thursday, February 11, Mount Miguel High School teacher Mike Love was recognized for his outstanding work on behalf of East County youth. 

Annually, Mike Love spearheads the East County Young Men’s Leadership Conference at Mount Miguel High School. Last month, we celebrated the 11th year of inspiring, supporting and encouraging young men to effect positive change in their lives through self-empowerment and good decision-making. I complement Mike Love and his team on this important effort.

Superintendent Ralf Swenson