Superintendent Swenson Hosts Tour of District Office

Superintendent Swenson Hosts Tour of
District Office for Grossmont and Helix alumnae

GUHSD Superintendent Ralf Swenson had the pleasure of visiting with a special group of Helix and Grossmont graduates on June 24. The alumnae from the 1950s came to tour the renovated District Office building prior to their monthly lunch gathering. The ladies recalled fond memories and shared stories of their high school experiences with Superintendent Swenson over punch and cookies.

Built in 1922, the 35,000-square-foot District Office building was the first classroom building constructed for Grossmont High School. After the campus expanded and new buildings were added, the original classroom building was converted into the GUHSD district office in 1958.

The 14.2 million renovation project involved two separate buildings, the Stone Building and the Old Main, both of which required comprehensive utility, environmental and seismic upgrades to meet current safety standards, Americans with Disabilities (ADA) and Field Act compliance. The offices currently house employees in the special education, business services and educational services departments, human resources as well as the superintendent’s office.

The project team went to great lengths to assure that modern improvements and traditional architectural features were successfully blended in order to honor the building’s rich history.

GUHSD Awarded Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

GUHSD Awarded Certificate of Achievement for 
Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Grossmont Union High School District has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its Fiscal Year 2012/13 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a governmental entity and its management.

The Grossmont District’s report was judged by an impartial panel that determined it met the high standards of their program, including a constructive spirit of full disclosure to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential uses and user groups to read the CAFR.

The Certificate of Achievement was presented to Scott Patterson, Deputy Superintendent of Business Services and Andi Loree, Internal Auditor at the Governing Board meeting on Thursday, July 10.

Summer Send Off

GUHSD Gold Star Parent Volunteers for the 2013-14 School Year

2013-2014 Gold Star Parent Volunteers Recognized

At the Governing Board meeting last night we honored Gold Star Parent Volunteers. The Gold Star Parent Volunteers program was developed in 2011 to recognize a parent from each school site who goes above and beyond to assist our schools in a variety of different ways.

It was wonderful to hear the stories of service to our schools as each principal introduced their Gold Star Volunteer. We thank you for your efforts on behalf of our students.

2013-14 Gold Star Parent Volunteers:

El Cajon Valley High School – Michelle Strange

El Capitan High School – Jeff and Natalie Suttles

Granite Hills High School – Sandy Sexton

Grossmont High School – Chrystal Thompson

Monte Vista High School – Lisa Stewart

Mount Miguel High School – Dana Miller

Santana High School – Darlene Homer

Valhalla High School – Nancy Gannon

West Hills High School – Cindy Lococo

Final exams are underway and graduation ceremonies are just around the corner, signaling the end of another school year. I am continually impressed by the dedication and quality of our staff as evidenced by the impact we’re having on the lives of our students.

I extend congratulations to the Class of 2014 and their families. As graduation occurs next week, we reflect upon our many accomplishments as we wish our 5,095 graduates continued success. We trust they leave us prepared for a great future and with many fond memories of their educational experience.

I thank each employee for your hard work and continued commitment to our students’ success. I also want to acknowledge the administrators, certificated staff and classified employees who are retiring. Thank you for your years of service and commitment to public education.

Please note, the first day of school for students in the fall is Tuesday, September 2. The Superintendent’s Newsline will return at that time.

I close by wishing you a wonderful summer. I hope that you will take time to rest, enjoy the company of your family and friends, and reflect upon the wonderful work that you performed this year.