New faces, fresh enthusiasm and a sharing of an exotic tradition marked the start of the new school year Monday night at the meeting of the Sonoma Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees.
To launch the meeting, the district’s new superintendent, Dr. Pam Martens, introduced Sonoma Sister Cities’ Association president Bill Boerum, who rang a big brass school bell to signify solidarity with a tradition practiced in Kaniv, Ukraine, Sonoma’s sister city of 20 years. “In the Ukraine,” he explained, “they start each school year with the ringing of the bell. It’s a very joyous time.” He said the celebration is called “First Bell” and the Sister Cities Association will hold a version of the festival with other local groups in Sonoma on the Plaza on Aug. 24. The brass bell will go to Kaniv as a gift from Sonoma.
Continuing the celebratory spirit, Martens introduced two new principals: Claudia Berkman, of Dunbar Elementary School, and Paula Hunter, of Sonoma Charter School. Martens said Berkman has already been working very hard with parents at Dunbar and with district office staff. “We’re very fortunate to have her in the district,” she said. Hunter, who has moved to Sonoma from San Mateo, bubbled with enthusiasm. “I’m excited!” she said, “I’m thrilled to be here. I want you to come and visit our school.”
In her first report to the board, Martens, who speaks with comfort and a ready smile, said she has met wonderful people in this community – parents, students, teachers and staff members – and wants to build on the strength she has already found. “My primary goal is to work with everybody to enhance the educational program. There are so many wonderful things going on in this district, and I will become an active part of it and I hope to bring in some new ideas to share. But I want to build upon the activities and programs that are already in place, and that includes all of the areas – academics, athletics, extracurricular, facilities, equipment – all of that is important to building a strong educational program in the district.”
The other related part, she said, is the budget. She is working with Assistant Superintendent Justin Frese and staff to balance the budget in light of what’s happening in the state and in the economy. “We’ve all got our thinking caps on,” she said.
Director of Curriculum and Instruction Luann Carlomagno reported that the preliminary results of the California Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) test would be available by the end of this week, but the really significant results, she said, would be published at the end of August.
Director of Human Resources Ashley Halliday began his personnel report on a wry note. “We’re very excited at the start of the school year,” he said, “but sometime excitement looks like panic.” He said he had been expecting a slight increase in enrollment at the elementary level and slight decrease at the high school level. But now, his office has been narrowing projections of those numbers. He said there had been a few unexpected resignations, some exciting new hires and an unusual number of long-term substitutes. He and his staff are working to fill vacancies.
Assistant Superintendent Justin Frese generated some discussion with his presentation of a four percent – or $10 – increase in the transportation fee. “We struggled to keep it affordable,” he said, adding the increase is necessary. Trustee Helen Marsh asked if there were a mechanism for someone who can’t pay for the whole thing – “For people who don’t qualify for free, but for whom it’s hard to shell out that money all at one time.”
Martens said, “Maybe we can take a look at that.” Frese said, “I do know that we offer flexibility.” Martens agreed, saying, “That’s very true. I saw that at high school registration.” Trustee Nicole Abate Ducarroz suggested perhaps families could sponsor other families. “I’m not sure if that is legal,” she said, “but it would be a nice thing to do.” Martens said maybe they should look and see what other districts do. Trustee Sandra Lowe said, “The thing is, here, if people can’t afford it, they can get it anyway. I’m behind the idea of people helping others, but I don’t think bus passes is it. I think if people want to do something they can give to the Boosters’ Club.” Marsh said, “I think it’s important to remember that the buses get students to school on time and safely. We benefit in terms of reduced congestion and reduced emission and our bus drivers get paychecks. And,” she added, “one thing I like about the first day of school is seeing the buses.”
The board approved the transportation fee increase.
Frese said he would give a complete report on various facilities projects including the pool at the next meeting, which will be held Tuesday, Sept. 9.
Valley schools set to open,
starting next week
Schools in the Valley
open as follows:
Aug. 19
Sonoma Charter School
Aug. 20
El Verano Elementary School
Dunbar Elementary School
Flowery Elementary School
Altimira Middle School
Adele Harrison Middle School
Sonoma Valley High School
Prestwood Elementary School
Sassarini Elementary School
Creekside High School
Hanna Boys Center Junior/
High School
Aug. 25
The Presentation School
St. Francis Solano Elementary School
Aug. 27
Woodland Star Charter School
Sept. 2
SoloQuest Learning Center and High School
Sept. 4
Kenwood Elementary School
