Education California | The official newspaper of the Association of California School Administrators Volume 48 | Number 6 | September 4 , 2017
ACSA joins effort to move Prop . 51 forward
ACSA President Lisa Gonzales recently represented the association ’ s support for an effort to get Gov . Brown to sell the school facilities bonds passed by Proposition 51 .
Joining ACSA at a press conference were representatives of the Coalition for Adequate School Housing , California School Boards Association , and former state Sen . Joan Buchanan .
Gonzales noted that school districts throughout California have partnered with the state for more than three decades to fund school construction projects . Since 1998 , this successful partnership has overseen the construction of new classrooms for 1.3 million-plus children and modernized facilities for over 3.4 million more .
She also noted that school districts have worked closely with their communities in passing local school bonds with the express understanding that these local bonds would go farther through matching state grants under the School Facilities Program .
“ When voters approved Proposition 51 last fall , districts statewide were relieved to learn that they wouldn ’ t have to wait any longer to receive their state grant funds on which many projects and school budgets depend ,” Gonzales said . “ My district , Dublin Unified , is waiting on $ 28.8 million in state matching funds for the construction of Amador Elementary School . We also need to build at least three more schools in the next seven years to accommodate our increasing student population .”
See PROP . 51 , page 2
ACSA ’ s Every Student Succeeding Awards program includes our 19-part series leading up to the ESS luncheon at the 2017 Leadership Summit . Watch the videos on these remarkable recipients at Facebook , YouTube and www . acsa . org .
Disaster relief . ACSA and the National Association of School Superintendents are combining resources to help students and families who have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey and the flooding disaster throughout Texas . Our colleagues with Houston Independent School District say there is a great need for clothing , school supplies , and financial assistance . You can contribute by providing donations at our offices in Sacramento , Burlingame , and Ontario . For information , contact ACSA Member Services at memberservices @ acsa . org or donate directly at www . houstonisd . org .
Carnisha Martin has made a home away from home at school .
A second home at school
Stability was something Carnisha Martin only dreamed of after a childhood filled with loss and neglect . She bounced from house to house , family member to family member . She suffered abuse at the hands of loved ones . And when Carnisha was in sixth grade , she lost her mother after a battle with breast cancer .
“ I stayed away and there were times where I felt like I couldn ’ t express how I felt about losing my mom ,” Carnisha said .
Burmese refugee thrives
Promoting student success through support
Josie Paredes is all about providing the utmost support for students as a school leader .
Periodicals Dated Material
David Jasuan believes in making the most of his opportunities .
David Jasuan is the type of person who does not take anything for granted . He ’ s also the type of person who never turns down the chance to learn .
“ I just always look for opportunities to better myself or do better and better ,” David said . “ Opportunity comes up to take college credits . Why not ? Take it . Opportunity to join leadership . Why not ? Take it . Opportunity to run for office . Why not ? Take it .”
See MARTIN , page 6 See JASUAN , page 6
“ Whatever it takes ” is a theme that followed Josie Paredes into school administration . Her dream was to be a teacher and volleyball coach forever , but then she started helping out a high school Associated Student Body director with activities and became one of those teachers you could call anytime to cover a dance , athletics , help set up student leadership events – you name it , she did it .
“ I truly enjoyed working with the students and helping them become leaders of the school ,” Paredes said . “ At that point , I began the desire to become an administrator .”
From middle school assistant principal and principal to high school principal and now director of student services for Covina- Valley USD , Paredes has become known as a positive agent for change , who leads with passion and integrity .
“ What inspires me the most in my work is when I can empower others to work together to improve our schools , our classrooms and our student learning ,” said ACSA ’ s 2017 Pupil Personnel Administrator of the Year .
Paredes established a Special Education Task Force to ensure the district is provid-
See PAREDES , page 7
A one-day ACSA workshop will focus on enhancing the engagement of staff , students , building equity , and changing school climate . The use of a growth-based , rather than a deficit-based approach to working with others is a movement that is sweeping the country and internationally .
The research is clear in study after study : students and adults show significantly greater growth when they focus on enhancing their strengths , rather than focusing on correcting their weaknesses . This research has huge implications for education . Use of a strength-based approach offers amazing potential for schools in training of administrators , working with teachers to transform
E-learning webinar . ACSA is partnering with Brandman University to offer a free webinar coming up that examines the role of learning through technology . The State of 21st Century Learning in the K-12 World will be presented by Kimberly Greene , Oct . 5 at 10 a . m . Greene will examine the current state of blended and online learning throughout the U . S . K-12 world . Sign up at https :// goo . gl / yZKa7b .
Get published . ACSA leaders in schools and districts with formal or informal health and wellness initiatives are encouraged to write for the January / February issue of Leadership magazine . Topics sought include fostering a culture of health for all staff ; work and life balance ; weight loss or control methods ; team work for healthier habits on the job ; stress reduction strategies , prioritizing self ; gratitude , success and happiness correlation ; employee satisfaction ; positive rolemodeling of healthy behavior ; and resilience and grit . Deadline is Oct . 9 . Send articles to lroberts @ acsa . org . Find the full list of 2017-18 themes at www . acsa . org / publications .
Fighting hate . “ Ten Ways to Fight Hate ,” a community resource guide from the Southern Poverty Law Center , is available for those who want to “ do something ” about hate . It aims to answer questions and encourage action . Access the guide at https :// goo . gl / GzrMoV .
Workshop aims to grow leadership
their classrooms , and in coaching .
Strengths is one of the most highly researched and validated models of enhancing workplace performance and educational engagement .
Research with companies and schools indicate : only 30 percent of staff members are fully engaged at work in the United States ; employees who work for engaged leaders are 39 percent more engaged ; staff who use their strengths daily are 7.8 percent more productive ; and teams who receive regular strength feedback have 12.5 percent greater productivity .
Gallup has developed a student suc-
See WORKSHOP , page 5