Happy Spring, Passover, Easter, Bihu to you all! 

Here's the latest news from school board, including resources and how you can help:

Next MDUSD School Board Meeting - Monday April 22nd

See the agenda here, including a call to action education funding letter, Measure J Bond sales, and intent to establish trustee areas.  Due to high interest in public comment, the first portion of the meeting may take place at Monte Gardens next door. 

Education Funding

Thank you to our Board President Joanne Durkee for coordinating a group of us to meet together with our Assemblymember Grayson on March 28^th – including the two of us, superintendent Dr Meyer, MDEA president Anita Johnson, and CSBA organizer Gabe Weis.  We shared stories from our district schools, to give him clear examples of specific successes of our schools as well as serious challenges we face.  Asm Grayson stated his support for AB39 as well as his passion for special education and career tech options.

That night at the Town Hall there was a good crowd with a lot of cheering as Asm Bauer-Kahan, Asm Grayson and Sen Glazer all publicly stated their support for full and fair education funding through AB39.  They asked how many in the audience were parents, teachers, or students.  I think it made a big difference that so many people attended and submitted education questions that night, as well as at previous Town Halls and through emails and visits. Keep sharing www.fullandfairfunding.org!

Advisory Committees

Measure J - Citizens Bond Oversight Committee is forming – apply here!  We’re seeking broad representation from all areas of the district and including parents, business members, and even a student.  

I attended the Budget Advisory Committee on March 27^th.  CBO Rose Ramos shared details with the committee from budget presentations, as well as answered questions on details such as the line item called “books & supplies”.  Don't miss the Negotiations Update that is now posted publicly on the MDUSD website: view here.

Superintendent Resignation

Dr Nellie Meyer announced that she has accepted a job as superintendent of Mountain View Los Altos District, starting in July.  We are so very thankful for all that she has done to build community and innovation in our Mt Diablo Schools, and wish her success in her new role!  She will be greatly missed, and we will strive to continue her vision of thoughtful, strategic initiatives to ensure quality education for all.

Our school board is working hard as a team to ensure a clear process for our search for a quality superintendent who will be the best match for our district.  Stay tuned for details on how community will be involved.

Community Events

• NAACP: I enjoyed attending the NAACP annual membership & scholarship banquet on April 6th, which included scholarships for high school students from Pittsburg and Antioch.  A big thank you and shout out to Willie Mims, Velma Wilson, and local NAACP East County leaders who volunteer countless hours for our communities.
• PTA: On April 12th I attended PTA Advocacy Day for Education in San Ramon.  The focus was mental health, including these resources - 
  • presentation by San Ramon Valley District Mental Wellness Task Force
    •  https://www.suicideispreventable.org/
    •  https://www.sanfordharmony.org/
    •  https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/
  • Hotlines to keep at hand:
    • National Suicide Prevention: 1-800-273-TALK, suicidepreventionlifeline.org
    • Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQ: 866-488-7386, TheTrevorProject.org/resource
  • County Resource Guide: https://www.capc-coco.org/about/resources/
• IHTA: On April 19th, Trustee Debra Mason and I attended the IHTA Community Sponsors Presentation at John Muir. Ms Mason opened the event with enthusiastic words of encouragement to the students, along with Concord's mayor Carlyn Obringer, County Superintendent Lynn Mackey, and Visit Concord's Elaine Schroth.  The Mt Diablo High seniors presented professional business plans, costs, and video commercials for their upcoming Hospitality Fest, and interacted with local business leaders.  IHTA teachers & staff are connecting the dots to build relationships between school, career and community!