Focus on TUSD - Summer 2008

Governing Board News
Governing Board approves a $361.7 million M and O budget for 2008-2009
At its regular meeting on July 8, the Governing Board voted 4-1 to approve a $361.7 million Maintenance and Operations budget for the 2008-2009 school year. Board member Judy Burns voted against the proposed budget, citing "rash decisions" that were not good for children, such as dual-school principals. The District's total budget for the coming year, including all sources of income such as state and federal grants, gifts and donations, tax credits, totals more than $578.2 million.

This was the first regular Governing Board meeting for Dr. Elizabeth Celania-Fagen, the District's new superintendent.

Lobbyist Sam Polito summarized the 2008 legislative session, concluding that the public schools and Tucson Unified fared well, considering the state's tight budget climate. Polito said the base level for school districts was increased 2 percent; desegregation soft capital was retained; and teacher performance pay in the name of "Career Ladder" was not funded but it's "on the books."

After his summary, Polito was recognized for serving the students of Tucson Unified and K-12 education for 50 continuous years. Former Superintendent Roger F. Pfeuffer was on hand to share some of Polito's professional history.

"He's been a classroom teacher; the principal of Davis Elementary School; he has taught in the College of Education at the University of Arizona; he was the TUSD liaison to the Model Cities Program in the late 1960s; he's been the District's Director of Research; the Director of Finance; the Director of a Title I Summer Program; and since 1980 he's worked in government relations, looking out for the District's interests at the Arizona Legislature and, in some notable cases at the national level," said Pfeuffer.

After being presented a framed certificate and clock, Polito said his association with Tucson Unified goes back 68 years to when he was a first-grader at Borton Elementary School. He wife Linda, son Andy and daughter Abigail, also attended the meeting.

Topics addressed during Call to the Audience include a perceived lack of support for the traditional curriculum strand at Catalina Magnet High School; the decision to stop allowing District retirees to participate in the District health insurance plan; and dual-school principals.

In other action, there was a public hearing on the proposed budget; a Truth in Taxation public hearing; and board members approved the Statement of Purpose to be included in the budget override pamphlet.

The following administrative appointments were made:

• Debra Micelli, Magee Middle School assistant principal;
• Richard Sanchez, Mansfeld Middle School assistant principal;
• Larry McKee, Palo Verde Magnet High School assistant principal; and,
• David Mandel, Rincon High School assistant principal.

Photos in the summer issue by Jes Ruvalcaba of Communications & Media Relations, unless otherwise noted.

The deadline to submit material for the September Focus is Friday, August 15. The Focus will be published Monday, August 25. Email submissions to Chyrl Hill Lander or Sharon Dunham in the Communications & Media Relations Department or use the online Tip Sheet.