In this edition ...

• Board of Trustees approves three-year Shoreline agreement
• Look for a greening meeting on your campus soon
• High Fives
  

At its October 17 meeting, the Trustees approved (3-1) a three-year extension of the Shoreline Education Enhancement Reserve agreement. Under this agreement, $6.5 million, which represents a portion of the tax revenues diverted to the Shoreline Regional Park Community, will be returned to MVWSD. Last night’s vote marks a significant step forward in the ongoing process of partnering with the City on a solution for how to share tax revenue from the Shoreline area. 

While the Trustees acknowledged the need for a long-term solution, they agreed that approving a short-term agreement allows MVWSD to demonstrate its commitment to collaborating with the City for the benefit of students and families. It also secures critical funding for school programs and services in the interim.

Trustee Laura Blakley expressed her desire for MVWSD to eventually receive a larger portion of the Shoreline tax proceeds. “I’m hopeful that this doesn’t take the pressure off of the mutual willingness to actually have meetings and discuss finalizing a permanent agreement,” she said.

The City values our community’s schools, said Mayor Pat Showalter at the meeting, “and want to continue paying the district the annual $6.5 million payments at a minimum.”

The Trustees hope to finalize a long-term agreement well before the current three-year extension expires in 2027. To watch the discussion, click here. To read the agreement, click here.
 

Look for a greening meeting on your campus soon

As a 2024 California Green Ribbon Schools awardee, we are continuing our districtwide efforts to create spaces at each school that will provide shade, plants and outdoor areas for learning and play.  The initiative began in 2022 at Jose Antonio Vargas Elementary as an effort to replace trees that had been removed.  The Board passed the  Climate Change and Green Schoolyard Board Resolution (05-012623) in February 2023 that specified a Greening Index. 

With greening scores and metrics now available for each school, we are using these as a starting point for discussions in school-community meetings about greening priorities. Look in your school newsletters for meetings where you can share your most important greening priorities and what you want to see on campus for students. For more information, see mvwsd.org/greening

In addition, look for new trees soon. Schools are the recipients this fall of newly planted trees donated by Google and coordinated through Canopy, a non-profit.

High Fives

National Principals Month

National Principals Month is a time to recognize the incredible impact of our school leaders. Our MVWSD Principals work tirelessly to create positive and supportive learning environments. Their hard work, passion, and guidance inspire students and staff alike. Thank you, Principals!
 

Theuerkauf Math Festival

Theuerkauf Elementary put on a Math Festival event this week. Over 200 parents and students enjoyed dinner and an evening of fun, engaging math strategy games with school staff and student volunteers from the Crittenden WEB program and AVID students from our local high schools. It was a wonderful night of community building and fostering a love for learning.

Castro Harvest Festival

Castro Elementary hosted a Harvest Festival for its community this week. Families enjoyed a variety of food, face painting, carnival games, and lively music. Thank you to everyone who made this fun-filled event possible!