In this edition ...

• From the Desk of Mr. Baier
• Board meeting review: Audit, Staff Housing Non-Profit Board, Summer Contracts, Summer Construction Update
• High Fives
  

Dear Families/Staff, 

What a week! Since our last newsletter, our district has reached several significant milestones—none of which would have been possible without the dedication of our staff and the support and engagement of our community.

A Strong Start to the School Year

Our schools opened smoothly this fall, with classrooms staffed and filled with smiling faces. The enthusiasm and positivity on our campuses have set a wonderful tone for the year ahead.  I had the pleasure of visiting our schools on the first day, and I am so thankful for the work, coordination and support on the part of our staff and our parents to ensure the first week of school was amazing for our students.

State Audit Finalized

The comprehensive financial audit of our district, conducted by the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT), was recently finalized with no findings for MVWSD. This outcome is encouraging, and we are eager to build on this strong foundation by continuing to strengthen our systems and processes. Please see my statement in your inbox and linked here.

Innovative Housing Partnership

On Monday, our Board of Trustees announced an exciting new partnership with the Foothill-DeAnza Community College District (FHDA). 

On Monday, Aug. 25, the Trustees will meet again to consider the purchase agreement in which MVWSD will sell 50 units for staff rental to FHDA for $54.45 million. The proceeds of which will fully pay for the $53.5 million land purchase. Meeting information is here. 

Our work continues, and we remain committed to ensuring the very best for our students, staff, and community in all that we do. Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement—it makes all the difference.

With appreciation,

Jeffrey Baier
Superintendent

Board meeting review: Audit, Staff Housing Non-Profit Board, Summer Contracts, Summer Construction Update

FCMAT Extraordinary Audit - No Findings:  Last week, MVWSD released the report from the comprehensive financial audit of our district by a statewide organization.  There were no findings named in the FCMAT’s (Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team) extraordinary audit of MVWSD.  Click here for more detail and a link to the full report.

Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Toston attended the meeting to present the audit report and recommendations from the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) to improve our financial processes.

Dr. Toston did not reference any specific areas of improvement for MVWSD. He acknowledged the work underway by the district to strengthen systems, and offered SCCOE’s support, if needed.

 MVWSD has proactively begun work in these areas:

• Developing written procedures and a procurement checklist for vendor and contract approvals
• Implementing a more restrictive process and documentation for credit card use
• Adjusting financial delegated authority to allow more transparency in purchasing
• Implementing a detailed employee travel policy in coordination with the Budget Advisory Committee

We appreciate the auditors’ thorough review and look forward to further strengthening our financial processes.

MVW Residences Corp Board Interviews: The Trustees interviewed several candidates for the MVW Residences Corporation Board. To ensure the long-term success and stability of this project, the Trustees established a dedicated nonprofit entity, the MVW Residences Corporation, which will oversee the housing development moving forward. This non-profit board allows District leadership to stay focused on its core mission—educating students—while ensuring that the housing initiative is thoughtfully managed. It is anticipated that interviews will be complete and members appointed by the end of September.

Summer Review: Approval of Monthly Reports; Ratifying Contracts: The Board reviewed and ratified contracts proposed by staff members over the summer when the Trustees do not meet regularly. Some authorized staff members, such as the Superintendent, have delegated authority to enter into some types of contracts over the summer with the caveat that the Board has the final approval. 

Measure T Summer Construction Update: Many campus improvement projects were completed over the summer, including the Jose Antonio Vargas school outdoor learning areas, field restrooms, and more. Staff provided the update linked here. 

High Fives

Crittenden Wins National PTA School of Excellence Award

Crittenden Middle School and its Parent Teacher Association (PTA) were awarded the 2024-2026 National PTA School of Excellence Award. Crittenden was one of only 330 schools and PTAs across the nation selected for this honor. 

Every two years, the National PTA recognizes the schools and PTAs that foster strong and effective family-school partnerships. These partnerships produce a richer learning environment that boosts the overall well-being of the students, creating positive, long-lasting effects. 

Please join us in congratulating the staff and the PTA for their collaborative efforts to make Crittenden Middle School a wonderful place to learn, play and grow!

Back to School Celebration

This past weekend, we kicked off the school year with our first-ever Back to School celebratory event! Families from across the district came together to enjoy a fun-filled morning with music, food trucks, helpful community resources, several giveaways, including free books and 150 backpacks, a welcoming table from each school and a chance to connect with the MVWSD community. A huge thank you to the School and Community Engagement Facilitators for organizing and to all the staff, administrators and volunteers who manned tables and coordinated resources and activities.