In this edition ...

• Board Meeting Review: i-Ready Diagnostic 1 Results, Adjustments to Financial Processes, Budget, Staff Housing Non Profit Board
• High Fives
  

The Board heard an overview of i-Ready Diagnostic 1 results. Students complete the assessment in Reading and Mathematics three times a year. The data is used to measure and adjust instruction, and target instructional support to ensure students are progressing in their academics throughout the year. Specifically, Diagnostic 1 results are used to confirm math class placement in the middle school, serves as the initial screening for 3rd-5th graders who may need more support, and creates a baseline of data for grades K-2. See the presentation here

Contracts, Purchasing, and Checklist Review: As part of its efforts to increase financial oversight, last year, several updated contracting and purchasing processes were implemented. District staff presented updates to improve processes for efficiency while staying true to the intent for greater oversight. Click here to learn more.

Assessed Value Growth and Budget Information: MVWSD is a community-funded school district, meaning most of our revenue comes from local property taxes—not the state. Over the past six years, MVWSD has averaged 8.79% annual real estate assessed valuation growth, but recent commercial property appeals have significantly reduced it to lower than 3% this year. Although we currently have strong reserves, we will need to adjust the budget to bring expenditures in line with revenues, and evaluate expenditures to retain the programs that are most impactful for student outcomes. Click here for the presentation. 

MVW Residences Appointments: MVW Residences Appointments: After interviews and deliberation, Trustees appointed members to the MVW Residence Corporation Board: Trustee Charles DiFazio and successful candidates Meris Ota, Kyle Deshon, and Stephanie Shipe. They are professionals with experience in residential real estate and/or finance selected through a formal application process. This nonprofit entity is a separate and dedicated board for oversight of staff housing. It allows District Trustees and leadership to stay focused on its core mission—educating students. The MVW Residence Corporation Board will conduct its first organization meeting soon. 

Landels Pilot Child Nutrition Dishware: The Board gave direction to staff to further research a potential future pilot program at Landels Elementary to transition from single-use food packaging to reusable dishware. The Board gave direction to staff to further research a potential future pilot program at Landels Elementary to transition from single-use food packaging to reusable dishware. It was recognized that this potential project should be incorporated into future budget discussions. See the presentation here

High Fives

Results of Williams Site Visits

Our schools recently passed an educational materials audit with flying colors! The Santa Clara County Office of Education conducted recent Williams school visits—an annual mandated audit for some schools to determine if they are providing sufficient resources for students, specifically instructional materials, safe facilities, and teachers. MVWSD not only passed but was held as an exemplar for its organization and processes. Thank you to the many staff members who made this a smooth process. 

Teachers collaborating across schools

Elementary teachers are collaborating across schools to align our writing instruction districtwide. These districtwide collaborations are facilitated by the Lit PLC team, a group of dedicated teacher leaders who are taking the lead on learning the methodology, and then delivering professional development and creating resources to support their colleagues. Thank you for your work! 

Hispanic Heritage Month

MVWSD schools are commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15). Activities include showcasing influential Hispanic figures with posters, curated books, and scavenger hunts, and encouraging students to learn about their impact. Schools have also organized classroom discussions, broadcast videos, lunchtime crafts and activities, and assemblies. We love seeing all the different ways MVWSD recognizes and honors our community’s diversity.