Bill’s Blog

The SAC charter was honored to receive Mr. Craig Baker, Child Welfare & Attendance Director for Fontana USD, at its mini-conference held at the Azusa Pacific University San Bernardino Campus on April 25, 2018. Mr. Baker is also this year’s Region 12 Pupil Personnel Administrator of the Year.

Much has changed in recent years in regards to Education Codes and other laws and policies on the books in regards to student discipline. Administrators walk a finer line when it comes to suspensions, expulsions, and “Other Means of Correction.” Mr. Baker pulled no punches in outlining specific and commons school site situations and how they should now be handled.

This event was also attended by Dr. Ron Williams, Superintendent of VVUHSD, who is currently a candidate for State ACSA V.P.

The SAC charter is comprised mostly of teachers who are itching to join administrative ranks where they wi

ll surely face these issues daily. Thank you Mr. Baker for your keen insights!

Craig Baker, CWA Director for Fontana USD, briefs SAC members on the latest regulations regarding student discipline.

Dr. Ron Williams, Superintendent of Victor Valley Union HSD, attended and spoke of his candidacy for State ACSA VP and the importance of ACSA to SAC members.

The Management Association of Colton (MAC) heard State ACSA Senior Director of Communications Naj Alikhan speak on April 17, 2018 to enhance their understanding of handling crises, the media and families during severe school events. Mr. Alikhan covered specific topics as follows:

• The three pillars of communication
• Why clarity is your best friend
• How to confront a crisis
• The use of social media to build a school district’s brand.

Once again this year, leaders from throughout state ACSA convened on the capitol building in Sacramento to petition lawmakers to consider our viewpoints. This year, there were two major thrusts:

1) Extending the teacher probationary period an additional year, from two to three;

2) Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) & AB 2808.

Region 12 had about 23 region board members and charter VPLAs attend from Sunday April 15 to Monday April 16. Training sessions were held, general meetings convened, and then it was off to the Capitol. The pictures below summarize this paparazzo’s walkaround on the heels of our members. For additional details regarding the specific issues and talking points, click here: LAD 2018 issues

Here is but a small portion of the crowd at a general session, where we honored our VPLAs and conferred ACSA awards on deserving “Friends of Education.”

Our own Region 12 group met privately prior to visits. We were briefed by State ACSA’s Legislative Advocate, Laura Preston (center far end of table).

Region 12 members confer with Assemblymember Marc Steinorth (R-40) in his offices. The Assemblymember is at the far right. Our team found him most affable.

VPLAs statewide were also recognized by Terri Rufert, State ACSA VPLA. Our own Dana Carter can be seen in back center if you look closely.

Here’s a typical scene during LAD: ACSA reps conferring just in the hallways just prior to entering a legislator’s office.

Another Region 12 team met with Teresa Trujillo (far fight), Chief of Staff for Assemblymember Jay Obernolte (R-33).

More hallway preparations!

CHAMPers held a conference on March 6 which introduced attendees to Restorative Justice Practices.  Our speakers were Marissa Lazo-Necco and Charles Neighbours.  The event was put on by Chino Valley Unified School District’s ACSA charter CHAMP in order to support administrators in addressing how to improve school climate. This event was an effort to support the District’s PBIS initiative. The speakers were engaging, informative and passionate about delivering the message that changes in practice will lead to changed outcomes which leads to a changed mindset.

-Yvette Farley, CHAMP President.

The REM (Retired Educational Managers) charters of ACSA Regions 12 and XIX went on a field trip to the Spectrum Mall in Irvine by bus on February 20, 2018, followed by a visit to the nearby CHOCXO chocolate factory. Members dispersed through the mall for shopping and lunch after they departed their comfortable bus, meeting later to reboard and head to the factory. The CHOXCO factory had a salesroom/display area featuring not only their wares, but murals outlining the steps from bean to bar in making chocolate. We had our own factory tour guide, who led us from one display to another while workers could be seen behind glass monitoring their tanks.

The Oompa-Loompas were on strike, and Willy Wonka had just left for the day when we arrived.  We nevertheless had a good time and all came home with diabetes, tooth decay and a sugar high whilst lugging heavy packages of consumer goods from the mall that no one could really afford or needed.

Special thanks to REM board member Nancy Cliath for once again organizing a wonderful trip!

Rosilicie Bogh, field rep for Chad Mayes, shares her mini-presentation on how to talk with legislators.

Kari Eisenacher, Territory Leader for Horace Mann insurance, discusses her company and delivers a $1500 check to Region 12.

From left to right: Ted Alejandre (County Supt. of Schools), Dr. Shannon Miller (FUSD), Dr. Cindie Medeiros (R12 President), Rosilicie Bogh (field rep) and Dr. Ron Williams (VVUHSD Superintendent and candidate for State ACSA VP).

Carlos Cerna, President of the MDMA charter, shares activities from his charter.

Dr. Ron Williams, Superintendent of VVUHSD, discusses his run for State ACSA VP.

Another Region Leadership Assembly was held on November 5 at the Azusa Pacific University San Bernardino campus. The agenda can be viewed here: leadership assembly region agenda February 5 2018

We have altered how we have “L.A.” meetings this year. Instead of “breakout” sessions at the beginning with (e.g.) charter presidents in one corner, Membership VPs in another etc., we now have mini-sessions for professional development. This time, we featured “Incorporating Differential Coaching Skills in Working with Teacher Leaders and Others” by Dr. Shannon Miller, Director, Fontana USD, followed by “How to Communicate with your Legislator” by Rosilicie Bogh, Field Representative for Assemblymember Chad Mayes (R-42).  We postponed a third session for our next L.A. meeting later this year.

The Leadership Assembly accepted a donation from Horace Mann representative Kari Eisenacher for $1500 to further our region and state objectives.

The Executive Board stayed behind at the meeting’s conclusion to brainstorm on a strategic planning exercise to provide input to State ACSA on our organization’s most pressing issues.

The combined REM charter of ACSA Region’s 12 and XIX held its annual Presidents Luncheon on January 24, 2018 at the Doubletree by Hilton in San Bernardino. REM events concentrate on not only information relevant ot our group such as retirement benefits, but also “fun” activities that are entertaining and informational. This time, we were entertained by Prestidigitator Anthony the Magic, who really did amaze us. “How did he do that?” we asked. “How could that rabbit come out of that handkerchief?”  We were also brought up to date on retirement issues by Nancy Cliath and Dr. Margaret Reed, two of our REM board members. Nancy also shared plans for remaining events for this year. When the time comes for YOU to retire, ask about membership in the REM charter and also how to continue your ACSA membership and keep in the know.

Dr. Margaret Reed apprises attendees of the latest political goings-on regarding pensions and other retirement issues.

Members enjoy their Sombrero Buffet prior to the magic act. In the background, Nancy Cliath shares out.

Presto Chango! Moments later, animals appear.

REM board member Sari Kustner (center) is bedazzled and befuddled by Anthony the Magic. His assistant is at the left.