Just the facts, Ma’am

Editor: To District trustee Michelle Mercer’s quote published in Wednesday’s Press, stating that the music program has been my single focus or goal over the last couple of years, my response is that her statement is simply untrue. The reinstatement of the program was one of my two stated main objectives during my campaign, and while it is one of the issues that I have addressed most frequently; it is far from my only goal or focus.

During my tenure, I have put forth several recommendations, among them:

• More clear and accurate budgeting practices,
• Advancement of technology both in curriculum and district/community communication,
• Expand funding acquisition efforts to compensate for state/federal funding shortages,
• District unification,
• Departmentalized education at the 7^th/8^th grade level for all district students,
• Staffing a Registered Nurse to serve the district,
• Minimize impact of already enrolled students and their families from boundary re-definitions,
• Pursue the district’s share of funds available from Peaker Plant mitigation agreements,
• And of course, restoration of academic programs cut due to budget constraints that were not re-instated despite the facts revealing that the anticipated budget shortfalls were not realized.

Thus far, due at least in part to my efforts, our budgeting procedures have improved although there exists further opportunity for improvement. The district, schools and community now have web sites. We are continuing to move toward unification, and we have a new natural gas fueled school bus and filling station paid via Peaker Plant mitigation funds.

The most pressing issue for our district at the moment is departmentalized education for all district students at the 7^th/8^th grade level, followed by a real need to have a qualified health professional on staff. Concerned residents should take immediate action to express their views to the district regarding these issues. Decisions on the departmentalization issue are imminent.

Please also note the absence of name-calling, bashing or insinuation within this letter – it contains just the facts.

Daniel Wells, Tracy