May 10 2016

City Budget Review by Advisory Committee: May 12

At their May 12 meeting, the Budget Advisory and Financial Planning (BAFP) Committee will review the City Mid-year Budget report, 7 year projections and the proposed 2016-17 Budget.

Budget Advisory & Financial Planning Committee Agenda –

  1. Election of a Chair
  2. Review of 2015-16 Midyear Fiscal Report Accepted by the City Council and Comment –  Read the report >  2016-02-16 Mid Year Fiscal Report dated February 2016.
  3. Discussion of the 7-Year Projections for the City’s General Fund and Recommendation
  4. Overview of the > 2016-17 Proposed Budget Presented to the City Council on May 2, 2016

The BAFP meeting is Thursday, May 12, 2016, at 7:30 p.m.
in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC Room) – Police Department, 403 Highland Ave, Piedmont.

The meeting is open to the public.  There will be no broadcasts or recordings of the meeting.

Questions or comments can be directed to:

Paul Benoit, City Administrator 

pbenoit@ci.piedmont.ca.us

(510) 420-3042

 

 

 

 

May 10 2016

Lorita Avenue Trees, Dracena Park Water Fountain for Dogs and People, Tennis Court Nets, Lights on the Softball Field

On May 4, 2016, in the City Council Chambers the Piedmont Park Commission held its monthly Commission meeting, which was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chair Jamie Totsubo. The main item on the agenda to be discussed was the request from the residents of Lorita Avenue to replace plantings and trees on their cul de sac.

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Before beginning the regular agenda, Chair Totsubo opened the meeting to those at the meeting for the Public Forum, where audience members can address any items not on the agenda. The Public Forum began with Sam Cheng and Alex Chueh, two seniors at Piedmont High School, who requested the addition of lights around the softball field.

They were followed by Kalen Davison, another senior at PHS, who asked for the nets to be periodically checked at the tennis courts, to make sure that they were still functional and at the correct height.

Davison was followed by Madison Tenney and Kaelli Thiel, two more students at PHS, who asked for a drinking fountain to be installed in Dracena Park. Once Tenney and Thiel concluded, Commissioner Totsubo moved onto the meeting’s regular agenda.

Lorita Avenue Trees and Plantings – 

To begin the regular agenda, Commissioner Totsubo opened up the meeting to the request from Lorita Avenue’s residents. Maggie and Lannie Spencer, the two petitioners for this topic, asked the Commission to plant street trees to replace the Agapanthus growing at the end of the cul de sac.

For this project, five new Ginkgo trees were offered by a developer in 24’’ boxes. The petitioners asked the city to use these new Ginkgos to infill among the existing Ginkgo trees, in addition to replacing the old Agapanthus.

Maggie Spencer elaborated that this was the perfect time for tree replacement and planting because of the large number of homes being remodelled along Lorita. She also informed the Commission that all of her neighbors had signed the request, and that the residents at 28 Lorita Avenue had pledged to water the new trees due to the lack of installed irrigation.

After Mrs. Spencer, several other residents spoke in favor of the new trees. Annie Hall, a neighbor to Lorita Avenue whose fence had previously been damaged by invasive trees, was in favor of the petition as long as the new tree didn’t block sunlight in her yard or have a large root system which could compromise her new fence.

Devan Joseph followed, voicing his support for the aesthetic benefits of newer greenery. He was followed by Andrew Coleman, the resident of 28 Lorita Avenue, who promised to water any new trees.

After hearing all of these comments, Commissioner Totsubo asked for the votes of her fellow commission members regarding the Spencer’s request. Each member ­ Betsy Goodman, Jim Horner, Jonathan Levine, John Lehanan, Brian Mahany, Patty Siskind, and Jamie Totsubo, herself­, were in favor; the motion for new trees on Lorita Avenue passed.

Once the decision was finalized, Chair Totsubo led the meeting through the five remaining agenda topics, including four updates on completed and future parks projects, and the monthly maintenance report.

Dracena Park Drinking Fountain for Dogs and People –

During the meeting, Kaelli Thiel and I spoke about the lack of accessible water in Dracena Park for both parkgoers and their dogs. Currently, there is only one drinking fountain by the swingset in the lower playground area, and a waterfall faucet in the sandpit. Although dogs could use the latter for water, many parents are uncomfortable having larger pets around their children.

Since the trail around Dracena Park is fairly long, and the walk to the fountains is off of the dog trail itself, Kaelli and I proposed the installation of a dual drinking fountain with a lower dog dish and faucet for dogs, and an upper fountain for people. We asked for it to replace the orange cooler which currently acts as the dog’s drinking faucet along the upper walk of Dracena Park, allowing for a permanent and accessible source of water along Dracena’s trail.

Madison Tenney, Piedmont High School Senior

Editors’ Note: Opinions expressed are those of the author.
May 10 2016

Renovations, Garages, Pool: Decisions by Planning Commission

I went to the Piedmont Planning Commission on Monday, May 9th. The meeting opened up with the Commissioners taking roll. They then brought up the issue of renovations to house, specifically a new garage.  Speakers who had previously filled out a form to speak about the issue were allowed to address the Commissioners. The Commissioners had each been to the site, but were not allowed to discuss it amongst themselves before the hearing.

First, the architect talked about the proposed plan and argued for why it would be a good project. Then the Commissioners asked questions about the details of the plan and how willing the owners were to compromise. Next the neighbors talked about their issues with the plan, namely how it was less attractive.

After hearing everyone who wanted to speak, each Commissioner gave their opinion and then one of them started a motion. They all agreed it was a good project and it passed unanimously.

A similar process followed for owners who wanted to expand their guest house and pool which was met with more opposition from neighbors. This time the Commission decided to reject their plan as it was, but the owners could come back with a different plan.

Miles Vinson, Piedmont High School Senior

Editors’ Note: Opinions expressed are those of the author.
May 8 2016

Proposed New School Bond, Wellness Center, Increased Parcel Tax Levy Hearing: School Board Meeting May 10

New School Facilities Bond measure poll results, final Public Hearing on increasing the parcel tax for school operating costs to $2,553.26 per year per parcel, Volunteer of the Year Award, Graduation dates, and Wellness Center report – 

The May 11, 2016 Piedmont Unified School District will meet at 7:00 p.m. Regular Session in the Council Chambers, City Hall 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont.

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PUSD Facilities Master Plan Community Polling Presentation and Results  [Potential Parcel Tax Funding]

The Piedmont Education Foundation, the Piedmont Unified School District contracted with True North Research to conduct a community poll that gauges voters’ interest in supporting a local bond measure to fund school facility repairs and improvements.  Dr. McLarney will provide an overview of the polling methodology organization, and results.

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PUSD Wellness Center – Student Leadership Programs

PHS Counselor Amanda Carlson and student representatives from the PUSD Wellness Center Leadership Programs will present on the positive impact of the Peer Advisor and Youth Educator programs at PHS, MHS, and PMS will present information of the Wellness Center, which has provided opportunities for students to engage in Peer Education and Leadership programs that significantly enhance overall student health and community.  These include peer mediation, peer advisement, and Youth Educator programs at Piedmont Middle School and Piedmont/Millennium High Schools.

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The PMS 8th Grade graduation will be held Wednesday, June 8th at 5 p.m. at Witter Field. The Millennium High School graduation will be held on Wednesday, June 8th at 1:00 p.m. at Veterans Hall. The Piedmont High School graduation will be held on June 9th at 5 p.m. at Witter Field.

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Near the end of the meeting the Board will: Conduct 2nd Public Hearing and “Approve” the Proposed Levy of Current School Support Tax, Measure A, to be Levied in 2016-17

School Parcel tax is to be increased to $2,553.26 per parcel for 2016-17. 

The Board of Education will discuss the option to continue the levy at its current rate or to increase the levy up to the statutory level of $2,553.26 per parcel, which represents a 2% increase from the current rate of $2,503.20 per parcel.

The Board will discuss and receive public input regarding the proposed levy of the school support tax for 2016-17. This is the second and final public hearing. The Board will take action on any levy and increase after the second public hearing.

Read prior article on school parcel tax levy here.

The public is invited to provide comment at the Board meeting or prior to the meeting by email to the Board of Education at aswenson@piedmont.k12.ca.us

The meeting will be broadcast live on Cable Channel 27 and from the City’s website under online videos.  The meeting, open to the public, begins at 7:00 p.m. on May 11, 2016. 

May 11 Agenda < read the full agenda

May 8 2016

Fire Extinguisher Training: Saturday, May 14

The Piedmont Fire Department will be offering free training on the use of fire extinguishers at the Fire Station, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont.

The Fire Extinguisher Training for residents will be on Saturday, May 14th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This hands on training is intended to better prepare residents to combat small fires that might occur in their homes, offices, or cars.

Residents may bring their extinguishers to the Fire Station for inspection. The training is on a first come first served basis and is restricted to residents 14 years and older.

Residents will also be able to pick up a copy of the “Get Ready, Piedmont” disaster preparedness guide prepared by the Public Safety Committee. This document provides comprehensive information on preparation for and response to, earthquakes, fires, landslides, and other emergencies.

Residents with questions are encouraged to contact: Fire Chief Bud McLaren at 420-3030

“Get Ready Piedmont” disaster preparedness manual online  <

Disaster preparedness checklist.

Prior PCA article on emergency preparedness

May 7 2016

TAXES: Voting on City Parcel Tax Begins May 9 by Mail and Continues to Election Day, June 7

Piedmont parcel taxes are an issue for all Piedmont Voters on their June 7 ballot.

$ $ $ $

Every four years Piedmonters get to consider whether or not an additional parcel tax warrants their support.  The ballot measure proposed by the City Council at the June 7 Primary Election is known as Measure F and renews the four year parcel tax plus a 30% increase.  Unlike recent City parcel tax measures, the tax proposal has not only proponents but opponents to the measure.

Opponents point to a lack of justification for the 30% increase, especially considering the substantial windfall of funds coming from the real property transfer tax and subsequent upping of property values and tax revenue. Millions of new and unexpected dollars from these taxes have led to significant expenditures by the City, special projects and heavily funded reserve funds.  The threat by proponents of cuts to public safety is used to scare voters when there is more than sufficient funding for the primary responsibility of the City public safety without the 30% increase in the tax.

Supporters call for the parcel tax renewal and its 30% increase to continue the flexibility to fund desired projects and to keep the City financially stable with a ready and reliable income source.   The increases to the various reserve funds and funding of special projects has been accomplished because of the windfall revenues from property transfer taxes and increased property tax revenue. The parcel tax should be renewed as the City faces large unfunded needs.

Both those in favor and opposed to Measure F agree that an on-going four year parcel tax is appropriate for Piedmont.  Those opposed to the ballot measure state the revenue currently being generated is sufficient to fund City needs and the parcel tax  30% increase is not justified, while those in favor of the ballot measure find the additional revenue appropriate and returning with another ballot measure to be undesirable. 

All voting Piedmonters will have an opportunity to make their voices heard on June 7 or through vote by mail ballots beginning May 9. 

For Measure F to pass requires approval by 2/3rds of those voting on the measure.

Read information on voter registration and election information here.

Read official Measure F support and opposition statements here.

May 7 2016

New Capital Projects to Be Recommended: May 10 CIP Committee

  Beach and Coaches Field, Blair and Dracena Park, Community Center, Lights on Oakland Avenue Bridge – Capital projects get in line for City funding. 

On Tuesday, May 10, the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Review Committee will meet at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room to prioritize funding recommendations for new capital projects.  The Committees’ recommendations will be presented to the City Council at their Budget Work Session on Saturday, May 21, 2016*, in the Arts Center Building across from Piedmont High School.  * May 21 is the corrected date of the Council Budget Work Session. 

The meeting of the CIP Committee is open to the public. There will be no broadcast or recording of the meeting.  Interested individuals can follow the recommendation process and speak to the Committee on the projects at the May 10 meeting.

Proposed project details were not publicly disseminated as of this publication. The City has notified select individuals and organizations about the meeting.

The May 10 agenda includes:

1. Review of May 7, 2016 CIP Site Tour

2. Discussion of Final Project Descriptions

3. Discussion of Final Report and Recommendations for City Council

Individuals seeking information on the projects should contact:

Parks and Project Manager Nancy Kent at 420-3064 or  nkent@ci.piedmont.ca.us 

The Council will decide on the final priorities and possible funding.

May 7 2016

Katie Korotzer Honored as the 2016 Arthur Hecht Award Recipient: May 10

Volunteer work recognized.

At May 10, 2016, Board of Education meeting starting at 7:00 p.m., Katie Korotzer will be honored as the Recipient of the 2016 Arthur Hecht Volunteer of the Year Award.  The meeting will be televised live on Cable Channel 27 and from the City website under online videos.

Announcement:

Katie Korotzer, a long-time volunteer who played a vital role in creating the Fall Fest 5k, securing passage of the education parcel tax, and streamlining fundraising and grants for the Piedmont schools, will be honored with this year’s Arthur Hecht award. The award is presented each year to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the community and to Piedmont’s youth through volunteer service over a period of many years. The Board of Education will present the award at its meeting on May 11.

Art Hecht was well known as a volunteer dedicated to serving students in Piedmont and Oakland. He was a member of Piedmont’s Board of Education from 1970 to 1982, and instrumental in developing Millennium High School, Piedmont’s alternative high school. Established in 1998, the Arthur Hecht Award honors both Hecht’s memory and extraordinary individuals who continue his legacy of service.

The clear choice for this year’s award, Ms. Korotzer has been a dedicated volunteer in the schools and community since moving to Piedmont in 2005. Her years and depth of service, and her inclusive, collaborative style and understated leadership, have benefitted Piedmont youth in many direct and indirect ways.

Like many Piedmont families, the Korotzers moved to Piedmont because of the excellent public schools, but they didn’t know anyone in the community. That changed quickly. With her two sons, TJ and Nick, enrolled at Havens Elementary School, Ms. Korotzer became a regular volunteer at Havens, working on the Highlights, serving hot lunch, and coordinating after-school enrichment programs. “I met so many of my friends through volunteering,” she said.

Since then, Ms. Korotzer has taken on increasingly ambitious volunteer roles — creating new programs, building consensus to address and resolve difficult issues, and always striving to improve and expand opportunities for students. Everyone who works with her admires her hard work, inclusiveness, humility, and graciousness.

In 2009-10, she served on the committee to explore block scheduling at Piedmont Middle School. The committee studied various options, and Ms. Korotzer is widely credited with ensuring that parents, students, teachers and administrators had a voice in the discussions and that all viewpoints were considered. Esther Rogers, who served with Ms. Korotzer on this committee, praised her for developing a truly inclusive process. “Katie has really good judgment of how to approach the issues,” Rogers said. “She’s always receptive to hearing what others have to say, and she makes sure everyone feels heard. She’s not out front but she does the hard, behind-the-scenes work, and she does it in a productive, collaborative way.”

In 2010, Ms. Korotzer teamed up with another parent volunteer, Donna Williamson, to create the Fall Fest 5k. This fun run, which coincides with the Piedmont Harvest Festival, promotes awareness of Piedmont Unified’s Wellness Center and raises funds to support its programs for middle and high school students. Although the Fall Fest 5k didn’t exist until a few years ago, it is now an established Piedmont tradition.

Williamson explained, “The Wellness Center Committee was looking for ways to raise money to support the wellness programs and we came up with the idea of the race. Not many were willing to jump in to organize it because it was a massive undertaking, especially in the first few years. Katie volunteered because she liked that the event had a family and wellness focus.” “We had no idea what we were getting in to,” Williamson said. “Having people run on City streets turns out to be a really big deal. But Katie doesn’t back away from challenges. She has incredible organization skills and genuine motivation to help kids and the community.”

Mary Kelly, who served with Ms. Korotzer on the Wellness Center Advisory Board, said, “Given her quiet demeanor, it was stunning what she accomplished. She brought professionalism to the project and went to the City, Police, Fire, City Council, to propose the run. Out of sheer grace, dignity and respectful negotiations she won everyone over, and the City had confidence in her. The [Fall Fest] is so well run we take it for granted now, but it would not exist but for her. She’s a wonderful person who makes things happen.” Kelly added, “She’s just a remarkable combination of grit and grace.”

In 2012-13, Ms. Korotzer teamed up with Doug Ireland to run the parcel tax campaign. The measure, approved by roughly 77% of the voters, provides critical funding for the schools and makes up roughly 25% of the District’s budget. “I really loved working on this because I enjoyed meeting and talking with so many people in the community. The community is so well-informed and engaged, and so supportive of the schools,” she said. Ireland and others who worked on the campaign credit Ms. Korotzer with bringing in individuals who were not initially in favor of the parcel tax, and ultimately improving the campaign because of this.

In 2014, she became President of the Piedmont High School Parent Club, working regularly with Principal Brent Daniels, and facilitating communication among parents, support groups, and the school administration. In this role, she was also responsible for leading the council of parent club presidents (then known as APCP), and coordinating efforts with the Piedmont Education Foundation. She quickly recognized that there were inefficiencies and duplication of effort among these groups — which share the common purpose of supporting the schools — as well as confusion in the community about the different fundraising campaigns. Although serving as the PHS parent club president is essentially a full-time job, she didn’t hesitate to take on the added challenge of reorganizing and merging these groups.

Working closely with PEF President Mary Ireland, and once again engaging all stakeholders, Ms. Korotzer developed plans to merge the parent clubs and PEF. This merger has led to more efficient and effective fundraising, better alignment of grants with the school district’s budget process, shared infrastructure, and more coordinated communication and messaging among the six school sites. “Katie seems so low key but she’s got intense drive and commitment, and impressive organizational capacity. She was completely unflagging in her energy on this, and all as a volunteer! She knew that we needed to change the way the Foundation and the parent clubs were operating, and she was focused on finding solutions. She doesn’t get caught in her own vision so she’s always willing to work with people with different viewpoints,” said Ireland. “She doesn’t care about the spotlight, she just cares about doing the right thing and she’s willing to do the hard work to get it done, and to do it in the most collaborative way,” Ireland said.

Despite the time and effort required to plan and implement the merger, Ms. Korotzer remained fully engaged in her responsibilities with the PHS parent club. Molly Ashford, who serves with her on both the PEF Board and PHS parent club board said, “Her work with parents is tremendous. She’s always there to respond to parents’ concerns and always working to bring new people into the parent club.” Yuri Tada, the former Co-President of the Piedmont Appreciating Diversity Committee, echoed these comments. “Katie warmly welcomed us and encouraged us to participate and share our concerns about sensitive topics concerning diversity. She always responded in a fair, respectful, supportive manner,” Tada said. “She helped PADC navigate issues with teachers at the high school. It was delightful working with her, and this award is so well-deserved because she works hard for the students,” Tada added.

An example of her dedication to improving the lives of students is the change, made this year, from the long-standing tradition of a Senior Tea for girls and their mothers and a Senior Barbeque for boys and their fathers. In recent years, there have been increasing complaints that these traditions were antiquated, failed to recognize non-traditional families, and fostered confining gender roles to the point where some students and families felt excluded.

Ms. Korotzer met with a transgender student and other students, and concluded it was time to reexamine these gender-based events. A subsequent survey of high school Juniors, Seniors, their parents, and high school teachers and staff confirmed that most students wanted change, but some parents who cherish these traditions wanted them to continue. Ashford said, “This was difficult, and Katie wanted to give everyone a voice and find consensus. She gathered all opinions and never forced her own. She met with students, put them at ease, drew them out, and also helped them see other viewpoints. That was impressive. She just goes way above and beyond.” As a result of this sometimes emotional process, there will be a single, inclusive event for all graduating seniors and their families starting with the 2016 graduating class.

Ms. Korotzer described her work on the senior event as particularly meaningful for her. “I’m proud of our community,” she said. “These weren’t easy conversations, but the way we were doing things was really hurting some kids. This community is willing to listen to kids and make changes to make their lives better.”

Another example of Ms. Korotzer’s commitment to Piedmont’s youth is her current initiative to establish a Wall of Honor dedicated to Piedmont Unified’s graduates who serve in the military, diplomatic corps, or other government service. The idea for a Wall of Honor emerged from conversations with Terisa Whitted, a Piedmont parent whose son enlisted in the Marines four years ago after graduating from PHS. Ms. Korotzer’s son, TJ, enlisted in the Marines after graduating from PHS last June. Both women found that, in Piedmont, there is little awareness of the many paths young men and women may pursue through military and government service. They wanted to change that, and they wanted to promote awareness of the contributions and sacrifices of Piedmont Unified’s graduates who serve the country.

Ms. Korotzer and Ms. Whitted were inspired by the renaming of the PHS Library in honor of Christopher Stevens — a PHS graduate with a distinguished career in the U.S. Foreign Service, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Libya until his death in office in 2012. They began talking about possible ways to promote awareness of Piedmonters who have served the country, starting with World War I and continuing through those in active service. They developed a proposal for an interactive display and historical database, and found enthusiastic support from many in the community. Working with the City and the Piedmont Historical Society, they identified individuals to include in this database. Working with PHS History teacher Courtney Goen, they enlisted students to research some of these individuals and write material for the database. They have cast a broad net, asking for all members of the community to contribute information and photographs. Although the research has just begun, they have already found information about a Piedmonter who won the prestigious Medal of Honor in 1943, and a Piedmonter who was the military’s first female rear admiral.

Whitted said, “This project has grown beyond our wildest dreams and this would not have come together without Katie. She believes it is honorable to serve, and she wants to honor those who do. She also wants students to be aware of all these options for service. And she knows how to get things done and she’s tenacious. My hat is off to her. She’s like a special forces officer herself.”

With characteristic humility, Ms. Korotzer reflected on her many significant contributions to kids and to the community by talking about the people she met and worked with because of her volunteer work, and the deep friendships that developed as a result. “That’s why winning an award feels weird. I made so many life-long friends. I got so much more than I gave,” she said. “I enjoy working with lots of kinds of people, drawing people into the process, getting people to cooperate. To me, that’s a worthy goal,” she said.

The Board of Education will present Ms. Korotzer with the award and a gift of student art at the regularly scheduled Board of Education Meeting on May 11.

May 4 2016

Elementary School Redesign Reduces Art, AP Classes Controversy, School Parcel Tax: Report

April 27th School Board Meeting –

At the School Board meeting on April 27th, a variety of topics were discussed. The School Board meets twice a month and they start with a private meeting, before they have the public meeting which starts at 7 p,m. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss, events, changes, and make decisions regarding the elementary schools, middle school, and high schools.

  At the start, a woman who was dealing with finances for the School District stated that she advised that the school put money into the reserve so that the reserve becomes four percent. This was the part of the meeting where the parcel tax was discussed.

Next Mr. Matrix and Ms. Muñoz proposed a new AP Computer Science Class.  They discussed the difference between this class and other classes currently available. One of the most interesting parts of this class was how many more girls are signed up than in past years. About 43% of people signed up for the class are girls. Just a few years ago, it was less than 10% of women signed up. This is a huge change and at the this rate, the proportion will be equal. The board agreed to the class but through discussing the new AP class, a different discussion regarding AP’s and whether or not they should be allowed, limited, and how their presence has affected the student body.

School Board member  Richard Raushenbush was the most concerned about this AP classes, and felt that they needed to be discussed further.  He even mentioned eliminating AP’s or limiting how many a student could take. Although the other board members agreed that it should be up for discussion, they decided to put it on the agenda for their next meeting.

Then Ms. Muñoz went up again along with Carol Wozniak and high school math teacher Bill Marthinsen, who discussed the three new math classes. During that discussion however, Marthinsen also commented on AP classes, even handing out copies of an article he read in the New York Times regarding the topic.

Finally, a committee of elementary school teachers and principals presented the elementary school redesign, which features a different format for the elementary schools. One major and controversial change that would come along with this change is the fact that Art class would be cut, but would be “integrated” into the regular classroom through projects. Many parents are upset with this change, considering that art class is one of the few places where young students can relax and unwind.  High school math teacher and elementary school parent, Auban Willats, went to the board meeting wearing two hats; one as a math teachers supporting the adoption of 3 new math classes, and the other as an elementary school parent, considering the redesign. Although Willats understands the concepts, she worries about the cut down on art, because even if art is integrated into the academics, it still doesn’t give children the downtime art class may provide some students. Willats also pointed out a parent who questioned why tech still gets the same amount of time, but art gets cut down?

I agree with this statement, although technology class is important, most children these days are extensively exposed to technology. So why is it that tech is being somewhat more important than art? It’s unlikely that any of these children will be working in Silicon Valley anytime soon, so why can’t they equally be exposed to both technology class and art class and from there they can decide what they enjoy more or is more important to them. At this young age, it should be about exposing children to different classes and by limiting some, especially something so important like art or music class, where students get a chance to fully express themselves beyond academics.

Willats said that she plans on individually contacting each Board Member to discuss these potential changes, as well as communicate with other parents about the “lack of transparency” on the issue of elementary school redesign. Many parents at the meeting agreed with Willats in the same sense that they are upset with the inequity of many of the classes.

Unknowingly at the time, what Claire Reichle and I spoke about at the meeting somewhat went with the theme of redesigning curriculum, because we brought up the fact that there should be more emotional learning within all the schools, but specifically implemented for the young in elementary school. We based much of our information on the movie The Mask You Live In which discusses the pressure boys face to be masculine and how it affects their relationships.

Claire and I also brought up the fact that we are Peer Advisors so we go into High School Classrooms where we talk about different topics such as, stress, drugs/alcohol, and relationships. From our experience being Peer Advisors, we feel that by implementing emotional learning at a younger age, by the time those kids get to high school, rather than learn how to get in touch with their emotions or be mindful, they will already know how and it will become a part of who they are. Although the School Board didn’t make any particular comments, their body language seemed rather receptive to our ideas, or at least they understood our ideas.

Overall, the meeting covered a variety of topics, but the next meeting should be even more interesting considering they will have a full discussion on AP classes as well as continue with plans for the elementary school redesign.

Report by Emilia Rivera, Piedmont High School Senior

Editors’ Note: Opinions expressed are those of the author.
May 4 2016

SCHOOLS: New AP Computer Science Class Despite Objection to AP Classes: Report

Piedmont Unified School District School Board Meeting –

On Wednesday April 27th at 7:00 p.m., the Piedmont Unified School District met for a regularly scheduled School Board meeting. The meeting agenda is based on proposals and questions from previous meetings and concerns brought up by the citizens of the Piedmont community about the schools. During the meeting the School Board leaves room for community members, such as the Piedmont High School civics students to voice their concerns about issues at Piedmont High School. In the beginning of the meeting different leaders from community groups such as the Association of Piedmont Teachers and the Student Representative give short updates about things their groups need or are planning to do in the school.

 The meeting covered several different topics but the one that drew the most interest from the community was the reform to the elementary education schedule. Ms. Carol Cramer, Ms. Anne Dolid and Mr. Michael Corritone, the principals of the three elementary schools came to the Board meeting to discuss the changes in scheduling for the elementary school kids over the next couple of years.

One major change that the parental community was worried about was the reduction in art and music time at the elementary level. The traditional once a week art and music time is being replaced with time for technology every week, while art and music will be alternating each week.

The loss of time for the arts was a big concern among the parent community, Ms. Auban Willats was at the meeting because of her concerns about losing time for the arts. She said “ I thought the question of why technology gets 40-50 minutes every week, but vocal music and art have to alternate was an important one. I have spoken to many of my high school students who remember art as one of their favorite times of the day.” Many other parents spoke up at the meeting as well, saying that they were thankful for the work that the principals had done, but they were feeling that the new schedule was pushed on them suddenly and needed more time to be critiqued and looked at by the parent community.

At the meeting, a new AP Computer Science class was approved for the High School. Ms. Munoz and Mr. Mattix presented it to the board, informing them that Piedmont High School would be one of the first high schools in the nation to have this type of class. The class focused on app development and more on the grading of a student portfolio instead of tradition AP style grading. One point highlighted by both presenters were the number of students who were interested in taking this class as well as the significant number of girls who were interested in taking the class. Females in the technological world have long been under represented and everyone on the School Board seemed in favor of supporting a class that would benefit females in technology.

One question brought up by Board member Richard Raushenbush was, if Piedmont High School should be offering more AP classes or any AP classes at all. Mr. Raushenbush brought up how AP classes boost the highest GPA that a student can have at Piedmont that is published to colleges and adds more stress for students, which is something the Board has been trying to decrease. The Board agreed to put that topic on the agenda for the next meeting.

Lastly, the new math classes were brought up in the meeting, Math 2, Math 2B/3, and the Math A bridge summer course. These are the new math classes for the Common Core track that the lower grades have been following since middle and elementary school. The bridge course Math A is a summer course so kids who are behind on the track can advance. Ms. Auban Willats was also in the meeting to show support for the new math program.

Report by Sierra Singer, Piedmont High School Senior

Editors’ Note: Opinions expressed are those of the author.
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