OPUSD Board President, Jan Iceland


Dear Parents and Community Members,                    
 
It seems impossible that it is May already but here we are beginning the end of year wrap up.  At the April Board Meeting we recognized eighty-six middle school and high school students for their achievement in the Ventura County Science Fair and the Idea to Impact program sponsored by California State University Channel Islands and the Ventura County Office of Education.  This year more students from Medea Creek Middle School placed in the County Science Fair than from any other school in the county. 
 
At the meeting we also honored the parents who lead OPPAA, the Oak Park Performing Arts Alliance with our Partner in Education Award.  Without these dedicated volunteers we would not have the dramatic arts program that we have at Oak Park High School. 
 
The board discussed and approved bids for several projects to be implemented this summer with funds provided by Measure R, our School Improvement Bond of 2008.  These projects include repairs to ramps to portable classrooms throughout the district, modernization of the 300 Building at Brookside Elementary School and of restrooms at Oak Park High School, and roof repairs at Medea Creek Middle School. 
 
The Safe School Plans for all schools were approved.  Annual updating of these plans and approval of them by the Board of Education is required by law since these plans outline procedures for staff and students to follow in case of an emergency. 
 
In our ongoing review of District policies we approved policies pertaining to student and family privacy rights and to budgets and began the discussion of policies related to employee bargaining units, intra-district attendance, weapons at school, administration of medication at school, courses of study, athletic competition, and Transitional Kindergarten.   All District policies are posted on our District website for anyone interested in reviewing them.
 
We will be honoring ten Oak Park teachers who are retiring this year at our next regular Board Meeting on Tuesday, May 15 at 6:00 PM.  Please come join us in thanking them for all that they have done through the years.
 
Until next month my best to all of you,
 
Jan Iceland
OPUSD Board President