At the Martinez Unified School District we are dedicated to providing a superior learning environment for our students and to giving them a springboard to success in higher education and the world at large. As we begin a new school year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued efforts to work with us to ensure our students’ success. With your help, we have continued to maintain high test scores and provide a supportive community-based environment for all of our students.
At a recent board meeting, I spoke about preparing Martinez schools for the future. There is never a good time to wait to improve our schools, and we have a current need for local funding that will allow us to better respond to the uncertainty of state funding. We now have a unique opportunity to provide the local match for $5.2 million in State Aid. We need a reliable funding stream to plan for the growth and educational development of the District
The District has reviewed our needs, and the Board has elected to place Measure “K” on the November ballot. Measure “K” will:
• Improve classrooms and support facilities so that all students in Martinez have access to the same high quality educational facilities
• Provide enhanced technology and improved access to academic resources to improve student learning
• Repair and replace leaking roofs to improve student health and safety
• Make energy efficiency improvements to reduce annual operating costs and put more money in the classroom, where it belongs
Measure “K” will require an independent oversight committee and annual audits to ensure money is used only for voter approved school improvements and repairs and not used for salaries, administration, and overhead. We are in the process of recruiting individuals to serve on the citizens’ oversight committee for Measure “K”. For an application to serve on the committee click here. I encourage you to apply.
I will continue to keep you updated and informed on this effort to improve our schools. You can visit our GO Bond/Measure K website for a fact sheet that contains answers to many of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the proposed Measure “K”. If any remain, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (925) 335-5908.
GO Bond (Measure K)
On July 19th, 2010 the Board of Education passed a resolution ordering a school bond election. Click here for the latest GO Bond/Measure K information.
Shell/MEF Run for Education
The 8th Annual Shell/MEF Run for Education will be held on Saturday, October 2nd, 2010. For more information please visit the Martinez Education Foundation Website.
Congratulations to some of our Shining Stars
Sharon Geernaert, Las Juntas Kindergarten teacher who was selected as the Martinez Teacher of the Year. Sharon will represent the District in the County Teacher of the Year competition.
Kelly Halstead, third grade teacher at Morello Park who was selected for the W.H.O. (We Honor Ours) AWARD. She will be honored at a luncheon in May. Contact Bob Holsinger or Mary Rittenhouse for details.
Marisa Rangel was selected as the Educator of the Year award by the Martinez Chamber of Commerce. This is the first time an educator has been honored as part of the Citizen of the Year Awards Ceremony.
We are asking every person who reads this to donate $20 (or more if you can) to help save class size reduction in grades K through 3…and save our teachers! We need to raise $310,000 by July 30th in order to accomplish 20:1 (note that under 20:1 there can be up to 23 students in a classroom). If everyone helps a little it can make a tremendous
difference in the lives of our children – our future.
Click here for more information about the $20 for 20 campaign.
