FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Two major changes will affect Osborn Schools next year:

1. Montecito Community School is Closed

After discussion and input from community and staff during two public hearings, the Governing Board voted to close Montecito School. This decision, while painful, addressed declining enrollment and declining dollars that created a budget deficit of $712,000. The decision had nothing to do with the caliber of the staff or programs at Montecito—it was strictly
financial. This change will require minimal disruption to other district schools because Montecito students will simply be transferred to Longview School.

Montecito teaching staff will be teaching at Longview and other district schools. Even with budget cuts, the district will maintain the current level of special area programs including Art, Music and Physical Education. We believe An Osborn Education must include these special areas taught by specialists in each field. The District will maintain a presence at Montecito and assure
that the community investment will be properly maintained at all times. We will consider possible leasing of the facility.

We have wonderful programs and facilities in the district—we simply need more children. Please encourage your friends and neighbors to consider enrolling in Osborn. This Reporter is filled will lots of reasons why that would be a wise choice.

2. Two-Hour Early Dismissal Every Wednesday

The state is releasing new Math and Language Arts Standards for the 2011-12 school year. Mastering these standards and working with fellow teachers to incorporate them into daily
lessons is a vital part of improving student achievement. As a result, the Governing Board has agreed to replace the current 45-minute Tuesday early dismissals with a two-hour early
dismissal every Wednesday afternoon for all students to allow for staff development and team planning for teachers. This longer released period weekly is consistent with and often
shorter than early dismissals of surrounding districts. Afters chool program options will be available for students who need it during the weekly early dismissal time.

Despite these changes and the resulting adjustments that will be required, we look forward to a successful year.

Wilma Basnett, PhD

Source: Osborn School District