Farley Notifies Staff About Program Improvement; Lauds Work and Announces 'Back to the Community' Tour

A couple of things out of Capistrano Unified School District Superintendent Joe Farley's office -- one for the staff and one for the public.

For the staff, Farley notes that CUSD's English-learning students and those with disabilities have not met state expectations on standardized tests for two consecutive years. That moves CUSD into program improvement and requires some spending and planning changes.

His memo is very laudatory and expresses confidence the district will move forward quickly.

Here's that memo: Download District Employee Letter re Program Improvement

In a public announcement, Farley will launch his "Back to the Classroom" tour of community meetings next month. Here's that release:

CUSD SUPERINTENDENT EMBARKS ON ‘BACK TO THE CLASSROOM’ TOUR

Community, Staff Forums Seek to Continue Emphasis on Learning

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO—Dr. Joseph M. Farley, superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD), will hold 18 community and staff meetings over the next five months to ensure the focus remains on what’s important—classroom instruction.

Students, parents and community members will be invited to the “Back to the Classroom” tour beginning on Thursday, Oct. 14 at Capistrano Valley High School. All forums begin at 7 p.m.

“It is obvious that Capistrano Unified is a great, successful school district with high test scores, excellent teachers, dedicated staff and smart, capable and accomplished students,” Dr. Farley said. “With this tour, I am asking that we go ‘Back to the Classroom’ to ensure that our focus remains on the academic success of each student.”

Dr. Farley’s “Back to the Classroom” tour reinforces a common theme he has woven throughout his initial presentations to staff and community groups—focusing on the work in the classroom. While he has the reputation of being a superintendent who knows how to “turn around” school districts, Dr. Farley sees his role in CUSD as reinforcing the fundamental things that created the district’s reputation for high achievement.

“The effect of recent budget cuts would give any school system an excuse to lose focus,” Dr. Farley said. “That has not happened in CUSD and we cannot afford to let that happen. Our students need quality instruction and we need to continue delivering the same high quality academic programming CUSD is known for having. With a good working partnership between our teachers, classified staff, administrators, parents and students, we will continue the academic success this community demands.”

Six community forums will be held for parents, students and members of the public. Farley will also host six meetings each for certificated and classified employees. The forums will be held by family, or feeder pattern, but are open to anyone who wants to attend.

“Back to the Classroom” Community Forums

All community forums begin at 7 p.m.

Meeting Location     Date   
Capistrano Valley H.S. Mall Thursday, Oct. 14   
San Clemente H.S. Triton Center Wednesday, Nov. 3   
San Juan Hills H.S. Theater Tuesday, Nov. 16    
Aliso Niguel H.S. Theater    Thursday, Jan. 13   
Tesoro H.S. Theater Tuesday, Jan. 25    
Dana Hills H.S. Porthole Theater     Wednesday, Feb. 2   

Comments

[Restore CUSD!]

Let's see - problems in Special Ed and English Learners for the past two years - coincides with the time the board chased off an excellent Special Ed leader and sen the leader of the El program go back to the school level as a principal. Great leadership for the Board - they can take FULL CREDIT for this problem!

[Mayo]

That's exactly right. This is the direct result of the current board.

[Yes on Recall Kenny]

Where's Kenny now?

[Another public school supporter]

Good question - seems to be MIA - at least in CUSD. Hasn't been seen for awhile - heard he wasn't at he board meeting last night either. Must be lying low to wait for the teamster money (after Sept 30) to get his campaign rolling.....

[Reformers.....HAH!!!]

funny thing.....it was the special ed parents who were major advocates of the original recall and the "reform" trustees

[I am so tired of our board]

As a teacher, I want desperately for a strong and competent superintendent. The "reform" board chased off two good, strong leaders. Maybe Dr. Farley, as their hand picked guy, will provide some true leadership. Good luck, Dr. Farley. Teachers are pulling for real "reform," and real leadership.