The Arcadia Board of Education approved a Local Agency Education plan to bring the district into compliance with the federal No Child Left Behind program, which requires that students meet state proficiency standards by 2013-2014. For California, the standard is 100% graduation with all requirements for University of California admission met.
The Arcadia Board of Education has adopted a resolution opposing SB 1419, which would limit the authority of school boards to contract out for services. The bill is on the governor's desk for signature or veto. The bill would restrict districts from using personal services contracts if the duties can be performed by district employees.
The Arcadia Board of Education promised parents and supporters of former teacher Sandra Ragusa a statement on why she was not allowed to withdraw her resignation.
The Arcadia Board of Education voted to eliminate nearly nine teaching positions from next year's budget. The jobs cut are in 9th grade math and English, and in English language support in elementary schools.
The Arcadia Board of Education will vote on a policy change regarding the release of students' personal information to military recruiters, colleges or prospective employers. In the past, Arcadia has had an "opt-in" policy, in which parents must specifically request information be made available, particularly to military recruiters. This policy is no longer allowed under federal guidelines, so the district will adopt an "opt-out" policy, putting the burden on parents to decide when information will be withheld.
Board wants to keep Apache name. The Arcadia Board of Education voted unanimously to oppose AB 2115, a bill that would forbid Arcadia High School from using the Apache mascot.
Foothills Middle School music teacher Sandra Ragusta resigned after 12 years, after receiving her lowest employee evaluation since 1990. She tried to withdraw her resignation but Arcadia Board of Education decided not to give Ragusta her job back.
Parents protest a school boundary change for Baldwin Stocker Elementary that was approved two years ago. Residents are surprised by this change and say it hurts their home values.
The school board election will take place on Tuesday. Two seats are available. Annie Yuen and David Leong are running against incumbents Mary Dougherty and Joann Steinmeier. Their positions on issues are stated.
A special reception will be held to thank Mary E. Dougherty for her 16 years of service on the Arcadia Board of Education. Her fourth consecutive term expires at the end of June.
Steinmeier and Yuen are elected to School Board. Yuen is the first Asian-American elected to the board and this was the first full election conducted on computerized voting machines in LA County.
Steinmeier and Yuen win seats on the school board. This was the first election to be conducted totally on touchscreen voting machines and results were available in 51 minutes.