March 17, 2005

SCHOOL SCENEin Almaden Valley

Groups rally in San Jose against governor’s education cuts

By Carol Rosen
Staff Writer

At least 1,000 people joined with the Education Coalition at John Muir Middle School March 9 to give Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger the message that they are unhappy with potential cuts to an already slashed state school budget.

The crowd numbered at least 1,000 and included students, parents, teachers, administrators, classified and service employees as well as elected officials and union members. Save our Schools and Protect Prop 98 were the messages on many of the signs carried by rally-goers. However, Terminate the Terminator was seen on at least one sign.

Santa Clara County parents, students, teachers, administrators, classified employees, service union leaders and superintendents came out to protest cutting Proposition 98 along with various local and state elected officials including Colleen Wilcox, the county’s superintendent of education.

The first of many rallies across the state, its aim was to get the attention of Schwarzenegger and the legislature, and to make them understand that the state’s electorate is unwilling to see an already beleaguered education system further jeopardized by continuing budget cuts.

Big turnout
If noise and attendance were the main criteria, this rally won hands down. The crowd was respectful of speakers, but loud in its determination that Prop 98 be saved. Speakers criticized the governor for reneging on his 2004 promise to give public education its “fair share” this year and spare future cuts.

PTA officials from the various school districts spurred parents, teachers and administrators to attend the rally. All of the groups worked quite hard to ensure a large turnout.

The number of people attending didn’t surprise San Jose Unified School District PTA President Joan Cooper. “We worked hard to get these people out,” she told the Times.

Cooper corroborated a later statement by Union School District (USD) Superintendent Phil Quon. “There had to be more than 1,000 people there. More than 900 people signed the attendance list,” which put them on a mailing list for future activities and further information, he said. Others pointed out there was a large number of students attending.

Governor’s promise
According to Wilcox, the rally did get attention from both the governor and the legislature. And, while Schwarzenegger “dismissed the issues out of hand,” the legislature was well aware of it, Wilcox indicated, adding that the legislature and the public are beginning to understand Prop 98.

In Cooper’s observation, the governor doesn’t understand yet how important this is to his constituents. “He got a glimpse of it, but he will be getting it step-by-step and inch-by-inch,” she said. “Students, parents, teachers and administrators all need to stay united and show the governor we’re willing to invest in our children’s education.”

In January 2004, according to a press release from the governor’s office, “Schwarzenegger and members of the Education Coalition* announced an education funding agreement that will help alleviate the state’s current fiscal emergency while protecting the integrity of Proposition 98 and increasing per pupil funding from last year.

“‘Education is the key to every future success for our state,’” the release quoted Schwarzenegger as saying. “‘This Prop 98 funding will be restored as required by law and our agreement. Today, I am making that promise to our teachers and students.’”

“When Proposition 98 was passed by the voters, we expected a minimum amount of funding for public education. He [Schwarzenegger] assured us of that,” Wilcox said. “His current actions jeopardize [even] that minimum amount of funding, which has ultimately placed us in the bottom 10 states for education. Taking away the minimum funding would be devastating to public education,” she added.

Poor ratings
Speaker after speaker brought up statistics about California’s public education system, which puts our schools in the bottom of important categories. For example:

California ranks 44th in per-pupil funding.

California public schools have endured nearly $10 billion in cuts since 2001. The cuts resulted in school closures, lay offs and a devastating shortage of nurses, custodians and groundskeepers.

California ranks 50th in library books per student.

California ranks 48th in the average number of students per teacher.

California ranks 50th in guidance counselors, librarians and computers per student.

California schools have and continue to cut art and music programs, while extracurricular programs typically are only funded by districts with strongly supported parent foundations.

California’s public school after school programs have been massacred and school building maintenance is substantially under funded.

In the past two years, other speakers noted that 17 Santa Clara County schools have closed. Six of those schools are part of San Jose Unified, which has cut more than $10 million for the coming year.

“If Arnold gets his way, more [schools] will have to close. In the last three years, school districts have been struggling with budget cuts, closing schools, cutting staff and key programs, such as music, art and band. The governor turned his back on us and is ignoring Prop 98,” said 24th District State Assemblywoman Rebecca Cohn.

If Schwarzenegger’s education cuts are passed, that means a $10,000 deduction in every classroom in California, she added.

Information leads to understanding
“I think the people in this county and this state need to recognize what the governor’s proposals will do to public education funding,” said Phil Quon, superintendent of the Union School District in San Jose’s Cambrian Park area.

He agreed with San Jose Unified School District Superintendent Don Iglesias that “it’s a year later and his [Schwarzenegger’s] promise has been broken. With his budget proposals, Governor Schwarzenegger has decided to ignore the priorities set by the voters and turn his back on the agreement he made last year when he took $2 billion from public schools and told us he would not be back for more. “

The two superintendents are most concerned about Schwarzenegger’s proposal to allow the state to make mid-year cuts in school funding. “I don’t know how we can run school districts with the specter of mid-year cuts hanging over us,” said Quon.

“The governor’s budget proposals are the most significant threat to public education we have ever faced in California. We are in a fight for the future of the children of California and we will prevail,” said Iglesias.

“My colleagues and I are reaching out to our communities to let them know what is going on because the more informed they are, the more understanding they have,” said Quon. Besides the rally, Quon attended a community budget meeting March 15, to make parents aware of what the governor’s proposed cuts will mean to the school community.

Speakers
There was little room to stand or even move during the rally. Teachers, parents, students and administrators held signs, which mostly carried the words “Save our Schools” and “Protect Prop 98,” although a few urged “Terminate the Terminator.”

The speakers also were a diverse group. Besides Wilcox, Iglesias and Quon acted as masters of ceremonies and were joined by Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union School District Superintendent Cindy Ranii. San Jose City councilmembers Nancy Pyle and Judy Chirco attended while a representative for Sally Lieber spoke.

Pearl Cheng, president of the Santa Clara School Board Association and Cupertino Union School District board member urged attendees to let their elected representatives know the importance of school funding.

Other speakers included Dean Vogel, secretary/treasurer of the California Teachers Association, Donna D’Arcy who is a board of director for the California School Employees Association and Union School District employee and Laura Casas-Frier, Sixth District PTA director of legislation. The final speaker was Campbell Union High School District English teacher Paul Pinza who represented the 14,000 teachers in Santa Clara County.

*The Education Coalition is made up of the Association of California School Administrators, the California Association of School Business Officials, the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association, the California Federation of Teachers, the California School Boards Association, the California School Employees Association, the California State PTA, California Teachers Association and Service Employees International Union.

Life lessons

Adults applaud teen who publicly owns up to act of vandalism

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

Persuasive peer pressure, especially among teenagers, can lead kids to do things they may later regret. For one local teenager, who literally went off track, facing up to his mistakes has had positive results.

Taking responsibility for his actions, Pioneer High School student Michael Schulz apologizes to students at Williams Elementary School. (photo courtesy of Kimberlie Joyner)

Wednesday evening, a group of boys, including Pioneer High School student, Michael Schulz, went for a joy ride. After much prompting, Schulz drove his father’s Chevy Suburban off McCall Drive and onto the field at Williams Elementary School, leaving 100-foot tracks in the grass before becoming entrenched in a soggy quagmire, which necessitated a visit from a tow truck.

The Suburban wasn’t alone in being caught in the act. Don Schulz’ heart sank when he received a phone call from a San Jose police officer requesting that he come to Williams Elementary School where they were holding his son, Michael. “I went out to the scene, and the officer told me they were going to arrest him for misdemeanor vandalism,” says Schulz, “and released him into my custody.”

That night, Don, who had always done his best to teach his children to be responsible, didn’t have much to say to his son. The truck was caked in mud—sent flying while the wheels spun—and wedged in when it sunk up to its axles. When they arrived home, he handed Michael the garden hose and set him to work cleaning the vehicle. “I knew at that point I wouldn’t be able to have a constructive conversation with him because I was emotionally in the red about it,” says Schulz. “It’s one thing to be angry, and another to resolve something without tearing up your kid more than you need to.”

The next day, the San Jose police contacted Williams Elementary School Principal Sue Walker, informing her about the situation and requesting a cost estimate for repairs to the field. However, before she could begin to gather quotes, Don sent her an e-mail explaining what his son had done, stating that he would pay for the damages, while Michael would pay him back by working through the summer.

That night, Don spoke with Michael. “He knew he was going to have to take responsibility for it,” says Schulz. At the minimum, he wanted Michael to meet with the principal and apologize for the damage he had done. He also inquired how Michael could apologize to the students.

Walker had the perfect solution, offering Michael the opportunity to address the school at morning flag when first through fifth grade students met to say the pledge of allegiance, sing a song and make announcements. “He came in on Friday and apologized to me,” she says. “I asked him if he was going to speak at the flag and I gave him an out. It was up to him.”

Michael was nervous and looked to his father for reassurance. “We went off to talk about it,” says Schulz. “I said, ‘Michael, I know you don’t want to do it, but you’ve got to believe it’s the right thing to do.’” Michael hesitantly agreed.

“As he’s only a 17-year-old student, I didn’t think he’d take me up on it,” says Walker, “but he did.”

With his voice shaking, Michael read from a speech he had prepared with a little guidance from his dad, alerting the students of the perils of peer pressure, and taking responsibility for his actions by apologizing for the damage he had done:

“My name is Michael Schulz, and I am responsible for the damage that was done to your field. I first want to apologize to all of you. I am sorry for ruining your grass that you used to play on. Also, I wanted to tell you a little about what happened, the bad decisions I made and the consequences I am going to have to face.

What happened was, me and a few of my friends were driving and they talked me into driving onto the field because it seemed like fun at the time… Then, the police came, and we ended up getting into trouble. My friends that I was with were allowed to leave when their parents came to pick them up. I, on the other hand, had to face the consequences because I was driving. The policeman wrote the charges against me, and put me under arrest.

Now, I am going to have to go to court and a judge will give me some sort of punishment. Along with that, I am going to have to provide the money to pay for the damages.

The main point I want to make is that this all could have been avoided if I had made better decisions. My first bad decision was having people in the car when my parents told me not to. If I was driving alone, this never would have happened.

Also, I should not have given into the peer pressure of my friends. I knew I shouldn’t have done this, but my friends talked me into it. I am sure that most of you have done something wrong because your friends wanted you to. It is hard to resist when all your friends are around. But, I hope that you will learn from my mistake and not give into peer pressure. At the time, you may think it will be fun, but sooner or later, disobeying instructions and doing things you shouldn’t do will get you into trouble… Maybe not this time, or the next time, but one day the bad decision you make could get you into trouble just like I am now. So, the more often you walk away from people who want you to do something wrong, or a situation that could get you into trouble, the better off you will be.

I want to thank you for listening, and once again, I apologize for the damage I did to your field.”

Ironically, two sets of tire tracks are evident near the base of the hill where Michael Schulz became stuck in an area that had been shut down for months due to flooding.

Although Michael believes that one of the tracks may have already been there, he is responsible for paying for both. Outside contractors will be bidding on the job, which may cost up to $1,000.

For his efforts, Michael received a hearty round of applause and a standing ovation from the students, as well as appreciative handshakes from several parents. “Some of the parents had tears in their eyes, thinking that could be their child some day,” says Walker. “It was one of those teachable moments. I think everyone got something out of it.”

“He’s kind of a quiet kid and it was a shock for me to see how well he did in front of all those people,” says Schulz. “It was hard for him, but he did it. I was proud of him.”

Pioneer High School Principal Barbara Lepiane also admires Michael’s courage. “That was a really hard thing to do, apologizing to all those people,” she says. Lepiane also appreciates the fact that Michael took responsibility for his actions, without blaming anyone else, and considers him a role model in this respect. “I’m sure the students will think twice about doing anything like that,” she says. “And realize how difficult it is to have to come back and say you’re sorry for something that you’re pretty embarrassed for having done.”

“I know that Michael’s father expected more from his son,” Lepiane adds. “But I’m sure he’s feeling pretty proud of him right now. It was one of those rare times that something pretty good came out of something that wasn’t so good. You can say you’re sorry, but when people look at you and they see that it really came from your heart, it makes a big impact on kids and adults alike, and that’s the feeling I got—that he was very genuine. “

Parent volunteer Kimberlie Joyner agrees. “What he did was wrong,” she says. “But it was great to hear someone take responsibility for their actions. Not a lot of people do that anymore. He did what he had to do, and he did it well. It was an example for the students. We all make mistakes. He’s taking responsibility for his.”

Yale University’s Spizzwinks draw standing ovation from Simonds Elementary School students, teachers

Student body is captivated by male choir’s performance

By Sheila Sanchez
Staff Writer

A row of handsomely dressed Yale University male students entered the Simonds Elementary School cafeteria last week to serenade teachers and children with beautiful a cappella music.

Members of the Yale University Spizzwink’s choir sing while choir member and Yale University student Eddie Higgins, 20 of Kansas, sings a solo. Photo by Sheila Sanchez

To the sound of a pitch pipe, Yale’s renowned 18-member Spizzwinks(?) choir—the question mark is part of the name—entertained the more than 600 students gathered during two special assemblies the morning of March 10.

The group sang about 10 ballads and funny songs that made youngsters laugh, cheer, applaud and join in the singing. Among the songs were “Lola,” “Build Me up Buttercup,” “Mr. Grinch,” “Broadway” and “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic.”

As they introduced themselves to the audience, dressed in sharp suits with ties, they revealed that they were studying serious disciplines such as astrophysics, bio-medical engineering, political science and architecture but later confided that when they “grew up” they wanted to be the “muffin man,” “guppy,” “sumo wrestler,” “unemployed” and “trophy husband,” among others. The revelation elicited laughter from students and teachers who cheered and applauded.

The New Haven, Conn. based group, which often performs at schools, churches and clubs, is on tour during its spring break, first visiting the San Francisco Bay area and then traveling to Argentina and Paraguay. It’s recognized as the country’s oldest underclassman a cappella group.

“We want to get the kids excited about performing,” said choir director Chris Holownia, who led the group with his pitch pipe.

“A lot of boys at this age don’t feel that singing is something that they want to do. They want to be in sports or computers. One of the reasons we like to come to the schools is because we like to spread the joy of singing to children.”

Holownia explained that while most choir members don’t major in music, they participate in the choir as a hobby and because they love performing.

Simonds Elementary School fifth grader Tej Modi, 11, said he loved watching the choir because “they were hilarious.”

Similarly, Simonds Elementary School fifth grader Hali Martin, 11, thought the performance was worth her while as she admitted she’s been bored by other school functions. “It was really cool,” she said, adding that her favorite song the group sang was “Accidentally in Love,” by the Counting Crows.

Simonds Elementary School Principal Linda Kakes said the school music director, Terry Bermudez, invited the group to the campus after falling in love with its music when listening and purchasing its musical CD.

“The point is to have students come from one of the top universities in the world so that our kids have them as role models,” Kakes said, after the presentation. “We want our students to realize that they can attend a school like Yale and still devote time to music.

“It’s the mirror image of our vision for Simonds where academics are first and foremost, but believe the arts are incredibly important as well,” she added.

The school PTA helped pay for the group’s visit.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the kids. It’s good for them to see that when they grow up, college is accessible and music can be a part of their life,” Bermudez said, who teaches music lessons to each Simonds class twice a week.

The Spizzwinks were founded in 1914. The choir has a diverse repertoire ranging from traditional Yale songs and jazz standards to pop ballads and rock n’ roll. In recent years, the group’s fan club has included celebrities such as Magic Johnson, Henry Kissinger, Kelsey Grammer, George Pataki, and Fred Savage, as well as audiences at ESPN, Carnegie Hall, Disney World, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the White House.

Programmed perfection

Leland Robotics Team captures North West Pacific Regional title

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

They left town on a shoestring budget, armed only with a big dream and a robot made from second-hand parts.
When they returned, they brought with them the Pacific Northwest Regional Robotics Championship title, as well as the league’s prestigious Safety Award.

Approximately 750 students from seven states descended upon Portland’s Memorial Coliseum last week to tweak, tighten, polish, and maneuver their 125-pound radio-controlled robots well enough to take the regional title, and with it, a coveted invitation to the First Robotics National Championships, which will be held in Atlanta April 15 to 17.

Team leaders Amy Qian and Gabriel Arambula coordinated the high-stakes, low-budget effort, which involved countless hours of focused brainstorming, flawless teamwork, strict timelines, and seemingly hopeless deadlines. Coupled with the unrelenting dedication of teammates Jennifer Mori, Alejandro Arambula, Jennifer Tsau, Jonathan Boyd, Peter Lu, and Michael Bella, it proved to be a recipe for victory.

No was not an option when it came down to returning from Portland with nothing less than a positive experience. Instead they came home with the top prize, as well as a Safety award. Shown from left (kneeling), Alejandro Arambula, Caitlin Reyda, Jennifer Tsau and Any Qian; and back row (standing), Jennifer Mori, Gabriel Arambula, Peter Lu and Michael Bella

The title commands a certain level of respect, especially coming from an event that will showcase the talents of more than 36,000 teens representing nearly 1,000 teams by year’s end and will have competed in 30 events throughout the country. Some will have come from as far away as Brazil, Israel, Canada, Mexico, Equador, and the U.K. to vie for awards, trips, and up to $3.8 million in scholarships

According to Jim Mori, whose daughter Jennifer remains as bitten by the robotics bug as he does, the kids knew the odds were stacked against them, as they struggled to finance their own meals and plane fare, much less compete against other schools with seemingly limitless budgets, abundant resources, and robots costing upwards of $10,000 to build.

In this case, it made their victory all the sweeter.

Theirs was an unbeatable combination of robot and wits that ultimately earned them the regional title and an invitation to the national competition in Atlanta—including the $5,000 entry fee.

The win is a testament to the ongoing commitment of students, parents, and teachers to bring robotics back to Leland High School and with it, the respect that they hope will open the door to much needed funding that will enable kids to continue building robots, bringing back titles, and learning a few lessons along the way.

The impetus behind trying to breath new life into the internationally acclaimed program comes at a time when plastic snap-on Lego pieces give way to nuts, bolts, chassis, motors and power tools—especially when students have eagerly participated in the robotics program since fourth grade, but now face entering high schools stripped of the opportunity to continue their quest, and robbed of a right of passage into the real world of technology—just
when they were getting started.

“Well, they’ll be off to Atlanta now,” Mori said. “Provided they can come up with the rest of the money. That entry fee doesn’t include travel expenses.”

Eager to strike while the iron is still hot, fund-raising ideas are being tossed around will incorporate their aggressive three-year strategy filled with fundraising and recruiting campaigns, an extensive website presence. But it’s a tall order with very little in the way of outside assistance.

“We’re trying to talk to the district, the foundation, businesses—even the Society for Women’s Engineering,” Mori said. “Half the team is female. We’re one of the few well-balanced teams out there and it’s good to see them all share the tasks.”

“This is a really good rookie team and next year, it’s going to get even better,” added Gustavo Arambula, who, along with Mori has a vested interest in continuing to provide their own children with a positive environment that covers the gamut of life lessons in imagination, creativity, problem solving, technology, teamwork, and pride in accomplishment. Former principal Susan Votaw saw it, as did Leland teacher Helen Arrington, who continues to witness first hand the positive effects it has had on morale and self-esteem.

“This is the just the beginning,” promised Gustavo before they headed to Portland. “We want to build a full robotics organization, with department heads and officers. This should be a big boost to the school and generate more interest with the kids. We know they’re out there. We just have to find them.”

The Leland Robotics Club is actively looking for sponsors and contributions that will enable the Quicksilver team and their robot to compete in the national competition next month,. For more information, call the school at (408) 535-6290 or Ms. Arrington at (408) 892.9068.

FIRST [For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology] focuses on fostering knowledge, self-confidence and life skills while inspiring today’s youth and motivating schools and communities to encourage opportunities in science, technology and engineering. For more information, visit www.usfirst.org.

Students interested in joining the robotics program are encouraged to contact Ms. Arrington in Room E-1.

Jackpot!

Viva Las Vegas event reaps big rewards for Simonds music, technology foundation

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

Twenty-one! Seven-eleven! Jackpot! Friday night Las Vegas came to San Jose.

Vegas comes to San Jose! Photo by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

Simonds Music and Technology Foundation [SMTF] sponsored the Viva Las Vegas fund-raiser and raised an impressive $55,000. The adult-only affair featured gaming tables, a live and silent auction with hors d’oeuvres, dinner and wine for 300 beautifully dressed women and their handsome escorts who represented families and sponsors of Simonds Elementary School. Melodic strains of “Some Enchanted Evening” sung by Silas Elash, husband of Simonds speech therapist Eletah Elash, entertained the crowd. Donated gifts and handmade items created by Simonds kids and special teacher packages lined the walls of Lou’s Village banquet rooms.

“We are very fortunate to have the support of the families and sponsors for this endeavor,” said Joy Spodick, SMTF co-vice president of communications and event co-chair. “They believe strongly in the value of music and technology to enhance the children’s learning experience.”

Simonds Music and Technology Foundation began innocently enough. At first only a silent auction in the school cafeteria raised funds for the unavailable educational and financial resources at national, state and local levels for the classes. Four years ago SMTF was formed by parents in the hope of continuing the programs fully dependent on the generous support of sponsors and donations. Equally important are the parents of SMTF, who tirelessly fundraise and let the community know the needs of Simonds’ students. They succeeded, last year receiving the bulk of the funds for the departments employing technology coordinator Anita Kwock and music resource teacher Terry Bermudez by the annual event.

SMTF seeks to empower young people with the magic of music and the world of knowledge available through technology. By awakening their interest and promoting new learning experiences, music and technology classes support self-esteem, self-discipline and self-confidence; skills and attitudes essential for success in the 21st century workplace. SMTF mission is to provide continuous financial support to enable the growth of existing and new music and educational programs for the students of Simonds Elementary School.

Music history and appreciation classees are ongoing during the school year at Simonds with the culmination of many musicals and concerts. The band is preparing students for entering Castillero Middle school by using the same textbook. The program has purchased musical scores, props, costumes, etc. with SMTF funds.

The technology program is equally inclusive with hands-on classes for all students from kindergarten through fifth grade using San Jose Unified School District’s learning standards for technology, accelerated reader program and math programs. Student TECHIES volunteer and help in classrooms everyday.

“We owe all this to the parents,” said Principal Linda Kakes whose limousine ride to McDonalds netted $1,250 at auction. “They put their hearts into this. The Simonds community is full of people who are capable and make it happen.”

Sports memorabilia, golf at Cinnabar Hills, vacation and spa packages, and 18k gold jewelry were only some of the first-class items offered for auction at the five star event, which netted over $55,000. But the true winners at SMTF Viva Las Vegas night are the children of Simonds Elementary who will be more prepared for the future because of parents who care.

To pledge your support for Simonds Music and Technology Foundation call (408) 535-6251 or go to www.simondsschool.org.

School officials to consolidate Randol, Allen elementary schools into Steinbeck Middle School campus

Allen students, teachers and parents want school name preserved

By Sheila Sanchez
Staff Writer

The San Jose Unified School District Board of Education unanimously voted March 10 to consolidate Allen and Randol elementary schools and relocate them to Steinbeck Middle School beginning this fall.

The decision came after several parents with children at Allen asked the board to, instead, bring the closed Randol student body to their campus and pleaded with the trustees to preserve the school’s name that honors the owner of the land it now sits on at 5845 Allen Ave.—Horace Lorenzo Allen.

Allen Elementary School Principal Nico Flores will become the principal of the new standard elementary kindergarten through fifth grade school that will operate just down the street in the Steinbeck Middle School campus, at 820 Steinbeck Drive. The new school is expected to have 834 students.

“Now that the decision has been made to relocate Allen to Steinbeck there is going to be some patience needed as we work out the many details of the move,” Flores said. “We are a new school community made up of Randol and Allen students, teachers and parents who will move forward to create one of the strongest school communities ever.”

Working together, Flores hopes the newly combined students, teachers and parents can create common goals and a unified vision for the new school, which could become the SJUSD’s first kindergarten through eighth grade campus. The school would add one grade level each year.

Some parents favor the idea of sending the kids to neighborhood schools as long as possible, while others are against it, saying elementary school children are not ready for middle school issues affecting students, such as teenage pregnancy and the onset of puberty.

“I’m excited about our potential and confident in our ability to create an exceptional educational institution for our children. The parents are the key to a positive, innovative and constructive transition for our students,” he said.

Flores explained a transition team is in place looking at all aspects of the move, which is anticipated to happen at the end of the school year. The Steinbeck campus, which includes a wireless network, a swimming pool, tennis court and gymnasium, will undergo some reconfiguration during the summer to prepare for the new school.

“We have to be packed when school is out and be ready to move to the new site for the fall when school starts,” Flores said, with excitement in his voice.

In two years, the financially devastated district has closed six schools. Erikson, Hammer and Hester were shut down last year. The board voted last December to shut down Steinbeck Middle School and it again voted in February to close Randol and Cory elementary schools.

The district is facing a $10 million budget deficit and steep decline in student enrollment, exacerbated by the valley’s prolonged recession and student desertions to private schools. Steinbeck Middle School students are being transferred to John Muir or Castillero middle schools.

SJUSD Facility and Property Consultant Sonja Shurr said the district is looking at ways to make the school properties financially solvent, once they’re vacated, as it has done with other properties left vacant by school closures.

The idea to relocate to the Steinbeck Middle School campus originally came from Randol Elementary School officials who worried that moving to the Allen Elementary School campus would make the school too crowded and would worsen traffic conditions there. SJUSD Superintendent Don Iglesias immediately supported the idea, which angered parents from Allen, who felt their site was never considered as a viable option.