THE ORIGINAL CENTRALIA SCHOOL DISTRICT BELL*
"SUMMER IS ON THE HORIZON"
In March the District issued layoff notices to temporary teachers and no others. This is an ongoing ritual that takes place year after year and is mandated by law as a precautionary measure related to enrollment and funding. Most of those fine teachers will be back with us again at the beginning of the school year. Last year we had to let go of teachers, office workers, grounds keepers, custodians, nurses, psychologists and more. Fortunately we are not in that same financial situation again this year. California's financial mess continues and the legislature is not resolving the issues but we continue to do what is right for the children.
We brought back the health clerks that we had to leave go last year and that has been a big help in the front office of all the schools. Due to financial constraints, we had to reduce the services provided at our school based health clinic until we are able to get added proper financial support. That is a major loss for our children and for many families as well. The neighborhood resource center is continuing to operate at Danbrook School. We are always looking for donations of any denomination to help with the clinic.
This year Centralia will go it alone with our fireworks booth located at the Walter Knott Education Center Parking lot. Previously, the Buena Park Rotary Club was a partner in this effort and we thank them for the years of participation. Thanks to their booming fireworks sales last year, "Friends of Families" made a substantial contribution to both the resource center and also to the Danbrook PTA. We are sincerely grateful for that support. Thanks are also due to the Buena Park Rotary Club for their ongoing support for our Educational Foundation which allows the children to participate in the arts and for their contribution toward book purchases.
Given an opportunity to support your local schools through fund-raisers, volunteer work, or just moral support will be a big help to our children as we struggle to keep the arts and other extracurricular programs going.
All the children are well on the way to the conclusion of another successful year. Early congratulations to our graduating class of 2012 and good luck as you continue your education in Anaheim Union High School District or elsewhere. Before we know it, Memorial Day will be here and then the Independence and Labor Day holidays and the beginning of another school year.
The Walter Knott Education Center has no available space for new rentals as all spaces are all leased out. The money saved from consolidation and now rental income is helping the district survive the financial crisis. Closing the facility as a school was more than just unpleasant but necessary and now it has proven to be a good move.
If you visit the District Office, you might note that our "District Bell" pedestal is vacant. We removed the bell for safe keeping when thieves stole other bells from surrounding districts, including the century old bell from Buena Park School District. Sad but true.
Thank you to all our voting and non-voting constituents who continue to have faith in me as your representative on the Centralia Board of Education.
Again: Visit your school and volunteer when you can!
Warm regards,
- Irv -
Irv Trinkle, ETCS, United States Navy, Retired
Governing Board President and Member
Centralia Elementary School District
*Photo of original bell was submitted by a supporter but also on CESD web site.
