Gary Thomas, Ed.D. County Superintendent

Superintendent's Message

Every One Counts In Current State Of Education

We all have felt the impact of the current economic conditions and the devastating effects of the ongoing statewide budget cuts. That being said, however, we cannot let that distract us in public education from our mission of educating all students. On Feb. 10 at my second annual State of Education Address, I discussed how every one of us counts in providing the best opportunities for academic success for the 420,000 students in San Bernardino County.

Below are some highlights from my speech:

• Remarkably, despite our current challenges, this year's Accountability Progress Report shows that for the first time since state testing began 11 years ago, schools in our county exceeded state averages with 61 percent of all schools meeting their Academic Performance Index (API) growth targets. In addition, a record 40 more schools reached the state standard of 800 on their API scores. Plus, the county's API growth of 17 points was the second-highest achieved by county schools since state testing began. Terrific accomplishments.
• Even with solid gains made in state testing, there remains persistent and troubling high dropout and low graduation rates. In our most recent dropout data for 2008, county students showed an improvement of 3.8 percent in decreasing the dropout rate, however, the county's overall rate for grades 9-12 over a derived four-year period is 22.5 percent. That simply is unacceptable. It compares with 18.9 percent statewide. Conversely, our grad rate countywide is 74.3 percent, well below the state average of 80.2 percent.
• One growing program that consistently has been successful in keeping students in school on the path toward a college education is Advancement Via Individual Determination or AVID. While AVID serves all students in secondary schools, its primary focus is on the least-served students in the academic middle. Last year, 89 percent of nearly 1,200 county seniors in the program were accepted to a four-year college or university. This year, it's expected that more than 34,000 students in some 200 middle and high schools in the region will be enrolled in AVID classes. As the county superintendent, I will continue to fight for funding for this outstanding program, which is desperately needed as we prepare students for a highly competitive global economy.
• The focus on improving our low grad rates and reducing our high dropout rates was one reason I made a "Call to Action" in 2009. These two issues are the most pressing educational concerns for our region today, and they have severe ramifications that extend well beyond public education. Without a more highly skilled and educated workforce to meet the demands of employers, we will be unable to sustain the economic viability of our region. Using community partners in business, labor, government, education and faith-based groups, our Call to Action working committee is looking to develop strategies and resources to meet these challenges.
• As for the state budget situation, there will be no relief from the poor economic conditions that have plagued California and the nation over the past couple years. For public education, the outlook remains bleak. For the 2010-11 fiscal year, public schools are proposed to take a $1.7-billion hit. That equates to about $200 per student reduction for the upcoming fiscal year. These reductions come after nearly $17 billion in cuts over the previous two fiscal years, and we're already seeing districts proposing layoffs to meet their future fiscal obligations. Without a doubt, students will be in more crowded classrooms with reduced programs in the arts and athletics, as well as fewer services offered.

While there are many challenges ahead, I am a firm believer in the opportunities that can be provided through public education. I will continue to be a voice that is heard in support of all students in our county, so that they can have every chance to achieve academically. Every one of our students counts, and they are counting on us.