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Fairvalley High School Leads the Pledge

Scarlette Mendez, a 12th-grade student at Fairvalley, led the Pledge of Allegiance and spoke about the great things happening at her school. Scarlette shared her work in mental health awareness and her part-time work experiences. She expressed her gratitude to the staff in the Career Center for helping her achieve her goals. She is excited about graduating this year, attending a university in the fall, and pursuing an education in the criminal justice field.

Fall Sport Recognition

During the Board of Education meeting, principals and athletic directors from all Covina-Valley Unified high schools recognized outstanding student-athletes with certificates for their Fall Sports achievements. Students from the Girls'/Boys’ Tennis, Cross Country, Basketball, Football, and many other sports were recognized for their dedication and determination this season. Way to go, Colts, Huskies, and Vikings!

Facilities Project Update

Mr. Keith Kovach gave a presentation on the various district construction projects and their status of completion. The Sierra Vista Middle School counseling office will receive a renovation from holding the increase in site counselors. The South Hills High School parking lot will have updated American Disability Act modifications to become more user-friendly. Lastly, the Covina High School Junior Varsity Softball Field will replace the grass with a dirt infield. Other projects at our various school sites remain in the design and development phases, and our District is eager to see advancement.

Available Resources on Our Website

A copy of the School Accountability Report Cards will be available for viewing in the Educational Services department and posted on our website. Also, the 22-23 Single Plan for Student Achievement is now available on our website. The plan displays how funds will be used to improve the academic achievement of our students.

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Cypress Elementary School and Northview High School Lead the Pledge

Zaila Nessman, a 3rd-grade student at Cypress, and James Arellanes, a 12th-grade student at Northview, led the Pledge of Allegiance and spoke about the great things happening at their schools. Zaila shared her dedicated teachers and hopes for her future at Cypress. James shared his experience as Student Body President planning the Homecoming dance and his excitement playing sports as the Northview football team captain. Both students look forward to the rest of the school year at Covina-Valley.

District of Choice Program 2022-2023

The District of Choice program allows a student to transfer to any district that participates in this program. Covina-Valley Unified accepted 74 students to register, of which 43 students enrolled in the District.

Congratulations to our Student Board Members

Four students took the Oath of Office to work with the Board of Education as Student Board Members. South Hills High junior Ahriana Chavez, Northview High senior Princess Espinoza Conde, Covina High junior Ashley Raffaeli, and Fairvalley High senior Bryan Santana were selected as this year’s representatives. The Superintendent and Board are eager to work with them this year.

Thank You Covina Rotary Club: Field of Valor Event

Dr. Eminhizer thanked the Covina Rotary Club for orchestrating a successful Field of Valor Veteran’s Day event. The District Office raised $1,700 through various fundraising events to support houseless veterans.

Senator Susan Rubio’s Women Inspiring the Next Generation of Sisterhood

Covina-Valley Students and Superintendent attended a free community event hosted by Senator Susan Rubio. This event taught young women in the community the importance of leadership, healthy relationships, etiquette, and social media practices.

It's A Wrap for Fall Sports!

The students led a fun and active Fall sports season with football, tennis, volleyball, cross country, and more. The Board of Education looks forward to the Winter sports season and is excited to see what the students will accomplish.

Farewell to Board Clerk Gary Rodriguez

Our District is fortunate to be led by a Board that is deeply committed to the well-being and success of our students and our district. Board Clerk, Gary Rodriguez, is stepping down from his position, effective this evening. Gary has served the District on our Board since 2018, helping to guide us through some of our most challenging years in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are grateful for his leadership and wish him well. Incoming Board member Simon Wright, who recently won the election for Trustee Area 4, will be sworn in on December 12, 2022. We look forward to welcoming Simon and working with him to help our students achieve educational excellence every day.

Substitute Teacher Pay Rate Increase to $600 a Day During a Teacher Strike

The C-VUSD teachers' union has voted to authorize a strike. To keep schools open and to ensure continued educational activities for our students during a teacher strike, C-VUSD is now accepting applications for substitute teachers. During a strike, the substitute teacher's daily rate will be $600. Apply now at https://buff.ly/3tz9feY and follow the substitute teacher application links.

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Traweek Middle School and Covina High School Lead the Pledge

Aaden Escarcega, an 8th-grade student at Traweek, and Natalie Guzman, a 12th-grade student at Covina, led the Pledge of Allegiance and spoke about the great things happening at their schools. Aaden is part of Traweek’s student government and shares the different events and student recognition on campus. Natalie is part of Covina’s cheer team and is the Senior Class President. She spoke about Colt Outfitters, a student-led campus thrift store.

Student Achievement Data

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium for Math and English and the English Language Proficiency Assessment for California displayed a summary of the 2021-2022 school year data. The i-Ready Reading and Math Diagnostic tests are a beginning-of-the-year benchmark that shows current student academic data and future academic improvement. The Standardized Test for the Assessment of Reading shows that Middle school students have remained consistent throughout the past two years. 

The ALEKS Math Initial Knowledge Check shows slight increases in student subject mastery. High School students' initial testing helped identify students who may need additional support and gave teachers a starting point to strategize mastery progress over time. Students can expect to receive additional academic support and tutoring through state grants.

Career Technical Program Update

The District offers 24 unique Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways in over 15 sectors. Many pathways offer industry certifications such as Basic Life Support, Adobe Premiere, and more. Capstone courses include internship opportunities in medical assisting, athletic training, future education, and digital filming making. More certifications and opportunities are underway, including an Environmental Protection Agency, an Electric Card, and Nursing Assistant certifications.

Updated Board Policy 5141.21

The Board of Education updated Board Policy 5141.21 to align with the current education code. The District will be allowed to administer an Opioid antagonist to prevent an overdose on campus and increase student safety.

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Manzanita Elementary School and Las Palmas Middle School Lead the Pledge

Victoria Rios, a 4th-grade student at Manzanita, and Bailey Waltz, a 6th-grade student at Las Palmas, led the Pledge of Allegiance and spoke about the great things happening at their schools. Bailey is part of Las Palmas’s initial Spanish Dual Language cohort. Victoria is part of Manzanita’s Spanish Dual Language Program and is tri-lingual. She addressed the meeting in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language.

Nutrition Services Department Update

Lizett Olivares, Nutrition Services Director, spoke about the District’s amazing dedication to serving students hot meals every year. Lizett introduced the new grab-and-go classroom deliveries for students on minimum days and after-school programs. The District expanded its partnership with a company called Food Finders to recover food and donate it to food banks and local churches. All three high schools received new kitchen flooring and equipment to provide high-quality facilities for staff and students.

Personnel and Business Departments Come Together

The Personnel and Business Services Departments presented how they work together on hiring practices, position control, staffing, and fiscal management. Upwards of 85% of the District’s budget is spent on people. Personnel and Business services work closely together to ensure that C-VUSD hires the best of the best, maintains fiscal stability, and provides great outcomes for our students!

Students Govern as Board Members

The Board of Education added Bylaw 9150: Student Board Members, which allows eight students to be a part of the Board of Education and give input on board policies and decisions. The Bylaw gives students access to governance and a realistic campaign experience.

Northview Prepares to Ring a CSBA Golden Bell

Northview High School’s FAME Academy has been selected to receive a California School Boards Association Golden Bell validation visit on September 19th. Northview is being recognized for its outstanding video journalism and video production pathway. This will be the second year in a row that C-VUSD high schools were presented with Golden Bell Awards.

C-VUSD Welcomes Back Employees

Dr. Pedro Negera, a world-renowned author, presenter, and college administrator, welcomed back C-VUSD staff with an amazing keynote address at this year’s convocation. His speech resonated with everyone as he motivated staff, and challenged them to do “one more thing” to support our students.

Expanded Wellness for Elementary Students

Covina-Valley elementary schools received certified school counselors to assist students in their social and emotional health. School sites received expanded wellness centers for all-day access to resources for our students! Staff and students work together to achieve a healthy balance in the school day. 

Back to School Nights Were A Success

The Superintendent and Board Members attended Back to School Nights at all grade levels and reported on the positive school culture. Dr. Eminhizer spoke about the student-teacher activities that prepared them for the new school. 

C-VUSD Healthcare Access

The District partnered with Campus Clinic, LLC to provide licensed healthcare in dental, medical, mental, and other health services at school campuses. School sites will have more access to high-quality services to ensure campus safety and wellness for everyone.

PIQE Supports C-VUSD Parents

This fall, the District will offer the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) at Barranca, Merwin, and Rowland elementary schools. PIQE will provide weekly training sessions for parents designed to develop skills and techniques to address the educational needs of their children. Stay tuned for more information on the schools that will host PIQE in the Spring.

C-VUSD Supports New Teachers

The District will support its new teachers by using the Educator Effectiveness Block Grant to pay for Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) induction. The District is thrilled to support teachers in developing as professionals and clearing the preliminary credentials. C-VUSD is entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Foothill Consortium to provide new teacher support.

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New Administrators Approved

Elena Camarillo was introduced as the new Assistant Principal of Mesa and Cypress Elementary Schools. Ms. Camarillo has over 21 years of teaching experience. She has been a mentor teacher, instructional coach, and Response to Intervention Specialist. She is bilingual in Spanish and has a passion for English Learners. Ms. Camarillo will be an outstanding addition to our leadership team.

Rebecca Handzel joins the leadership team as the new Principal of Fairvalley, C-VLOA, and ATP. Ms. Handzel has over 20 years of experience in education in New York and California for the past eight. She has served as a high school teacher, Principal, Director of Special Education, and Educational Services Director in Wilsona School District. Ms. Hanzel is passionate about ensuring special education students meet their IEP goals and alternative education students succeed. She possesses a Behavior Intervention Specialist certification, is an expert in Master Scheduling and alternative dispute resolution, and is bilingual in Spanish.

Grant Funding Received

The District was approved for the CalSHAPE Plumbing grant, which awarded just over $1 million. The District also was approved for just over $1.1 million for the CalSHAPE Ventilation grant. Both grants will provide funding for ten underserved sites. The District is applying for additional CalSHAPE funding for the other sites and $2.5 million for electric buses.

Classified Employee and Psychologist Contracts Settled

The negotiations teams worked collaboratively to reach tentative settlement agreements for the 2021-22 school year with the Classified staff (CSEA), School Psychologists (CVASP), and confidential unrepresented management, excluding the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendents, Chief Business Officer, and Executive Director of the SELPA. The tentative agreement includes a hard medical cap for new employees hired after July 1, 2022, and a 5.2% (CSEA 4.7% on schedule and .5% on longevity) increase in retroactive salary to July 1, 2021. Once ratified, the Fiscal Services office will prepare and distribute retro checks to affected employees. The retro checks will be received no later than September 30, 2022.

Change to Board Bylaw 9230

The Board of Education voted to adjust the Board Bylaw 9320: Meetings and Notices. The Board will meet monthly on the second Monday of each month. If a California State holiday lands on that date, it will move to the following Tuesday. The next meeting is on September 12, 2022.

Budget Update

The Business Services Office provided a 45-day update to the adopted budget. As part of the Governor’s Enacted Budget, school districts will now receive an additional $2,813 per Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Average Daily Attendance (ADA). These funds require school districts to maintain a 12:1 classroom ratio during instructional time. Covina-Valley plans to maintain this ratio by increasing TK instructional aide hours from 3.75 hours to 5.50 hours.

Increased Fieldwork Options for C-VUSD Medical Pathway Students

The District and the East Valley Community Health Center entered a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement allows Covina-Valley high school students to participate in clinical education hours at East Valley Community Health Center facilities for medical pathway programs starting in the 22-23 school year. These clinical experiences will take place during the school day or after school as determined by student schedules. The new partnership increases opportunities for the District’s Medical Pathway Career Technical Education Program. All three of the District’s comprehensive high schools offered Medical Pathway and Patient Care Programs.  

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Recognitions

Last Monday, the District celebrated 48 dedicated retirees for the 2021-2022 school year. C-VUSD honored our teachers and staff for their fantastic work over the years. The Board of Education presented the retirees' certificates, took photos, and shared kind words about each honoree. The notable retirees have served students for many decades. Steve Klenk from the Adult Education Program served 48 years, Irasema Silva from the Children's Center served 46 years, and Tammy Reineking from Traweek Middle School served 38 years! C-VUSD recognized our Floyd Myrick Awardees from Covina, Northview, and South Hills high schools with a $250 scholarship. The Floyd Myrick Award is named after Dr. Floyd, a former U.S. Navy marine who became a renowned children's dentist serving the Azusa and Covina communities in 1960. In honor of Dr. Myrick, the Covina Rotary Club presented these inspiring students. Congratulations to April Chuong, Adrian Padilla, and Erick Luna! They overcame challenging obstacles during the school year.

Presentations

Dr. Stephanie Kearns, the Director of Equity, Assessment, and Evaluator of Programs, presented the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). This plan will concentrate funding for low-income, foster youth, homeless youth, and English language learners to support their endeavors at C-VUSD. The LCAP contains three overarching goals: guaranteeing college and career readiness, implementing innovative, research-based programs, and student and family engagement. The District is excited to focus on the following priorities for the upcoming school year: college and career counseling, CTE pathways and training, vast opportunities to increase academic achievement, equal access to technology and innovative software programs, and student social, emotional, and mental health support. Mr. Manuel Correa, Chief Business Officer, and Mrs. Khrystyne Tat, Director of Fiscal Services, presented the proposed budget for the 2022-23 fiscal school year. The District is waiting for the Governor to sign the final State Budget, which must be done no later than July 1, 2022. C-VUSD's budget is sound for the 22-23 fiscal year and the subsequent two fiscal years. However, there are concerns about the State's revenue projections beginning in the 23-24 fiscal year and beyond. The District will continue to monitor the State's economy and its impact on K-12 education funding.

Information

Dr. Michelle Doll, the Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services, proposed a new substitute teacher rate of pay. The previous rate was $140 a day, and the current rate will permanently increase to $175 per day.  Dr. Stephanie Kearns presented information regarding the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program Plan (ELOP). The program is offered after school hours and during summer and school breaks. The ELOP goals are to support low-income, foster youth, homeless youth, and English language learner students in social-emotional wellness, academics, and physical education. ELOP will partner with community-based organizations to provide students with fun and accessible educational opportunities. Through ELOP, students will continue to thrive at C-VUSD.

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Elizabeth Eminheizer congratulated all retirees on their accomplishments and service to the District. She thanked the teachers and staff for their perseverance in having a successful school year despite the challenges of the pandemic. Dr. Eminheizer expressed that through the hard work of the maintenance team and staff, Covina-Valley had many successful graduation ceremonies. She congratulated the Floyd Myrick awardees and thanked the Covina Rotary Club for their contributions. Lastly, the Superintendent reminded families about the C-VUSD summer meals and advised them to access information via the District’s website.

Board Member Comments

President Rachael Robles took the time to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the maintenance and office staff for the beautiful high school graduation setups this year. Vice President Sue L. Maulucci congratulated the retirees and Floyd Myrick awardees on their accomplishments. She was grateful for the Covina Rotary Club and all their efforts. Gary C. Rodriguez thanked the Superintendent and the other Board of Education members for the positions they hold and the student impact they make. He said, “student success is why I do what I do!” Maria M. Caceres expressed her joy watching Fairvalley high school graduate at the District Field. She was grateful to everyone who contributed to making the school year great. Maria E. Cruz thanked the teachers for a successful school year and applauded their determination to overcome a pandemic year. She also recognized students for their resilience and dedication to learning despite a problematic transition from virtual education.

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Presentations

Universal PreK/TK and Implementation of Assembly Bill 130: Dr. Andrea Katanic, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, gave a presentation on the Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) and Implementation of the AB 130 Plan. Over the next four years, this plan will expand the age eligibility requirement for children participating in transitional kindergarten. The UTK plan expands transitional kindergarten to include all children the year before they enter kindergarten. The District will add eligible birth dates each year and anticipates that TK enrollment will increase. The District’s next steps include reviewing campus facilities, teacher professional development, and updating the curriculum.

Information

Williams Quarterly Report: The Williams Quarterly Report showed no complaints about the fourth-quarter reporting period. The District prides itself on having outstanding facilities, an engaging curriculum, and highly qualified teachers. 

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Elizabeth Eminhizer thanked all the teachers and staff working during summer school to create fun and engaging student activities. C-VUSD teachers elevated the summer school curriculum through PE, emotional learning, and hands-on science labs. She also recognized all three Covina-Valley middle schools for their “Building Positive School Culture” presentations at the National Schools to Watch Conference led by teachers Linda Karst and Joy Glaspy, along with counselor Jessica Marshall. Las Palmas, Sierra Vista, and Traweek were recognized as National Schools to Watch and are a testament to the dedication to student learning and the District’s high-quality education. Lastly, she congratulated South Hill’s instructional aide and interpreter, Joe Michael, for retiring after 21 years of service.

Board Member Comments

President Rachael Robles took the time to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the maintenance and office staff for the beautiful high school graduation setups this year. Vice President Sue L. Maulucci congratulated all three middle schools on their National Middle Schools to Watch award and for how they represented the District. The middle schools set up a grief group with students focused on social-emotional learning. She wanted to set up board meeting presentations to demonstrate the great work on all C-VUSD campuses. Clerk Mr. Gary Rodriguez was absent. Member Maria M. Caceres was grateful for the summer school programs Covina-Valley offered. Member Maria E. Cruz wished everyone a happy summer and hopes that people can relax and enjoy themselves.

Consent Agenda

The Agriculture Career Technical Education Incentive Grant:  This grant provides funds to support the Agriculture program at Covina High School.  The District will now offer an Electrician Career Technical Education: Tri-Community Adult Education will provide a new Electrician CTE course for the upcoming 22-23 school year. This course offers work-based certifications for electrical trades and is open to both adults and high school students. Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence: C-VUSD continues its partnership with Yale University’s Center for Emotional Intelligence to support social and emotional learning across the District through the RULER Program.

Action Items

Local Control Accountability Plan:  The Board adopted the 2022-23 LCAP. The plan is a living document that shows the District’s commitment to improving services for low-income, foster youth, homeless youth, and English language learners. The LCAP contains three overarching goals: 1) Guarantee all students are eligible and ready for college and career upon graduation, 2) Implement innovative, research-based programs and practices to ensure the highest level of achievement for all students, and 3) Create a school-wide program of engagement that fosters innovative, positive environments within and outside of the classroom to connect students to school and learning. The 22-22 Budget: The Board approved the District’s proposed budget for the 22-23 school year. The District is waiting for the Governor to sign the final State Budget, which must be done no later than July 1, 2022. C-VUSD's budget is sound for the 22-23 fiscal year and the subsequent two fiscal years. Chromebook Bid Authorization: The Board approved the use of a piggyback agreement to purchase 4000 Chromebooks. This is part of C-VUSD’s commitment to 1:1 student technology. The importance of our 1:1 program was made clear during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 1:1 program is vital to preparing students for their future.