Technology Takes the Stage at ‘State of the Schools’ Address

Technology leapt to the head of the class at Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) “State of the Schools” address Tuesday evening at McKinley Middle School.

Demonstrating the theme of “Innovation, Technology and Learning,” a team of synchronized robots designed by Pasadena middle school students kicked off the presentation, dancing in formation across the gymnasium floor, and setting the stage for the address by PUSD Board President Kimberly Kenne, which was streamed live on the Internet.

Dr. Brian McDonald, PUSD Superintendent, introducing the evening, highlighted the achievements of the district’s year, and noted the district’s emphasis on “making students ready for college.”

To that end, McDonald told the audience of parents, staff and community members, that he will be convening a diverse group of school and community leaders to identify strategies “so that every single child gets the attention he or she needs by creating individual student plans. If they work,” he said, “then we will learn what to do to ensure that every student will succeed in our schools.”

McDonald reported that school enrollment has stabilized at 17,107 students, ending years of decreasing enrollment, and told the assembly that more than $9 million in scholarship awards have been earned by the graduating members of the 2016 PUSD school year, including a Gates Millennium award, with Pasadena students attending colleges all over the nation. He also saluted the first graduating class of the new App Academy at Pasadena High school.

In her address, Kenne highlighted the current climate of the district, saying, “There is a sense of optimism about the school district, which has not always been true in the past. We have had many challenges, but also many victories.”

As Kenne began her presentation, a new smartphone app called Parent Link—which she instructed those at the address and those watching online to download—allowed viewers and attendees to vote on various subjects and questions as she introduced them, including budget priorities with regard to the State’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), a new method for finding local schools.

Pasadena Unified School Support Services Associate Superintendent Mercy Santoro, said the new smartphone app will be “an opportunity to for families to engage PUSD via their cell phone to get updates on everything from the bus routes to school, to accessing their parent portal account, getting information about their student’s grades.”

Santoro added,“We are promoting sustainability, we’re not trying to print a bunch of [materials], we’re really trying to encourage convenient ways to get access to information using your mobile device.”

Kenne then noted that the LCFF has three areas of emphasis—providing more funds for English Learners, Foster Youth, and Low Income Youth.

As the state has introduced a new testing system—the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress or CAASP— Kenne reported that District scores in Math and English have risen slightly, with a 6% increase in math and a 2% increase in English in the 2015-2016 school year. But there is also an achievement gap for lower income students, said Kenne, with test scores 40% lower for low income students in the district.

The graduation rate in the district in 2014-2015 also dropped in 2014-15, from a high of 82.8 in 2013-14. Meanwhile, the district drop-out rate decreased 11% in 2013-2014, to an 8.8 decrease in 2015-16. Part of the decrease in the number was attributed to the fact that some students now attend a fifth year, which is not counted in either dropout or graduation rates.

In addition, Kenne noted, that there are now 1077 students enrolled in dual language classes. New nutrition standards have also resulted in reducing student obesity by 11%, said Kenne.

Kenne also reported that the 2015-16 school budget has reversed years of deficit spending, and that the district is now building safety reserves.

“This funding increase is not assured, however,” said Kenne, who urged the passage of Prop 55 on the November ballot. “Without the passage of Prop 55,” she said, “there will be some unpleasant budget cuts in 2018 and beyond.”

Kenne said that while state funding per pupil has increased, declining enrollments mean fewer funds from the state. The district has also projected an increase in student attendance from 96% in 2015-2016, to a 97% rate in 2016-2017.

Speaking to the issue of school staffing, which is 87% of all school budgeting, Kenne said that “retaining staff is a high priority for the district, and we want to provide competitive compensation as well as a meaningful work environment.”

Kenne also said that the District will be focusing on English learners, some of whom spend up to five years in English learner classes, as well as the 2,471 students now enrolled in Special Education classes. She also highlighted the work of the district’s 1,080 registered volunteers, as well as the work of Collaborate Pasadena and Pasadena Educational Foundation, two local organizations which support the district with funds as well as networking.

Finally, said Kenne, “I believe that that the community should hold PUSD accountable, as she encouraged parents and community to get involved in the PUSD and engage with its students and faculty. I firmly believe that we can build a school district that provides opportunities for all of our students, and I believe in our students ability to achieve.”

Following Kenne’s address, NBC4 General Assignment Reporter Kim Baldonado moderated a live, interactive panel of parents, school officials and community leaders, which took live questions via the new Parent Link smartphone app regarding the school’s use of technology in the learning process.