The Consortium for Educational Change performed an audit of the District curriculum in mid-September. The audit examined the extent to which there is alignment of the delivery of instruction, standards, and student performance measures. The goal of the audit was to discover the degree of alignment to make recommendations to improve instruction and student academic performance. Curriculum strengths include a district-wide commitment to implementing the Common Core, strong assessment results across multiple measures, the RtI plan to support struggling learners, and the collaborative committee structure for input on curriculum, instruction, and assessment decisions. At the December 11 Board meeting, administration will detail curricular priorities as the District continues to move forward with its 3-year plan for student achievement.

Members of the Board approved a resolution providing for the issuance of up to $20,000,000 general obligation refunding school bonds to refund certain outstanding series 2005 bonds and provide for the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on the bonds. Also approved was a resolution authorizing the execution of escrow agreements in connection with the issuance of these bonds. At a special meeting held earlier in November, the Board heard a presentation from PMA on advance refunding options. The 2005 bonds were issued to build and equip District facilities and to advance refund portions of the District’s other debt. Advance refunding reduces interest to be paid by taxpayers on the bonds. Property taxes extended for debt service for 2012 was $5 million. The estimated savings of the advance refunding is $2.3 million over the life of the bonds.