School override ballot measures often bring out the most ardent supporters on both sides of the aisle. School overrides and levies are common place across the nation asking local voters within the school district to add a secondary tax for local schools. This is in addition to their primary school tax shared across the state.
As a school district we seek to get information out to the voters so they can make an informed decision. Our biggest fear is not the facts but misinformation or misconceptions that become part of the local community belief system.
For example, a recent "Letter to the Editor" in the FH Times criticized the district office and this superintendent for not returning a voter's phone regarding questions on the override. We researched this to apologize but found out the caller had phoned the Office of the Maricopa County Schools, a 602 area code number. Still another three-page handwritten letter placed on cars in the Basha's parking lot criticized and implied salaries for our School Board of Directors calling them "fat cats." Our school board receives no compensation for their many hours of service for our district's students and famlies.
It serves the greater good not to point out or call out these individuals in the local media. Rather, it shows the continuing need for the district to make every effort in communicating information and serving our community so they can make their choices based in information that is factual and current. We welcome your questions and need for information. Do not hesitate to call or e-mail us to meet your future informational needs. My direct line is 480-664-5010 or
e-mail me at bmyhr@fhusd.org
Monday, October 26, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
H1N1 Virus Update and Comment
With the flu season upon us FHUSD is beginning to show signs of lower student attendance and staff attendance challenges. Currently, we have four confirmed H1N1 student cases. This is low compared to most districts in the Valley but we also have a number of students ill with the regular flu virus.
Our biggest challenge has been our staff having to send home students that have been sent to school despite showing flu symptoms including high temperatures. As a district we realize the great stress our parents and guardians are under to be at their workplace. However, we encourage our parents and guardians to work out a plan with friends and relatives so their children have an alternative site to stay home when their symptoms warrant.
This will likely be the most difficult flu season we have in our lifetime. It is important that we work together to protect the health of the many and in doing so protect our school learning environment. We encourage everyone to carefully follow the guidelines on the front page of our website and available at all school offices. Our proactive efforts can make a difference during this extended flu season. We will continue to do everything possible to sanitize key areas of our schoolhouses and help our students individually practice safe behaviors.
Our biggest challenge has been our staff having to send home students that have been sent to school despite showing flu symptoms including high temperatures. As a district we realize the great stress our parents and guardians are under to be at their workplace. However, we encourage our parents and guardians to work out a plan with friends and relatives so their children have an alternative site to stay home when their symptoms warrant.
This will likely be the most difficult flu season we have in our lifetime. It is important that we work together to protect the health of the many and in doing so protect our school learning environment. We encourage everyone to carefully follow the guidelines on the front page of our website and available at all school offices. Our proactive efforts can make a difference during this extended flu season. We will continue to do everything possible to sanitize key areas of our schoolhouses and help our students individually practice safe behaviors.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Parents are Key Partners in Educating Our Young People
As a public school system we have been pressed into educating our students, our parents and our community on many societal changes occurring in this fast-paced 21st Century world. From HIV, Internet safety, drugs/alcohol education, nutrition, tolerance and H1N1; the public schoolhouse has become a clearinghouse to educate and disseminate information for all stakeholders.
However, we have also found parents needing and at times lacking to communicate and work with their school district leadership team and teachers to tackle these societal challenges. Frankly, we need parents to step up and help us provide a learning environment to provide important information and reinforce within the home.
Over the past two weeks we have had well advertised drug/alcohol community forum and an Internet Safety forum. In both forums featuring area experts our numbers were in the mid-30s lacking the critical numbers needed to forward the information in making a difference in the schoolhouse and the community. Of late, we have found parents quick to blame but also fail to communicate directly with staff or district leadership when concerns or needed information should be shared. Our staff is here to assist and support as negative behaviors and ignorance do not stop at the schoolhouse doorstep.
In today's world our relationship must be one of trust and shared commitment to our children. Regardless of the school setting the problems of society will be found in our schools unless we partner and communicate our shared mission to care for and honor our young students future. My direct line is 480-664-5010 or e-mail bmyhr@fhusd.org.
However, we have also found parents needing and at times lacking to communicate and work with their school district leadership team and teachers to tackle these societal challenges. Frankly, we need parents to step up and help us provide a learning environment to provide important information and reinforce within the home.
Over the past two weeks we have had well advertised drug/alcohol community forum and an Internet Safety forum. In both forums featuring area experts our numbers were in the mid-30s lacking the critical numbers needed to forward the information in making a difference in the schoolhouse and the community. Of late, we have found parents quick to blame but also fail to communicate directly with staff or district leadership when concerns or needed information should be shared. Our staff is here to assist and support as negative behaviors and ignorance do not stop at the schoolhouse doorstep.
In today's world our relationship must be one of trust and shared commitment to our children. Regardless of the school setting the problems of society will be found in our schools unless we partner and communicate our shared mission to care for and honor our young students future. My direct line is 480-664-5010 or e-mail bmyhr@fhusd.org.
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