We have just made it through one of the most difficult and challenging years our district has ever faced. We can be proud of the fact that, in spite of the financial challenges that we faced and the 250 pink slips that our members received, all those individuals were hired back! Thanks to the hard work of our Bargaining Team, the fine leadership of the Executive Board and Rep Council and the volunteers who assisted in the RIF legal process, we have overcome quite a lot.

here have been many personnel changes made in CNUSD for this year: three new Assistant Superintendents, shuffling of responsibilities at the District office and Cabinet level, two of our biggest high schools having new principals, as well as movement of other administration. All of this will take time to get used to as new relationships are built and trust between individuals is established.

This year will have its challenges. The state politicians have not passed a budget yet. There is no end in sight to the financial crisis in this state. We have no idea how this will impact us.  We have a large number of schools on a new single track year round calendar. The initial reviews are positive. We are in the beginning stages of a very important School Board race that will have implications for years to come.

I have confidence in our ability to meet all the challenges we will face. We overcame many problems last year. We are stronger for it. I would encourage you to keep informed of the issues that impact our profession. Get involved in the school board campaign and really make a difference. More information will be coming. If we stay united and work together we can expect that CNUSD will continue to be a great place to work.