Welcome to the 2009-2010 school year. I consider it a privilege to be part of the GUSD team for a third year as superintendent of schools. We are making great strides in many areas as a school district. There is a strong commitment at all levels of the organization (from over 1,000 employees) to increasing the rigor and quality of our programs and courses so that students can achieve at the highest possible levels. 

In 2008-09, new math textbooks and materials were adopted along with the implementation of a comprehensive approach for meeting the needs of English Learners throughout the district. These efforts will continue and will be enhanced during the 2009-10 school year and GUSD will be taking the lead in Santa Clara County with several new initiatives including implementation of;  

•   Newly adopted English Language Arts standards-based textbooks/materials 
•   Locally developed standards-based assessment system called STEPS
•   Character Counts! and development of positive character traits and behavior

These progressive actions combined with steps taken last year will make a real difference for students both in and out of the classroom. 

Recent state test results indicate that we are moving in the right direction as a district with consistent district-wide gains in proficiency over the last five years. These gains are reflected in the positive growth that our schools have made on the State’s measure of student achievement, the Academic Performance Index or API. An 800 API is the state’s goal for all schools. Six GUSD schools had API’s in the mid 700’s or above (Antonio Del Buono, Brownell, El Roble, Glen View, Rod Kelley, and South Valley), two more are fast approaching the 800 mark (Eliot and Rucker), and four GUSD schools exceeded the state’s goal of 800 (Solorsano Middle School-810, Las Animas Elementary-814, Luigi Aprea Elementary-854, and Gilroy Early College Academy-893). Additionally, schools are ranked from 1-10 statewide and as compared to similar schools on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest). Eliot Elementary and Solorsano Middle both achieved the highest API similar schools ranks of 10 out of 10; Glen View Elementary and Las Animas Elementary achieved similar schools ranks of 8 out of 10; and Gilroy Early College Academy achieved the highest API statewide rank of 10 out of 10. In addition, Gilroy High School was honored as a 2009 California Distinguished School, an annual award that recognizes some of the state's most exemplary public schools; and Las Animas Elementary was honored as a Blue Ribbon School, a federal program that celebrates many of America's most successful schools.  

The school district’s enrollment has steadily grown in recent years (by 2-3% per year) despite the recession and poor economic conditions. We are expecting over 200 new students this school year with a total enrollment of over 11,000 students. Most of our schools are at or over capacity. In November 2008, the voters of Gilroy approved Measure P which will provide funds for keeping pace with our steady growth by adding classrooms and new schools. Measure P will also fund major renovation projects at some of the oldest and most needy schools in the district. The most exciting new facilities project is the opening of Christopher High School, the district’s second comprehensive 9-12 high school. We will also be adding a new wing at Las Animas Elementary school and begin planning for the modernization of Rucker and Rod Kelley Elementary schools during this school year. 

In closing, I look forward to meeting you as I visit school sites and attend events during the school year.    

Have a great school year!     

Sincerely,

Dr. Deborah Flores, Superintendent