SCHOOL BOARD: Charles Gardner Resigns

The met Thursday night to discuss required immunizations, brainstorm ideas for the $2 million endowment fund and announce a solemn and sudden farewell to Charles Gardner.

Gardner signed his resignation Wednesday due to personal health issues. He previously held the position of board vice president.

“I wish Charlie Gardner a speedy recovery,” said Kirk Reimer, board clerk.

Reimer commented that times such as these signify a moment to pause and reflect on the fragility of life.

“It certainly gives me reason to pause,” Reimer said.

Out of respect to the family’s privacy, the board declined to give details as to the details of Gardner’s illness.

“We’re really going to miss him on the board,” said Superintendent Robert Gaskill.

The board now has 60 days to fill the empty seat on the board either through an election or interview process.

“It’s all going to happen quite rapidly,” Gaskill said.

On a lighter, more positive note, the board and local educators made their suggestions as to how the should be properly allocated in Cabrillo Unified schools.

“We no longer have funds to take kids on field trips,” said teacher Tom Cox. “I think it would really help the kids to see more of the world and more culture.”

Due to budget cuts, Cox said, field trips that used to expose children to art, theater and fun learning experiences were no longer an option.

Reimer suggested that enhancements in technology and teaching technology would be of great benefit to the school district.

“We should have the facilities to bring the opera to the students,” he said.

recommended a music program that would not be funded on a yearly basis depending upon if the district has the money at that time.

“We would really benefit from having something more integrated,” she said. “It wouldn’t be year-to-year PTO.”

The allocation committee of the endowment expects  to give awaay 4-5 percent of the $2 million, or $80,000 to $100,000 in the 2012-2013 school year.

“The number one thing that makes the most difference in a child’s education is the teacher,” said Vice President of Endowment Growth John Ediger. “If that is indeed the case, we should figure out how to get what they need to clear the way to get the best time, training, etcetera.”

There is an allocation committee committed to finding the best option that will be the most beneficial, Ediger said. The committee is currently in an input gathering phase.

The public can give their personal input online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/cabrilloeducationfoundation.

The governing board spoke of the importance of reminding Cabrillo Unified students that a new requirement for the whooping cough vaccine will be required this school year.

“We don’t want to use the stick approach,” said Director of Personnal/Pupil Services John Corry. “But we need to emphasize this is not optional, it’s a requirement.”

The cutoff date for the immunization has been extended to October 1. Families may be able to receive free immunization services at clinics at and Cunha Middle School.

“Our school really needs to take the necessary steps for the safety of our students,” Corry said.

The next CUSD Governing Board meeting is scheduled for September 15 at 7:00 p.m.

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