By Mary-Justine Lanyon
Editor
Student Kaylie Serrato brought her concerns about buses being late to Rim of the World High School to the board of trustees at their Oct. 17 meeting.
“I’ve noticed a pattern of buses being late for first period every day,” Kaylie told the trustees. “Teachers wait to start lessons because students are missing. We lose instructional minutes every day. Students are stressed out about being late.
“I wonder why this is happening and what can be done,” she asked. “I understand there is traffic and road work now but that wasn’t the case at the beginning of the year.”
Ethan Smith, the student representative to the board, echoed Kaylie’s concerns. “Instructional time is important,” he said. “In high school a few minutes lost can change your understanding of a topic drastically.”
Superintendent Dr. Paul Sevillano thanked the students for bringing this concern to the district’s attention. “We’ll schedule a meeting and see what can be done,” he said. Board President Jordan Zarate added, “Thank you for making your voices heard.”
“We want what is best for all our students,” Sydney McCook, the secretary of the Rim Teachers Association, told the board. But, she said, “we don’t seem to have the necessary personnel and training.”
The issue, McCook said, is “making sure English language learners get what they need. We need more bilingual aides. There are many new families moving to the mountain. There are students (coming to Rim) who have never experienced English before. It’s hard to teach them geology and history,” McCook noted. She said she had recently worked with four third-graders, helping them learn to count to seven.
McCook went on to thank the district for putting an air quality procedure in place. “I thank the board for putting the students first and we look forward to continuing to work collaboratively.
“We are the best district on the mountain – we strive to be the best district in the county.”
Governing board member comments
“The bond (Measure E) needs to pass,” was Trustee Cindy Gardner’s comment. “There is so much need for HVAC, upgraded electrical panel, safety and security issues. The VOE and CHE carpets need to be replaced. Please spread the word to everyone why the bond is needed.”
Gardner also noted that Rim is “becoming known for advocacy in legislation at local, county and state levels. We are being recognized. Our advocacy is making a difference.” She reported that Zarate had presented a timeline to the California School Boards Association, telling other districts how they can make change for their districts.
The Rim district had worked with Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh on SB1429, which added snowstorms to the emergencies that would not affect a district’s ADA (average daily attendance).
“I’m proud of Jordan and his presentation,” Gardner said.
“I’m excited about our work from an advocacy perspective,” Zarate said. “It’s important to create these relationships before disaster strikes.” He noted that Senator Ochoa Bogh had called him during the recent evacuation to ask how Rim was doing, what was needed.
Zarate said he would be speaking to the VOE PTA on Measure E and Prop 2 – “two bond measures that go hand in hand.”
Trustee Scott Craft also commended Zarate on the “great work he has done. We have a really good board that works well together – a good balance.” He urged everyone to talk to people about Measure E. “It is totally for the kids and their safety. We need to be advocates for the students and their safety.”
Trustee Dr. Willliam Mellinger referred people to the website yesforrimschools.com, where there is information on the upgrades needed at each Rim campus and a calculator to tell each homeowner what their annual cost would be under Measure E.
Mellinger also noted that every agency at the October Crest Forest MAC meeting mentioned attending the college and career fair at Rim High and how much they enjoyed it – and the food.
“As a board member,” he added, “I appreciate the opportunities I have to talk with staff and their willingness to talk to us about their frustrations. We do listen.”
“I’m excited by the voices we’ve already heard at this meeting,” said Trustee Jordana Ridland. “We are listening. Please know you are being heard.
“One thing that may not be obvious,” Ridland added, “is that the school district is here for the community. Better facilities will serve the community. During Snowmageddon, Mr. Willemse (the Rim High principal) made sure the community was taken care of. It’s very important for the safety and security of all ages that our facilities be in the best possible shape.”
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