News from Trustee Beiser

County to swap Camp Elliott land with district

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:12:23 GMT

Relief for Kids Is On The Way!

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 23:07:11 GMT

Vice-President Kevin Beiser of the San Diego Unified School Board said, “I am thrilled that the Board of Education approved my motion to provide air conditioning to our hot climate zone schools with voter approved Prop Z bond revenues.”

The San Diego Grand Jury report in 1998 highlighted the problem with a report entitled “San Diego’s Educational Sweat Shops” that urged the Board of Education to install air conditioning in schools. The Grand Jury report clearly articulated the facts that parents and students have been aware of for years—that the oppressive heat is a health and safety risk for kids. Evidence cited headaches, nose bleeds, and a variety of other heat-related illnesses. It also documented some classrooms to be as high as 102.5 degrees on some hot days.

As a teacher, Kevin Beiser recalled that for years there was no air conditioning in his classroom. Students struggled to learn while sweat poured down their faces, despite having several fans. When his school was remodeled and air conditioning was installed, the learning environment was vastly improved and students could comfortably focus on learning.

After being elected to the San Diego Unified School Board in 2010, Kevin Beiser made it a point to visit school sites and listen to administration, staff, parents, and students about how he can help improve schools. While visiting countless classrooms at schools throughout the district, Beiser felt the heat firsthand. The kids and staff everywhere had a common refrain: “The heat is unbearable. Not only is it a health concern, but it also makes learning almost impossible.” He heard them loud and clear and began working with Superintendent Bill Kowba and central office staff to find solutions.

The Prop S funding allocations were already prioritized and decided by the previous school board. When drafting the ballot language for Prop Z, Beiser strongly advocated that specific language be included to include “air conditioning” in hot schools. Voters approved the bond measure in 2012, providing almost $3 billion dollars for improving schools.

After several community meetings, Kevin Beiser asked staff to explore the cost of installing immediate relief to hot climate zone schools. The preliminary estimate of $9 million would provide air conditioning to all 59 schools in hot climate “Zone 3.” That’s 2,000 classrooms impacting tens of thousands of students.

The proposal to allocate prop Z funds to install air conditioning in our hottest schools was put on the agenda for February 12, 2013. Gloria Tran and countless other parents, staff, kids, and community members launched one of the largest lobbying efforts in recent memory. They organized parents in countless schools and began an unprecedented email campaign that shared personal stories of heat-related health problems. Some folks even sent pictures of thermometers in schools that showed the “sweat shop” conditions were a frightening reality.

Kevin Beiser said, “To receive a few emails on an issue is not uncommon. But to receive hundreds of emails every day for almost a week from schools all over the district was a clear cry for help and demonstrated the profound significance of the problem we face.”

Scripps Ranch parents were clearly motivated to stand up for their kids and sent countless emails urging the board to approve Beiser’s motion to install air conditioning in all hot zone schools. Scripps Ranch schools are among the furthest inland, therefore, among some of the hottest in the district. The community really came together to not only advocate for what is right for the children of Scripps Ranch but ultimately all kids in the eastern region of the school district who suffer on hot days. It was very powerful to have a broad coalition of parents working together for the common good.

Parents and staff in the Serra High School cluster, in Tierrasanta also organized to advocate for board approval of this motion. Patrick Henry High School cluster schools strongly advocated for relief with several emails also urging a “yes” vote. The Language Academy in the college area had a large parent meeting with Trustee Beiser before the board action, and the parents and staff were vocal in their support for air conditioning. Many other schools that have suffered for far too long joined in the chorus calling for swift action to finally address the concerns of the Grand Jury report, 15 years later.

Vice-President Kevin Beiser’s motion passed 4-1 with Trustees Marne Foster, Richard Barrera, Kevin Beiser, and John Lee Evans voting for relief for the children, and Scott Barnett voting no. At the urging of trustees Evans and Barrera, the motion was amended from all climate Zone 3 schools to the hottest schools, since a couple are in climate Zone 2 but have temperatures higher than some located in Zone 3. Since the original proposal identified that 2,000 classrooms would have air conditioning installed, Beiser suggested that the target be the hottest 2,000 classrooms to prevent the scope from being dramatically compromised.

At the board meeting on February 12th, Superintendent Bill Kowba informed the public that due to the scope of the installation, it may take from 18 to 24 months until all the air conditioning units are installed. Deputy Superintendent Phil Stover said that upon board approval, they will move immediately to draft and submit plans for state approval and should begin installing units as soon as September of this year.

Fifteen years after the Grand Jury report, the school board finally began a serious plan to address this problem and bring relief to kids who have suffered for far too long. Parents and Beiser acknowledge that they must remain vigilant to ensure the board continues to protect the health and safety of children, and our “Educational Sweat Shops” come to an end.

Kevin Beiser was overjoyed and said, “A special thank you must go out to the thousands of parents, staff, and students who emailed the school board urging them to use Prop Z funds to install air conditioning in hot climate zone schools. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Grading teachers: Scores not reliable

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 17:42:35 GMT

See commentary published in the January 13, 2012, UT San Diego»

Salute to Athletic Winners for Fall 2012

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 19:07:44 GMT

Vice-President Kevin Beiser of the San Diego Unified School Board said, "Today we recognize students at Patrick Henry, Serra and Scripps Ranch High Schools for their outstanding academic and athletic achievements."

Beiser pointed out, "In a nation obsessed with measuring student success exclusively with standardized tests, it is reassuring to know that we have amazing opportunities for students to learn the value of team work, collaboration, and perseverance in athletics and JROTC."

The Scripps Ranch High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) is recognized for their first place win in the Academic Bowl. Serra High School students on the Girls Field Hockey Team and Boys Water Polo Team were both CIF Division 2 Champions. Patrick Henry High School Tennis player, Victoria Robertson, was the CIF Division 1 Girls Individual Tennis Champion. Scripps Ranch High School Girls Field Hockey were the CIF Division 1 Champions

Beiser also acknowledged, "The parents, staff and administration are all to be commended for their hard work and support across the school district to ensure a vibrant athletic and JROTC programs for all our students. The Board of Education recognizes and congratulates these students for their accomplishments."

At the board's January 8 meeting, Beiser brought forward proclamations recognizing these high schools and students.

Patrick Henry High Schools Girls Individual Tennis, Fall 2012-13 Division 1 Championship winner, Victoria Robertson
Serra High School Girls Field Hockey Team, Fall 2012-13 CIF Division 2 Championship
Serra High School Boys Water Polo Team, Fall 2012-13 CIF Division 2 Championship
Scripps Ranch High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Academic Bowl Victory
Scripps Ranch High School Girls Field Hockey Team, Fall 2012-13 CIF Division 1 Championship

Safe School Task Force Receives 2012 Spirit of Stonewall Service Award

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 16:31:40 GMT

San Diego Unified was recently named a recipient of a 2012 Stonewall Service Award for spearheading the Safe School Task Force. The award is designed to honor local individuals and organizations that have made a positive impact on San Diego's LGBT community.

Born in a conversation in summer 2010 and reinforced by a fall of youth suicides, the Safe Schools Advisory Board came together officially in November 2010 to ensure the San Diego Unified Board of Education adopted a safe schools/anti-bullying policy. The new policy includes a comprehensive set of protocols, procedures and initiatives designed to ensure that all students, including LGBT students, have access to a school environment free from bullying, harassment and discrimination, and where each student is free to achieve their educational potential.

The community-education partnership has been innovative, successful and vital to changing the culture and climate of the school district. It is made up of many individuals and organizations that spend their lives advocating for our youth: PFLAG San Diego, the Anti-Defamation League, CA Faith for Equality, The San Diego LGBT Community Center, GLSEN San Diego, the PTA, City of San Diego Human Relations Commission, San Diego Education Association, CA School Employees Association, Center for Excellence in School Counseling, the offices of Sen. Christine Kehoe and Assembly Member Toni Atkins, and the San Diego Unified School District. San Diego Unified

Trustee Kevin Beiser accepted the award on behalf of the district at special ceremony held June 26. Awardees will also be honored at the Spirit of Stonewall Rally, Friday, July 20 at 6 p.m., on Normal Street, between Harvey Milk Street and University Avenue.

IN THE NEWS: San Diego Unified approves first-ever ‘Harvey Milk Day Proclamation’

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:49:51 GMT

The San Diego Unifed School District announced Thursday (May 17) its first ever “Harvey Milk Day Proclamation” which will be unrolled to all schools within its system. According to the district, no other school system in San Diego County has had an official Harvey Milk Day.

“Harvey Milk Day Proclamation” was first introduced by Trustee Kevin Beiser to the board members of the San Diego Unified School District. The decision was approved by the board by a 5-0 vote.

“After working to enact historic anti-bullying policies, I am thrilled that we are honoring the contributions of such a great man who stood up for equal rights for all,” said Beiser. -- San Diego LGBT Weekly, May 17, 2012

IN THE NEWS: Biodiesel To Fuel SD School Buses

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:51:50 GMT

More than 500 buses in the San Diego Unified School District will run on biodiesel fuel by the end of the 2014-15 school year.

Note: The stories imply that the district has an agreement for supply of biodiesel; there is no agreement at this time.

Read more

Patrick Henry Performing Arts Center Full Funding Approved by Board of Education

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:29:17 GMT

Trustee Kevin Beiser's proposal to fully fund Patrick Henry High School's new $9.7 million performing arts center from voter-approved Prop. S bond funds is on track thanks to unanimous approval by the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education on Dec. 13.

The new center will not only provide a venue for the school's award-winning band, orchestra and drama programs, but is also envisioned as a performing arts center for the neighborhoods of Del Cerro, San Carlos, Lake Murray and Allied Gardens. The school is located at 6702 Wandermere Dr. (92120).

"The Patrick Henry Performing Arts Center is an essential academic and community building that will benefit the students in the Henry Cluster for generations to come," said Board Member Kevin Beiser, who represents the area. "I will continue to advocate for Visual and Performing Arts facilities and educational programs that enrich live academic and artistic lives of our children."

The project will be funded through voter-approved Proposition S bonds, with $6.3 million allocated to the school and an additional $2.9 million coming from other schools in the cluster -- middle and elementary schools who feed into Patrick Henry. At its Dec. 13 meeting, the Board approved shifting approximately 4 percent of the Prop. S funds from other schools in the cluster.

The project will replace a combination cafeteria and auditorium at the San Carlos area school, which opened in 1967. School officials have criticized the facility for years as not only inadequate for high-school level performances, but too small to hold even a half of the student population.

"I am thrilled that my proposal to build the Performing Arts Center was approved unanimously by the board of education so that this important project can move forward," said Beiser. "Construction projects like this will create much needed local jobs and help provide a stimulus to our San Diego economy."

Project boosters and alumni hope to raise an additional $1 million. For more information on the project, go to the school's website at http://www.phame.us/

District Bus Fleet to Reduce Carbon Footprint With Biodiesel

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:06:04 GMT

San Diego Unified School District Trustees voted at their Dec. 6 meeting to use biodiesel or an alternative fuel to be used in the tanks of school buses and the diesel fleet by the end of the 2014-15 school year. The resolution was introduced by Trustee Kevin Beiser.

Mandating that the fleet of more than 500 buses "come clean" will help reduce pollution in the San Diego region, helping the kids that ride the bus possibly avoid diseases such as asthma and cancer. According to the Board resolution on the topic, biodiesel is the only alternative fuel that complies with the federal Clean Air Act.

"It's our duty as trustees of the next generation to do everything we can to make their environment safe," said Kevin Beiser, Board of Education member. "This step will not only make the environment better, we will be doing our part toward energy independence by using a renewable resource."

San Diego Unified has already taken an interim step. In 2009, the district finished modifications to its fleet to create "clean diesel" buses, installing equipment that reduced particulates. Federal stimulus funds and help from the US Environmental Protection Agency, California Environmental Protection Agency and the local Air Pollution Control District made that
conversion possible. Students from district automotive technology programs also helped with the conversion.

"As this equipment ages, we have to look at alternatives," said Beiser. "This resolution gives the Superintendent clear direction that this Board is dedicated to reducing pollution."

Biodiesel mixes standard diesel fuel with fuel distilled from renewable resources such as soybeans or waste vegetable oil. The alternative fuel conversion can produce lower emissions including reductions in carbon monoxide, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. The use of biodiesel will not void any warranties that the district has on current vehicles, and create local jobs supporting the local bio-diesel industry in San Diego.

"Aside from the environmental and health benefits, the use of biodiesel fuel will be cost neutral, which is equally important during these difficult economic times," said Beiser.

Pilot Program Looks at Environmentally Friendly Lunch Trays

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:22:29 GMT

Vista Grande students and their project.

Molded plastic foam lunch trays have long been on the menu at school cafeterias, but after urging by students at Vista Grande Elementary school -- not to mention Board of Education Trustee Kevin Beiser -- San Diego Unified's Food Services Department is testing more environmentally friendly trays for the next few months at Vista Grande and Ocean Beach elementary schools.

The Vista Grande students got the project rolling during the last school year, when students in Micheline Wagner's fourth grade participated in Project Citizen, a national program that involves students in community problem-solving.

Their efforts caught the eyes of their Tierrasanta neighborhood's representative on the district's Board of Trustees, Kevin Beiser, and the school's area superintendent, Dr. David Lorden. Beiser carried a resolution to the Board of Education that was approved, mandating a switch from plastic foam trays to something more environmentally friendly by 2015.

"I was thrilled to work with environmentally conscious students and other community groups to ban toxic plastic foam lunch trays from our schools," said Beiser. "The era of San Diego Unified Schools dumping over 15 million plastic foam lunch trays into our landfill every year is coming to an end."

The test trays may look familiar to the average consumer as they're made by the same company, Huhtamaki U.S., and with much the same process, as the Chinet brand products on sale at the local supermarket.

"We really want to test the performance of these trays, really see how the kids like them," said Janet Whited, recycling specialist with PPO.

The molded fiber lunch trays are being tested at two schools, Vista Grande and Ocean Beach elementary schools. Staff will be looking at how they hold up to the variety of foods served in elementary schools. Sometimes the entrees or side dishes are hot, sometimes cold; some have a sauce that might soak in, others don't. The students' opinions will also be recorded.

Recycling was also a factor. Some tray types are ready for composting, but there isn't a composting facility in San Diego large enough to take the thousands of trays used by San Diego students every day. The solution came in the molded fiberboard trays and the district's waste-disposal company, EDCO, which will pick up the recyclable trays for free.

In the spring, San Diego Unified's food services department traditionally puts commodities for the next school year out for bid. It's expected the fiberboard trays will be included as bid items, along with the plastic foam trays.

"We hope we can get the price down with competitive bidding," said Whited. "They're currently about twice the price of the plastic foam trays."

For more information on the program, contact Whited at at (858) 637-6268 or jwhited@sandi.net.

Serra High Earns “W” On New Football Field

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:32:07 GMT

It may still be called “The Hole,” but Serra High School’s stadium now has a new synthetic turf football field and all-weather track, thanks to Proposition S. The ceremonial ribbon-cutting was held prior to the school’s first home game Sept. 23, a 27-13 non-league win over University City High. Athletic Director Jonn Pisapia, joined by Board Trustee Kevin Beiser, Principal Michael Jimenez, and others, cut the ribbon as the football team anxiously awaited play on their new field. The $2.4 million football field/track improvement project is one of several Prop. S-funded projects planned at Serra High over the next five years. For more project information, visit our school facilities projects page at http://fpcprojects.sandi.net. For media inquiries, contact Cynthia Reed-Porter at creed-porter@sandi.net or call 619-546-3378.

Bullies Beware - Board Passes New Policy to Eliminate Bullying, Harassment and Intimidation

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:20:11 GMT

In its commitment to providing all students and staff with a safe learning environment where everyone is treated with respect and no one is physically or emotionally harmed, the Board of Education has approved a policy stating that the district will not tolerate any student or staff member being bullied (including cyber-bullying), harassed, or intimidated in any form at school or school-related events (including off-campus events, school-sponsored activities, school buses, and any event related to school business), or outside of school hours with the intention to be carried out during any of the above.

Bullying, Harassment and Intimidation Prohibition Policy
Board resolution in support of AB9, which would require districts around California to have similar standards: English | Spanish
News Coverage
- San Diego Union-Tribune»