Posted by: Charity_Maness on 08/10/2010 12:13 PM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 08/11/2010 09:33 AM
Expires: 01/01/2015 12:00 AM
:
Bret Harte HS Begins August 18 with Many Changes ~ By, Charity Maness
It’s that time of year again; time to head back to school. If your child is heading back to Bret Harte, prepare for some changes, some good, some not so good, and some experimental yet permanent. The aquatic center that has been getting a lot of the attention lately is just a part of what is in store for the students of Bret Harte this year....
Photo by Rodger Orman, MD
While concerns arise regarding the cost of maintaining the aquatic center, Superintendent Michael Chimente was quick to douse that line of thinking stating that the aquatic center “was never envisioned to be self supporting” realizing that there will be an impact on the general fund, but planning on creating a line item in the budget for the centers actual costs. Currently the only recurring cost is that of the aquatics director, maintenance has been absorbed by existing staff as “the facility is fully automated” and very little hands on maintenance is required. Community use will help offset additional costs, ie; life guards, chemicals, etc. The pool is solar powered.
Returning students will notice a change in classroom set up, with Mrs. Smith’s previous foreign language room becoming the new location of John Vierra High School. Mr. Strahl will remain the principle of John Vierra, Mr. Oneto will be the full time teacher and Mr. Burita will teach part time. The graduation requirements for students attending John Vierra have increased from 240 credits to 260 credits. The benefits of having the John Vierra campus on the Bret Harte campus are numerous, with access to; foreign language, ag programs, science and lab classes, and shop classes. Also students that receive specialized services will find those services readily available. Chimente said, “I never thought one size fits all” when it came to education. Realizing all children learn differently but that all children should “have equal access to all of our programs.”
Bret Harte is down three teachers this school year. One teacher transferred into a retiring teacher’s position and that vacant position was not back filled. Multiple part-time teachers retired without back filling those positions either, and one teacher was laid off. With less students attending each year, Chimente lamented that “through attrition there will naturally occur a downsizing in staff.” The current district student population is approximately 800 students.
With the changes occurring seemingly all at once, Mr. Chimente seems optimistic for a smooth transition.
|
