Temple City Voice

Like many school districts within the state of California, the Temple City Unified School District (TCUSD) is managing with a reduced state-funded budget. Outgoing Superintendent Dr. Joan Hillard stressed the importance of cooperation during the tumultuous time at the June 11, 2008 School Board meeting.

In her address to School Board members, Hillard emphasized the progress of schools within the District has been a result of “collaboration, because no one can do anything alone.”

After serving the TCUSD as Superintendent for nine years, Hillard was let go during a February 2008 School Board meeting. Her contract expires on June 30, 2008.

“Our district made a commitment to the whole child: not just the academic achievements, but to their social and emotional growth” said Hillard.

In separate matters, Dale Shaffer, Director of Maintenance and Operations, gave an update to the School Board about facilities within the TCUSD. Shaffer presented hundreds of pictures detailing the worn and outdated nature of many appliances.

When School Board Member Rachel LaSota inquired the approximate costs to completely repair school facilities, Chief Business Official David Jaynes responded, “around 25 to 27 million dollars.”

Shaffer’s photographic documentation included old door hardware, damaged drainage systems, and overloaded outlets.

Former School Board Member Robert McKendrick criticized the current School Board, “I don’t see why we have to hire a new superintendent for $50,000 more than we currently pay Dr. Hillard.” McKendrick added, “$50,000. That’s a lot of paper and glue sticks.”

The District’s maintenance issues are not problems for TCUSD facilities. Last April, Director Shaffer commented on the huge backlog in maintenance due to the lack of personnel.

With a reduced school budget, it is highly unlikely the School Board will be capable of initiating major renovation of school facilities.

This article was written by Jason Wu. It was published in the Temple City Voice on June 18, 2008.