Dear South Pasadena residents,

The School Board wishes Dr. Bristol all the best as he has decided to pursue other opportunities and has submitted his letter of resignation as Superintendent of SPUSD effective June 30, 2009.

Brian has served the district with wholehearted devotion these past three years. Members of the Board of Education thank Dr. Bristol for the positive growth that has occurred under his leadership such as the development of the strategic plan. Included in the plan were mandates that have already seen much progress such as the homework committee resulting in a new homework policy, arts for all program, and staff training in differentiated learning styles and teaching techniques. Wonderful assistant superintendent and principal hires have been made strengthening our district leadership team. Our facilities have been greatly improved including the SPHS track and field and new baseball field, and, more importantly, the completion of SPMS Phases 1 and 2 of the renovation/modernization of SPMS classrooms. The final phase of SPMS construction, including a new administration/library building and a 4 court gym, is going full steam ahead with a ground breaking ceremony scheduled for May 30th. These are a few among many reasons we are grateful for Brian’s service to our school district.

We also acknowledge that Brian is a man of sincere good character, who has had a very cooperative and collaborative style which many have deeply appreciated. His respectful, inclusive style won him the hearts of many.

Again, School Board members wish Brian nothing but the very best in his future endeavors.

Elisabeth Eilers, President School Board

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Dear Parents and Community Members,

I would like to thank you for the past three years that I have served as the Superintendent of South Pasadena Unified School District. During this time, we have accomplished many great things as a team. However, as all great things must come to an end, I am letting you know I submitted my letter of resignation on May 15 to be effective June 30, 2009.

I am choosing to resign to follow new personal and professional opportunities. These past three years have truly been wonderful times. We’ve accomplished a great deal and the District is set to take our students to higher levels. I cannot thank you all enough for the insight, support and dedication you have for the students of our district!

Our district is amazing. During my tenure calmness has been restored to the district and wounds that had existed between our employee organizations and the District are healing. Our facilities have never been in better shape and we are enjoying continued student achievement. We’re creating solutions for the unprecedented financial turmoil all districts are facing. I leave knowing a solid infrastructure has been laid and that the Strategic Plan we all worked so hard on, is being successfully implemented.

Thank you again for allowing me the opportunity to lead such a great community of learners.

Respectfully,

Brian E. Bristol

• Who: South Pasadena Public Library
• What: Author Night with Denise Hamilton. The event is free and open to the public and will showcase bestselling mystery author Denise Hamilton and a musical set by pianist David Batt. Hamilton is the author of, most recently, The Long Embrace and edited L.A. Noir. She’s also the author of The Jasmine Trade, which introduced heroine Eve Diamond as she investigates the killing of a San Marino High School student.
• Where: South Pasadena Public Library
• When: 7 p.m., Thursday, April 23

• Who: South Pasadena Mission West Association
• What: Mission West Spring Art Festival
• Where: Mission Street, from Meridian to Fremont
• When: April 25-26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Who: Caltrans
• What: 710 Tunnel Technical Study Meeting
• Where: Blair High School cafeteria,  1201 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena
• When: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 28

Dear Parents of SPUSD Students,

As you head off for Spring Break, I hope you and your children have a time of enjoying a break from the routine.

Based on the economic crisis we are facing, it is important for parents to be aware that the district loses $47 per child for every day your student is not in school. Should your family decide to keep your child out of school an additional day or two after Spring Break, this can add up to a significant loss of funding to the District.

If you do decide to extend your vacation, please consider writing a check to the District for $47 for each child per day. Donations can be sent to the District Office at 1020 El Centro Street, to the attention of the Business Office.

This voluntary donation would be helpful not only in regards to additional days taken over the break but also on days when your child/ren might miss school apart from illness.

As a district we are pursuing many revenue sources to minimize the loss of staff and programs for our students over the next few years. This contribution of $47 for absences would be very helpful and greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Brian E. Bristol

Dear Parents/Guardians:

The past two weeks have been filled with great anxiety and anticipation. For the current year the District has been able to cover the reductions to our budget without having an effect on programs or laying off any employees.   However, the impact of state’s financial crisis on our district for next year will deeply affect personnel, programs and supplies.

Last week the Governing Board approved budget cuts of $3.9 million for next year, and will result in the following cuts:

These cuts will result in layoffs for 38 teachers and will affect 20 classified staff members. The loss of programs includes:

• class size reduction in Kindergarten through third grade, raising class sizes from 20 students per class to 30 students per class
• class size reduction in 9th grade English, raising class sizes from 20 to 34
• library media clerks, counseling staff in the elementary grades at the middle school and at the high school

These cuts are so drastic that it is as if a whole elementary school were shut down.  The impact is incredibly dreadful.

The Governing Board took a strong leadership position and approved a resolution for a special election to approve a parcel tax.  The parcel tax will allow for a minimum of $1.7 million to flow into the district each year for the next four years.  Although this does not completely bridge the amount by which the state has reduced the District’s funding it will allow for some of cuts to be reinstated.  Additionally, this funding may allow for the District to provide great services and programs for our students in ways that might be different than before, yet leveraged in such a way that we can serve our students just as well, or better, with less.

There is hope for the future and hope for our students.  Please join me in rallying in all that is good in our community and all that is good for our students by contributing your time, effort and energy for our District.  Remember, together we will succeed for the sake of the students of South Pasadena.
Sincerely,

Dr. Brian Bristol
Superintendent of Schools
South Pasadena USD