School district session covers broad ground

School repairs, a communitywide newsletter, district audit, upcoming elections and volunteerism were some of the issues discussed Jan. 16 at the Oak Park Unified School District Board of Education meeting.

Roof repairs/new lockers

A roof leak at Oak Park High School and a mold problem at Oak Hills Elementary were repaired over the winter break at a cost of about $22,000.

A portable at the high school received a new roof due to leaks. The structure, one of the oldest at the school, houses rooms R7 and 8. The work at the elementary school involved fixing a roof leak that was causing mold in a wall of room 6.

To help pay for the repairs, the H6 school facilities bond committee donated $18,000 of excess campaign funds from the failed bond.

In a separate project, 200 new lockers have been added at the high school to meet a locker shortage.

New district newsletter

Beginning in February, all residents of Oak Park will receive a quarterly newsletter from Superintendent Tony Knight. The mailing will include news and information about the school district.

About 62 percent of the community's residents do not have children in the district. Knight hopes to reach that part of the population to keep them informed of school happenings.

"The schools do belong to the community," Knight said.

Volunteers needed

The school board is looking for volunteers for several causes.

Applicants are needed for a sevenmember Measure C6 oversight committee. Approved in June, the $17.5 million bond is earmarked for technology upgrades. Committee members will oversee bond projects. Terms are two or three years. Applications must be registered voters residing in Oak Park.

Application deadline is Feb. 1. For information call the district at (818) 706-3206.

Poll tabled

The board decided to hold off conducting a poll of why the H6 bond measure failed in November. Board members agreed that too much time had passed since the election for a poll to provide accurate information.

Discussion focused on options for future bonds. Possibilities include elections in February, June or November of 2008, a special election in 2009, or an election in 2010. The board also addressed the parcel tax, which is up for election in 2008. If a parcel tax does not pass it will mean a loss of $1 million for the district and the need for changes including district restructuring and layoffs, according to Knight.

Audit report

As required by law, an independent accounting firm has completed an audit of all district financial records and procedures for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006.

The audit showed that the district spent 84 percent of its budget on employee salaries and benefits. Knight expects that figure to rise this year to 86 percent. The remainder of the budget went toward books, supplies, services and operating costs.

Interdistrict permit students brought in needed funds that helped keep the district's budget intact. The auditor also highlighted rising special education costs affecting the district.

The audit is posted at www.opusd.k12.ca.us.