Board Briefs and Updates, Feb 2
February 2, 2024
Dear FCUSD Community: Please read below for important updates, along with recaps of the Special Meeting on January 29, and Regular Board Meeting on February 1.
In The Loop with Supt! Features Cordova High School
We’re delighted to share the January ‘24 edition of In the Loop with the Supt! which highlights remarkable student accomplishments and activities at Cordova High School. Explore the International Baccalaureate programs, Career Technical Education offerings, Visual & Performing Arts, Media Production, and the stellar sports options at Cordova High School.
Watch the January edition of our series, featuring Cordova High by clicking HERE to see the diverse pathways that shape students' success, as Superintendent Sarah Koligian, Ed.D. keeps you "In the Loop with the Supt!"
Regular Board Meeting, Thursday, February 1
Walnutwood High School and Innovations Academy
At the Board meeting, the administration of alternative schools in the District presented the exciting learning options offered at Walnutwood High School, our independent high school for 9th - 12th grades, and Innovations Academy, a 100% virtual school for 1st -12th grades. Both programs are fully WASC accredited and will be enrolling for the 2024-25 school year soon.
Walnutwood HS and Innovations Academy presentation can be found HERE.
Want to learn more? Attend their OPEN HOUSE
- When: February 22, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Where: 10848 Gadsten Way, Rancho Cordova
Questions? Call 916-294-9105 or 916-294-2445
Transitional Kindergarten and Early Learning
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) programs have expanded and are thriving throughout our District.
See the presentation HERE for more information.
To learn more about enrolling your student in TK and other early learning programs such as preschool and school readiness, join us at an upcoming Early Education Expo. See below:
FCUSD Early Education Expo: Little Learners, Big Dreams!
Join us to explore the incredible early childhood education options FCUSD has to offer.
Two Days, Same Family-Friendly Event!
- Wednesday, February 21 at Cordova Lane Center
- 2460 Cordova Ln, Rancho Cordova
- Thursday, February 22 at the District Office
- 1965 Birkmont Dr., Rancho Cordova
- 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Activities will be available for children!
RSVP and learn more about the Early Education Expo HERE.
Budget Update
Staff presented a summary of the Governor’s January budget proposal and the anticipated impacts on District financial obligations for the 2024-25 school year. Please click HERE to read.
The budget will continue to be carefully examined by staff and the Budget Advisory Committee over the next few months. Adjustments to the budget may be made when the Governor’s May revised budget is released. The Board will then adopt the budget for the 2024-25 school year in June of this year.
Special Meeting: Feasibility Report on Reorganization and Discussion, January, 29
A Special Meeting was held on Monday, January 29 for the FCUSD Board of Education and the Council Members from both the City of Folsom and the City of Rancho Cordova. School Services of California (SSC) presented the results of the reorganization feasibility study they conducted to determine if all nine (9) statutory criteria set forth by the California Department of Education (CDE) would be met if the District separated into two school districts based on the city boundaries of Folsom and Rancho Cordova.*
*NOTE; While Folsom Cordova USD has the majority of schools in Rancho Cordova, areas of the city are also served by Sacramento City USD and Elk Grove USD. The Feasibility Study pertained only to schools within Folsom Cordova USD.
The feasibility study concluded that three (3) of the nine (9) statutory requirements were not sufficiently met. A summary of the report is attached.
Below are the CDE nine criteria and the analysis provided by School Services of California:
- Adequate Number of Pupils - Substantially Met
- Community Identity - Substantially Met
- Equitable Division of Property and Facilities - Substantially Met
- Discrimination/Segregation - Not Substantially Met
- No Substantial Increase in State Costs - Substantially Met
- Sound Educational Program - Not Substantially Met
- No Substantial Increase in School Facilities Costs
- Increased Property Values - Substantially Met
- Effect on Fiscal Status and Management - Not Substantially Met
Following the presentation and discussion, the Board did not express an interest in taking active next steps in the reorganization process. The Board emphasized their ongoing commitment to increasing positive learning outcomes for all students, and to maintaining robust communication between the District and the community.
As the decision to separate the District will ultimately have to be reviewed by the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE), the California Department of Education (CDE), the State Board of Education (SBE), and approved by voters, this process could potentially take many years. FCUSD staff will continue to focus on student achievement following the District’s Vision and Mission of the District.