Superintendent Messages

Lodi USD:

We are deeply troubled by the violent action in Atlanta that took the lives of eight individuals on Tuesday night. We send our heartfelt condolences to those who are impacted by this tragedy. If any of our students or staff members are struggling with this horrific event, please know that there are resources and support available for you.

We value our diverse student population and want to make sure that everyone can work and learn in a safe environment. After this recent event, we want to acknowledge our Asian American and Pacific Islander students, staff, and families. We value the contributions they bring to our school communities. Lodi USD does not tolerate harassment, discrimination, violence, or bullying of any kind toward any individual or group. 

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing bullying or discrimination, please know that this can be safely reported to the school principal or submitted anonymously through the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System. 

Below are some resources. Additional resources can be found on our website.

•    Learning for Justice: Addressing Anti-Asian Bias
•    PBS NewsHour: How to Address the Surge of Anti-Asian Crimes

We are committed to making sure that our school campuses are safe places for our students and staff. 

Thank you,

Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.

Superintendent
 

Lodi USD:

Today we witnessed discouraging and shocking events in Washington, D.C. Demonstrators storming the U.S. Capitol building disrupting the proceedings of Congress is something that our country has never experienced.

We are committed to teaching students about good citizenship, the importance of being a part of the democratic process, and how to utilize our rights to express opinions and concerns in appropriate ways. We hope to have a positive influence on the youth we serve as they become adults who will lead our communities, states, and nation in the future.

If you have concerns about how your child may react to today’s events, please contact your child’s school. We want to support our students as much as possible.

Thank you,

Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D. 

Superintendent

Lodi USD:

The District is happy to share that this week, Lodi USD and the Lodi Education Association (LEA) reached a tentative agreement, which settles the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years. LEA informed the District that they will engage in their voting process.

As you know, this year’s state budget has been a concern for public school districts and before reaching this agreement, our Board of Education expressed great concern over the economic outlook in California.  

1. Governor Newsom and the California legislature passed legislation to defer a portion of education funding, which means public school districts will not receive 46% of their revenue from the state budget during the 2020-21 school year.  
2. The prudence of the Board of Education will be the reason that Lodi USD is in position to survive economically during the current school year.  
3. While the state has promised it will provide that deferred revenue in a subsequent school year, the governor and legislature have not yet taken any action that will address California’s deficit in the coming years.  

As a result of these concerns, the Board of Education was unable to commit to any increases in ongoing expenses. Notwithstanding during the 2020-21 school year, the District has realized an unexpected increase in one-time funds, which were not spent during the second half of the 2019-20 school year due to the pandemic and the resulting cessation of many activities and purchases that did not occur. As this is one-time money, and there is no ongoing funding source, the Board of Education agreed to use these one-time funds to compensate teachers 3% on a one-time non-precedent setting basis. 

The tentative agreement can be found on our website.

Thank you,

Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Lodi USD: 

Our District and our community is in mourning over the tragic loss of our student yesterday. We know that no words can adequately express this feeling of loss and pain. We want to support our students and staff as much as possible.

We encourage our families and staff to check in with their students and let them know that support is available. We have a webpage that outlines mental health and wellness resources for our community, including how to deal with grief and loss, and how to identify the warning signs of suicide. Please do not delay in seeking help if you need it.

Our District will continue to provide counseling and bereavement support services to our students and staff.  Please contact your child’s school site to discuss options for support if your child is in need of services.  

Our hearts go out to the family affected by this tragedy and the entire Woodbridge Elementary community. 

Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent 

Lodi USD:

We are deeply saddened to share that a student from Woodbridge Elementary School passed away today as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Counseling and bereavement support services are available to students and staff during this difficult time. 

Our thoughts are with the family affected by this terrible tragedy. We also offer our condolences to the Woodbridge Elementary community.

If you have concerns about your child’s reaction to this loss, please contact your child’s school site for support services.

Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.

Superintendent 

Lodi USD:

As I reflect on the current events in our nation, I want to acknowledge the deep hurt that our nation, state, and our own community is feeling. George Floyd’s tragic death has prompted an outcry of pain, frustration, and anger across the country and we join with others in our community to denounce violence, inequality, and injustice.

It is our responsibility, as a public school system, to educate the children in our community not only on academics but also on citizenship, how to work cooperatively and respectfully with others, and about the laws that were enacted to serve and protect all people in this country. It is also our responsibility to teach our students about their rights and how to use their voice in an effective manner to make the community a better place. The peaceful protests in our own County serve as an example of that.

Although the school year has ended, the events taking place in our nation reaffirm our obligation to create a safe and welcoming environment for our students, families, and staff. It is more challenging when we cannot interact with each other in person but that is a challenge we must solve.

Our District has policies and practices in place to make sure that our students can learn and staff can work in an environment free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination. 

We do not tolerate discrimination towards any individual or group. We will review our policies and practices each year and clearly communicate to our staff and students to ensure that our classrooms, campuses, and all work areas are free from all forms of discrimination.

We also acknowledge that we have more work to do to reach our Black students. We commit to do all that we can to work with staff, parents, and community leaders to enhance these efforts. We must strengthen our Positive School Climate Program, provide additional training for staff, and provide resources for students who need support.

Our District’s vision is to provide a world class student-centered safe learning environment that cultivates character, fosters academic excellence, embraces diversity, and empowers all students to achieve their full potential.

We know that it is imperative for us to make sure all of our students, especially those who have been historically underserved, have the support they need to be successful in school and be ready for their next phase of life. We are committed to doing so.

Please see the District website for resources to help children and adults learn about and discuss issues related to equity.

Thank you,

Cathy Nichols-Washer, Superintendent

Lodi USD:

At last night’s Board of Education Meeting, the Board gave approval to offer Summer School for 9^th – 12^th grade students. Students can take classes for credit recovery and advancement. Classes will be structured in a Distance Learning model in order to adhere to health guidelines. The online student enrollment process is open until Friday, May 15. We look forward to this new approach to Summer School.

As you are aware, Governor Newsom has been talking about his plan to reopen businesses and services and has stated that schools might start July or August. Please understand that no decisions have been made at this point; however, we are working on plans for different scenarios. Of course, what school will look like for the opening of the 2020-2021 school year will depend on orders and guidelines from state and health officials. Our Distance Learning Task Force groups are discussing ideas and we will ask for your input through Thoughtexchange. We will share the ideas and input with the Board of Education at an upcoming Board Meeting.

Thank you,

Cathy Nichols-Washer, Superintendent

Lodi USD,

A message went out today about this year’s Summer School. It has come to our attention that this has caused concern and that clarification is needed.

• Direction for Summer School was given by District leadership staff, not the Board of Education.
• The model mirrors what the District offered in the past as a result of budget concerns.
• Summer School has not been eliminated.
• The current plan is to offer credit recovery for this year’s 11^th and 12^th grade students to give them opportunities to meet graduation requirements.
• Concerns have been expressed regarding Government/Economics as many students take this opportunity in order to take other classes during the regular school year. This addition is being considered.
• The Board of Education will review the expenditures associated with Summer School and determine offerings at a Special Board of Education Meeting (virtual) on Thursday, May 7, 2020. Open session begins at 7:15 P.M.

I apologize for the confusion. We will communicate any Board decision to our staff and community.

Thank you,

Cathy Nichols-Washer, Superintendent

Lodi USD,

We have received questions and are aware of social media conversations regarding services provided to students and staffing levels. We understand that there is concern from our community about certain services.

• Teacher staffing levels at all grade levels for next school year are based on the same student to teacher ratios that have been in place for several years.
• Grade Span Adjustment (GSA) is the state funding program that provides funds for districts to keep student/teacher ratios at 24:1 for grades K-3.  The District will continue to participate in GSA in order to maintain the 24:1 ratio.
• Elementary PE and music programs are not being reduced or eliminated.
• Elementary PE and music teachers (specialists in these areas) will continue to provide these programs at the current staffing levels.

All Board Members take their leadership responsibility very seriously. The Board is committed to providing outstanding educational services and open communication to the community.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact us via email at communications@lodiusd.net or via telephone at 209-331-7010.

Thank you,

Cathy Nichols-Washer, Superintendent

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Lodi USD,

Hemos recibido preguntas y estamos al tanto de las conversaciones en las redes sociales sobre los servicios prestados a los estudiantes y los niveles de personal. Entendemos que nuestra comunidad está preocupada por ciertos servicios.

•  Los niveles de personal docente en todos los niveles de grado para el próximo año escolar se basan en las mismas proporciones de estudiantes por maestro que han estado vigentes durante varios años.
• Grade Span Adjustment (GSA) es el programa de financiación estatal que proporciona fondos para que los distritos mantengan las proporciones de estudiantes / maestros en 24:1 para los grados K-3. El Distrito continuará participando en GSA para mantener la proporción de 24:1.
• Los programas de educación física y educación primaria no se reducen ni eliminan.
• Los maestros de educación física y educación primaria (especialistas en estas áreas) continuarán brindando estos programas en los niveles de personal actuales.

Todos los miembros de la Junta toman muy en serio su responsabilidad de liderazgo. La Junta está comprometida a proporcionar servicios educativos sobresalientes y comunicación abierta a la comunidad.

Si tiene más preguntas o inquietudes, contáctenos por correo electrónico a communications@lodiusd.net o por teléfono al 209-331-7010.

Gracias,

Cathy Nichols-Washer, Superintendente