Superintendent Messages

Lodi USD:

This morning, the Board of Education held a Special Meeting, which included an agenda item regarding the internal candidate search process for a successor superintendent.

After closed session, the Board announced that they gave direction to the Board President, staff, and legal counsel to contact one internal candidate and discuss terms.

I will continue to provide you with updates.

Thank you.

Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Lodi USD:

Today, the Board of Education held a Special Meeting regarding the internal superintendent search process.

After closed session, the Board announced that they directed staff to go to Phase II of the internal superintendent selection process by convening a Stakeholder Panel with our internal finalists.

I will continue to provide you with updates.

Thank you.

Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Lodi USD:

I want to provide you with an update regarding the District’s superintendent search. 

During tonight’s Board of Education Meeting, the Board gave direction to start an internal candidate search process as a first step. 

The posting will be open from July 13 to July 22, 2022 at noon. 

If an internal candidate is not selected, the position will be posted for external applicants.

I will continue to provide you with updates on this process.

Thank you.

Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Lodi USD:

As you may have heard, a horrific tragedy took place today in Uvalde, Texas. It is being reported that multiple students and at least one teacher were killed in a mass school shooting at Robb Elementary School. We understand that events such as this are not only tragic and painful, but can also lead to anxiety and fear for children and adults.  We want to let you know that we have support services in place and available to students and staff who may be struggling with today’s violent event. Please contact your school administrator if support is needed.  

We have mental health resources available on our website as well as all of our Lodi USD school counselors. Below are some resources that may be helpful during this time:

• ADL Gun Violence and Mass Shootings
• American Psychological Association: Helping your children manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting
• Common Sense Media: How to Talk to Kids About School Shootings
• National Association of School Psychologists Talking to Children about Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event

Our hearts are with Robb Elementary’s educators, students, and families as well as the entire Uvalde community during this time.

Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Lodi USD:

During this evening’s Board Meeting, I publicly announced that I will retire at the end of the 2022-23 school year.

Next year will mark my 37^th year in education, including 15 rewarding years as the Lodi Unified superintendent.

I have been honored to serve as the superintendent for this district because of the strong leaders on our Board, our dedicated and compassionate employees, and our bright and talented students. Our Lodi Unified community is incredibly special, and I have been privileged to serve you. With the health pandemic situation improving, I think it is a good time for a new leader to start. I know our Board and employees are committed to continuing to provide outstanding service to our Lodi Unified community and will continue to make this the priority.

More information will be forthcoming once the Board determines next steps for my replacement. I look forward to continuing to work with our Board, staff, and community through the following school year.

Thank you for your support.

Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Lodi USD:

We are deeply saddened by the tragedy that has taken place in Stockton today. We send our heartfelt condolences to the Stagg High School and Stockton Unified community members who are grieving the tragic loss of a student.

We understand that members of our own Lodi Unified community may also be grieving and we encourage anyone who needs support to reach out to their school site staff.  We have support services in place and hope that those who are struggling with this situation will tell a trusted adult at school.

Our hearts remain with those who are suffering today.

Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.

Superintendent 

Lodi USD:

We want to update you regarding the social media threat that was made against Lodi Middle School. 

After a thorough investigation, the Lodi Police Department has informed us that they have arrested a 12 year old juvenile today. This is unrelated to the 13 year old who was arrested for the Millswood Middle threat. We appreciate the efforts of our local law enforcement and Lodi Middle staff and students working together to help keep our school community safe.

Please talk to your children about the serious repercussions of posting and sharing threats against our schools. Students will face disciplinary action and possible action by law enforcement for making threats against our schools. 

We ask that you continue to help us keep our schools safe by reporting all safety concerns to a trusted adult, law enforcement, or the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System.

Thank you,

Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.

Superintendent 

Lodi USD:

We want to inform you that late last night, Lodi Middle School officials became aware of a social media threat suggesting that students should not attend Lodi Middle today.  Lodi Police Department was immediately contacted and school administration is working with the police department to investigate the threat and ensure the safety of Lodi Middle staff and students. 

We will continue to take all threats made against our schools seriously and disciplinary action will be taken. Please continue to help us keep our schools safe by reporting all safety concerns to a trusted adult, law enforcement, or the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System. If you or your child has information regarding the threat against Lodi Middle, please contact the school or Lodi Police Department. 

Thank you,

Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.

Superintendent 

Lodi USD:

We want to update you regarding the social media threat that was made against Millswood Middle School yesterday.

After a thorough investigation, the Lodi Police Department has informed us that an arrest of a 13 year old juvenile was made today. We appreciate the efforts of our local law enforcement and Millswood staff and students working together to help keep our school community safe.

Please know that we will continue to take all threats made against our schools seriously and disciplinary action will be taken. The safety of our students and staff will always be our most important priority. Please continue to help us keep our schools safe by reporting all safety concerns to a trusted adult, law enforcement, or the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System.

Thank you,

Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.

Superintendent 

Lodi USD:

Our District has learned of a dismaying nationwide TikTok school shooting challenge for December 17, 2021. To date, there is no information that this challenge is directed toward any of our schools. We ask that parents/guardians speak to their children about using social media platforms mindfully, as dangerous and potentially dangerous social media challenges are becoming more common.  

As always, it is vital that if any student, parent/guardian, District employee, or community member sees something suspicious, they report it immediately to a trusted adult at school, submit an anonymous tip to See Something, Say Something at saysomething.net, or contact local law enforcement. Our District takes all safety concerns very seriously and will respond accordingly to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

Thank you,

Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.

Superintendent 

Lodi USD:

Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year.  We look forward to seeing our students and parents as we continue to provide full in-person instruction.  Below please find important information regarding the health/safety measures we will implement as we start the new year.

We are bringing back some of the activities and procedures for students that were in place before the pandemic such as:

• Field trips
• Assemblies (with modifications)
• Extra-curricular activities

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requires all students to wear a mask indoors at school.  Adults are required to wear a mask indoors when students are present.  Lodi USD will abide by the CDPH mandate, until lifted/modified by the state, with the intent of focusing on our primary responsibility of educating the children in our District.

Examples of tiered strategies to implement the mask mandate include:

• Face masks provided for those who do not have one
• Face shields and drapes provided as appropriate
• Desk shields
• Social distancing (3 feet)
• Administrator and student meeting
• Administrator communication to parents
• Administrator meeting with parents
• District letter sent to parents offering an alternative learning environment

Masks are optional for all individuals outdoors. Schools will utilize outdoor spaces as much as possible.

Lodi USD does not tolerate bullying or harassment including such behavior directed at students or staff regarding masks.

As in the past, the District will utilize the following layered COVID-19 prevention strategies:

• Provide information to students and parents on healthy habits.
• Each classroom has an air filter.
• All schools have hand sanitizing stations outdoors.
• Hand sanitizer is available for all classrooms.
• School and classroom cleaning/sanitization procedures will continue.
• Schools will continue to space students apart as much as possible during lunch, entrance, and dismissal.
• Quarantine protocols will be followed.
• COVID-19 testing opportunities can be found on our website (English  | Spanish).

Please understand that your child needs to stay home if ill.  Children who are sick at school will not remain in class.  You will be contacted to pick up your child.  Please see our website for all of the District’s procedures.

We greatly appreciate your understanding and support as we start this school year.  We want all teachers, support staff, administrators, and students to focus on teaching and learning.

Thank you,

Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.

Superintendent
 

JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE DISTRICT AND CSEA

The Lodi Unified School District and CSEA have reached an agreement that will allow all CSEA employees (whose last contract day for this year would be today) to work the last five days of this school year (June 4th – June 10th) and be paid double their regular rate of pay for those days. There is additional language in the MOU that provides compensation for every CSEA unit member, no matter their work calendar, CSEA will share complete details with unit members in the next few days. The District and CSEA worked to put this MOU together so that we can continue to provide the best learning and working environment for our staff and students. The MOU also reflects our appreciation and commitment to our CSEA employees.

Lodi USD:

As a result of a shortage of staff, some District services will be reduced June 4 – 10.  The District will contact parents/guardians if their child’s services will be impacted. Although staffing was in place for these days since January, recent changes, as recent as today, have made reductions in services unavoidable.  

Our Nutrition Services Department will continue to provide food based on what can be prepared within the current situation. Our Transportation Department staff will contact parents/guardians of bus riders regarding a reduction in bus service. 
 
The District has been negotiating with the California School Employees Association (CSEA), the union that represents our classified employees, to ratify a contract for the 2020-2023 school years. 
 
The District’s 2020-23 proposal to CSEA includes an ongoing salary increase of 3.26 percent, retroactive to the 2019-20 school year. The District also offered one-time compensation to implement in-person instruction to classified employees. These offers are in alignment with other employee groups.
 
CSEA proposed a 22 percent ongoing salary increase, double pay for all CSEA employees for their work days between June 4 and July 26, and a one-time stipend significantly higher than any other group has received.
 
The District appreciates and acknowledges the tremendous work of our employees in CSEA. We want to be clear that all of our classified employees are essential to our District and they provide vital services to our Lodi Unified community. The District’s 2020-23 proposal compensates our CSEA employees in alignment with other employee groups. 
 
CSEA’s proposal creates a significant disparity between our employee groups and is not tenable for our District. Also, in order for the District to use the one-time funds from the state and federal grants for COVID-19 related issues, including those impacting staff, we must adhere to the funding requirements.  
 
We remain committed to working with CSEA and all employee groups as we focus on our goal of providing the best education for all students.

We regret that this issue will impact some of the services we provide to our students.

Thank you,

Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D. 
Superintendent 

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, Ed.D.

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,  Ed.D.

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, Ed.D.

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, Ed.D.

Superintendent