News Briefs | FYI
April 28, 2025
Visalia Unified School District was recently recognized by The Association of School Business Officials International for excellence in budget presentation.
District receives award for budget presentation
Visalia Unified School District recently received recognition from The Association of School Business Officials International for excellence in budget presentation with the Pathway to the Meritorious Budget Award for the 2024-25 budget year.
This is the second year in a row Visalia Unified has shown its commitment to communicating its fiscal responsibility. In 2023-24, VUSD was the only school district to receive the award in the state of California.
ASBO International’s MBA and Pathway to the MBA promote and recognize best budget presentation practices in school districts. Participants submit their applications and budget documents to a panel of school financial professionals who review the materials for compliance with the MBA Criteria Checklist and other requirements and provide expert feedback that districts can use to improve their budget documents.
“Presenting a budget that is both accessible and accurate is crucial for school districts to clearly communicate and build trust with their communities,” said Jim Rowan, CAE, SFO, ASBO International executive director, in a news release. “The Meritorious Budget Award program provides districts with the resources and tools to do just that, and the districts that receive the award are recognized for their commitment to upholding nationally recognized budget presentation standards.”
For the 2024-25 school year, Visalia Unified’s total budget was $693.5 million with 76.11 percent of funds circulating in the Visalia economy through salaries and benefits; 13.43 percent in services and operations; 4.53 percent on books, materials, and supplies; and 5.93 percent on other items such as capital outlay, other outgo, indirect cost. This award is a testament to VUSD’s commitment for clarity and transparency when it comes to fund generation and allocation.
“The budget is one of a few items our board has direct influence over, and there’s a reason why our board is consistently on the same page when it comes to our budget – it’s because we are informed,” said Board President Joy Naylor. “Our team takes the time to provide us with presentations that are both filled with information and digestible for not only the board, but for the community as well.”
Study looks at providing ride shares to foster youth
Could providing a ride-share service to foster youth improve their outcomes?
A new analysis from UCLA’s Center for Transformation of Schools looks at a two-year pilot program in Los Angeles County that used a private ridesharing service to provide school stability for foster youth.
Foster youth are often moved into new home placements, resulting in school changes that can disrupt their academic progress and their mental well-being. In Los Angeles County, a third of youth in foster care change schools in the middle of the year every year.
For this reason, foster youth may wish to remain in their school of origin (SOO), however longer distance to school from their new home placement can create a transportation burden for caregivers.
From 2017-2019, the Los Angeles County Office of Education, in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and the Los Angeles County Office of Child Protection, partnered together to implement a two-year pilot program to provide transportation to youth wishing to remain in their SOO through a private ride service for children called HopSkipDrive.
Findings from a study of the pilot were published last month and show that most students in foster care used the private transportation service for three months to cover distances of about 10 miles.
While the cost of this program raises questions about the long-term sustainability (school districts paid on average $4,800 per student for 90 rides over three months), caregivers and teachers observed that students who remained in their school of origin stayed on track with their schoolwork and built strong relationships.
One resource parent said: “[Staying in her school of origin] kept her motivated and incentivized to remain in a familiar environment. She changed her ways and remained focused. She continues to thrive in every aspect of her life. It provided a sense of control to make some decisions in her life.”
The study recommends that districts examine the best interests determination (BID) process to make sure that it is blind to the need for additional transportation. Districts may also want to target funds to support foster youth most at risk of disruptive midyear moves, such as those in the last two years of high school, students moving after March, those with IEPs, or those with a history of trauma.
Read the full study online.
Nearly 120 students from Silicon Valley Career Technical Education center traveled to Ontario April 10-13 to compete in the 2025 SkillsUSA California State Leadership and Skills Conference.
CTE students win big at SkillsUSA competition
Nearly 120 students from Silicon Valley Career Technical Education center traveled to Ontario April 10-13 to compete in the 2025 SkillsUSA California State Leadership and Skills Conference, the largest SkillsUSA event in the state dedicated to showcasing career and technical education excellence. Joined by more than 4,000 students participating in 120 skilled trades and leadership contests, SVCTE students demonstrated their hands-on skills, leadership and career knowledge across a wide range of competition categories.
Competing in SkillsUSA strongly indicates a student’s career readiness, technical skills, and professionalism. It shows their commitment to excellence, leadership potential, and ability to perform under real-world industry standards. This year, Silicon Valley CTE won a total of 16 medals — two gold, 10 silver, and four bronze — highlighting the year-long hard work and dedication that led to their success.
“SVCTE SkillsUSA competitors are future-ready. Their participation demonstrates technical expertise, teamwork, and the ability to meet industry expectations — qualities employers value in every field,” said MetroED Superintendent Erin O’Neill. “Competing — and winning — on such a large stage speaks volumes about the quality of our programs, the dedication of our educators, and the bright future these students are building.”
FYI
Make your nomination for Negotiator of the Year
ACSA is looking for nominations for the Negotiator of the Year Award, which will be presented during the 2025 Personnel & Negotiations Symposium, held Sept. 23-26 in San Diego. This recognition is awarded by the ACSA Human Resources Council to the person serving as chief negotiator for a school district or county office as a full-time employee of that district. If you would like to nominate an outstanding individual for this award, visit acsa.org/negotiatoraward for selection criteria and nomination instructions. Nominations are due Aug. 15, 2025.
Critically Conscious Classroom moves to YouTube
ACSA’s new web series, The Critically Conscious Classroom, is a thought-provoking space that unpacks power, privilege and resistance through deep reflection, critical analysis and bold storytelling. Whether in classrooms or communities, this web series empowers listeners with the tools to question, disrupt, and rebuild. Catch the show on its new platform — YouTube — at 2 p.m. May 8. Visit ACSA’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/acsaorg to subscribe.
HR and CEL councils hold virtual networking events
ACSA members have the honor to serve on several councils based upon job-alike functions or sharing a common interest. For 2024-25, several of ACSA’s Councils will hold a Virtual Networking Event. These meetings are open to ACSA members as well as non-members. Upcoming events include Human Resources (May 6) and Classified Educational Leaders (May 14). Please visit www.acsa.org/committees-councils#tab4 to register and for the most up-to-date information.