Enrollment up, finances good, all is well in OAUSD

Things continue to look good in the Old Adobe Union School District.|

Old Adobe Schools Superintendent Craig Conte had to do something of a principal two-step as opening day approached, but it all worked out as the five-school district began another school year with increased enrollment and continued enthusiasm.

One open principal position was already filled at Miwok Elementary Charter School by veteran Petaluma City Schools and Old Adobe Distrct educator Mary Reynolds when, a principal’s position opened up at Loma Vista Immersion Academy with school start fast approaching.

Fortunately, one of the strong candidates for the Miwok position, Katie Boss, already a Loma Vista staff member, was still available.

“She is a great person who went to local schools and knows our district,” Conte said. “Sometimes everything works out.”

For the first time in more than three decades, Old Adobe will have a new district psychologist with the retirement of Yehudi Weininger after 37 years with the district. He has been replaced by Renee Isaacs.

There are also 12 new teachers as enrollment continues to increase, and a few teachers retired.

Much work was done over the summer to improve internet access to all schools. A new deal with Sonic has all schools and the district office now wired with fiber optic cable.

“We have better service at lower cost,” Conte pointed out.

District schools have been spruced up with new paint, new windows, new doors and other improvements.

Much has been done this summer to upgrade Old Adobe Elementary Charter School with a new exit and resurfacing of play areas.

More could be coming for Old Adobe School in particular and the district in general as plans are being made to put a $38 million bond measure on the November ballot.

The measure will raises funds to complete the district master plan, and would mean, among other things, a complete remodel of Old Adobe School, along with additional classrooms at Loma Vista, the county’s fastest growing school. School enrollment at the school is now around 440 students.

The district, this year, will change out about 800 Chrome books as it continues to provide one-to-one devices for third through sixth graders and one-to-two for first and second graders. TK and kindergarten students have a one-to-two ratio for a combination of Chrome Books and I-Pads.

Conte proudly pointed out that Old Adobe District students last year read more than 600 million words with comprehension as an emphasis on the language arts continued.

Students will this year use the next generation of the FOSS science program.

The superintendent said the district’s finances remain “solid,” allowing for instruction in physical education, music and art, along with a counselor at all schools.

He said the district reserves are sufficient to allow the district to “balance future costs against future obligations.”

He pointed out that Old Adobe has been able to give employees raises in each of the last six years. “It allows them to keep up with the cost of living,” the superintendent said.

Enrollment continues to grow with the district now up to between 1,900 and 2,000 students.

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