Stockton Unified School District (Follow-Up)

SUSD Trustees reduce the dollar cap that can be spent for non-instructional and

SUSD Trustees limit the use of non-instructional and administrative consultants to

SUSD Trustees re-examine the policy of allowing the Superintendent to create positions and hire employees without a competitive application process. Board of Education Response: This recommendation will not be implemented at this time. 2008/2009 Grand Jury Finding: This recommendation has been partially implemented. The Superintendent retains the ability to create positions and hire without competitive process. The Grand Jury believes the Superintendent used the power wisely when reorganizing SUSD administration. Most administrative positions were filled with qualified personnel from the pool of current SUSD employees, rather than going outside the District.

SUSD Trustees conduct a thorough, independent audit of restricted (categorical) funds

SUSD Trustees or a committee of Trustees periodically review purchases made by

SUSD Trustees carefully review the budget and question policy decisions made by SUSD

SUSD Trustees review and approve plans for future District-wide fund raising activities.

SUSD management provide thorough and accurate accounting of all district-wide fund

SUSD Trustees ensure SUSD management is held accountable for their actions. Board of Education Response: This recommendation is being implemented. 2008/2009 Grand Jury Finding: This recommendation has been implemented. Three new Trustees were elected in November 2008 and a new management team is in place.

SUSD Trustees and management work as a team to accomplish common objectives and not lose sight of the District’s mission which is to educate the children of the District. Board of Education Response: This recommendation has been implemented. 2008/2009 Grand Jury Finding: This recommendation has been implemented. SUSD has a solid management team in place. The Superintendent has vision and is a strong proponent of improving student outcome. He is looking at all facets of SUSD and implementing necessary changes.

The Board of Trustees manage the recent bond measure in a timely and effective manner and regain the public’s confidence. Board of Education Response: This recommendation has been implemented. 2008/2009 Grand Jury Finding: This recommendation has been implemented. The Board established a Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee to oversee both Measure C and Measure Q Bonds. The Superintendent has proposed numerous changes to proposed bond projects. Current plans for high school renovation may be replaced with plans to build new high schools. 12. (No recommendation #12 from the 2007\2008 Grand Jury) 2008/2009 Grand Jury Finding: The Superintendent and Trustees took a calculated risk in using the Success for All program. The program was not approved for use by the California Department of Education. The Grand Jury believes this risk was justified. 13. (No recommendation #13 from the 2007/2008 Grand Jury) 2008/2009 Grand Jury Finding: The Superintendent and Trustees took a calculated risk in offering SAT testing and preparation training at no cost to students. Approximately 70% of seniors participated, up from 8% the year before. Again, the Grand Jury believes the risk was justified. 14. (No recommendation #14 from the 2007/2008 Grand Jury) 2008/2009 Grand Jury Finding: The Superintendent resides within Stockton city limits and within the Lodi Unified School District. A family member was enrolled in a SUSD 30 pre-school program targeted to disadvantaged youth. All supporting documentation was reviewed by the Grand Jury and appeared to be in order. Further, the Superintendent kept a promise he made to enroll family members at SUSD.