District News
Dear Kentfield Community,
Longtime Trustee Juli Kauffman recently resigned her position on the School Board. Thirteen years in a volunteer position is a very long time, and the district owes Juli and her two recently retired colleagues Cynthia Roenisch and Ashley Paff a huge debt of gratitude.
These are her farewell remarks:
My husband Scott and I moved to Greenbrae in 2002 in order for our children to attend the Kentfield School District. Our daughter Sophia was entering Kindergarten and Scott and I excitedly attended our first KSD event, the annual Kindergarten Social. Before we walked in, Scott pulled me aside and begged me not to volunteer for anything, to wait and settle in. Imagine his surprise when by the end of the evening I had joined the campaign committee to renew the District parcel tax. So began my involvement in the KSD.
I was elected to the Kentfield School Board in 2005. During my first term I was mentored by Anna Pilloton and Bob Goldman, two veteran trustees who served multiple terms well beyond having children in the District. I learned the art of governance and the very important yet limited role a school board trustee plays. While its decisions may impact classrooms, campuses, teacher interactions and more, a board should limit its focus to the big picture – including hiring a superintendent, setting strategic goals, and defining policy. This is the cornerstone of a strong school board.
The opportunity to be deeply involved in our schools and our community has been meaningful and fulfilling. I confess that I have gained far more than I have given. I am grateful to our community for supporting and valuing the perspectives of trustees like myself and my recently retired colleagues Ashley Paff and Cynthia Roenisch who no longer had children attending our schools. Indeed we all benefit from a broader view as over 70% of our community does not have children attending our schools.
When I first campaigned for a seat on our School Board in 2005 my tag line was Quality Education First. I focused on our outstanding program designed to deliver a comprehensive foundation to our children. During my 13 years of service, I worked with ten dedicated trustees and three remarkable superintendents. I am honored for the trust and confidence of my colleagues who elected me to serve as Board president for the past eight years.
I am deeply grateful to our extraordinary and dedicated teachers, some of whom taught my children. I respect and appreciate the contributions from our principals, our entire administrative team and from our classified staff. I celebrate the thousands of students who have attended our schools. I am confident that they received a strong foundation and a love of learning. I could not ask for anything more.
I end where I began, grateful for the support and love I had every step of the way from my husband and my children.
Juli Kauffman
YouthTruth Student Survey - Third-Eighth Grade Families
The Kentfield School District is asking your child in third through eighth grade to participate in the YouthTruth Student Survey in the coming weeks. The YouthTruth Student Survey is a nationally recognized survey used in hundreds of schools and districts across the country, surveying hundreds of thousands of students. The survey asks students about their experiences in the school and with their teachers, including how engaged they are at school, the rigor of their coursework, and their preparedness for the future. Our school, other schools, and researchers may use such information for developing plans to help schools and teachers improve. For information about this survey, please visit youthtruthsurvey.org and our district's website on the survey.
- Although we would like to hear from all students in third through eighth grade, participation in this survey is voluntary.
- Your child’s ratings will not be identified in any reports because results are shared at the group level. Personally identifiable information will not be released to any third party.
Please be aware that under federal law, you have the right to review a copy of the questions asked of your child. A copy of the survey has been attached. Please note the attachment includes questions for elementary, middle, and high school students. Third, fourth, and fifth graders will be given the elementary age questions and sixth, seventh, and eighth graders will receive the middle school questions.
- Please note: the newsletter on 1/24/2019 incorrectly stated that fifth graders would be given the middle school survey. These students will receive the elementary school survey.
Please complete the attached form if you would like your child to be excluded from the survey. This exclusion form is also available in the Bacich School office.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Superintendent Liz School, Bacich Assistant Principal Methinee Bozeman, or Kent Assistant Principal Jenny Walsh.
- Youth Truth Parental Consent Letter - In English and Spanish
- Youth Truth Survey Questions
School Board
Board of Trustees Open Seat Information
- Applications due to the District Office by noon on Friday, January 25, 2019.
- Interviews will be during open session of a special board meeting on February 7, 2019 at 4 p.m. at the District Office.
School Board Information
Special Board Meeting for Board of Trustees Open Seat Interviews : February 7, 2019, 4 p.m.
Next Regular Meeting: February 12, 2019
Technology and Innovation Programs highlighted at February Board Meeting - 4:00- 5:00 p.m.
- Join the Board of Trustees to learn more about technology and innovation in our district from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
- Regular meeting: 5 p.m. in the District Office.
- The Agenda will be posted by 5 p.m. the Friday before the meeting.
District Committees
Safety Committee Meeting
- Wednesday, January 30, 2019, 9-10 a.m., District Office
Citizens' Oversight Committee Meeting
- Wednesday, January 30, 2019, 5-6 p.m., District Office
Parent Partners Meeting
- Tuesday, February 5, 2019 9–11 a.m., District Office
Communications Committee Meeting
- Monday, February 11, 2019, 1-2 p.m., District Office
English Language Advisory Committee Update
On January 9, 2019, we held our first English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) meeting at Bacich with 20 people in attendance. The topics covered were how to help English learner students at home, our new website www.eldkentfield.com, and Aeries help.
- We will be hosting our next Bacich ELAC meeting on February 6, 2019 from 8-9 a.m. in Bacich Portable 1. The meeting with cover an Aeries tour, Kindergarten registration, and other topics.
On January 17, 2019, we held a District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) meeting with 15 people in attendance. We covered topics such as the summative ELPAC assessment, a reclassification ceremony, our new website (www.eldkentfield.com), and possible election of board members.
- Our next DELAC meeting will be on March 21, 2019 from 5:45-7 p.m. at the district office. We will cover topics such as roles of DELAC and ELAC, next year's future meeting dates, and agenda items.