DOWNEY - The Downey School Board recognized and praised the accomplishments of, first, Warren High School wrestler Damian Gomez who was crowned CIF Southern Section, Div. 5, 103-lb. weight class individual champion, along with his coach, Tim Brogden; and, secondly, the whole Downey High School varsity CIF Southern Section, Div. 5, wrestling champion team (numbering some 20 members), along with their coaches Miguel Soto, Roger Rios, Monico Enriquez, and Adrian Enriquez.The Board also heard Apple, Inc. officials Cheryl Lee and Dan Roach recognize the Warren High School film and video program under the direction of Andy Lundsberg for "setting the gold standard" in that successful CTE (Career and Technical Education) category. Meanwhile, Columbus High School under Principal Kathy Succa was presented with the superintendent's Vision Award in the area of Culture, because teachers and staff were committed to a "collective, never-ending effort to make their students reconnect to school." The commendation for Williams Elementary School certificated employee Allison Israwi as she received the Vision Award in the area of Culture came from her principal, Mary Weyers, who characterized Israwi's many contributions and multifaceted service as an expression of her "passion about children and making sure they get the best education we can provide for them." Finally, elementary education and teacher support programs director Denise Takano presented Vision awardee, Ana Thorne, as a "great example of a staff member that has made a positive difference through her work and actions as well as her attributes" for a number of years, and whose "organization, efficiency, effectiveness, and initiative are legendary.". Meanwhile, Superintendent Wendy Doty announced that support programs, career and vocational education director Phil Davis has just been named "Administrator of the Year" for the state of California. In other action, the Board: •Accepted with thanks donations in cash and in-kind from various sources including $10,000 from Schools First Credit Union, for Character Counts support training; and 18 PC Dell computer systems, with an estimated value of $9,000, intended for enhancing the instructional program at Warren High School, from Business & Technology Enterprises; •Ratified/approved usual district business, including: the payment of convention and conference attendance, special education placements, purchase orders by the Purchasing Department, a couple of change orders, and routine Personnel items until subsequent action is taken by the Board of Education; •Ratified the general agreement with Optimum Behavior Services (for special education purposes) covering July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010; •Ratified the various agreements/contracts inked with Riverside Publishing (to provide an assessment management system), LACOE for supplemental consultant services (for homeless students) as well as providing for a WorkAbility Program Training Services ROP program, and Cerritos College Teacher TRAC Program; •Approved the appointment of Carol Magarino and Deysi Figueroa to the SELPA (special ed) Community Advisory Committee; •Awarded the bid for trade labor-painters to M & R Painting & Decorating, Inc., of Rowland Heights; •Accepted as complete the electrical, fencing, paving, and concrete work performed by various contractors; •Ratified the abolishment of four vacant positions (mostly of the Instructional Assistant variety) and one existing position, attached to different schools, meanwhile ratifying the establishment of two Instructional Assistant positions (to provide support services for students with special needs); •Received the second period Interim Financial Report as of Jan. 31, 2010 attesting to the positive certification that DUSD can meet its financial obligations for the remainder of the 09-10 fiscal year; •Reviewed the proposed 2010-11 course of study for the middle schools; and •Endorsed the actions taken by the superintendent on all student cases, considered in closed session. The next regular public meeting of the board will be at 5 p. m, on April 20, at the Gallegos Administration Center, 11627 Brookshire Ave.

********** Published: March 12, 2010 - Volume 8 - Issue 47