Two Carmel Creek students hospitalized with E.coli infection

Source: Carmel Valley News

Two Carmel Creek Elementary School girls, ages 7 and 9, have been hospitalized after becoming sick with an E.coli infection, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency reported Oct. 29. The girls are expected to recover.

Health officials have not found the source of the E.coli, but officials at Carmel Creek Elementary have notified parents as a precaution, reports the HHSA.

E.coli can be found in a variety of entities, such as lettuce, unpasteurized apple cider, undercooked hamburger, raw milk, and from contact with animals at venues like petting zoos and animal exhibits.

Symptoms of an E.coli infection include abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea. While the illness usually clears up within five to 10 days, a small percentage of those infected may develop a condition that can lead to kidney failure.

E. Coli Sickens Two North County Children

Source: County of San Diego

October 29, 2008

Two North County children have been sickened by E. Coli infection, and County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is working with the County Department of Environmental Health (DEH) to try to locate the source.

The girls, ages seven and nine, have been hospitalized and are expected to recover.

Although the source of the infection has yet to be determined, officials at Carmel Creek Elementary School, where the girls attend, have notified parents as a precaution.

“The school has not been named as the source, but we appreciate their cooperation during this investigation,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “We emphasize to the public that it is critical to practice appropriate food safety habits and good hand hygiene to prevent infectious diseases like E. Coli from spreading.”

“The safety of our children is extremely important to us, and we keep parents informed about issues that may affect them and their children,” said Leslie Fausset, superintendent, Solana Beach Elementary School District.

E. Coli can be attributed to many sources, including lettuce, raw milk, un-pasteurized apple cider, or from petting zoos and animal exhibits. Undercooked hamburger is another possible source.

“Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, which kills the bacteria,” said Gary Erbeck, Director, DEH. “The only sure way to tell if you have reached that temperature is to use a food thermometer. “

E. coli infection often causes abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea. There is usually little or no fever, and the illness typically resolves itself in five to 10 days. A small percentage of infected individuals may also develop a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed and kidney failure may occur. Those most at risk for serious complications of this food-borne illness include young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. Consumers should seek immediate medical care if they develop these symptoms.

“Considering the serious health threat E. Coli poses to this age group, I am pleased our County health officials have mechanisms in place to help prevent further spread of the illness,” said Supervisor Pam Slater-Price, who represents Solana Beach.

For more information on E. Coli, contact HHSA Community Epidemiology Branch at (619) 515-6620.

Del Mar Hills Principal Selection

Source: http://dmusd.org/hills/news/openNewsfeed.aspx?newsfeedid=1204

Thursday, October 23, 2008

It is with great pleasure that the Del Mar Union School District announces the selection of Susan Fitzpatrick as the new Principal of the Del Mar Hills Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Ms. Fitzpatrick is currently employed in the Vista Unified School District where she is the Principal of Breeze Hill Elementary School. Previously, she held the position of Coordinator of Curriculum. Ms. Fitzpatrick also worked in the Riverside Unified School District for 12 years as an assistant principal, interim principal, BTSA support provider, and teacher. While there, she received the Superintendent’s Award for Excellence and was named part of “Inland Empire Women Who Make a Difference.”

As a school principal, Ms. Fitzpatrick guided the introduction and implementation of the Professional Learning Community (PLC) model. The goal of a school PLC is to enhance the effectiveness of the school program so that students benefit. PLCs were implemented in the Del Mar Schools in the 2006-2007 school year. The use of the PLC model at Breeze Elementary resulted in a gain of 41 points on the California Standards Test school wide and a gain of 68 points for English Language Learners. As Coordinator of Curriculum, Ms. Fitzpatrick successfully assisted in the district wide implementation of a systematic reading intervention program and Professional Learning Community model.

Ms. Fitzpatrick graduated from Kansas State College and received her Master of Arts in Educational Administration from National University. She holds a Gifted and Talented Education Certificate from the University of California, Riverside, and will complete her doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of La Verne next year.

Ms. Fitzpatrick said she is thrilled to be the new principal at such a wonderful school and is looking forward to working with staff and parents. Susan has 2 sons and one granddaughter.

More information:

• Breeze Hill School website
• Los Angeles Times California Schools Guide
• Breeze Hill School Accountability Report Card
• Breeze Hill's STAR test scores
• Breeze Hill Parent Reviews on Greatschools.net
• NC Times: Vista schools lose administrators
• NC Times: New principal takes over at Vista's Breeze Hill school

New principal for Del Mar Hills

Source: Del Mar Times

9:48 AM
By San Diego Suburban Newspapers

The Del Mar Union School District announced today that Susan Fitzpatrick has been named principal at Del Mar Hills Academy.

The elementary school has been without a permanent principal since August, when Laurie Francis left to become principal at Carmel Valley Middle School. Vince Jewell, the former superintendent of the Cardiff School District has been acting as interim principal.

Fitzpatrick is currently employed in the Vista Unified School District where she is the principal of Breeze Hill Elementary School. She also worked in the Riverside School District for 12 years in various positions including assistant principal, interim principal and teacher.

Fitzpatrick graduated from Kansas State University and received her Master of Arts in Educational Administration from National University. She will complete her doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of La Verne next year.

Regular Board Meeting • October 22, 2008

Regular Board Meeting
Del Mar Hills Academy – Multi-Purpose Room
14085 Mango Drive
Del Mar, CA 92014
Wednesday, October 22, 2008, 5:45 pm
(Click here for map)

CALL TO ORDER - OPEN SESSION – 4:00 pm

1. Board president calls for blue speaker slips
2. Public input concerning items on the closed session agenda

Adjourn to Closed Session (In the Del Mar Hills Academy - Administration Office Conference Room, 14085 Mango Drive, Del Mar, CA 92014)

CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION

Closed Session Agenda:

1. Public Employee Appointment/Employment: Title: School Principal (G.C. 54957)
2. Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release pursuant to (Government Code 54957)
3. Conference with Labor Negotiator (G.C. 54957.6)
   Agency Designated Representatives: Sharon McClain, Superintendent and Rodger Smith, Director of Human Resources & Facilities Planning; Employee Organization: Del Mar California Teachers Association
4. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Government Code section 54956.9(a); Name of Case: DMUSD v. Challenger Sheet Metal, Inc.
5. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Government Code section 54956.9(b); Name of Case: Significant Exposure to Litigation: One case
6. Public Employee Performance Evaluation: Title: Superintendent (G.C. 54957)

Adjournment of Closed Session:

RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION

3. REPORT OF ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:

CALL TO ORDER, REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES - 5:45 P.M.

11. PERSONNEL
    3. Board Approval, .5 Full Time Equivalent Expansion Position for Spanish Instruction at Del Mar Heights School

More Information:

• Full Agenda
• Minutes
• Complete October 22 Meeting Audio
  

Timeline laid out for hiring new Del Mar Hills Academy Principal

Timeline laid out for hiring new Del Mar Hills Academy Principal

Source: Carmel Valley News 10-16-08

By Matt Liebowitz

The Del Mar Union School District met in a special meeting on Oct. 1 to discuss the timeline and process for hiring a new principal for Del Mar Hills Academy, a position left vacant by former principal Laurie Francis.

Francis left Del Mar Hills this past summer to take a principal position at Carmel Valley Middle School; in her absence, Vince Jewell has been serving as interim principal. Jewell recently announced that he will be leaving his Hills position by the Thanksgiving break.

The district’s hiring schedule outlined Oct. 7 as the deadline for filing an application. On Oct. 9 the district will complete paper screening and select candidates for the first round of interviews, which will be conducted Oct. 15 by a panel comprised of staff and community members.

Oct. 17 is the second round of interviews, in which candidates will meet with Director of Human Resources Rodger Smith and Janet Bernrd, interim superintendent and assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. The finalist will make a site visit on Oct. 21, and be appointed on Oct. 22.

Director of Human Resources Rodger Smith said that as of Oct 1, the district had already received 11 applications; the position has been advertised continuously for six weeks. Smith expects the district to receive between 20 and 30 applications.

Though Smith wouldn’t comment on any of the applicants, he reported that at least one currently works in the district.

While she’s ultimately pleased with the decision to find a permanent replacement for Francis, Kerry Traylor, PTA president at Del Mar Hills Academy, said she believes political posturing is the reason the search got off the ground.

In August, the school district’s interim superintendent Janet Bernard proposed an identical plan — both in timetable and process — to the one approved on Oct. 1, but the board declined to approve it.

“The reason they approved it this time was purely political,” said Traylor. “The board realized they’d look very foolish vetoing the very first major management decision made by the new superintendent [Dr. Sharon McClain]. It was easy for them to disapprove Bernard’s recommendation, but not as easy with Dr. McClain.”

School District Board President Annette Easton responded to Traylor’s assertion by saying it was a matter of timing and prudence that caused them to pursue the search now as opposed to after Bernard’s proposal in August.

“We’d heard all along from PTA that they wanted to move forward,” said Easton. “It was just, unfortunately with the timing of Laurie Francis leaving, it wouldn’t have been possible to do a thorough search and involve the Del Mar Hills community if we had tried to that in August.”

Easton also stressed that the search was put off until McClain was in office (she was hired as superintendent on Aug. 20).

“We thought it would be helpful to wait until the new superintendent was on board,” Easton said.

Regardless of the way it came about, Traylor is satisfied the search is beginning, and appreciative of McClain for her leadership and cooperation with the Hills’ parent and teacher community, noting that on Sept. 19, McClain visited Del Mar Hills and met with more than 70 parents. Traylor also voiced the PTA’s approval of the community input aspect of the principal search process.

More information:

• Timeline and Process for Hiring New Principal for the Del Mar Hills Academy

Don’t sling mud if you want to silence the ‘mud slingers’

Source: Carmel Valley News, October 9, 2008

Re: Marsha Sutton’s column of Sept. 11, 2008

Once again, we are compelled to provide a response that depicts an accurate picture of the climate among the educators in Del Mar Union School District. The first reaction was to simply turn the page, ignoring the negative and divisive language used in an attempt to drive a wedge between educators in the district. But on further reflection, we felt the community deserved the truth and feared some might read Marsha Sutton’s opinion column and perceive it as fact. Ms. Sutton states, “What Del Mar sorely needs now is to become one united district, intolerant of anything less than full cooperation, support and mutual respect” and yet her comments are laced with inflammatory language and unfounded allegations concerning DMUSD educators. Many of us were shocked to hear statements suggesting that anyone would purposefully “ostracize” our fellow colleagues at Del Mar Heights School. It prompted us to inquire as to whether the Heights staff actually felt this way and the answer was an emphatic “NO.” It’s important to know that staffing within any district is fluid and many of us have worked at more than one school; therefore, we don’t define ourselves as educators loyal to only one school site. We all have close friends and former colleagues scattered throughout the district. We think of them fondly and maintain utmost respect for each other. As professionals, our main objective is to advocate for every student, regardless of which school they attend or the politics of the community. For those of us who have the privilege to teach in the DMUSD, education does matter.

We agree that adults can tear down any progress within this district with unfounded gossip, and therefore have resolved to quickly address any rumors which concern the unified body of educators in the DMUSD. We challenge Ms. Sutton to join us and refrain from turning the handle of the “Rumor Mill.” If you truly desire to silence the “mud slingers,” then stop choosing a side and slinging mud.

Del Mar California Teachers Association

Marsha Sutton’s response:

I understand this response. Most of Del Mar’s 273 teachers are revolted at the notion that some of their peers may be engaging in petty, political conduct. I get that. No one wants to be associated with people whose actions are so unseemly.

I also know from experience that teachers unions can be overly sensitive, sometimes taking a circle-the-wagons approach when any one of their members is criticized. Such criticism, no matter how valid, can trigger an intense reaction that’s often designed to silence, intimidate or humiliate anyone who dares to expose some hidden fault or uncover problems.

But shooting the messenger is not the answer.

I don’t just sit here all day inventing lies and dreaming up ways to upset teachers. I stand by my story. What I wrote about the Heights teachers being avoided by some (some) other teachers and staff in the district has been validated by far too many for far too long to discount its legitimacy.

It’s not hard to understand why the guilty won’t admit it and the ostracized refuse to open up, given the politically charged nature of the culture in the Del Mar Union School District.

Teachers are no different than any other group of people who choose to form an association: most are honest, hard-working, decent and trustworthy.

But not all are angels. This fact of human nature does not in any way demean the entire organization. But to deny the truth, that this situation has existed beneath the radar, is to put on blinders to very real problems that should be addressed.

What this issue sorely needed was some sunshine. For only when light is shed on such divisiveness will it end.

Selection Process for the New Principal of the Academy

Source: http://dmusd.org/hills/news/openNewsfeed.aspx?newsfeedID=1186

Thursday, October 09, 2008

The Del Mar Union School District has received nineteen applications for the position of Principal at the Del Mar Hills Academy. First round interviews are scheduled for Wednesday, October 15. The interview panel will consist of staff members and parents from Del Mar Hills Academy; the panel will also include two principals of other schools in the Del Mar Union School District and two district-level administrators.

The first round interviews will identify two or three candidates to move forward to a second round interview. The second round interviews will be conducted on October 17 by district Superintendent Sharon McClain, Assistant Superintendent Janet Bernard, and Director of Human Resources, Rodger Smith. Following a thorough check of references and a visit to the final candidate’s place of work, it is anticipated the new principal will be appointed by the Board of Trustees on October 22. The date of arrival at the Del Mar Hills Academy of the new principal will depend on when the current employer is willing to release him/her to begin their work in Del Mar.

Trustees speed up hiring schedule on Hills principal

Questions remain over school's future

Source: Del Mar Times

Oct 9, 2008
By Jim Kerr

Addressing parent and staff concerns over the lack of a permanent principal at Del Mar Hills Academy, school board trustees on Oct. 1, approved an aggressive schedule for the naming of a new principal to replace acting principal Vince Jewell.

"This is a critical management decision," said Del Mar Hills PTA President Kerry Traylor before the school board's approval. "We see no reason our 333 students can't have the permanent leadership that every other school in the district has."

Superintendent Sharon McClain agreed.

"I'm recommending we name a fulltime principal now," said McClain. "We need stability and someone whose sole focus is Del Mar Hills. We've heard that clearly from parents."

The approved hiring timeline includes interviews for the position scheduled for next week with a new principal hopefully named by Oct. 22.

Traylor also asked the board to address rumors that district offices might be moved to either Del Mar Hills or nearby Del Mar Heights School and how that might affect potential principal candidates for Del Mar Hills.

"What implication does this have for the school and the quality of candidates?" asked Traylor. 'How will you handle those questions?"

"We have to immediately meet the needs of this community," responded McClain. "All of these other decisions are in the future."

District officials continue to fend off rumors concerning the viability of the two schools, saying those discussions will be part of future strategic planning and budget discussions.

Budget concerns prompted the temporary hire last week of a new financial advisor for the district and speculation has been widespread in the community over the fate of the schools. The two schools sit within one mile of each other off Del Mar Heights Road, and their combined student population does not equal the number of students at several of the district's individual Carmel Valley Schools.

Previous school board discussions have hinted at possibly combining Del Mar Hills and Del Mar Heights School into one school. One scenario has the schools sharing a principal with kindergarten through third grade classes being held at one school, and fourth through sixth grade classes being held at the other.

When asked about the issue shortly before the start of last week's meeting, McClain said all options remain on the table including a possible closure of one of the two schools.

Leaving soon

Del Mar Hills has been without a permanent principal since August, when longtime principal Laurie Francis announced she was leaving to assume the same position at Carmel Valley Middle School. Jewell, the former superintendent of the Cardiff School District, has been acting as temporary principal for the school, but he announced last week that he would stay only until the district's Thanksgiving break.

The district has been passively recruiting for a new principal through ads in education trade papers both in print and online. But according to Facilities Director Rodger Smith, the district has so far only been collecting resumes - 11 in total.

McClain said that if the appropriate principal were not located within the next month, another interim principal would have to be named.

"If we don't find a good candidate that fits this site, we will have to go out and find another one," she said. "I'm not willing to take someone who is not perfect."

---

- Jim Kerr

Jim is the editor for the Del Mar Times, Carmel Valley Leader, Rancho Santa Fe Record and Solona Beach Sun. Jim can be reached by e-mail.

Special Board Meeting • October 8, 2008

Del Mar Union School District Office
Conference Room
225 9th Street
Del Mar, CA 92014

NOTICE OF SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
5:30 p.m.
(Click here for map)

CALL TO ORDER - OPEN SESSION – 5:30 pm

BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED WILL BE LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
3. BOARD APPROVAL, PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY – REQUEST FOR ATTENDANCE CONFERENCE/WORKSHOP, CALIFORNIA EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION (CETPA)

ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION

CALL TO ORDER – CLOSED SESSION

CLOSED SESSION AGENDA:

4. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION, TITLE: SUPERINTENDENT (G.C. 54957)

RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION

5. REPORT OF ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
6. ADJOURNMENT OF SPECIAL BOARD MEETING OF OCTOBER 8, 2008.

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More information:

• October 8, 2008 Special Board Meeting Agenda
• Minutes

Timeline and Process for Hiring New Principal for the Del Mar Hills Academy

Source: DMUSD Board Packet

Special Board Meeting of October 1, 2008

October 1, 2008

To:	Board Members
From:	Sharon McClain, Superintendent
Subject:	Timeline and Process for Hiring New Principal for the Del Mar Hills Academy

Since the beginning of the school year, Del Mar Hills Academy of Arts and Sciences has enjoyed the Interim Principal services of Mr. Vince Jewell. Mr. Jewell has recently notified the District that he will be leaving his position by the Thanksgiving break.

Mr. Jewell has been an excellent Interim Principal. He has facilitated the successful opening of school and has helped to establish a positive and safe learning environment. Additionally, he has worked with staff and parents to formulate goals for the 08-09 school year.

With Mr. Jewel leaving, is important that the staff, parents and students of Del Mar Hills School have the leadership and support that a permanent full time principal would bring. A permanent principal would contribute stability and accountability to school programs that will continue to move the school forward.

For these reasons, I recommend that the District hire a permanent, full time principal to provide high quality instructional leadership and commitment to the vision and goals of the Del Mar Hills Academy of Arts and Sciences.

The following timeline will provide for the hiring of a new principal and crossover time with Mr. Jewell:

Tuesday, Oct. 7	Deadline for filing an application
Thursday, Oct. 9	Complete paper screening and select candidates for first round interviews
Wednesday, Oct. 15	Conduct first round interviews with combined community and staff panel
Friday, Oct. 17	Conduct second round interviews with Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Director of Human Resources
Tuesday, Oct. 21	Site visit of finalist
Wednesday, Oct. 22	Board appoints new principal
As soon as possible	New principal begins assignment at Del Mar Hills Academy of Arts and Sciences