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Involvement in education encouraged, appreciated
Debi Bukko
Debi Bukko is an assistant superintendent for the Ceres Unified School District. - photo by Contributed to the Courier

As we enter the second year of California's Local Control Funding Formula for school districts, we want to be sure families in our community are aware of the variety of ways they can be involved in helping to shape policies affecting their students' education.

The new funding formula allocates additional dollars to school districts with high percentages of students who are eligible for free or reduced meals, are English learners, or are foster youth. In Ceres Unified School District, over 85 percent of our students fall into one or more of these categories. This has led to additional dollars that are funding increased and improved services for students in the district. These services are reflected in the district's Local Control Accountability Plan which is developed in partnership with families, students, staff, and community members.

Over the course of the last year and a half, a number of parents and community members have provided valued insight and input which have informed and shaped the plan. A copy of the district's Local Control Accountability Plan is available on the district's website at www.ceres.k12.ca.us . We encourage you to view the document in its entirety as well as the executive summary of the evaluation of this year's plan. Each year the Local Control Accountability Plan will be evaluated and modified and ongoing opportunities will be provided for family and community input.

We encourage families to engage with their students' school and educational programs by joining the Family Engagement Team, School Site Council, English Learner Advisory Committee, and Parent Teacher Organization that is available at each school. These organizations provide opportunities for input into school decision making, including actions and services reflected in the Local Control Accountability Plan.

Educating our children is one of the most important functions in our society, and family engagement is essential in students' educational success. We extend sincere appreciation to those who have provided insight regarding how the district can increase and improve services for students and invite all families to become involved in school programs and events.