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SCHOOL JOURNAL

School Board Looks to the Challenges of 2008

David Mills
Connection Staff
January 2008

Th ere’s a changing of the guard

and a focus on priorities as the Emery

School Board heads into 2008.

In December, the trustees realigned

their leadership positions. Joshua Simon

was elected president. He’s been

on the school board for six years, serving

as vice president the past two years.

Kurt Brinkman was elected vice

president. He’s been on the board for

fi ve years.

Melodi Dice was named as clerk.

She served as board president the past

two years.

Miguel Dwin is the board’s County

Representative. Cheryl Webb continues

to serve as a board member.

“Th is is a very exciting time for the

Emery School District,” said Simon.

Th e new board president said the

District in the coming year will focus

on its academic progress with students,

its support of teachers and its strengthening

of math, science and arts curriculum.

Th e District will also need to address

the issues surrounding its buildings

and equipment.

“We need 21st century facilities to

do 21st century work,” said Simon.

High on the priority list is the former

Emery Middle School Academy

site at 61st and Doyle Streets. Th e

school board received recommendations

in December from a Real Estate

Advisory Committee it established to

study the best uses for the property.

Th e Board now must decide whether

to sell the site or develop it.

One possibility is using the

grounds for the District’s joint venture

with the city of Emeryville for

a Center of Community Life. Th at

facility would be used for recreational

programs and after-school services,

among other things. Habitot Children’s

Museum, currently located in

downtown Berkeley, is also interested

in locating there. A plan is scheduled

to be approved in late 2008.

“It’s part of a bigger question of

how do you serve all the residents of

the community,” said Simon.

Another top priority is hiring a

permanent superintendent. Tony

Smith left the district in late October.

Since then, Steven Wesley has been

acting superintendent. Board members

say they are looking for someone

to build on the foundation Smith

established during his three years at

the helm.

“It’s probably the most critical

thing we have to do this coming

year,” said Kurt Brinkman.

Add in the board’s responsibility

to wisely spend the Measure A parcel

tax money approved by voters in June

and you have a full agenda for 2008.

“It will be a busy and exciting

year,” said Brinkman. “Th ere are lots

of things to do.”

David Mills is a writer for Th e Emeryville

Connection. If you have a question or comment,

please contact him at ecocnews@gmail.com