■ Two strategy sessions set for Thursday, one for April 28

By Keri Luiz
Assistant Editor

What is the driving purpose of the Benicia Unified School District Governing Board of Trustees? What, exactly, is its mission?

Superintendent Janice Adams said Tuesday she asked the board to review its current mission statement — which hasn’t been updated in more than a decade — as part of the district’s comprehensive review of its Strategic Plan.

The board will consider the mission statement Thursday during a 6 p.m. workshop on the plan — the panel’s second of three meetings on the subject — which will be followed by its regular 7 p.m. meeting.

“Our existing mission statement was developed 12 years ago and I am asking the board to examine this mission statement to determine whether it reflects our current beliefs about the mission of our district,” Adams said.

The district’s mission statement reads: “By building bridges throughout our historical, culturally-rich and supportive community, our mission is to prepare all students for a successful future in a safe learning environment with diverse opportunities, enriched curriculum and high expectations.”

Adams said in crafting language for a new mission statement, officials are seeking the input of all segments of the district — teachers, parents, students and staff — as well as the community.

“We want to hear from students, parents and the community about what they believe to be the primary focus of our district,” she said.

Thursday night’s workshop will follow a city-district liaison committee session that morning that also is scheduled to tackle the mission statement question, as well as other matters pertaining to the district’s Strategic Plan. Both meetings are a precursor to an April 28 district meeting on the Strategic Plan, and all are open to the public.

In other business Thursday night, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Michael Gardner and Carleen Maselli, president and bargaining chairperson of the Benicia Teacher’s Association, will formally present articles that both the district and union will open for negotiations. “We don’t describe topics, we just list which articles of the contract we are opening for negotiations,” Adams said.

Chief Business Official Timothy Rahill will present the board with a pair of resolutions regarding the districts’ finances. “Both resolutions request that the county treasurer make funding available to the Benicia USD before the related cash is on deposit at the county treasurer’s office,” Adams said. “(The first) resolution … relates to property taxes and (the second) relates to state categorical programs. This affects our cash flow but really is an internal issue, not one that impacts the community, students or parents.”

Also Thursday night, Adams will present a proclamation recognizing “the value of early childhood education and early childhood educators.”

If You Go
The BUSD board of trustees will meet Thursday at 5 p.m. in closed session, followed by a mission statement/strategic planning workshop at 6 p.m. and the regular, open session at 7 p.m. in the district board room, 350 East K St.

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