The Amador County Unified School District is gearing up for the 2008-09 school year.  A special board workshop Tuesday marked the first official day for new Superintendent Richard “Dick” Glock.  At the meeting, board members discussed their vision and goals for the upcoming year, making several changes to the existing Vision and Goals poster. In relation to the board’s vision, Glock quoted the book Results Now, How We Can Achieve Unprecedented Improvements in Teaching and Learning, which talks about the huge difference between well-known essential practices and the reality of most classrooms. The book lectures about consistent curriculum, authentic literacy education, and professional learning communities for teachers.  Taking from the book, Glock said, “simple plans work best – those with a direct focus on straightforward actions and opportunities.” He also recommended that teachers “analyze their achievement data, set goals, and then meet at least twice a month – for 45 minutes.” Glock brings a wealth of experience from his previous superintendent positions, including eleven years with the Temecula Valley Unified School District in Southern California, as well Superintendent of Schools in Nebraska.

The board also discussed streamlining the suspension and expulsion policies and looked at the possibility of hiring four retired administrators to sit on the Expulsion Hearing Panel. Another item the board felt needed streamlining was Dress Code Policy enforcement.  Collectively, the board recognized the need to address and enforce dress code policy violations at the very beginning of the school year, as well as notifying parents of the policy.  The board also touched on homework policies, as well as the proper procedure for staying in touch with parents or guardians regarding missing assignments and failing grades.  And finally, the board requested a copy of the board’s cell phone policy, which regulates student use of cell phones at school and outlines the proper procedure to follow when phones are confiscated.