TUSD Achievements During My Board Term 1996 to 2000

By Francine Pace Scinto, Ms.

Tustin Unified has quickly adopted and implemented high standards, and addressed the needs of its growing population.

• Renewed focus on basic skills, staring in advance of state direction;

• Emphasized systematic, explicit phonics instruction, starting in advance of state direction;

• Reduced of class size, immediately capitalizing on funding provided for that purpose;

• Quickly adopted, adaptation for TUSD, and detailed implementation of the state's rigorous standards in reading, math, writing, science an history;

• Conservatively managed $100+ million budget;

• Preserved capital accounts;

• Addressed crowding with both year-round education and an aggressive building and renovation program as follows:
• Refurbished and reopened Guinn Foss Elementary School in North Tustin in September 1997;
• Constructed and opened Peters' Canyon Elementary School in Tustin Ranch in September 1997;
• Designed, financed, constructed and opened Pioneer

School in Tustin Ranch in the fall of 1999;

• Designed and financed a new Red Hill School, currently under construction and scheduled to reopen in 2001 in North Tustin;
• Financed, secured state design approval, and are now in progress of constructing Ladera Elementary in Tustin Ranch, on schedule to open in 2001; and
• Planning and designing of Hicks Canyon Elementary in Northpark, Myford Elementary in West Irvine, and Beckman High School in Irvine, all currently in the financing, land purchase and state approval processes; and scheduled to open by 2003.
• Successfully obtained state money for all projects since 1998 fund availabilty.