Hi-Desert Republican Women, Federated welcomed San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Gary Thomas, Ed.D., as their guest speaker today at the monthly membership meeting.  Of course this means that Thomas is a good Republican!

Thomas discussed both the successes and failures with the county’s sch0ol system.  San Bernardino County has a lot to be proud of including an on-going commitment to public/private/community-based partnerships to enhance their ability to provide services and education to our county’s youth.

Overall, countywide the Academic Performance Index (API) scores have increased 32 points despite a state-wide budget cut over two years of almost $17 billion.  Much of the cuts were made up by one-time stimulus funding.  Now, however, there is concern about the Governor’s “across-the-board” attitude regarding future cuts.  Thomas stated that the effects of maintaining quality education will bolster the budget and cuts should be made with care rather than across the board.

One area of failure is a very high dropout rate in this county.  After studying the problem, it was determined the most likely students to drop out are seniors and the SOS office is developing strategies to attack the problem.

The ladies asked about the effects of illegal immigration upon county school.  Much to the dismay of attendees, Thomas stated that those statistics are not know as they are not allowed to ask immigration status.  All youth must be served despite their status.