Dear Novato Community,
Mary Jane Burke-Final Year as Marin County Superintendent of Schools
I am sure by now you have heard that Mary Jane Burke has decided not to run for reelection. Mary Jane has served with brilliance, advocacy, laser focus on students, collaboration, care, personalization, incredible work ethic, creative problem solving, generosity of spirit and talents, and a willingness to always listen and make decisions based on what is best for the students placed in her care throughout Marin County. She brings together public, private, and parochial schools to brainstorm and to always be inclusive. Mary Jane is an advocate extraordinaire for public education. She has a special place in her heart for NUSD, as a Novato resident, lucky us!
I am not sure what we will do without her, but what I do know after dedicating her entire career of 50 years serving the Marin County Office of Education, it is time for Mary Jane to finally take time for herself and her family. She leaves a legacy that is immeasurable in depth and breadth and a leadership role that will be difficult to replace.
NUSD has in the past, and currently has been blessed to have Mary Jane’s leadership and guidance during challenging times. Mary Jane and her team are supporting us with expertise and consistency. Mary Jane’s guidance is wise, unrelenting on a laser focus on students, and guides us in maximizing our funding and being fiscally responsible. Mary Jane never retreats in the face of adversity, but always steps forward to say, “How can I help?” And indeed, she is with us in NUSD every step of the way.
Mary Jane’s initiatives county-wide are too numerous to list, and here are a few highlights that positively impact the lives of students and adults alike in Marin County; Schools Rule Foundation, Dedication to Special Education, School and Law Enforcement Partnership, Marin County School Administrators Association, Marin County Retired Teachers Association, 16th District PTA, College and Career Readiness, Marin Child Care Council, Alternative Education, Marin County Volunteers, Joint Legislative Action Committee, Efficiency and Effectiveness Collaboration, and Partnerships with College of Marin and Dominican University; and the list goes on.
We send our heartfelt appreciation to Mary Jane for her tremendous dedication to Marin County and wish her well as she begins a new adventure in life. She will remain in our hearts and on our minds when we hear the song, “Because I Knew You”, we are truly changed for the better. We are grateful to Mary Jane for her compassion, and generous contributions to our lives.
PTA Budget Meetings So Rewarding and Informational
Trustees, Leslie Benjamin, and I have been enjoying meeting with each school’s PTA to discuss NUSD’s funding sources and priorities. The PTA leadership is stellar and the parent commitment to helping is deeply appreciated.We have been asked, “How can parents help?” We are delighted with this tremendous response.
There are several ways to support NUSD, the students, and the programs.
- Get involved at your school site through PTA and Site based Parcel Tax Committee
- Get involved in the district by applying for the Parcel Tax Oversight Committee
- Get involved as an ambassador for your school to share the assets of NUSD in your community and beyond.
- Join the district Communications Committee with Leslie Benjamin ([email protected])
Right now, we are awaiting the details of the Governor’s Budget. Lois Standring, our Assistant Superintendent for Business Services is attending a workshop regarding the State Budget for 2022-23 and will share the information with us very soon.
You may wish to participate in a Zoom Annual School Funding Forum on January 20, 2022 from 5-6:30 pm to hear from Michael Fine, Chief Executive Officer of Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) and Brooks Allen, Executive Director of the California State Board of Education. Here is the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81153319799?pwd=Tzl0dkF3ak8xRHVUbnpDbGsyWXBSZz09#success Webinar ID: 811 5331 9799 with this passcode – 371944. To call in, dial: 1. 408.638.0968
PTA Meetings for Budget Overview
Pleasant Valley 1/12/22 6 pm
Lynwood 1/18/22 6 pm
San Jose 1/20/22 6 pm
Sinaloa 1/20/22 7 pm
Novato High 2/3/22 7 pm
San Marin TBD
(Already held: Olive, Hamilton, Rancho, Lu Sutton, San Ramon, Loma Verde)
Looking forward to our time together to discuss the budget. Your input is appreciated.
Respectfully,
Respectfully,
Jan La Torre-Derby, Ed.D.
Superintendent