Meeting Highlights - June 2, 2020

COVID-19: What's A Superintendent to Do? - Bruce Johnson, Redwood Christian Schools Superintendent Emeritus and Castro Valley Rotarian provided a wonderful introduction to Dr. Al Hearne II, Superintendent of the Redwood Christian Schools (RCS) and Parvin Ahmadi, Superintendent of the Castro Valley Unified School District.
COVID-19:  What's A Superintendent to Do?
Dr. Al Hearne II, Superintendent Redwood Christian Schools
Parvin Ahmadi, Superintendent Castro Valley USD

Bruce Johnson, Redwood Christian Schools Superintendent Emeritus and Castro Valley Rotarian provided a wonderful introduction to Dr. Al Hearne II, Superintendent of the Redwood Christian Schools (RCS) and Parvin Ahmadi, Superintendent of the Castro Valley Unified School District.  Read the introduction here.  Watch the introduction and presentation by Parvin and Al here. 
 
Superintendents Hearne and Ahmadi moved back-and-forward throughout the presentation sharing experiences and stories that were similar even though CVUSD and RCS are much different in size.  They shared their experiences in the following areas:
 
The immediate challenges of implementing the shelter in place order in March and shifting from classroom learning to online virtual learning, which requirement them to ensure that all students and staff has access to the appropriate technology.  Training staff (i.e., professional development) regarding online teaching and learning was one of the many challenges.  Since both RCS and CVUSD had systems already in place, the transition to online learning, while not perfect, went much faster and much better than in many districts.
 
 
Both Al and Parvin shared numerous examples of the successes the CVUSD and RCS had regarding the implementation of online learning and teaching as well as what they learned along the way that will allow them to be better prepared in the future.  Major changes include how the curriculum was delivered through a new modality as well as how teachers evaluated student learning.  Standardized classroom assessment no longer worked since as Superintendent Hearne noted, "Mr. Google was right there with the student." 
 
 
Parvin and Al both recognized the outstanding efforts that teachers made throughout the process, but also recognized the efforts of custodians, Child Nutrition staff, bus driver, and other classified staff to ensure that learning took place and that meals were provided.  Both shared stories about how the schools ensured that students experienced graduations and promotions.
 
 
Now that the 2019-2020 school year has closed, Al and Parvin discussed the planning that has been and is occurring to reopen for the 2020-2021 school year.  The greatest challenge is the unknown:  shelter in place orders, restrictions on social distancing; keeping schools cleaned; and budget cuts.  Both RCS and CVUSD are planning for 2020-2021 without knowing what the playing field will be.
 
The Club sincerely thanked Parvin and Al for an outstanding presentation as well as their outstanding leadership!
Member Moment:  Roland Williams,
General Manager of Castro Valley Sanitary District
Roland shared that he loves working at the Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSan), which he described as "a happy place."  CVSan provides waste water and solid waste services for Castro Valley.  Roland notes that CVSan has won over 30 award for its services and operations (e.g., audits, accounting, processing).  When Roland was young, he told his parents that he wanted to own a toilet paper company since everyone needs it.  Now he deals with the toilet in a different manner. 
 
In his role as General Manager of CVSan, Roland serves on the boards of many professional organizations (e.g., California Association of Sanitary Agencies, California Risk Management Board for Sanitary Agency) as well as serving on the East Bay Regional Park District Advisory Committee.  
 
CVSan has a $12 million operating budget and focuses on making decisions for the long term to ensure that CVSan raises the quality of life in Castro Valley.  Watch Roland's presentation here.   
Rotary Club of Castro Valley 
 
Restaurant of the Week
 
Sweet Treat of the Week
Knudsen's Ice Creamery
Join us in supporting these great local businesses by ordering and posting your pictures in the
Eden Area Take Out & Delivery
Click on the links for the menus and services. 
 
Watch the presentation here.
 
 
Make sure you tell them the Rotary Club of Castro Valley
sent you!
 
Rotarian of the Month:  Dan Willits
At last week, Dan shared his Member Moment and this week President Todd Anglin recognized Dan as the Rotarian of the Month for his Service Above Self.  Besides serving as the Treasurer of the Endowment Committee, Dan can be found at every Rotary event lending a hand and his many talents to ensure success.  Most of Dan's work in behind the scenes.  Click here to hear President Todd extol Dan's many virtues and talents.
 
Speaker for June 9, 2020
Leroy Morishita, President of CSU East Bay

Leroy M. Morishita was appointed president of CSU East Bay in January 2012. He came to CSUEB from San Francisco State University, where he served as executive vice president for Administration and Finance and Chief Fnancial Officer. Holding positions of successive responsibility during his 29 years with SFSU  

  • Members and guests may register for the meeting here.
  • To access the meeting via Zoom, click here.
Texas Hold'em
October 10
Texas Hold'em Tournament Chairperson Dawn Ortiz announced that the annual tournament and dinner is scheduled for October 10th.  The location once again will be Stack Center at Our Lady of Grace Church in Castro Valley.  Mark your calendars, start recruiting players. line up sponsors, and solicit donations.