Measure N Forum – Auditorium Signature Project

October 5, 2014

Thanks everyone who came out to the District forum to discuss use of Measure N funds for a Signature Project at Rio.  More than 120 parents and students attended. Divided into four groups, each discussed options for improvements at Rio.  The Auditorium was selected as the preferred signature project by a landslide. However many band parents expressed to the district the concern that the campus has been overlooked for decades and the deferred maintenance has mounted. It is Rio’s turn to get some attention along with an Auditorium.

One of the ideas that came out of the planning was to have the bathrooms, ticket office and snack bar built so it could be used by  Rio athletics as well.

There are forums being held at all the high schools and after they are complete, a proposal will be brought to the School Board on which Signature Projects to pursue.  We will be organizing some short presentations to make at key School Board meetings and will let you know which meetings to attend to support the Auditorium.  Our goal to have the Rio signature project selected to be one of the first ones funded.

There is still a lot to be done, but we are closer than we have ever been to having an Auditorium for the school.

Measure N Forum 1

Measure N Sept 16 Recap

September 16, 2014
Rio Band Families,
A huge thank you to all the students, parents and community members who came out last night in support of our effort to build a theater on the Rio Americano campus. The library was packed, and we had a wall of kids in their green “Build It!” shirts standing in the back. It was a clear visual image of the unity behind our cause. By nearly all measures and accounts, it was a successful and positive gathering. Although we were disappointed that Superintendent Kern was not present, SJUSD was well represented by Board Members Greg Paulo and Saul Hernandez, Director of Communication Trent Allen, Facilities Director Frank Camarda and Rio Principal Brian Ginter. We began with impassioned and informative speeches from band parents Joanne Swedlow and Sonya Winchell, followed by a brief overview of Measure N from the board members, which led to a spirited but cordial question and answer session. I feel that we learned about the process, and (for the most part) had our questions answered as well as they can be at this stage. Education funding is very complicated, and the process will not be quick. However, we now feel that this is a realistic goal, and we have a path forward.
Here are the NEXT steps:
  1. There will be a community forum regarding how to spend Rio’s Measure N funds on Thursday, October 2nd, at 6:30pm. Location on Rio’s campus TBD. Our presence, in even greater numbers than last night, will be vital. This may be the final opportunity to have our say in how the funds are allocated, and we need to continue to show that we are a unified, large group with the best interests of students in mind.
  2. SJUSD Board Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month, at the district office on Walnut Ave. There is time for public comment at each meeting, and it would be wise to have members of our community at each board meeting for the near future. Please consider attending one or more and letting your voice be heard.

Musical Opportunities/Honor Bands

September 10, 2014
There are three opportunities coming up for you to consider.
  1. “Symphony of 1,000,” on October 12. Open to ALL musicians, of any age or skill level. Please contact them directly if you are interested.
  2. The Causeway Youth Band Festival. Held at the Mondavi Center in November. There is a 7-9th grade band, and a 10-12th grade group. They will be directed by Dr. Tim Mahr. It’s been a great experience in the past, and should be again this year. This is by Director recommendation only. Follow the link to the informational letter, with the schedule. If these dates will ALL work for you, and you are interested, AND you are an advanced player on your instrument, please let me Mr. Murray know THIS WEEK. Also, print the form, fill it out and bring it to me by Friday. I will be putting together my list of recommendations soon. You will be notified in October if you have been accepted.
  3. American River College Honor Band. At ARC all day on December 5. Follow the link to the informational flyer. This is also by Director recommendation. Accepted students will be notified in November. Please let Mr. Murray know this week of any interest.