Vista Unified School District - Strategy 2 letter

1. October 13, 2015
Esteemed Vista Unified Families--
This is an update to apprise you of our progress related to Strategy 2 of our Blueprint for
Educational Excellence and Innovation. Strategy 2 focuses on “21st Century Facilities and
Resources” and we had an opportunity to provide a ​presentation to the School Board on
September 10th​with an overview of our progress to date. In addition, we conducted a ​Board
Workshop on September 17th​with an exclusive focus on facilities.
As you may recall, we are presently in the second year of implementing the Blueprint which also
includes the state required “Local Control Accountability Plan” (LCAP). Last year we created a
brief ​video​providing an overview of Strategy 2 that provides context for our efforts.
Strategy 2 Video ​https://vimeo.com/109819909

2. As indicated in the video, student input has consistently reinforced the need for us to address our
facilities and technology resources. As a result, this strategy includes two main components, one
which focuses on access to technology resources, and the other which relates to the facilities
themselves. The technology sections include improvements to our network infrastructure,
replacement plans for hardware, staffing for our Information Systems department, mobile
devices, and access to the internet outside of school to reduce or eliminate the “homework gap”
for students in homes without internet service.
This year we begin implementing a replacement plan for all desktop computers within the
district. The new plan will result in half of all computers being replaced this year and 25% each
year in the future to ensure that we have efficient, functional computers to support digital
learning. Schools that will be receiving upgrades this year include:
➔ Elementary Schools: Alamosa Park, Bobier, Casita, Empresa, Foothill Oak, Lake, Mission
Meadows, Monte Vista, and VAPA
➔ Middle Schools: Madison, Vista Magnet, Rancho Minerva, Roosevelt, VIDA
➔ High Schools: Vista High School, Rancho Buena Vista High School
➔ Also: Vista Adult Transition Center
In addition to the new hardware, we have further upgraded our internet connectivity for all
schools and we are launching “Cloud Connect” to simplify password management and to promote
easier access to learning resources from any device.
Our work related to facility improvements consists of two main areas of attention:
maintenance/repairs and innovative learning spaces for the future. During the ​recent School
Board workshop​we reviewed a participative process that we have used for the past three years
to receive input from all school sites and then develop project lists to address critical areas of
need. Examples of recent projects include new paint, carpet, and asphalt and concrete work.
Security enhancements have included new fences, installation of security cameras, and
improvements in the entryways of several schools. We have upgraded fields and playground
equipment and installed running tracks in multiple locations. The largest project has been the
renovation of the Vista High School stadium due to safety concerns with the aging bleachers. In
collaboration with the City of Vista, we have also constructed the Linda Rhoades Recreation
Center at the Vista Academy of Visual and Performing Arts. We are now in the process of
completing a comprehensive facilities inventory to project for future maintenance and repair
expenses so that we can keep our schools up to date and safe.
In terms of innovative learning spaces, our plans for the year include working with architects and
stakeholders to develop flexible classrooms that facilitate collaboration and design 21st century
library facilities. We are also researching flexible furniture requirements and piloting
instructional spaces to be used for demonstration purposes at five schools within the district.
Principals Kim Morton (Temple Heights Elementary) and Ben Gaines (Rancho Minerva Middle)
recently presented an ​overview on this topic to the Personal Learning Steering Committee​with

3. some examples of flexible furniture options. Other schools involved in the pilot project this year
include Casita, VIDA, Roosevelt Middle School and Vista High School.
We were also fortunate to recently receive a sizable donation of flexible furniture through our
partnership with Qualcomm. This infusion of resources will assist us as we develop new models
of learning environments that are adaptive to the needs of our learners.
As you can see, we are committed to continuing to address the need for improved facilities and
technology. This work is critical not only to be responsive to the input that we have received
from students, families, staff members, and community partners, but also to strive to achieve our
vision to be the model of educational excellence and innovation. ​Research ​has shown that there
are many impacts of school facilities, including improved student attendance, reductions in
teacher turnover, and increases in student achievement outcomes. By improving the conditions
for learning, we are confident that we will improve opportunities for student success.
Sincerely,

4. Devin Vodicka, EdD
Superintendent of Schools