Lake Tahoe Unified School District meeting wrapup: Student count and attendance are up

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are 70 more students currently enrolled in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) than originally expected. During their budgeting process for the 23/24 budget, 3,551 students had been projected by the District and they now have 3,621.

During its September 28 meeting, the LTUSD Board of Trustees heard about this as well as an increase in daily attendance by students. Associate Superintendent Andrea Salazar said the average daily attendance (ADA) is currently at 94.2 percent, up four percent from last year and slightly short of its 95 percent goal.

Meyers Elementary School Principal Joel Dameral said he is aiming for higher attendance with a goal of 97 percent.

"If they aren’t there [in school], they aren’t going to learn,” said Dameral.

Principal Rosie DePierre of Bijou Community School agreed.

They both highlighted the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) for their schools with both focusing on student success. DePierre and Dameral both agreed that attendance is critical and a key factor in students doing well in school.

One of Bijou’s SPSA goals is student and family support and engagement. Highlighted were former Bijou parent Rebecca Byson’s efforts in the school garden which have contributed to positive family engagement as well as thinking maps.

Trustee Turnbull thanked community members who attended the Community Conversation on Tuesday, September 26. Trustee Turnbull encouraged community members to attend future Community Conversations because these conversations enhance unity in the District’s vision and mission. Trustee Turnbull also noted Barton Health Pediatrician Dr. Sneeringer’s emphasis on the importance of students attending school by pointing out the strong correlation between the number of days students attend school and their longevity and health. Dr. Sneeringer also recommended that if a student has a basic cold and feels good enough to participate in school activities, they should go to school.

During the meeting, McKinney Vento and Foster Youth Student Advocate Amanda Hammond provided a Homeless and Foster Advocacy Program overview. Ms. Hammond explained that she assists students experiencing homelessness with advocacy and support to overcome barriers they face in the school system when they are experiencing homelessness. Ms. Hammond said that students facing homelessness are at a higher risk of suspension, chronic absenteeism, and lower graduation rates. She acknowledged Kirkwood Ski Resort for participating in the SOS/Kirkwood program which provides opportunities for homeless and foster students to snowboard and ski without barriers.

Director of Information Technology and Lead Safety Administrator Sean Colt provided the Board with an update regarding new safety initiatives. He announced that the District’s goal is to provide “a safe, caring, and nurturing environment for all LTUSD students.” Because of this, Colt is expanding the District’s safety focus to include: COVID, Threat Assessment, Site Safety, Internet Safety, Emotional Health for staff and students, Community Safety, Safe Routes to School, and Device Safety.

The October LTUSD board meetings are scheduled for October 12 and 26.