Education

Source:  Santee School District

December 26, 2024 (Santee) - At the Organizational Meeting on December 17, 2024, Tracie Thill was sworn in to Seat No. 4 on the Santee School District Board of Education, with her term expiring in December 2028.

East County News Service

January 13, 2025 (El Cajon) — Grossmont Union High School District’s governing board has approved a major bond refinancing plan which will save East County taxpayers nearly $19 million by  reducing long-term interest costs on its existing school construction bonds.

Dr. Gary Woods, board president, says,  “These savings are exceptional. East County taxpayers’ investment in our bond program has completely transformed the educational opportunities that we will be able to provide students for years to come.  Our Board is committed to saving taxpayers their hard-earned money whenever possible. We are truly grateful for the community’s trust and proud to offer these savings back to our taxpayers.”

East County voters launched GUHSD's bond construction program with Proposition U, a $417 million bond approved in 2008, followed by Measure BB, a $128 million bond approved in 2016. These bonds have funded remarkable new construction, major upgrades to classrooms and labs, advanced technology, modern athletic and performing arts facilities, and cutting-edge Career Technical Education classrooms and equipment across the district. 

The Governing Board also secured nearly half a billion dollars in additional state school construction funds. “These resources have transformed the Grossmont Union High School District into one of the most state-of-the-art districts in the state, especially in career pathways,”  Dr. Woods says.  I want to extend my gratitude to Governing Board Trustees Robert Shield and Jim Kelly for their thoughtful leadership from the outset of the bond program. I also commend Superintendent Mike Fowler and the District’s fiscal services and bond team for their careful and diligent work, ensuring we honor our commitment to maximizing East County taxpayers' investment,” he added.

The Governing Board approved refinancing $104 million in Proposition U bonds, resulting in a net present value savings of $18,900,017. Mark Young of KNN Public Finance, who advised the district throughout the refinancing, noted that the savings rate – approximately 18% in long-term interest costs – is “very, very rare” for such transactions. Young praised the board for avoiding excessive spending with COVID funds and setting money aside to address anticipated future challenges.

East County taxpayers will see these savings reflected in reduced property tax rates starting in the 2025-26 billing cycle. This successful savings initiative follows three consecutive “A+” scores awarded to the GUHSD Bond Construction Program on the School Bond Transparency Report Card from the San Diego County Taxpayers Association.

This bond refinancing involved replacing $65 million in Capital Appreciation Bonds with the Series 2024A Capital Interest Bonds, which carry a lower interest rate. The proceeds from the sale of the new bonds are being held in an interest-bearing escrow account, which will be used to retire the prior bonds at their maturity or redemption dates. The sale was strategically timed to leverage favorable market conditions in October 2024, maximizing taxpayer savings.

About the Grossmont Union High School District:

The Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) provides education to over 16,000 students in grades 9-12 and is located in the eastern portion of San Diego County, an area of approximately 465 square miles, including all of the cities of El Cajon, Santee, and Lemon Grove, most of the city of La Mesa, a small portion of the city of San Diego, and the unincorporated areas of Alpine, Dulzura, Jamul, Lakeside, and Spring Valley. GUHSD’s family of schools and programs consists of nine comprehensive high schools, a middle college high school, one project-based learning school-of-choice, one continuation high school, three special education academies, four independent charter high schools, and an adult education program.

Source:  Grossmont Union High School District

January 17, 2025 (El Cajon) -- Superintendent Mike Fowler has announced plans to step aside from his duties until March 1, 2025, as he receives treatment for a malignant brain tumor. After his diagnosis, Fowler underwent a successful surgery in December. He has now begun a rigorous treatment schedule which will require him to remain on leave through February. As a result, the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) Governing Board took official action during a January 16 Special Governing Board meeting to appoint Sandra C. Huezo as Acting Superintendent.
“While it is difficult for me to step aside temporarily, I am confident that this is the right course of action given the anticipated physical demands of my treatment,” Superintendent Fowler stated. “As Superintendent, my core responsibilities include providing transparent leadership and ensuring stability for our organization, especially during challenging times. Appointing an Acting Superintendent ensures continued leadership and stability for our students, staff, and families. I am grateful to the Governing Board for appointing Sandra Huezo to serve as Acting Superintendent, as her extensive educational leadership background will serve our District well. I have promised to serve as a resource to her, and I look forward to resuming my duties as Superintendent in March,” he added.
Governing Board President Dr. Gary C. Woods said, “On behalf of the entire Governing Board, I want to express our love and deep appreciation for Superintendent Fowler. His strength, resilience, and fierce commitment to this District are truly inspiring. We stand firmly by him and his family during this battle and are confident in his ultimate victory. We are also grateful to have such an outstanding and experienced educational leader in Acting Superintendent Huezo to help guide our District forward during this time. We know this will be a great partnership as we all give our absolute best each day for the students and families we serve,” he added.
The Governing Board held two Special Governing Board Meetings to explore options for appointing an Acting Superintendent. As a result, the Board appointed Ms. Huezo (right) who served for five years as the Director of Human Resources and Associate Superintendent of Human Resources for the Poway Unified School District prior to her retirement from education in 2021. Ms. Huezo also served as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) and served as Interim Superintendent for SUHSD in 2015. Her career in education spans over three decades and includes service as Chief Human Resources Officer for the San Diego Unified School District and Director of Human Resources with SUHSD.
Superintendent Fowler also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the District community, stating, “my family and I have been deeply moved by the thoughtful notes, prayers, and encouragement we’ve received. While the road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, our hearts are filled with hope, determination, and an unwavering expectation of victory.” He also emphasized his confidence in the District’s leadership team and staff, stating, “I have complete confidence in our District’s leadership team and staff, and I know they will continue the exceptional service that has defined our District for over 100 years.”

East County News Service

January 13, 2025 (El Cajon) — Grossmont Union High School District’s governing board has approved a major bond refinancing plan which will save East County taxpayers nearly $19 million by  reducing long-term interest costs on its existing school construction bonds.

Dr. Gary Woods, board president, says,  “These savings are exceptional. East County taxpayers’ investment in our bond program has completely transformed the educational opportunities that we will be able to provide students for years to come.  Our Board is committed to saving taxpayers their hard-earned money whenever possible. We are truly grateful for the community’s trust and proud to offer these savings back to our taxpayers.”

East County voters launched GUHSD's bond construction program with Proposition U, a $417 million bond approved in 2008, followed by Measure BB, a $128 million bond approved in 2016. These bonds have funded remarkable new construction, major upgrades to classrooms and labs, advanced technology, modern athletic and performing arts facilities, and cutting-edge Career Technical Education classrooms and equipment across the district. 

The Governing Board also secured nearly half a billion dollars in additional state school construction funds. “These resources have transformed the Grossmont Union High School District into one of the most state-of-the-art districts in the state, especially in career pathways,”  Dr. Woods says.  I want to extend my gratitude to Governing Board Trustees Robert Shield and Jim Kelly for their thoughtful leadership from the outset of the bond program. I also commend Superintendent Mike Fowler and the District’s fiscal services and bond team for their careful and diligent work, ensuring we honor our commitment to maximizing East County taxpayers' investment,” he added.

The Governing Board approved refinancing $104 million in Proposition U bonds, resulting in a net present value savings of $18,900,017. Mark Young of KNN Public Finance, who advised the district throughout the refinancing, noted that the savings rate – approximately 18% in long-term interest costs – is “very, very rare” for such transactions. Young praised the board for avoiding excessive spending with COVID funds and setting money aside to address anticipated future challenges.

East County taxpayers will see these savings reflected in reduced property tax rates starting in the 2025-26 billing cycle. This successful savings initiative follows three consecutive “A+” scores awarded to the GUHSD Bond Construction Program on the School Bond Transparency Report Card from the San Diego County Taxpayers Association.

This bond refinancing involved replacing $65 million in Capital Appreciation Bonds with the Series 2024A Capital Interest Bonds, which carry a lower interest rate. The proceeds from the sale of the new bonds are being held in an interest-bearing escrow account, which will be used to retire the prior bonds at their maturity or redemption dates. The sale was strategically timed to leverage favorable market conditions in October 2024, maximizing taxpayer savings.

About the Grossmont Union High School District:

The Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) provides education to over 16,000 students in grades 9-12 and is located in the eastern portion of San Diego County, an area of approximately 465 square miles, including all of the cities of El Cajon, Santee, and Lemon Grove, most of the city of La Mesa, a small portion of the city of San Diego, and the unincorporated areas of Alpine, Dulzura, Jamul, Lakeside, and Spring Valley. GUHSD’s family of schools and programs consists of nine comprehensive high schools, a middle college high school, one project-based learning school-of-choice, one continuation high school, three special education academies, four independent charter high schools, and an adult education program.