School District: Report Indicates Insufficient Money Spent in Classroom, Spending More Than Bringing In; Changes to Staff Dress Code
At its next meeting (agenda here) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...
~ Receive a report indicating that for 2023-24 the district spent a bit more than it brought in, and estimates that it will spend a lot more next fiscal year.
In 2024-25 the district brought in $88.75 million but spent a bit more - $88.87 million. For 2024-25 revenue is expected to be down to $88.53 million but expenditures are estimated to be up to $92.67 million.
In addition, during this fiscal year the district's reserves dipped modestly, down about $146 thousand during, but next year are expected to drop $8.21 million, from $32.10 million this fiscal year to $23.89 at the end of 2024-25.
Also, the report noted that the district only spent 50.82% of its money on classroom compensation (salaries and benefits for teachers and instructional staff), below the 55% minimum required by the state for unified school districts.
Details. Note: I used AI to analyse this monster.
~ Adopting a revised dress code policy recommended by the California School Boards Association that calls for "appropriate dress and grooming," and "professional standards," but deletes the district's former examples of non-professional clothing: "short shorts, thong sandals (flip-flops), revealing, tight-fitting or provocative clothing, leggings, cut-offs, or underclothes as outerwear." The revised policy also allows staff "to appear and dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression," forbids discrimination "based on hair texture and protective hairstyles, including, but not limited to, braids, locks, and twists," and forbids discrimination based on "religious dress or grooming practices". Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Rotary Park Being Improved, Should Reopen in November
Tot Lot Pros is replacing equipment at the Rotary Park playground (401 S. California) with tree house-themed design equipment. New picnic tables, benches, and a mural will also be added. The park is expected to reopen in November.
- Brad Haugaard
Celebration of Life for Joanne Spring
A Celebration of Life for Joanne Spring will be held on Oct. 5, 3 to 5 p.m., at the Community Center (119 W. Palm). Joanne served as a teacher and principal in local schools and co-founded Monrovia Reads. RSVP by Sept. 26 to soallmayread@monroviareads.org.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Car Show Saturday, Oct. 19
The 33rd Annual Monrovia Car Show takes place Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Myrtle Avenue. Classic cars and hot rods will line the streets of Old Town, accompanied by music from Jukebox Memories. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Growing Irises Topic at Sept. 24 Garden Club Meeting
Frank McDonough from the LA County Arboretum will discuss growing irises at the Monrovia Garden Club's next meeting on Sept. 24, 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church. Open to the public.
- Brad Haugaard
Body Found in Shed Next to Burned Down House
A man's body has been found in a shed near the burned down house on Colorado near Shamrock. County Coroner's Office is investigating. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Dinner at Noodle Stars
Dinner at Noodle Stars, in the shopping center at the southwest corner of Magnolia and Huntington. Indonesian style food. I got the fried noodle plate (Mie Goreng) for $13.75 and a soda for $2.75. Nice.
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Police: Lying in Parking Lot; Drunk Threatens Passengers on Bus; Drunk With Fire Extinguisher; More Drunks and Drugs; And Yet More...
Grand Theft
September 12 at 7:55 a.m., an employee from a business in the 900 block of S. Alta Vista called to report that copper piping from an air conditioning unit had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft
September 12 at 9:14 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of E. Olive reported that money and jewelry was stolen from her mother. This investigation is continuing.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 12 at 9:48 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of California and Central saw a motorist commit a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop. A computer search revealed the driver had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Mental Evaluation
September 12 at 10:36 p.m. a resident in the 500 block of E. Olive reported that someone was driving erratically. Officers arrived and contacted the driver. Officers determined he was a danger to himself. He was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.
Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested
September 12 at 11:05 p.m., officers responded to a report of a man lying on the ground in a parking lot in the 700 block of E. Huntington. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. A computer search determined he had a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Grand Theft Auto
September 13 at 9:08 p.m., a mother in the 200 block of W. Pomona reported that her vehicle was stolen by her daughter. This investigation is continuing.
Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 13 at 9:26 p.m., a bus driver in the area of Huntington and Myrtle reported a passenger was drunk and threatening passengers. Officers arrived and made contact with all of the parties involved. The intoxicated passenger was determined to be a danger to himself and others. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 13 at 10:37 p.m., a passerby in the area of Magnolia and Foothill reported a solo vehicle traffic collision. Officers arrived and made contact with the driver who displayed objective symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation determined the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 12:25 a.m., officers patrolling the 400 block of S. Myrtle were confronted by a drunk subject who was refused service at a restaurant. Officers determined she was a danger to herself and others. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 1:47 a.m., while patrolling the area of Myrtle and Longden an officer saw a motorist commit a violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. The driver showed objective symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation determined the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail for booking to be held for a sobering period.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 1:57 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Mayflower and Huntington when he saw a motorist commit a violation. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. The driver showed objective symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation determined the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 9:48 a.m., an employee from a store in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a shoplifting incident. An employee reported that a subject left the store with a shopping cart full of merchandise without paying. The suspect was located and detained a short distance away in possession of the stolen property. She was arrested and taken into custody.
Brush Fire
September 14 at 2:32 p.m., several 911 callers reported a fire near the wash in the 700 block of E. Duarte. Officers and MFD responded. The fire was extinguished. This investigation is continuing.
Grand Theft Auto
September 14 at 2:29 p.m., an officer was dispatched to an apartment complex in the 200 block of W. Pomona regarding a vehicle theft. An investigation revealed the victim’s vehicle was taken from a secured parking structure. This investigation is continuing.
Court Order Violation – Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 5:47 p.m., a restraining order violation was reported in the 500 block of W. Duarte. Officers arrived and located the suspect who was violating a domestic violence restraining order. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 7:00 p.m., a resident in the 900 block of Diamond reported that a suspicious person was checking door handles and looking in mailboxes. Officers responded and located a male subject matching the description given by the caller. A search of the subject did not locate any stolen property, but he was found to be in possession a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Fire Assist
September 14 at 7:51 p.m., officers and MFD were dispatched to the area of Shamrock and Duarte regarding reports of brush fires. The cause of the fires are unknown. This investigation is continuing.
Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 14 at 11:57 p.m., an officer patrolling the area of Duarte and Mayflower saw a motorist commit a violation and a traffic stop was conducted. The driver displayed signs and symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation determined the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Drug Activity – Suspect Arrested
September 15 at 1:26 a.m., while patrolling the 1600 block of Mountain an officer saw a subject loitering near closed businesses. The subject was contacted and found to be in possession of a controlled substance. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Pursuit / Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested
September 15 at 1:44 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Myrtle and Montana saw a motorist commit a violation. The officer attempted to pull the vehicle over, but the driver did not yield and entered the 210 Freeway. Officers pursued the vehicle into Pasadena where the driver finally yielded and exited the vehicle. The driver showed objective symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Shots Fired
September 15 at 2:12 a.m., callers in the 100 block of E. Olive reported hearing gun shots. Officers arrived and contacted several subjects who did not witness what occurred. Officers canvassed the area and were able to locate evidence that shots were fired in a parking lot. This investigation is continuing.
Trespassing
September 15 at 2:26 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of S. Magnolia reported that he heard someone bang on his back door. He confronted the subject and the subject fled. Officers arrived and searched the area, but the subject was not located. This investigation is continuing.
Battery – Suspects Arrested
September 15 at 3:00 p.m., a caller reported that his son had been assaulted at a park in the 800 block of E. Olive, resulting in minor injuries. Officers responded to the park and conducted an investigation. An investigation revealed two suspects. The suspects were arrested, cited, and released to their parents.
Shoplifting – Suspect Arrested
September 15 at 9:35 p.m., a business in the 1600 block of S. Mountain reported a shoplifting incident. Officers arrived and located the suspect. The store employee identified the suspect and collected the stolen property. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Warrant / Battery – Suspect Arrested
September 15 at 11:55 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of E. Cherry reported that he and his brother were arguing and he was locked out of his residence. Officers responded and discovered one of the brothers had battered the other. A computer search revealed the bother had several warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Drug Activity – Suspects Arrested
September 16 at 12:07 a.m., an officer patrolling the 500 block of W. Huntington saw a vehicle parked at a rear loading dock of a closed businesses. The officer made contact with the occupants and discovered that the occupants were in possession of a controlled substance. They were arrested and taken into custody.
Hit and Run Traffic Collison / Wanted – Suspect Arrested
September 16 at 2:58 a.m., a resident in the 1200 block of S. Primrose reported that someone collided into her parked vehicle and fled the scene. Officers arrived and were able to locate the suspect vehicle nearby. The driver of the vehicle was contacted. A computer search revealed the driver was wanted by MPD. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Assault
September 16 at 7:59 a.m., a victim in the 400 block of Genoa reported that a passenger in his vehicle assaulted him and walked away. Officers arrived and were unable to locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing.
Threatening – Suspect Arrested
September 16 at 8:38 a.m., a caller in the 200 block of E. Cherry reported that his brother assaulted him and threatened to stab him. Officers arrived and made contact with the victim and the suspect. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Public Intoxication – Suspect Arrested
September 16 at 9:07 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Encino regarding a subject carrying a fire extinguisher. Officers arrived and didn't see a fire in the area. The suspect was located and contacted. The suspect displayed objective symptoms of being intoxicate. A DUI investigation revealed he was under the influence. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
Lewd act in Public
September 16 at 11:51 a.m., a bus driver in the area of Huntington and Shamrock reported a passenger doing a lewd act to himself. The bus driver stopped the bus and confronted the subject. The subject exited the bus and walked away. The subject was gone prior to officers’ arrival. This investigation is continuing.
Bike Theft
September 16 at 12:16 p.m., a victim in the 200 block of W. Pomona report his bike stolen. This investigation is continuing.
Fraud
September 16 at 2:11 p.m., a victim in the 400 block of Patrician Way walked into the MPD lobby to report fraudulent activity on her credit card. This investigation is continuing.
Mental Evaluation
September 16 at 5:03 p.m., a caller in the 1400 block of Encino reported a subject yelling at neighborhoods. Officers arrived and detained the subject. It was apparent the subject was a danger to others and was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.
Theft
September 17 at 10:38 a.m., a victim parked in the 2600 block of Doray Circle reported his vehicle broken into and property taken while working in the area. This investigation is continuing.
Shoplifting
September 17 at 10:45 a.m., a loss prevention officer for a store in the 500 block of W. Huntington called to report a male subject inside the location had broken items and a female who was with him stole merchandise and left the location. Officers arrived and located the female subject a short distance away, but the male subject was not located. She was arrested and taken into custody.
Hit and Run Traffic Collision
September 17 at 1:43 p.m., a vehicle in the 400 block of E. Maple was sideswiped by a vehicle and the vehicle continued to drive, fleeing the area. This investigation is continuing.
Residential Structure Fire
September 17 at 3:27 p.m., an officer patrolling near the 500 block of E. Colorado saw a large plume of smoke and began to drive in the direction. Numerous calls were received reporting a home fully engulfed in flames. Officers arrived and nearby residences were evacuated. MFD along with other local agencies arrived to extinguish the flames. This investigation is continuing.
Municipal Code Violation – Suspect Arrested
September 18 at 8:26 a.m., multiple callers reported an illegal burning in the 200 block of W. Evergreen. An officer arrived and made contact with a subject to the rear of a vacant home who was burning trash. The subject was arrested.
Domestic Violence – Suspect Arrested
September 18 at 12:36 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of Valle Vista reported she and her roommate were involved in a physical altercation. Officers arrived and made contact with the parties involved. An investigation determined the two individuals were involved in an on/off dating relationship. The female was arrested and taken into custody.
Arson Suspected In Burned House Incident
The house that burned down on Colorado Boulevard is being treated as an arson case. The tenant who lived in the house is being sought. Details.
- Brad Haugaard
Free Concert Following Beer and Wine Fest Sept. 28
“The After Party,” a free concert, will be held at 8 p.m. at LOOK theater following the Beer and Wine Festival on Sept. 28. Music by JeffJamms.
- Brad Haugaard
Home on Colorado Near Shamrock Burns Down
A home on Colorado near Shamrock burned completely down and the roof of a next door home was also damaged, according to news and social media reports. City Manager Dylan Feik reports that the two homes are 534 and 602 E Colorado. Details. Video from Citizen app.
- Brad Haugaard
Arborist to Speak at Foothill Tree Committee Meeting Sept. 19
The Foothill Tree Committee will host its monthly meeting on Thursday, September 19 at 777 E. Greystone Ave. The public is welcome. The meeting will feature a presentation by arborist Gulliver Erickson on shade trees, including tips on planting, placement, and maintenance. Attendees will receive a free oak sapling. The committee focuses on preserving and expanding the local urban forest. An organizers meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 17 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for those interested in a more active role. For more information contact Jennifer MacDonald at foothilltreecommittee@gmail.com
- Brad Haugaard
A Moment in Monrovia History: Monrovia Street Railway on Lemon
Monrovia Street Railway on East Lemon Avenue about 1887. Monrovia Street Railway Company horse car that went between the Santa Fe Depot and the La Vista Grande Hotel and points east. "Direct to LaVista Grand Hotel, Open Year Round, Monrovia. Baggage & Express Delivered." The driver may be Leonidas Barnes (listed in the 1908 City telephone directory as such.) In the background is the former Clubhouse of the Grand View Hotel, converted to a residence for Eliza J Keefer. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection. See full details here.
For more historic photos and papers, see the Monrovia Historical Society’s complete Legacy Project collection here. Learn more about the Monrovia Historical Society here.
- Brad Haugaard
Snugly Moto-Moto Takes Recovery From Tumor Operation In Stride
Five-year-old husky Moto-Moto came to us in rough shape. He had a large tumor on his right hind leg that was causing him difficulty.
Thankfully, the shelter's veterinary staff successfully removed the tumor and felt he has a good prognosis. He was fitted with a special boot to prevent him from dragging his foot that he will probably have to wear indefinitely.
Despite this adversity, Moto has been taking everything in stride. He is an excellent patient, mainly because he sees every opportunity he has with anyone he meets as a chance to get some snuggling. He is like a big, fluffy teddy bear as he makes his way from person to person, soaking in all the attention.
Moto was recently staying with one of the Pasadena Humane foster families, and they rave about him. They say he seems to like other dogs and loves all the people he’s met, even kids. He can be a picky eater, but he has lots of favorite snacks, and he’s a big fan of squeaky toys.
This sweet boy is just waiting for his forever snuggle-buddy. If you are looking for an affectionate, mellow dude, come meet Moto!
Because of Moto’s age, he is eligible for the Seniors for Seniors program. His adoption fee is waived for any adopter over 60.
The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.
Walk-in adoptions are available every day from 2:00 – 5:00. For those who prefer, adoption appointments are available daily from 10:30 – 1:30 and can be scheduled online. View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org.
New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet. Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.
- Brad Haugaard
Kiwanis Club Cancels Taste of Old Town
The Kiwanis Club of Monrovia issued the following statement:
“The Kiwanis Club of Monrovia regrets to inform you that A Taste of Old Town Monrovia 2024 has been cancelled. Economic conditions have made it difficult to have a successful event as we have done in the past, and more importantly, one that our community has come to enjoy and expect. After meeting with many food and beverage vendors, we understand now how much 2024 has been a struggle for them. Between inflated costs with both food and beverage, in addition to staffing issues and wages, many of the vendors we wanted to have participate in the event were unable to do so this year.”
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia High Students Learn Entrepreneurship Through Venture Valley Game
On September 13, Monrovia High School hosted the Wildcats Biz Battle, a dynamic Venture Valley Game tournament organized in collaboration with the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership and the K12 Foothill Consortium. More than 70 students participated in this interactive business simulation, which challenges players to make strategic decisions and manage multiple businesses.
The day began with speeches from Venture Valley’s Executive Game Producer - and Monrovian - Nick Night, Principal Adrian Ayala, and Amy Foell from the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership, all of whom highlighted the importance of financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Monrovia High School CTE teachers Mr. Carlson and Mr. Clauson played a crucial role in organizing and securing student participation for this event. The Venture Valley team worked closely with the Monrovia Unified School District on this event.
Participants navigated the complexities of business management, from setting item prices and employee wages, to repaying loans, all while competing for the top spots on the leaderboard. The competition was fierce, with the standings frequently shifting as players adjusted their strategies and decisions in real-time. As the tournament drew to a close, the final results showcased the students' skills. Arden emerged as the top player, followed by Klocky in second place and Sumitime in third.
The Wildcats Biz Battle combined learning with competition, providing an experience that highlighted both the students' entrepreneurial talents and the engaging nature of the Venture Valley Game.
Source: Venture Valley press release
- Brad Haugaard
Kids Learn Music at Music Makers at Library, Sept. 23
Music Makers in Story Room. Monday, Sept. 23, 4 to 5 p.m. Interactive music program for children ages 4-8. Learn rhythm, beat, pitch, tempo through games, songs, and instruments. Music from around the world. No registration required. For information contact: 256-8269 or asimpson@ci.monrovia.ca.us.
- Brad Haugaard
Innovation Lab at Library Wednesday, Sept. 18
Innovation Lab at the Library Story Room, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 3 to 4 p.m. STEAM activities for ages 6-11. Learn, experiment, explore. No registration required. Adults must attend and engage with children. For details contact Josh, 256-8274 or jtuszynski@ci.monrovia.ca.us.
- Brad Haugaard
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)