INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Livermore Community:

I am pleased to have been appointed as the Interim Superintendent of the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District and look forward to serving the Livermore staff and community for the next several months while the School Board conducts a search for the next Superintendent. The next six (6) months promise to be very exciting and challenging.  

As the Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services for the past three (3) years, I have had the opportunity to work with many of you to carry out our district vision and mission. I am proud to be working with so many dedicated and exceptional individuals who are dedicated to the success of each student in our district. My familiarity with the Livermore community and schools, combined with my experiences as a former teacher, principal, and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources in several districts throughout the Bay Area, have prepared me to take on the challenges that we will face over the next several months.  

As an educator, I am dedicated to ensuring the academic achievement of every student despite the challenges we will face over the next several months created by the state budget crisis. The state budget crisis has forced the District to consider making an additional 6 million in cuts for the 2010-11 school year. These cuts will result in visible changes throughout the District and within each of our schools.  

In spite of these issues and the tough decisions that lie ahead for all of us, it is important to understand that these cuts are driven by the state and national economy, not the School Board or district administration, who have managed the District budget effectively over the last several years. Though we will be making decisions that will impact our District and school operations, I am confident that all of the stakeholders involved in these decisions will work collaboratively with me to address our upcoming budget issues, while maintaining the integrity of our programs and focus on student achievement. 

Communication is vital while undertaking these changes and a major priority for me over the next several months.  I will continue to provide the most current and accurate information regarding the budget and our district goals through the District web site.  Please check it regularly for updates.  

I would like to personally thank the School Board for their vote of confidence in placing me in this position, and I want to assure all of you that I am committed to moving the District forward toward our goal of academic excellence for all students.

 Sincerely,

Michael R. Martinez