WASC FOCUS ON LEARNING VISITING COMMITTEE REPORT
SAN MATEO ADULT AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Chapter IV: Quality of the School's Program

D. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

Dl. Resources Criterion

To what extent are the resources available to the school sufficient to sustain the school program and effectively used to carry out the school's purpose and student achievement of the ESLRs?

The primary revenue source for San Mateo Adult School comes from state apportionment based upon the School's revenue limit. During the 2002-03 school year, San Mateo Adult School was successful in reaching its CAP of 2,161. Other revenues are derived from Carl D. Perkins, EL Civics, CBET, and 231 funding. San Mateo Adult School also receives funds through their Community Interest program.

The 2003-04 budget totals $5,594,709. This provides San Mateo Adult School with enough resources to deliver quality educational programs which meet the needs of its diverse population.

The program coordinators, under the Director's leadership, have emphasized staff involvement in decisions regarding resource allocations. Teachers report that they submit requests for resources to the administration who will usually approve them on an individual basis. Every month the district releases a budget transaction profile of the Adult School expenditures by program. Administration meets monthly to review this profile and determine if there are any indications for change in budget or program. Questions, changes, or modifications are then submitted to the district. In addition to other county, state, and federal compliance reviews, required audits are conducted annually by outside firms.

Since the last accreditation, San Mateo Adult School has been able to upgrade its main location. New construction on the existing site resulted in several new classrooms, offices, and 2 lounges. . San Mateo Adult School has also increased the number of off-site locations from 38 to 42 to better serve the needs of the community. The Adult School shares its main site with one of the District's Comprehensive High Schools. The Adult School is now better able to handle the expansion in the ESL Program. More computers were installed in classrooms and offices. Every classroom on the Main Campus has a computer now. Also computer problems are reported online under "Tech Support" and are addressed in order of importance. An on-site technical support person surveys and fixes computer problems three times a week. In addition, better resources are now available in the area of advisement and counseling. All of these improvements will help the students achieve the ESLRs.

D2. Resource Planning Criterion

To what extent do the governing authority and the school execute responsible resource planning for the future?

There is a strong supportive relationship with the District, which is illustrated in the many ways the District helps the School maintain a healthy compliant program. In addition to finance and personnel assistance, a District loan enabled the School to build a new building on the Main Campus. The SMART Center is paid off. However, payment for the new classrooms has just begun. Payment is made to the District on a yearly basis, and additional payments are made on the outstanding principal as frequently as possible.

There are no further plans for construction; however, more parking spaces on the Main Campus will be available after relocation of the High School to its new site next year. At this time, the Adult School hopes to gain more parking spaces when the Maintenance Yard is relocated. Maintenance of some off-site classrooms is a priority. Expansion of offsite classrooms is continually explored to accommodate more students in expanding programs. Routine upkeep of the computers on an ongoing basis is taking place. The School Administration has addressed the need for timely repair of classroom computers by hiring a Technology Support staff member.

Plans are also made to give teachers more resources and make more in-service . opportunities available to them. The Student Council organized several fundraisers: funds were applied towards the principal on the facility debt.

The Student Council is making ID cards available for students for a nominal fee.

Areas of Strength:

1. Sound fiscal management that has allowed San Mateo Adult School new and upgraded facilities as well as an increase in the number of off-site classrooms to meet the educational needs of the community it serves.

2. Development of extensive partnerships and collaborations in the community, which leverage resources to benefit and support students.

3. More computers are available to students, teachers, and clerical staff.

4. Timely tech support for computers is now available

5. The Administration involves staff and students in decision-making.

6. Strong District support.

Key Issues:

1. Continue to monitor maintenance and cleanliness of the Main Campus during the evening and the off campus facilities.

2. Creating more parking spaces at the main adult school location.

Evidence:

New classrooms, a student lounge, a teacher lounge, and two coordinators' offices
Teacher interviews
Self-Study Report
Observation of classroom equipment