Smells Like Teen Spirit – A Call to Float Duty!

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Denair High School Floats

Submitted by Denair High School

There’s something lingering in the air lately around Denair High School and it’s not coming from chickens. At first it was subtle, but it seems to be growing to a point where the senses can no longer ignore it. Can you sense it? It reminds one of a popular 90’s song from the band Nirvana. In case you haven’t guessed, it Smells Like Teen Spirit around the high school these days.

Denair High is getting its mojo back thanks to the hard work of its staff and students. The athletic director, Darrin Allen, has been working hard to turn the athletics programs around and under its new head coach, Ted Howze, the football team had an exceptional victory against Riverbank. Student leadership led by Joel Thornton, and Leadership teacher, Robyn Hilton are also key players. There’s a wash of purple attire Fridays on the campus, and a heightened enthusiasm amongst the students and staff.

One area of focus, and the reason for this article, is to highlight what’s being done differently this year regarding the building of the school’s floats. The high school leadership wants to help fuel the school spirit by creating homecoming floats that are the envy of the area, so the leadership class and selected art classes will be teaming up and getting an early start this year. The students have already picked out their ideas, and plans are underway. Continue reading “Smells Like Teen Spirit – A Call to Float Duty!” »

Budget Picture Brighter at Denair Unified

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DUSD_logo-Small

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

Though the challenge of growing enrollment remains, the financial condition of the Denair Unified School District continues to improve.

District trustees and the public were briefed at Thursday night’s board meeting about Denair’s budget status, which required a loan of $1.3 million two years ago to avoid state intervention. Those dark days are well behind the district thanks to a series of necessary austerity measures, including an 8% pay reduction for teachers.

The district finished the 2013-14 fiscal year with a $73,000 deficit, much lower than earlier projections that were four times higher. In 2012-13, Denair operated at a deficit of $709,000. That’s when the Stanislaus County Office of Education stepped in with a loan to avert state takeover of the district.

The loan has since been repaid, a new administrative team is in place, staffing has been calibrated to match current enrollment and morale across all six campuses has markedly improved.

The revised 2014-15 general fund budget of $8.2 million anticipates a revenue surplus of $331,791, Chief Business Officer Linda Covello told Denair trustees Thursday. That will help to replenish the district’s reserves.

“I’m pleased that the budget report shows that our fiscal recovery plan remains on a proper and positive trajectory,” said Superintendent Aaron Rosander, who took over in February. “Based on this report, it appears that Denair schools may well be out of the red and into the black by or before the end of next school year. This is indeed good news for DUSD.”

Douglas Crancer, a school funding expert sent to Denair by the state, said while there are still uncertainties regarding state funding and future pension costs, “We’re definitely on our way to gaining fiscal health.”

One of the key revenue streams for any public school district is based upon average daily attendance, or ADA. The state pays Denair an average of about $7,600 per student enrolled in the district.

Denair’s enrollment this year is projected to be 1,287, down from 1,353 in 2013-14. The district’s enrollment peaked at 1,553 students in 2011-12. Continue reading “Budget Picture Brighter at Denair Unified” »

Denair Fire Department Deep Pit BBQ

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30th Deep Pit BBQ

Submitted by Denair Farm & Family Festival

The Denair Volunteer Fire Department is holding their 30th Annual deep pit BBQ this Saturday, September 13, 2014, from 4:00-8:00 pm, following the Denair Farm & Family Festival. Drive-Thru take-out dinners are available so you don’t even have to get out of your car! This dinner is preceded by 29 years of accolades as the best fund-raising meal in the valley. Donations are $5.00 for a child’s meal and $10.00 for adults.

The event takes place at the Denair Volunteer Fire Department, 3918 North Gratton Road, Denair.

Denair Farm & Family Festival Needs Your Help!

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Farm And Family Flyer 2014

Submitted by Denair Farm & Family Festival

Denair Farm & Family Festival is looking for volunteers to help with the Festival this Saturday, September 13, 2014, from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.  Duties are minimal and you do not have to be there the whole day.  Have an extra hour?  They’ll will take it!   If you have a need to do something wonderful and worthwhile for your community, please contact James Shehan on Facebook or www.denairfestival.com website.