With rising inflation, skyrocketing gasoline prices, and families financially crippled by mounting food costs, some people must forgo or delay filling or refilling life-saving medications because they can no longer afford them, even where they have insurance. While no one in financial distress should have to choose between food, medicine or being able to drive to work, that is today’s reality.
Nothing is being done to insulate working families against rising insurance costs, which include ever-increasing prescription drug co-payments. While Washington could address these challenges, nothing has happened. As the suffering grows, the political rhetoric intensifies.
It is time to de-escalate the rhetoric with a real solution. Legacy Health Endowment and the EMC Health Foundation, in collaboration with TIN Rx, a local pharmacy in Turlock, have created PharmAffordable, a $2 charitable generic drug program covering more than 690 generic medications.
PharmAffordable targets financially needy individuals and families with employer-provided insurance as well as the uninsured. People enrolled in Medi-Cal, Medicare and Tricare (Veterans benefits) are not eligible due to special rules imposed by those programs, unfortunately.
PharmAffordable is a pilot charitable program limited to only residents of the following communities and ZIP codes:
95301
Atwater, Buhach
95303
Ballico
95307
Ceres
95313
Crows Landing
95315
Delhi
95316
Denair, Montpelier
95322
Gustine, Santa Nella
95324
Hilmar, Irwin
95326
Hughson
95328
Keyes
95334
Livingston, Arena
95358
Modesto, Bret Harte
95360
Newman, Hills Ferry
95363
Patterson, Diablo Grande, Grayson, Westley
95374
Stevinson
95380-95382
Turlock, Cortez
95388
Winton, Cressey
To be eligible, people must also certify that they are in financial distress such that they cannot afford either the regular price of the medications or their insurance copay or deductible for the same medications. Simply take your prescription to the TIN Rx pharmacy or ask them to have your existing prescriptions transferred to TIN Rx.
The savings could amount to hundreds of dollars a year in many cases. For instance, take a family in which the wife regularly takes medication for a thyroid issue and her husband takes medication for high blood pressure. Their co-pays currently range from $10 to $65 per month. Under PharmAffordable, their co-pays would both be $2 a month – saving them about $700 annually.
With more than 690 commonly prescribed generic medications available under PharmAffordable, there are many opportunities for families in financial distress to save money that can be used for food, gas, rent, or clothing, or saved for a college education.
Families are struggling. They are being forced to make difficult choices, and some involve potentially life-threatening healthcare decisions. We are collaborating on a solution through innovation, negotiation, and stewardship. PharmAffordable is not a panacea, but it is an essential first step in disrupting the status quo and putting families first.
Jeffrey Lewis is President and CEO of EMC Health Foundation and Legacy Health Endowment, and Dr. Christina Garcia is the founder and CEO of TIN Rx. The views expressed are those of the authors.
The Denair Unified School District budget has risen about $6.5 million in just three years, but don’t be fooled. Most of the increase can be attributed to two things – special funding from the state and federal governments related to COVID-19 and generous cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) from the state to make up for money shorted to school districts in pre-pandemic years.
Denair trustees unanimously approved a $21 million budget for the 2022-23 school year at a special meeting Thursday night, an increase of nearly $3 million from last year’s $18.2 million spending plan. The district is carrying over about $2 million in so-called COVID relief funds into the new budget year that can be spent on items such as textbooks, school supplies and technology upgrades.
“It’s a heathy budget, but we’re going to continue to be fiscally conservative,” said Superintendent Terry Metzger.
The 2022-23 budget reflects a second consecutive year of higher-than-average COLAs from California. Last year’s was 5.07% and this year’s is pegged at 5.33%. Some of that reflects the state trying to “catch up” on money it withheld from K-12 schools during leaner economic times; some of it is directly related to the current inflationary pressures that have impacted public agencies, private businesses and individuals across the country.
Still, much of the state funding remains tied directly to daily attendance. Denair, which saw enrollment dip slightly during the pandemic, expects to have 62 students more in the 2022-23 school year. Total enrollment is projected at 1,310.
As with previous budgets, most of the money – $15.4 million in 2022-23 — will go to pay for employee salaries. That includes across-the-board 4% salary increases Denair board members approved for teachers, administrators and all other staff on Thursday night. It also reflects the continued spike in pension contributions the district is legally required to make – 19.10% to the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) and 25.37% to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), which represents the non-teaching staff.
Daisy Swearingen, Denair’s director of fiscal services, projects the district will finish the year with a fund balance of $2,590,332. That’s more than $1 million more than the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. In another sign of its fiscal health, the district also projects it will have at least a 4% reserve fund for at least the next three years.
Earlier in the meeting, trustees approved two new programs aimed at better preparing students academically.
The first is called the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP). It is a before- and after-school program in which students at all grade levels will receive additional instruction, tutoring and enrichment. When the new school year begins, ELOP will run from 7:30 to 8:25 a.m. and from the end of school (between 2:45 and 3 p.m., depending on the campus) until 4:30 p.m.
Metzger emphasized that ELOP is separate from the district’s childcare program, which runs until 6 p.m., though some students may participate in both.
There is no bus service associated with ELOP, so parents are responsible for getting their children to and from school each day if they elect to participate in ELOP. ELOP signups will begin the week before classes start in August.
The second new program approved by board members Thursday night is Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) at Denair Elementary Charter Academy and Denair Charter Academy. Pre-kindergarten is for students whose fifth birthdays fall from September to early December, making them too young to begin kindergarten in August. Pre-kindergarten is an alternative to state-sponsored pre-school.
Under the new UPK guidelines, the age range for those eligible for the program will be extended by three months in each of the next three years. For instance, students whose fourth birthdays occur from September through February can participate this year. Next year, UPK will add those who turn 4 by the end of May and the following year students whose fourth birthdays are in June, July and August will be added.
Last year, there was one pre-kindergarten class at DECA. This year, Metzger expects there to be two to accommodate an additional 20 or so students.
In other action Thursday night, trustees:
Approved an update to the 2021-24 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), a strategic document that lays out for parents and the community how the district will spend the millions of dollars it receives each year from the state. Metzger said the district’s vision is to “empower tomorrow’s leaders through exemplary instruction and powerful innovative programs.” The LCAP includes three goals. The first is to provide all students with a foundation for post-secondary success. That means preparing high school graduates to enter a two- or four-year college, or having the skills to go directly to the military, a trade school or another kind of vocational field in order to begin their professional careers. The second goal is to have 80% of students demonstrate literacy (reading, writing and speaking) in all content areas by the end of the 2023-24 school year. And the third goal is to maintain a positive and safe school climate where all students are successful.
Said goodbye to and congratulated Linda Covello, the district’s chief business official for the past eight years. Covello was a key figure – along with board members, administrators, and state and county officials – in helping the district overcome a financial crisis that could have led to state takeover in 2014 and 2015. “Thank you for your service,” Metzger told Covello, who is moving out of the area with her husband. “While the last eight years have provided many challenges and successes here in Denair, I truly believe we have made a difference in the lives of students and staff alike and I know you all will continue to do so far into the future,” Covello said.
Jazmine Ramirez is the Denair High School Class of 2022 valedictorian thanks to her 4.24 grade-point average. The salutatorians will be Cooper Feldman and Preston Roe, who each compiled a 4.02 GPA over four years.
Graduation is set for Friday night at Jack Lytton Stadium. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the ceremony begins at 7 p.m.
Ramirez recently took time to answer some questions about her high school experience.
Question: Obviously, the Class of 2022 has had a much different educational experience because of the pandemic and a year of school held primarily via distance learning. How do you think that will shape you and your classmates?
Ramirez: When we returned to in person school, my peers and I felt an appreciation for everything involving education, we were so excited to learn in a “normal” setting. Though the pandemic made a lot of us fall behind, the option to cheat was there and it is evident that many chose to do so. Despite the joy expressed upon return, many of my peers are unable to concentrate for long periods of time and oftentimes feel troubled by the amount of homework, regardless of difficulty. Overall, high school students love the social aspect of learning in a classroom environment, stressed out by our previous norms. Still, we are more willing to adapt, understanding why it may be necessary to do things in a new way.
Q: What are the key things other students should know about your academic success and how you achieved it?
Ramirez: I think the most important thing I want people to know about my academic success is my view on it. I don’t think titles like valedictorian or salutatorian hold any real value. It isn’t until you, yourself, choose its meaning. For me, being valedictorian represents my ability to achieve long-term goals as well as my determination and willingness. I’d like to add that it is essential to succeed for yourself. I spent a lot of my time worrying about whether I did enough for this title, but it was all for nothing. In the humblest of tones, my GPA was much higher than those I competed with. Feeling secure in your abilities and trusting yourself is all that matters.
Q: How much time outside of regular class did you spend studying or doing homework?
Ramirez: Although I cannot pinpoint the exact amount of time I spent doing homework and studying, I’d say it was roughly five to six hours a night.
Q: Which classes and/or teachers at Denair High had the most influence on you?
Ramirez: Each and every one of the teachers at DHS goes above and beyond for their students. I look up to Ms. North, my AP literature and AP language teacher. She is someone who pushes her students, encouraging them to take pride in their work and expand upon their skills. She always made me feel important in her class and I knew that she would give her all as she taught us. I also have been greatly influenced by Mr. Cumberland, my freshman year health teacher and yearbook advisor. Actually, it was Mr. Cumberland who motivated me to work toward being valedictorian. He never fails to give amazing advice, proving to me and my peers that life is worth enjoying. Mr. Cumberland is the teacher I strive to be for my future students.
Q: How many Advanced Placement classes were you able to take? Were you challenged?
Ramirez: I took a total of seven AP classes — two my junior year and five my senior year. I never really felt challenged in any of them until I took my AP statistics class; the other courses I selected came naturally to me, though statistics isn’t my strong suit. I chose this course for its difficulty and I became a better student because of it. I finally understood that I didn’t need to excel in everything; doing my best and appreciating the lessons mattered most.
Q: What kind of culture of learning exists in your home? What has that meant for your success in high school?
Ramirez: I will be the first person in my family to attend college and because of that, I feel the weight of succeeding. In my home, education isn’t really put in first place, which isn’t necessarily wrong. My parents encouraged me to focus on interpersonal relationships and to care for my mental health, while balancing work and leisure. The pressure I put on myself academically was just that, from myself alone. I was never criticized or punished for my grades. This meant that the success I had in high school was because of how hard I pushed myself, how willing I was to do more. I do have to thank my grandparents for helping me to see the privilege in education. I knew that every day I went to school was a day I added to my success.
Q: What should members of the community know about the quality of education at Denair High?
Ramirez: The teachers at Denair High School do all they possibly can to see their students succeed. They offer a wide variety of resources, especially to seniors. Educators like Ms. North, Mr. Cumberland and Mr. Allen challenge their students and encourage them to try out new things.
Q: Outside of class, what kinds of teams, organizations or clubs are you involved in? How important are extracurricular activities in preparing you for college and beyond?
Ramirez: Outside of class, I am editor of the yearbook, vice president of the Environmental Club and a California Scholarship Federation member. Extracurricular activities encourage students to not only give back to their community, but to find passions. For instance, some of my fondest memories from high school center around yearbook. I was able to interact with all sorts of people, learning about their interests and values. Yearbook allowed me to feel connected to my school and encouraged me to continue to learn about those around me, appreciating everyone’s differences.
Q: What is the right balance for teens busy with school, teams or clubs, and even part-time jobs?
Ramirez: As someone who took five AP classes this year, had a part-time job, school, as well as multiple extracurriculars, it was essential to have excellent time management as well as a willingness to compromise. At times, I had to stay up late to work on an assignment or study on the way to games as I took photos for the yearbook. All in all, students need to find what they value the most, understanding that their choices affect their future.
Q: What are your college and career plans?
Ramirez: My goal is to attend Stanislaus State as a liberal studies major in order to become an elementary school teacher, while also working at Denair High School as a paraeducator.
Q: What themes are you going to talk about in your graduation speech?Ramirez: I have been planning my graduation speech for quite some time. I want nothing more than to show appreciation for my family, discussing the importance of support systems and role models. I also incorporate my love for education, emphasizing to my peers the privilege it is to attend school and experience learning in a classroom setting. I make mention of the opportunity I have had to observe the personal development of my peers, having a front-row seat to their growth.
Thursday night was a time to celebrate at the monthly meeting of the Denair Unified School District Board of Trustees. Ten retirees – some of whom have worked more than three decades in the district — were honored along with four students and Superintendent Terry Metzger.
The retirees took center stage in front of family, friends and colleagues in the Denair Elementary Charter Academy cafeteria. Each received a crystal clock, a bouquet of flowers from the DHS floral department, sincere thanks for their contributions and warm wishes for a fulfilling retirement.
Together, the retirees have served the district and its 1,200 students for more than 160 years as teachers, attendance clerks and custodians. Some interacted with multiple generations of the same family as students. Recognized were:
Janelle Gray, who has taught second grade at DECA for 37 years. “Janelle is funny. She likes to joke around and has as a great sense of humor. She’s very innovative and great with her students,” said Principal Kelly Beard.
Patti Morrissey, a DECA teacher for 36 years. “Patti was my mentor teacher,” Beard said. “She took me under her wing when I was starting as a teacher. We were kindred spirits. It was an amazing experience we had. We’re going to miss her sense of humor. She is our musical talent on campus.”
John Stavrianoudakis, a popular art teacher at Denair High for 28 years. “True story, I still don’t know how to say Stav’s last name, so he’s Mr. Stav,” said Principal Kara Backman. “We will miss your compassion, your empathy for kids. You are so humble. Kids have learned about you and want to come to school because of you. You’re so valuable in so many things and always a team player for everyone.”
Maria Olivas, a former Spanish teacher who became the district’s English Language Development coordinator. “She has been a blessing to our students,” Metzger complimented. “She started so many great things and really helped us connect with all parents, not just Spanish-speaking parents. She always approached her job with a can-do attitude and a smile on her face.”
Teresa Winter, a food service worker for 16 years. “Her fierce dedication to the students was obvious in the way she did her meal prep and that she knew every kid,” said Food Services Manager Kim Fuentez. “She was the face of the district during the pandemic because she manned the food distribution line. She represented the best of Denair and Denair food service.”
Jeannie Herrington, the attendance clerk at Denair Middle School for 16 years. “She always demonstrated empathy,” said Amanda Silva, a former DMS principal who is now the district’s special education coordinator.
David Curnow, a high school custodian for eight years. “If you ask Dave, he’ll get it done,” praised Backman. “Every single staff member and student knows Dave. But if you turn that around, he knows all of them as well. He comes early and stays late. He helps keep DHS safe and we appreciate him so much.”
Loretta Blevins, who worked as a special education teacher for seven years. “She’s kind and humble, always willing to do anything for students,” said Silva.
Robert LaFountain, a utility worker for five years. “When I took over, I found out how hard it was to keep up with Bob,” said Facilities, Maintenance and Operations Director Mark Hodges. “One minute, he might be mowing the lawn and the next he was cutting down a tree. He always gave his full time to us.”
Amanda Storlie, a preschool paraeducator for 3½ years. “She was perfectly fit to be in preschool,” Beard said. “She has a sweet, loving, soft voice and the students really love her.”
Also honored Thursday were four students, all of them seniors at Denair High. Thomas Guzman was given a plaque for being the student representative on the board for the past year while Fernando Quintero, Jazmine Ramirez and Mariana Verduzco were singled out for meeting state standards for bilingual literacy after passing oral and written tests in English and Spanish. They will receive the coveted Seal of Biliteracy on their high school diplomas.
Metzger also was recognized for being named the Association of California School Administrators’ choice as Superintendent of the Year for Region 7, which includes much of Central California. A video that lauded Metzger’s leadership skills during the past two years of the pandemic was shown.
Later in the meeting, trustees demonstrated their appreciation for Metzger by extending her contract through the 2023-24 school year. Her 2022-23 salary will be $176,160, plus a $350 a month car allowance. Metzger has been superintendent since 2108.
Also Thursday, the board heard a report from Metzger about attendance, interdistrict transfers, suspensions and expulsions.
Not surprisingly, COVID impacted attendance figures at the district’s four campuses the past two years. That’s important because Average Daily Attendance (ADA) – which is the percentage of enrolled students who are in class each day – is the primary way the state funds public schools. District finance officials estimate the drop in ADA would have cost Denair $425,000 in the next school year, if the district was not allowed to use the prior year ADA for funding purposes.
All of Denair’s schools have seen fewer students in class this year, especially in December, January and February, when the Delta and Omicron variants of the virus affected kids and teachers. Chronic absences – defined as missing at least 10% of school days – have risen this year to 38% at DECA, 36% at DMS, 36% at DHS and 23% at Denair Charter Academy. Before the pandemic, those numbers ranged from 4% to 11%.
“Those numbers are disappointing, but not surprising,” Metzger told trustees. “We had hundreds of kids in quarantine some weeks. As we look ahead, we’re trying to figure out how to use before- and after-school programs to reach some of those students who have missed so much school.”
There have been 44 students suspended for a day or more this school year, equal to pre-pandemic numbers. There have been no expulsions. Denair High has had 29 suspensions and the middle school 14. Almost all have to do with students being caught vaping, Metzger said.
“We are already addressing vaping in a variety of ways and are working on a plan to deal with it more strategically in the fall,” she said.
Regarding interdistrict transfers, Denair still has more students leaving than transferring in. Metzger said the majority have to do with parents wanting their children to be in other districts because of child-care issues.
This year, the district approved 156 elementary transfers, plus 90 from DMS and 180 from DHS. Those numbers are 103, 52 and 103, respectively, for the 2022-23 school year. Conversely, 94 students have transferred into the district this year and there already are 82 approved for next year.
In other action Thursday night, trustees:
Approved a contract for 2022-23 school year with Lozano Smith of Sacramento to be the district’s legal representative. Hourly rates range from $135 for a consultant to $350 for a senior partner.
Heard a report from Hodges outlining summer maintenance and facilities plans, including work on a girls bathroom at DMS, landscaping and tree-trimming projects, painting, moving the Coyote Cup of Kindness coffee cart from outside the district office to the high school, and updating the staff lounge and bathroom in the district office.
Listened as Metzger described training that will be offered for teachers and staff prior to the next school year.
Approved an audit of the district’s financial practices that affirms the district is compliant with the laws it is required to meet.
