Despite deep budget cuts from the State and the challenges of being a new district, the schools in Twin Rivers are continuing to thrive and improve. After almost two years, the results are in, and seem to be headed in the right direction despite the challenging circumstances.
For example, graduation rates and completion of college requirements are up in all schools. In fact, this fall almost 900 students from Highlands, Foothill, Rio Linda, and Grant High Schools will be attending college. Students also have more AVID (college and study habits) and Advanced Placement (early college credit) courses available.

In contrast to the cuts to libraries and the arts across the State, two Twin Rivers schools opened libraries this year, and every student will receive an art experience next year through partnerships with the Mayor’s Office and the Kennedy Center for the Arts. In addition, every high school is expanding the variety of career-technical programs offered. These programs are a hybrid approach offering students the chance to learn a valuable career skill that also prepares students for college.

Becoming family-friendly has been another focus area for the new district. Customer service training, professional development with an emphasis on welcoming families at school sites, and asking families to visit schools before they apply for a transfer outside of district have had a positive effect on keeping students in neighborhood schools. As a result, the district has lost 40% less students than in pervious years.

“These results are only possible because of the passionate, highly-qualified, and dedicated people at all levels of our district,” said Twin Rivers Superintendent Frank Porter. “…people with an intense desire to continue to improve and provide the best possible learning experience for Twin Rivers students.”

Working with students and families to boost attendance and minimize distractions at school sites has also had an effect. This year, Twin Rivers has reduced student expulsions by 30% and student suspensions by 15%, resulting in more time learning in the classroom.

In these tough budget times, the district has relied on a collaborative approach that brings in family, community, and business support and resources for students, including more than $100,000 for educational foundation mini-grants to teachers and more than $1.5 million in grants for programs. In addition, thousands of hours have been donated for school clean-up efforts, tree plantings, and classroom assistance.

Twin Rivers is receiving State and national recognition for the transformational changes taking place at every level. For example:

o The Model School Attendance Review Board (SARB) award from the California Department of Education for their work to boost attendance
o 4 of 5 2010 County Classified Employees of the Year are Twin Rivers employees
o The 2010 State Classified Employee of the Year is from Twin Rivers
o The 2010 National Leadership through Communication Award
o Twin Rivers Adult School program was the first in the nation to receive Western Association of Schools and Colleges postsecondary accreditation

While it is nice to receive the recognition to highlight the work being done and the quality of schools in the Sacramento area, at the end of the day the local results are the most important. Creating a new school system that raises standards and sets our students on the path for college, career, and life success is the goal. It takes the efforts of staff, families, and communities to make it happen.