May16 2017-Rotary Forum

Pres. Greg Baker opened the meeting at 12:36 PM with his usual this day in history: President John Adams moves the capital from Philadelphia to D.C. on May 15, 1800; Randy Johnson was the oldest pitcher in MLB history to throw a perfect game on May 18, 2004; and Los Angeles Lakers rookie “Magic” Johnson stepped in for injured center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and scored 42 points leading the Lakers to a four games-to-two series win over the Philadelphia 76ers on May 16, 1980.

Pres. Greg was pleased to welcome back Jeff King who reported that he just submitted to the District our application for Club Awards, which will be presented during the Demotion Banquet on Tuesday evening, June 27. Steve Curry announced that after next week’s meeting we are invited to the Pismo Preserve to dedicate the park benches. Linda Osty reported that $2500 was raised at the recent melodrama performance. These funds will go to trade scholarships next year. Scott Astrosky reported that a Summer Sizzle meeting will be held immediately after this one. Andrea Lueker stated that Youth Literacy Program books will be distributed on May 24 in Branch Elementary School at 10:30 AM to fourth graders and 11 AM to third graders. These books will also be distributed at St. Pats on May 22 at 10:30 AM. Karen Zappia announced a social will be held at the Shell Beach Brew House this Thursday at 5:30 PM.

In the absence of Fine Master Mark Olson, Pres. Greg fined him $50 and took over his responsibilities. He recognized Bruce Beaudoin’s birthday and his trip to Branson Missouri. Shannon Bowdey was fined $50 for her birthday. Roger and Krista Frederickson’s wedding anniversary on May 17, 1997 was recognized without a fine. Frank Montesinos’ new puppy that is part German shepherd, part labrador and part pit bull resulted in a fine of $30 and a bag of dog goodies from Linda Osty.

PROGRAM: Andy Stenson, Lucia Mar Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, “The State of the Lucia Mar School System”

Andrea Boyer introduced Andy who was promoted to his position in 2015. In addition to running the business department, he also is in charge of the food and transportation. He is a long term resident of this area, has attended local schools and does not plan to go anywhere else. Based on the $8534 per student, Lucia Mar School District ranks at the bottom of the schools in our immediate neighborhood. He attributes this to the relative affluence of this area compared to say San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria, which have a free lunch program for students that qualify.  The $170 million bond issue that passed will be used to improve the utilities and replace the portable classrooms with permanent ones. 90% of the $100 million annual budget goes to staff leaving only a small amount for facility repairs. They receive $1.8 million from lottery sales, but it cannot be used for such repairs. The school system has a superior academic growth rate.

“When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.”  Dalai Lama XIV

Pres. Greg Baker opened the meeting at 12:36 PM with his usual this day in history: President John Adams moves the capital from Philadelphia to D.C. on May 15, 1800; Randy Johnson was the oldest pitcher in MLB history to throw a perfect game on May 18, 2004; and Los Angeles Lakers rookie “Magic” Johnson stepped in for injured center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and scored 42 points leading the Lakers to a four games-to-two series win over the Philadelphia 76ers on May 16, 1980.

Pres. Greg was pleased to welcome back Jeff King who reported that he just submitted to the District our application for Club Awards, which will be presented during the Demotion Banquet on Tuesday evening, June 27. Steve Curry announced that after next week’s meeting we are invited to the Pismo Preserve to dedicate the park benches. Linda Osty reported that $2500 was raised at the recent melodrama performance. These funds will go to trade scholarships next year. Scott Astrosky reported that a Summer Sizzle meeting will be held immediately after this one. Andrea Lueker stated that Youth Literacy Program books will be distributed on May 24 in Branch Elementary School at 10:30 AM to fourth graders and 11 AM to third graders. These books will also be distributed at St. Pats on May 22 at 10:30 AM. Karen Zappia announced a social will be held at the Shell Beach Brew House this Thursday at 5:30 PM.

In the absence of Fine Master Mark Olson, Pres. Greg fined him $50 and took over his responsibilities. He recognized Bruce Beaudoin’s birthday and his trip to Branson Missouri. Shannon Bowdey was fined $50 for her birthday. Roger and Krista Frederickson’s wedding anniversary on May 17, 1997 was recognized without a fine. Frank Montesinos’ new puppy that is part German shepherd, part labrador and part pit bull resulted in a fine of $30 and a bag of dog goodies from Linda Osty.

PROGRAM: Andy Stenson, Lucia Mar Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, “The State of the Lucia Mar School System”

Andrea Boyer introduced Andy who was promoted to his position in 2015. In addition to running the business department, he also is in charge of the food and transportation. He is a long term resident of this area, has attended local schools and does not plan to go anywhere else. Based on the $8534 per student, Lucia Mar School District ranks at the bottom of the schools in our immediate neighborhood. He attributes this to the relative affluence of this area compared to say San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria, which have a free lunch program for students that qualify.  The $170 million bond issue that passed will be used to improve the utilities and replace the portable classrooms with permanent ones. 90% of the $100 million annual budget goes to staff leaving only a small amount for facility repairs. They receive $1.8 million from lottery sales, but it cannot be used for such repairs. The school system has a superior academic growth rate.

“When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.”  Dalai Lama XIV