Thanks to John Niederkorn for attending
our Rotary meeting this week.  After formally retiring as Superintendent of VUSD last June, John immediately went back to work as the interim Superintendent for a fraction of his salary while the VUSD searches for his replacement - and after hearing John speak, he's certainly leaving large
shoes to fill!  John gave us an update on how our schools are performing.  Despite California being in the bottom 10% of the U.S. in terms of funding per
student at $9,800 (vs. an average of $11,500 per student), VUSD's economics remain strong.  Of course, that accomplishment didn't come at a cost.  But despite being down to 550 teachers from 775, student performance has seen continued district-wide growth over the last 12 years.  With the recent tragedy at Shady Hook Elementary, a big focus for all of the schools throughout the district is safety.  With reductions in staff, families and individual participation is essential in ensuring the safety of our children at school.

Thanks for the great update, John!  After several challenging years, hopefully we're starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel!

YOU HAVE THE CHOICE TO BE PART OF THE PROBLEM OR PART OF THE SOLUTION!  That's what we learned when Fire Safety Coordinator, Jill Childers, of the Vacaville Fire Department attended our meeting.  Your goal is to be prepared to survive un-aided for 72 hours.  Top on the list?  One gallon of water per person per day.  Make sure to date the water and replace it every six months.  For more information on disaster preparedness, you can call the Vacaville Fire Department at 449-5453 or visit their website at http://www.ci.vacaville.ca.us/index.aspx?page=242. 
  
Thanks, Jill, for all the great tips!

Today’s guest speaker was Colleen Erdes.  If her name’s not familiar to you, the organization she so capably runs most likely is – Opportunity House (http://opportunityhouse.us/index.php). 
Opportunity House’s objective is to help peopl...e achieve their goal of self-sufficiency.  Note the use of the phrase “their goal”.  Opportunity House isn’t a place where ideals are foisted on unwilling participants.  The people who come to Opportunity House make a choice for change.  Rules are strictly enforced and, for many, difficult to accept at first, but those who make it through the program learn to appreciate the purpose and value of those rules.  Many clients are able to find jobs within the first 17 days at Opportunity House – an incredible accomplishment for anyone in today’s market!  Three clients were even successful in purchasing their first home this past year.  We’re fortunate to have such an incredible organization in Vacaville.  If you’re interested in visiting Opportunity House’s new home at 267 Bennett Hill Ct., you are welcome to stop by the 1st Friday of each month for lunch between 11:30 am – 1 pm.  The staff will tour you around the property and tell you more about the programs they offer.  Special thanks to Colleen and everyone else who helps make Opportunity House thrive!