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New Superintendent, New Future

THERMAL – Our local schools are making some of the most difficult decisions in history and the future doesn’t look much better.

“It’s a challenge for us,” says Ricardo Medina, new Superintendent at Coachella Valley Unified School District.

Ricardo Medina put himself right in the middle of this growing challenge. As he prepares for his first day, Medina is faced with a list of obstacles.

“I see this an an opportunity for me and the district,” says Medina.

CVUSD is the poorest school district in the valley, with a host of struggles.

“This district is unique because of the demographics and the population it serves,” he says. “We have a number of low income students coming to our school house doors.”

Most students come from migrant families and speak little English.

“It creates added struggles that other school districts don’t have to deal with,” says Medina.

CVUSD has two main hurdles ahead and so do all of our California school districts. The testing standards are increasing but the funds are decreasing.

“It’s an unprecedented time in California,” says Medina.

The district’s budget already shrank about $15 million. They may have to cut another$7.5 million. This would lead to more layoffs and with fewer teachers, it’s more difficult for the students to meet standards.

“We have a ‘Catch-22,'” says Medina.

Although the road ahead is bumpy, Medina hopes his positive outlook will lead the district and it’s students to success.

“I look at it as the glass is half full and it’s our job to fill it up the rest of the way, and help the students be successful,” says Medina.

Medina begins his work as Superintendent on May 26th.

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