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FUESD board praises Singh for pandemic response

In a jointly-signed letter, the Fallbrook Union Elementary School District’s governing board lauded the district’s superintendent, Candace Singh, for her leadership during the coronavirus pandemic crisis.

In January, the board was split 4-1 in granting a salary increase to Singh, with board member Caron Lieber clashing with the majority and casting the sole ‘no’ vote. Singh earned a bit under $330,000 in 2018.

But the board was united in highlighting “the leadership and integrity we have witnessed of FUESD Superintendent Dr. Candace Singh and her brilliant team as they navigate these unsure waters, bringing needed resources and assistance to the community of Fallbrook.”

In the joint letter, district governing board said Singh and other district administrators began preparing for the coronavirus as far back as February, long before any stay-at-home mandates were issued.

“Early in February, Dr. Singh and her team identified the possible threat of the Coronavirus and began preemptive sanitation and education planning across our schools to protect our students and staff,” board members said. “Looking to help outside our own organization, Dr. Singh gathered leaders from the Fallbrook High School and Vallecitos districts, the Boys and Girls Club, and other local agencies and private schools to share knowledge and resources, but more importantly, develop a united response to protect and serve this community.”

The board said Singh and FUESD leadership have made a conscious decision to continue to pay district staff as well as substitute teachers and business partners while schools remain shuttered.

“Dr. Singh believes it is imperative to not only support the students and staff of FUESD, but also the local economy,” the board said.

FUESD, which has moved its classes to an online-only format, is also providing technology to students and teachers and handing out meals to local families with children under the age of 18, regardless of enrollment.

“We are grateful for the strength, dedication and action of Dr. Singh and her team to prevent, protect and prepare our community during this unprecedented time,” board members said. “Dr. Singh and her team truly care for this community. We see this in action every day through her sound decision making and her personal and consistent communication, which has brought a sense of calm and reassurance to our families and staff. That is why we find it our responsibility to those who elected us to share with you the action and leadership we have witnessed during these uncertain times.”

FUESD spokesman Seth Trench also highlighted some things the district has accomplished during the pandemic crisis.

The district has distributed more than 2,600 Chromebooks and 175 iPads to students and their families, Trench said.

Child Nutrition workers have given out more than 42,000 meals to local families with children under the age of 18.

Teachers have been holding daily video meetings, creating interactive learning opportunities and even calling students personally while physical campuses have been shut down.

The district has worked to provide updated information for students and parents on its website, which has had more than 52,000 page views in the last 30 days, Trench said on April 10. The district’s counseling team also has developed an online resource hub to assist with students’ social and emotional health while schools remain closed.

“FUESD schools have been taking every opportunity to connect with their students,” Trench said. “William H. Frazier has started digital reading time; San Onofre School has had “social distancing” parades, and local Marines support food distribution at Mary Fay Pendleton.”

Trench also said FUESD nurses in particular are continuing to support the community with things like medical assistance, resources and education.

“One of our registered nurses, Kitty McNeil, has been sewing masks at home for district employees supporting the community,” Trench said.

The governing board in its letter encouraged anyone who wishes to learn more about the programs and services FUESD is offering to the public to visit FUESD.org/coronavirus.

Will Fritz can be reached by email at [email protected].

 

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