Board Highlights
from the October 12, 2021 meeting
Milpitas High School sophomore Ava Woodhams has first book of new series published
Milpitas High School sophomore Ava Woodhams had her first book of a new series published this week through Atmosphere Press.

Her literary work, titled "Fire a Girl, and Far Too Many Aliens," is available on www.amazon.com now!

Woodhams, now a published author, was honored at the MUSD Board of Education Meeting on October 12. She was joined by her mother and MUSD teacher Stephanie Woodhams as well as her younger sibling.

She started writing this book while at Alexander Rose Elementary School and finished polishing it up her 8th grade year at Thomas Russell Middle School and freshman year at Milpitas HS.


MUSD gets record low rate for Measure AA, Series B General Obligations Bonds sale

With a favorable result that will save Milpitas taxpayers, the District successfully sold the second series of bonds, Series B, from its 2018 Measure AA authorization for $150,000,000, with a district record-low 2.084% All-in True Interest Cost.

"I can say with utmost confidence this is the lowest borrowing cost that Milpitas Unified has experienced through any of its prior general obligation bond sales," reported KNN Public Finance Principal/Managing Director Blake Boehm.

Assistant Superintendent Wendy Zhang, along with Boehm, provided the Board and community with a summary of the transaction, which closed on September 29.

MUSD received ratings from both Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings. Moody’s and S&P assigned ratings at ‘Aa1’ and ‘AA’, respectively. Main factors include: Sizable and growing tax base with access to Silicon Valley; Strong income levels with proven community support of district's operating and capital needs; Very strong reserves and maintenance of special reserve funds; Good financial management policies and practices; and Strong educational programs and future outlook.

  
RECOGNITIONS
MUSD Custodians
All of our MUSD custodians who are our MUSD front-line superstars, represented by Custodial Supervisor Jesus Chagolla and MOT Director Brian Shreve on October 12, were honored by the Board and District leadership for taking care of our surroundings by keeping them safe and clean for our students, staff, and families.

HIGHLIGHTS
Moving Forward Together: MUSD 2021-22 COVID-19 Update unveils new testing system
Superintendent Cheryl Jordan delivered her Moving Forward Together: MUSD COVID-19 Update 2021-22 at the Oct. 12 Board of Education meeting with updated vaccination rates in Milpitas and Santa Clara County.

In addition, MUSD COVID-19 Designee Kim Bravo introduced the new pooled testing system by Concentric that will be used at all MUSD sites beginning the week of October 18. MUSD is encouraging all staff and students to participate regardless of vaccination status.
Zanker's Ms. Ortiz, MHS students share video resolution honoring Indigenous Peoples Day
Zanker Elementary School noon supervisor Bartola Ortiz was joined by an array of Milpitas High School students in recognizing and honoring October 11, 2021 as Indigenous Peoples Day in this video resolution reading, which premiered at the Oct. 12 MUSD Board of Education Meeting.

The resolution was originally constructed last school year with support from members of the Muwekma Tribe, aboriginal tribe to Santa Clara County and the surrounding areas.
Zanker students support Principal Mia-Ramzan in explaining 'Let's Talk It Out' Lesson
Zanker Elementary School Principal Shangrila Mia-Ramzan was joined by four Zanker students as well as Assistant Principal Hetal Patel for the school report.

The students, who were accompanied by some proud parents in the MUSD Boardroom, explained how the 'Let's Talk It Out' Lesson can be applied during their interactions with schoolmates.
MUSD Board of Education approves variety
of education items at October 12 meeting
The Board of Education approved the following education items at the October 12, 2021 board meeting: