CSUMB Director of Admissions Recognized for Efforts in Diversity Recruitment

A Cal State Monterey Bay administrator was honored recently month for his efforts to increase student diversity during recruitment and admission.

CSUMB Director of Admissions David Linnevers was awarded the Joseph P. Allen Human Relations Award from the Western Association of College Admissions Counseling on June 2. The award was announced during the organization's annual conference at Loyola Marymount University. The honor is presented to an individual who has encouraged and supported traditionally underrepresented students in the transition from high school to college.

In 2009, Linnevers initiated a partnership with the CSUMB Early Outreach and Support Programs, the Region 16 California Migrant Education division, the CSUMB College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), the Salinas YWCA and migrant education programs in local school districts to improve college attendance rates for Spanish-speaking migrant families. The outcome was increased communication and “Dia De Los Padres,” a reception and information session specifically for Spanish-speaking parents of incoming and prospective students.

“To be recognized for the work I've poured my heart and soul into over the last 20 years and to be in the company of so many previous award winners, is truly humbling,” Linnevers said in a statement. “The students’ hope for a better future, a desire to achieve greatness and fortitude in the midst of sometimes overwhelming obstacles continues to motivate me to work even harder to ensure they will attend a university, get a degree and seek their own fortunes and happiness.”

Salinas Union High Dan Burns heading to Daly City

Dan Burns, associate superintendent of instructional services in the Salinas Union High School District, will become the next superintendet at Jefferson Union High School District in Daly City starting July 1.

Burns, 46, spent most of his educational career at the Salinas district, serving in a variety of positions as teacher, assistant principal, principal, and most recently in the district office. He worked at Seaside High School for a year before coming to Salinas 25 years ago.

"As I’m reflecting on leaving the area grew up in -- Seaside and Marina -- I can’t believe what we’ve done in last 26 years," Burns said. "I had a lot of people inspiring me to grow professionally. That helps. I learned from my parents that you get involved in the community and you serve other people. We’ve been active in athletic programs, dance programs and all kinds of staff through the years. I'm Looking for a new adventure and I’m sure the city will allow us to venture."

Among the accolades he's earned, Burns was recognized by the Association of California School Administrators as the High School Principal of the Year in 2011 and as the Curriculum and Instruction Superintendent of the Year in 2016. Burns has been a presenter for WestEd, the Central Coast Section Sportsmanship Committee, and the Association of California School Administrators.

Additionally, Mr. Burns is an all-around cool guy who returns my phone calls promptly and feeds me cool stories about the kids. Plus, he doesn't take it personally when I have to report on the nasty stuff.

Good luck, Mr. Burns. Salinas is sure going to miss you.

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Dan Moirao to stay as superintendent of South Monterey County Joint Union High School District

Starting Friday, the South Monterey County Joint Union High School District has returned to local control.

But that does not mean the district will lose its state-appointed administrator. Dan Moirao, who has been at the helm of the district since 2012, will remain as superintendent for a year.

“It’s been a lot of work but we finally regained local control,” Moirao said. “We’re fiscally solvent, we graduated more students from our two comprehensive high schools than in the (previous) decade and we’re very pleased with that. More students have reclassified from English learners, the drop out rates are falling significantly. Those are good indicators. Maybe we've done something right.”

South Monterey County, formerly King City Union High, was placed under state receivership in 2009, after the district needed a $13 million loan to cover its future debts. The state appointed an administrator and it was supposed to remain under its control until the debt was fully paid.

Although the debt has not been fully repaid (there are still about $11 million outstanding), the district has a good repayment plan, Moirao said. The district will remain under trusteeship until the debt is paid, but the newly appointed state trustee will only have veto power over financial decisions. The local board will be able to make non-financial decision independently of the trustee.

Newly appointed Linda Grundhofher, who has been in King City before, “could rescind any decision the board makes that has the potential to put the district into financial trouble again,” Moirao said. “But just on the finances. As state administrators I was in complete controls of everything.”

Moirao said the local board will begin looking for a permanent superintendent within the next year.