Congratulations! College Connections Academy has been honored as an Educational Results Partnership (ERP) Honor Roll School, recognizing its exceptional academic achievement and student success.

The ERP Honor Roll is a national initiative by the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE) aimed at spotlighting schools and districts that have strong student outcomes that CBEE believes will equip them with essential skills for the workforce. College Connections Academy is among the 1,430 public schools in California to receive this prestigious recognition.

Based on student achievement data from 2023, the ERP Honor Roll identified schools that not only met but exceeded grade-level expectations. College Connections Academy distinguished itself through its outstanding ability to advance students beyond their grade-level goals.

Franklin-McKinley School District Superintendent Juan Cruz praised the achievement: “This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, teachers, and entire school community. College Connections Academy’s success is a shining example of what can be accomplished with commitment and collaboration.”

Schools on the ERP Honor Roll have consistently high levels of academic success and effective strategies for closing achievement gaps across diverse student populations.



George Sanchez, FMSD Board President, remarked: “We are incredibly proud of College Connections Academy for earning this distinction. Their remarkable progress highlights the impact of our focused efforts on educational excellence and equity. This achievement underscores our commitment to preparing all students for future success.”

The ERP Honor Roll is a unique accolade that aims to enhance both academic outcomes and workforce readiness.

Thanks to the strong support of our district’s voters through Measure R, we’ve made significant facility improvements across our campuses in recent months. Completed summer projects include the installation of CO2 sensors, security cameras, enhanced paging systems, hydration stations, the first phase of fire alarm system replacements, enhanced efficient lighting,  enhanced efficient lighting, rubberized fall surface replacement in kindergarten area, new toilet fixtures, roof restoration, and decorative fencing for security.

We’re particularly thrilled to update you on the Bridges Academy & Sylvandale Middle School Track and Field Renovation, which began in June 2024. By August, we completed new asphalt installation and striping, with the entire project set to finish by October 2024. Additionally, at Bridges Academy, we’re on track to complete the installation of two shade structures, turf, and benches in the courtyard by December 2024.

Come learn how to navigate FMSD at our first district Family Night of the year on Tuesday. September 17, 2024! Learn how to best support your students with homework, how to use parent square, how to get more involved at school and in the district, and any information about Special Education. We will have a resource fair with our community partners, dinner provided by our Child Nutrition Services department, and free childcare. Come and learn about our district!

Visit the new “In the Know" section on the Franklin-McKinley School District’s website! Check back for regular updates on all the happenings around campus.

CORAL is our after-school program. The Franklin-McKinley School District has partnered with Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County to provide expanded learning programs to students across the District. Catholic Charities offers the CORAL program at all FMSD sites for all students, free of cost, Monday through Friday from dismissal to 6 pm. All CORAL students benefit from:

• Literacy and homework support
• Arts and STEAM enrichment
• Supper and snack daily
• Access to academic acceleration

Interested in CORAL? Please visit: https://tinyurl.com/CORALFMSD

Our summer programs at FMSD provided new learning opportunities for students and fun times to enjoy their time-off! This year, FMSD served 1,255 students in grades PK-8 across five different sites. Students engaged in various Olympic-themed programs such as our FMSD Literacy & Math, Elevate Math, Dual Immersion, Extended School Year, and Breakthrough Silicon Valley.

In addition, we had incoming 8th grade College Connection Academy students enroll and complete an Evergreen Community College course this summer. These students have earned college credits.

Students had opportunities to go on field trips to places such as Happy Hollow, The Tech Museum of Innovation, San Jose State University, NASA and so much more. Enrichment was provided by Marshmallow Minds, Schmahl Science, our CORAL STEAM team, SJ Jazz, and Starting Arts. Students also welcomed SJPD, SJFD, aviation professionals, and former USWNT player and co-founder of the new NWSL team Bay FC Leslie Osborne to campus for fun and informative assemblies. 

Last, but not least, we wrapped up summer school with our FMSD CORAL Summer Olympic Games where students competed in nine different events after being inspired by former Olympic Gold Medalist Tianna Madison. Thank you all for your support and participation!

The Family Resource Centers supported by Catholic Charities now will be known as Children's Initiative Neighborhood Centers. The support these centers provide to the community will continue this new school year, welcoming children, adults and seniors with free services and resources. Our Children's Initiative Neighborhood Centers at FMSD offer free parenting programs for caregivers and enrichment workshops for children 0-5 years of age. Children's Initiative Neighborhood Centers connect families with local programs and resources including children diaper programs, housing and rental assistance, job support, immigration services, and more.

It is important to highlight that the Children's Initiative Neighborhood Centers serve and support families. The "Cradle-to-Grandparent" services encompass a comprehensive range of programs designed to cater to individuals at every stage of life, from infancy through to old age. These services typically include early childhood education, parenting support, youth development, career and college guidance, adult education, family counseling, and senior services. The goal is to provide holistic and continuous support that fosters well-being, growth, and community connection throughout a person's lifetime.

Please see below the locations, phone number and hours of operation for each Children's Initiative Neighborhood Center at Franklin-McKinley School District. 

• Educare - 1399 Santee Drive San Jose CA 95122, Office # 408-690-1380, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday, Food Assistance, every Wednesday - A La Cart Meal - 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm 
• Seven Trees - 3975 Mira Loma Way, San Jose, CA 95111, Office # 408-476-6788, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Food Assistance every Tuesday - A La Cart Meal 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm  
• George Shirakawa Sr. - 645 Wool Creek Dr, Portable #1 & 2, San Jose, CA 95112, Office # 408-549-4512, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Food Assistance every Wednesday - A La Cart Meal - 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm 
• Captain Jason Dahl - 3200 Water St, San Jose, CA 95111, Office # 408-396-8301 - Connect with Community Schools Staff Qunnie Doan - qdoan@catholiccharitiesscc.org

It is important to us that we keep our school community updated on FMSD’s financial situation. The state has adopted its budget, and district staff, along with school finance advocates, have reviewed the state's adopted budget to understand its impact on TK-12 school districts. The state made significant adjustments between May and June that benefited school districts. Unfortunately, there were limited benefits this school year. Our district's most significant and immediate benefits were the new Home-to-School Transportation reimbursement that added $600k in revenue annually and an increase for ADA lottery funding, which added another $217K annually. This is good news, but more is needed to eliminate the need for $23 million in annual expenditure reductions by July 1, 2025. These cuts will mean the loss of staff, loss of educational offerings for our students, school consolidation, and reduced professional development for our staff.

Due to the state budget woes, the state suspended Prop 98 (the main funding formally for TK to 12 education), which resulted in a loss of $6.5 billion in ongoing school funding. For our district, this translates into over $5 million in lost funding, which could have significantly reduced expenditure cuts. Additionally, shifts in student demographics and the expiration of one-time federal and state COVID funds have further strained our finances.



Despite these challenges, we remain committed to providing the best education for every student. Your continued support is invaluable as we navigate these turbulent financial waters. Thank you for standing with us.

We welcome new students and families to FMSD! The Franklin-McKinley Enrollment Center is happy to assist with all your enrollment needs. 

Please visit us at:  

645 Wool Creek DR, San Jose, 95112. 

We are open Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. Should you need a later time, we are happy to schedule a late appointment. We are available to answer any enrollment questions at 408-283-6149. Please note that your neighborhood school is also able to assist. 

For the 2024-2025 school year, we are excited to continue offering Universal Meals to all students. 

In California, all public school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools are required to provide breakfast and lunch to students who request a meal, free of charge, starting this academic year (2024-2025). This benefit is available to all students. 

Our district encourages families to complete the Education Benefit Meal Form to support the program and maximize funding for each school site. Each form completed can directly impact FMSD’s Local Control Funding Formula. 

Families can complete the Education Benefit Meal Form online or complete physical forms at their child’s school site or the Children Nutrition Services (CNS) department at the District Service Center.

As you know, only one form is needed per household. Please contact Alane Webb at alane.webb@fmsd.org or DJ Lomeli at dj.lomeli@fmsd.org in the CNS department for additional forms if you need more documents.

Our monthly menus will be communicated in several ways:

• Hard copies delivered to each school site served by CNS (Yerba Buena Food Service Program serves CCA)
• Via email and text using Parent Square
• And advertised on the CNS Menu Website link



Thank you for your support!

Our district is committed to hiring the best candidates to support our students’ education, and this summer we hosted several events to connect with potential new employees. On July 15, 2024, our Human Resources team hosted a classified job fair, attracting over 60 attendees from the community. This event provided a valuable opportunity for local job seekers to connect with potential employers, receive career advice, and learn about available resources.

A few days later, on July 22, 2024, the HR team organized a comprehensive job and resource fair for our community. Nearly 80 participants and their families attended, benefiting from a wide array of resources, workshops, and networking opportunities. The event underscored the district's dedication to community engagement and support, aiming to empower individuals and strengthen the community as a whole.

We are hiring caring and dedicated staff to prepare our students for success in school and in life!   

Open positions include:  

• Special Education Teachers 
• VAPA Teacher 
• Paraeducator, Special Education
• Paraeducator
• Bus Driver
• Mechanic
• Noon Duty Supervisor

Why Franklin-McKinley?  

• Generous signing bonus for Special Education Credentialed - $15,000 over 5 years  
• Competitive Salaries  
• Federal Loan Forgiveness  
• Culturally Diverse Community  
• Induction Program  

To learn more, please connect with Human Resources:  

Dr. George Kleidon, Assistant Superintendent, HR. (408) 283-6014  

Apply Online:  

https://www.edjoin.org/fmsd 

For the past 16 years, FMSD has benefited from stable, locally controlled funding provided by voter-approved education parcel taxes that are set to expire. The Parcel Taxes for Measure HH and Measure K, passed in 2016 and 2020, respectively, will expire in June 2026. Combined, the two current parcel taxes provide $144 per year per parcel, which equals $2.5 million annually. District staff proposed, and the Board of Education agreed to place a parcel tax measure on the November 5, 2024 ballot that will combine and replace the existing parcel taxes into one larger parcel tax to ensure ongoing, reliable funding for our schools at the local level.

The proposed new parcel tax, Measure W, will be $192 per year for nine years, assessed against each parcel. The total estimated annual revenue from this proposed new parcel tax will be approximately $3.3 million, with senior exemptions, independent oversight/audits, and all funds staying locally. Voters will decide whether they support Measure W on the November 5, 2024, ballot.

The funds will be used for the following purposes:

• Expand reading, counseling, and tutoring programs for at-risk students.
• Enhance academic programs in reading, math and science.
• Expand student access to after school programs.
• Restore performing arts and music program for grades K-6.
• Maintain or expand performing arts and music programs.
• Improve students’ access to computers and modern technology.
• Maintain small class sizes, and provide a safer learning environment.

Franklin-McKinley School District | www.fmsd.org