Seminar to Discuss Creating Economic Opportunity and the New Funding Formula for Schools

Representatives of five South Bay school districts are convening March 7 to discuss a newly instituted formula that determines the amount of funds the districts get from the state.

Hosting the event that begins at 8 a.m. at United States University in Chula Vista is the South County Economic Development Council, the nonprofit group that promotes the region.

Cindy Gompper-Graves, SCEDC’s president, said the event is an opportunity to bring together businesses, community, and educational leaders to discuss how to best prepare the area’s children for success both educationally and economically.

Under a new formula that took effect this year, funding is allocated based on a district’s demographics, with a special focus on English-language learners, foster youth and students from low-income families, according to SCEDC.

Panelists committed to appearing at the forum are Chris Orem, superintendent, National School District; Gloria Madera, interim superintendent, San Ysidro School District; Edward Brand, superintendent, Sweetwater Union High School District; Abdollah Saadat, assistant superintendent, South Bay Union School District; and Francisco Escobedo, superintendent, Chula Vista Elementary School District.

The event is free but attendees are asked to RSVP by registering at www.scedcshoolforum.eventbrite.com