First published in the Aug. 20 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
By Sharon Cuseo, John Paramo,
Debbie Kukta and Sarah Niemann
BUSD Assistant Superintendents
We are excited to welcome students back to school. The BUSD employees have been hard at work this summer to make sure it will be a great year. Here are some of the highlights.
Mental Health Resources
Students in Burbank Unified School District will have full access to mental health care services and preventative interventions through expanded services by the Family Service Agency of Burbank. Students may visit the Student Care Centers and/or call or text (818) 333-6239 24/7. Additionally, students have access to school-based therapy, which is typically once a week for an hour. School-based counseling is typically at the school site during the regular school day.
Technology
Educating students has dramatically changed over the last two years and has set new educational expectations. The district has implemented a 1:1 Chromebook initiative for grades 3-12, and classroom Chromebook carts for grades TK-2. Today’s students are far better prepared for real-world needs, either virtually or in person.
The district continues applying for federal grant opportunities for equipment and services, such as eliminating the Digital Divide. Parents can sign up for the federally funded Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) program at https://www.internetforallnow.org/, offering eligible families a $30 per month discount on home internet and a one-time $100 discount for a computer or tablet.
Food Services Update
Per new state funding, the BUSD will be able to offer breakfast, nutrition and lunch at no cost to all students starting the 2022-2023 school year. Families are still highly encouraged to fill out meal applications as students can still income qualify for additional benefits such as P-EBT cards, discounts on internet access, child care, academic high school tests and college application fees. Visit https://www.busdfoodservices.com/ to submit an application online. Paper applications are available in every school’s front office.
Facilities
The Facilities Department has busy been working all summer on various projects including the opening of our new two-story classroom building, playground, and field at Disney Elementary School, replacement of the playground surfacing at the ILA day care center, security camera upgrades at various sites throughout the district, and roof repairs at several sites.
Human Resources
We would like to welcome our new employees to the district and welcome back our existing employees. BUSD is a great place to work and we are currently recruiting for some great jobs. Please visit www.edjoin.com to learn more.
Sharon Cuseo is assistant superintendent of Instructional Services; John Paramo is assistant superintendent of educational services; Debbie Kukta is assistant superintendent of administrative services; and Sarah Niemann is assistant superintendent of human resources.
