Albany Unified School District Board of Education 904 Talbot Ave. Albany, CA MINUTES FOR MEETING October 19, 2010

Transcription

1 Albany Unified School District Board of Education 904 Talbot Ave. Albany, CA MINUTES FOR MEETING October 19, 2010 I. OPENING BUSINESS 6:30 p.m. A) Call to Order B) Roll Call C) Identify Closed Session Pursuant to Agenda Section III Below II. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR CLOSED SESSION ITEMS III. CLOSED SESSION 6:35 p.m. A) With respect to every item of business to be discussed in Closed Session pursuant to Education Code Section 35146: Student Personnel Matters B) With respect to every item of business to be discussed in Closed Session pursuant to: Government Code Section 54957: Public Employee Appointment Certificated 1. Amendment a. Teacher 2. Extra Assignment a. Coach, Wrestling b. Coach, Wrestling, Asst. 3. Leave - none 4. New Hire a. Coach, Basketball, Varsity b. Coach, Football, JV, Asst. c. Program Specialist 5. Separation of Service - none 6. Status Change - none Classified 1. Amendment - none 2. Extra Assignment - none 3. Leave - none 4. New Hire a. Coach, Basketball, Men s JV b. Coach, Basketball, Women s Varsity c. Coach, Cross County, Asst. d. Coach, Football, JV e. Coach, Soccer, Men s JV f. Coach, Soccer, Men s Varsity g. Coach, Soccer, Women s JV h. Coach, Soccer, Women s Varsity i. Coach, Wrestling, Asst., Job Share j. Para-Educator, Lead 5. Separation of Service - none

2 6. Status Change - none Uncompensated Service 1. Separation of Service a. Intern 2. Volunteer C) With respect to every item of business to be discussed in Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section : CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (Superintendent Marla Stephenson, District Representative), Regarding Negotiations as pertains to: a. California School Employees Association (CSEA) b. Albany Teachers Association (ATA) c. SEIU Local 1021 IV. OPEN SESSION 7:30 p.m. A) Reconvene to Open Session President Rosenbaum called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. B) Roll Call PRESENT : President Rosenbaum, Vice President Low, Member Black, Member Walden, and Member Glasser. ABSENT : None. STAFF: Superintendent Stephenson, and Assistant Superintendent Harden. C) Pledge of Allegiance D) Report of Action Taken in Closed Session President Rosenbaum stated that no action was taken in closed session. E) Approval of Agenda President Rosenbaum stated that items 6b and 5a. Motion by Member Walden, seconded by Vice President Low to approve E) Approval of Agenda The Board was polled and passed unanimously. Members: President Rosenbaum, Vice President Low, Member Black, Member Walden, and Member Glasser voting AYE Member Glasser said that he felt that there needed to be a discussion regarding when items are put on and pulled off of the agenda. He said that it was his understanding that any member of the Board can propose items be included on the agenda. He said that members have suggested items that have gone on the agenda in the last few months without any discussion. President Rosenbaum stated that any member can put an item on an agenda. Member Glasser said that he felt that there has been oversight in regards to this and procedures need to be tightened up. Superintendent Stephenson suggested that a standing be sent out from Board Members two weeks before each Board Meeting to remind staff of items they would like to see on the next agenda. Vice President Low said that items might be postponed if there is not enough time for the meeting to take place. Member Glasser said that there had been previous discussions on estimating how long each item would take. He asked that members be notified in advance if an item they requested to be put on the agenda has been pulled. F) Approval of Consent Calendar Member Black and Member Glasser stated that they had questions on items 5c, 5d and 5e. Vice President Low stated that she would like to make a comment on items 5a and 5b.

3 President Rosenbaum requested that item 4c be pulled for discussion and a separate vote. 1. Approval of Minutes a) October 5, Personnel Assignment Order a) Certificated Personnel - Public Employee Assignment, Employment, Appointment, Evaluation, Leave Requests: 1. Amendment a. Teacher 2. Extra Assignment a. Coach, Wrestling b. Coach, Wrestling, Asst. 3. Leave - none 4. New Hire a. Coach, Basketball, Varsity b. Coach, Football, JV, Asst. c. Program Specialist 5. Separation of Service - none 6. Status Change - none b) Classified Personnel - Public Employee Assignment, Appointment, Employment, Leave Requests: 1. Amendment - none 2. Extra Assignment - none 3. Leave - none 4. New Hire a. Coach, Basketball, Men s JV b. Coach, Basketball, Women s Varsity c. Coach, Cross County, Asst. d. Coach, Football, JV e. Coach, Soccer, Men s JV f. Coach, Soccer, Men s Varsity g. Coach, Soccer, Women s JV h. Coach, Soccer, Women s Varsity i. Coach, Wrestling, Asst., Job Share j. Para-Educator, Lead 5. Separation of Service - none 6. Status Change - none c) Uncompensated Service 1. Separation of Service a. Intern 2. Volunteer 3. Personnel a) Approve Resolution No in the Matter of Certificated Assignments Outside Credential Authorization b) Approve the Master Contract Agreement between Albany Unified School District and Carmen Burks for teacher coach services 4. Curriculum and Instruction a) Approve the Student Teaching Agreement between Albany Unified School District and Dominican University b) Approve the Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between Albany Unified School District and East Bay Center for the Performing Arts c) Approve the Independent Contractor Agreement between Albany Unified School District and Alison

4 Seevak for poetry Director Hornada said that Alison Seevak provided the poetry program to all three elementary sites last year. Director Hornada said that, even though this particular contract is for Cornell, it is the goal of the district to have the same program at Marin and Ocean View later on in the school year. She said that Ocean View is currently working on submitting AEF grants to provide the program. She said that the district is working hard to get the program back to all three elementary school sites. Member Walden said that it was important to say that the Board has agreed that it would like to make some more procedures and processes to ensure that programs made available by donated funds are equitable at all three schools. She said that the Board did not start this year with a clear agenda to achieve a level of equity and how it would affect donor organizations. She said that it is her hopes the Board is committed to putting a well articulated plan in action before the spring. President Rosenbaum asked how, in the case that Ocean View is not able to come up with the funding for the program, would it be funded. Superintendent Stephenson said that staff is looking into funding the program at Ocean View with district dollars in the case that enough money cannot be raised through fundraisers. Member Glasser said that he does not feel that it is appropriate to not provide the same opportunities at each site. He said that he did not feel comfortable without knowing that all students have the same opportunities. He also said that there is an effort by the Board to notify the public on what is going on. He thanked Member Black and Member Low for providing their blogs to the public. Liz Avery, 3rd grade teacher at Marin, said that she and others felt that this is not an enrichment program. She said that this is being taught during the school day, and is supporting language arts and it should be considered instruction. Motion by Member Black, seconded by Vice President Low to approve c) Approve the Independent Contractor Agreement between Albany Unified School District and Alison Seevak for poetry The Board was polled. Members: President Rosenbaum, Vice President Low, Member Black, and Member Walden voting AYE and Member Glasser voting no. 5. Business and Operations a) Accept donation to fund athletic programs at Albany High School from the Albany High School Athletic Boosters Vice President Low wanted to recognize and thank the Albany Boosters. She said that wonderful parents and community members have stepped up and donated. She stated that item 5b listed donations from corporations in addition to parent donations, and encouraged the community to check and see if there is a matching program at their workplace and to take advantage if there is. President Rosenbaum thanked the community for their donations on behalf of the Board. b) Approve site donations from August 21, October 8, 2010 c) Approve the award of special testing and inspection services for the Albany High School Aquatic Center Member Glasser said that he did not understand why items 5c and 5d were not bid on as one contract, since they were two very similar types of services. Superintendent Stephenson said that they are two different DSA requirements. She said that 5c is a materials inspection contract for special testing and inspection services, which required a discrete bid. She said that the geotechnical testing and inspecting contract, item 5d, is very different than the materials testing. She said that was no way to combine that bid, since they are from different companies. Member Glasser said that the schedule of fees on page 31, under lodging, should include a rate for a hotel nearby and not to leave just it at cost, as stated in the contract.

5 Member Black stated that both contracts had very similar project costs, and the statement that it is coming well under the aquatic center s budget of $74,042, but the combined cost of approximately $54,000 should be included. He said that both contracts also stated that the construction schedule was not available at the time the proposal was written. Superintendent Stephenson said that there is still no construction schedule available but should be available by the end of this month. She said that, should there be any upward substantial changes, the contracts would come back to the Board for approval. Member Glasser asked for confirmation that the district would not be seeking any other contracts in addition to these regarding special testing. Superintendent Stephenson said that was correct. d) Approve the award of geotechnical testing and inspection services for the Albany High School Aquatic Center e) Approve the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team Study Agreement for Special Education Superintendent Stephenson said that she had been working with Director Marie to look at how the district can best serve its special needs population. She said that, when students are served in-house and not have kids served outside of the district, there can be an escalation of costs. She said that the district would like to see if costs are being contained in a matter that is effective. She said that one concern is the Governor's line-item veto of mental health services. She said that there is expectation that there will be an increase to cost, but that it is not clear what that total cost will be. She said that this will take what is known now, and recommendations will come back to the Board to see if changes should be made or if other service delivery models should be looked at. Superintendent Stephenson said that there has been a struggle to replace a retired program specialist. She said that it has been a challenge to fulfill service. She said that the next consent calendar will reflect a new program specialist. Member Glasser said that he could not tell if these people had expertise in special education. He said that his concern is that it is a financial group that will conduct an analysis for special education. Superintendent Stephenson said FCMAT conducted a review for the district approximately 10 years ago. Member Glasser said he had a lot of concern about that because the feedback from that review did not seem positive to him. He said that a lot of the recommendations made back then were not fully implemented. He said that, if efficiencies are being looked at, why isn t the entire student population looked at and why only special education. Superintendent Stephenson said that the purpose of the review is to look at the needs of special education and its delivery system. Discussion ensued. Member Walden said that she recalled the language used in the prior FCMAT report. She said that it would be wise to inform the consultants of the history of that report. Member Glasser said that the scope of services seem to cross over between general education and special education. He said that a specific part of the contract read as though it was only a general education area, and he was not sure how useful it would be to look at things that cannot be controlled. Superintendent Stephenson said that this contract is specific to Special Education. She said that she will use this report to look at ways to serve children prior to them entering special education. Member Glasser said that nowhere in the contract does it state that FCMAT will meet with parents and special education staff. He said that it is necessary to ensure that is included. Superintendent Stephenson said that meetings with special education professionals will be conducted, if necessary, both in and outside of the district.

6 Vice President Low said that it would be useful to have an outside, more objective facilitator, to see how the district can improve. Discussion ensued. Member Glasser said that he would do research and bring back ideas in regards to other groups who can provide this analysis, in addition to or without FCMAT. Discussion ensued. Vice President Low asked Superintendent Stephenson to provide the Board with more background information regarding the qualifications of the individuals who will be providing the service. Superintendent Stephenson said that she would do that. She said that it is her recommendation to approve this study. President Rosenbaum asked that this item be tabled and be put on the next Board agenda. Vice President Low asked the Board to confirm that they were looking for further information on the background of expertise in special education. Member Glasser also asked for more information in regards to the scope of services including interviews with special education professionals and a board meeting presentation. Motion by Member Glasser, seconded by Vice President Low to approve e) Table the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team Study Agreement for Special Education until the next Board Meeting The Board was polled. Members: Vice President Low, Member Black, and Member Glasser voting AYE and President Rosenbaum, and Member Walden voting no. f) Approve the Annual Accounting of Developer Fees for the Fiscal Year 6. Student Services a) Approve the Master Contract between Albany Unified School District and Faltz Associates, Inc. b) Approve the Master Contract between Albany Unified School District and Bayhill High School Motion by Member Glasser, seconded by Member Black to approve F) Approval of Consent Calendar removing items 4c and 5e from the vote The Board was polled and passed unanimously. Members: President Rosenbaum, Vice President Low, Member Black, Member Walden, and Member Glasser voting AYE V. STUDENT BOARD MEMBERS A) Student Board Member Report This item was pulled from the agenda. VI. STAFF REPORTS A) Update on the Single School Plans Goals for Cornell, Marin and Ocean View Schools Superintendent Stephenson introduced the item. She said that the three elementary principals were in the audience to report out their progress. Principal Holmes presented the report on Cornell accomplishments and CST data. Member Glasser asked how the Everyday Math will be integrated into the middle school. Principal Holmes said that there will be an implementation meeting to help determine that. She said that the work with the strategic plan will drive that too. Discussion ensued. Vice President Low asked Principal Holmes why there is a concentration on reading comprehension. Discussion ensued. Principal Georgeson presented the report on Ocean View accomplishments and CST data. Vice President Low asked whether the subgroups have gotten larger throughout the years and if there was a big jump. Principal Georgeson said that this year had a bit of a jump. Discussion ensued.

7 Principal Kumamoto presented the report on Marin accomplishments and CST data. Member Black said that he appreciated all of the work that the principals have put in and how they are working together. He said the test scores should not be the only thing looked at when looking at student achievement. He said that he hopes that the principals find the site plans useful. Discussion ensued. President Rosenbaum said that he is excited to hear about moving away from standardized testing. Member Glasser gave kudos to the Superintendent and staff in regards to having a vision of taking Albany to the next level with the help of the Strategic Plan. B) Food Service Report (Oral Report) This item was pulled from the agenda. VII. PERSONS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Jeannie Paulovich, Marin PTA President, thanked the Board and the staff for allowing the elementary schools to move forward with enrichment programs within the school day. She said that two proposals were turned into Director Hornada within 48 hours of receipt to ensure that it would be put on this agenda, but was not sure why it was not. She said that an art proposal as well as a chess proposal were submitted. She said that the three elementary principals have been meeting with the PTA and the PTA task force on a regular basis and have discussed joint fundraisers. She said that each school has different programs with different meanings to them. She said that there is hope to have each site choose what programs they would like. Madison Miller, Sophomore Class President gave an update on homecoming. She said that homecoming sign-ups are open for events. She said that floats are being created and a parade that the route will be from the High School to Cougar Field via Brighton and Key Route. She is encouraged the community to come to the parade. She said that the homecoming dance theme is 'glow in the dark'. She said that dance improvement is being discussed with the PTSA. She said that a student survey was done last week on homecoming participation and that results are still being calculated. Savannah, junior at AHS and Choir Council President, and Antonio, senior at AHS and Choir Council treasurer announced upcoming choir concerts and events. Savannah said that Mulan would be shown at the little theater for $3. She said that December 3 and 4 is the Madrigal, and adult tickets are $15 and students are $12. Member Glasser asked why the choir hadn t been invited to perform at a Board Meeting. Superintendent Stephenson said that there is a standing invitation, and Savannah and Antonio said that the choir is working on it. Annie Alcott, 2nd grade teacher at Cornell, said that she is encouraged by the Boards emphasis on assessments that are more authentic than the CST. She said that research shows that the #1 indicator of student achievement is teacher quality. She urges the Board to spend the stimulus money on classrooms, in classrooms and in support of classrooms. She said that, without Paraprofessionals, the students are not getting the same amount of professional attention and instruction as they have in the past. She requested that the hours of office support be increased. VIII. REVIEW AND ACTION ITEMS A) Open the Public Hearing for Resolution No in the Matter of Approving the Intent to Convey Certain Real Property to the City of Albany for the Buchanan Bicycle and Pedestrian Path Project Easement Situated on the Southside of Buchanan Street

8 President Rosenbaum opened the Public Hearing. Member Glasser asked that page 69 reflect the 4-0 vote. Ken McCroskey, co-chair of the Traffic and Safety Committee at Marin and Member of the Traffic and Safety Commission for the City of Albany. He thanked the Board for conveying the property. He said that there is $1.7 million of the $2.2 million required to complete this work. He said that he feels this is a huge benefit for anyone who will be on the path. Member Glasser thanked Mr. McCroskey for the bicycle lights and reflectors at the three elementary schools and at the middle school. B) Close the Public Hearing for Resolution No in the Matter of Approving the Intent to Convey Certain Real Property to the City of Albany for the Buchanan Bicycle and Pedestrian Path Project Easement Situated on the Southside of Buchanan Street C) Approve Resolution No in the Matter Approving the Conveyance of Certain Real Property to the City of Albany for the Buchanan Bicycle and Pedestrian Path Project Easement Situated on the Southside of Buchanan Street Motion by Member Black, seconded by Vice President Low to approve C) Approve Resolution No in the Matter Approving the Conveyance of Certain Real Property to the City of Albany for the Buchanan Bicycle and Pedestrian Path Project Easement Situated on the Southside of Buchanan Street The Board was polled. Members: President Rosenbaum, Vice President Low, Member Black, and Member Walden voting AYE and Member Glasser voting no. D) Approve the Temporary Construction Easement and Agreement between Albany Unified School District and the City of Albany for the Buchanan Bicycle and Pedestrian Path Project Superintendent Stephenson said that the City will need additional space to provide for student safety and equipment and supplies. She said that the temporary construction easement will take up approximately 10 additional feet. Aleida Andrino-Chavez, City of Albany Transportation Planner, said that the project would be done during the summer. Superintendent Stephenson said that she did not anticipate an impact on playground facilities during the school year. Member Black asked if the project will be completely surrounded by fencing. Ms. Andrino-Chavez said that the plan is to have it fenced and protected from the public. Motion by Vice President Low, seconded by Member Black to approve D) Approve the Temporary Construction Easement and Agreement between Albany Unified School District and the City of Albany for the Buchanan Bicycle and Pedestrian Path Project The Board was polled and passed unanimously. Members: President Rosenbaum, Vice President Low, Member Black, Member Walden, and Member Glasser voting AYE Vice President Low thanked Ms. Andrino-Chavez for all of her work. E) Approve Resolution No in the Matter of Support of Applications for Eligibility Determination and Funding Authorization to Sign Applications and Associated Documents Superintendent Stephenson said that this is a requirement by Ed Code and the School Facility Program. She said that a resolution needs to be passed to allow the signing of appropriate applications for modernization and new construction eligibility. Motion by Member Glasser, seconded by Member Walden to approve E) Approve Resolution No in the Matter of Support of Applications for Eligibility Determination and Funding Authorization to Sign Applications and Associated Documents

9 The Board was polled and passed unanimously. Members: President Rosenbaum, Vice President Low, Member Black, Member Walden, and Member Glasser voting AYE F) Conduct 2nd reading and approve BP Professional Services Contracts (Business and Operations) Assistant Superintendent Harden introduced the item. She recommended that BP 3312 be amended to help with implementing contracts that happen to come through the district prior to Board approval. Member Glasser introduced his proposed edits. He said proposed a dollar limit of $10,000. He also proposed that ratified contracts come to the Board within 30 days. He said that he feels as though different bidding procedures should be implemented. He said that one goal is to ensure the Board is responsive in controlling the expenditures of public funds. Assistant Superintendent Harden explained the two types of contracts. She said one refers to public projects and expenditures of $15,000 or more. She said that the other contract is for the purchase of services not including construction services. She said that it would be impossible for bids to be required for contracts over $1,000. She said that these amounts are stated in Board Policy. She said that, in response to the recommendations, that very few districts have this type of prohibited language in a BP or AR, and the ones that do are usually larger districts with purchasing manuals. Discussion ensued. Member Black asked about Member Glasser s recommendation regarding the combining of bids into a single contract and if that would be possible to implement. Assistant Superintendent Harden said that the district does attempt to do that already. She said that putting it in writing would be prohibitive. Discussion ensued. Superintendent Stephenson said that the recommendations from Assistant Superintendent Harden are far more restrictive than what the actual language is now. She said that the Board thinking is being acknowledged. She said that approving Board recommendations will tie the hands of staff. She encouraged the Board to approve Assistant Superintendent Harden s recommendations. Member Glasser said that the part of the problem would be a cultural shift since there has been no requirement for a dollar amount for a formal bid in the past. He said that the Board has had intermittent control over some expenditures that suggest that a Superintendent can negotiation with authority beyond the contract amount. He said that there is encouragement to purchase from local vendors but that guidelines should to be set for that. He said that he is open to adjusting the dollar amounts. Discussion ensued. Motion by Vice President Low, seconded by Member Walden to approve F) Conduct 2nd reading and approve BP Professional Services Contracts (Business and Operations) The Board was polled. Members: President Rosenbaum, Vice President Low, Member Black, and Member Walden voting AYE and Member Glasser voting no. G) Approve Board Study Session for November 16, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to discuss equity for grades Kindergarten through 5 Superintendent Stephenson said that time is needed to assemble data for the study session, therefore it should be held on November 16. Superintendent Stephenson said that closed session of the regular Board Meeting on November 16 can be shortened and the Study Session Meeting can be held from 5:30 to 7:00 to accommodate members in the community whom prefer a later start time. Motion by Member Walden, seconded by Member Glasser to approve G) Approve Board Study Session for November 16, 2010 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to discuss equity for grades Kindergarten through 5

10 The Board was polled and passed unanimously. Members: President Rosenbaum, Vice President Low, Member Black, Member Walden, and Member Glasser voting AYE IX. REVIEW AND DISCUSSION ITEMS A) State Budget Update Assistant Superintendent Harden reviewed the Budget Pocket Guide in the Board packet. Discussion ensued. B) Education Jobs Funds - Initial Site Priority List Assistant Superintendent Harden introduced the item. She said that the money has been received and that the priority list provided is based on the requests from site principals. Discussion ensued. C) Board Study Session on Equity for grades Kindergarten through 5 - Process and Goals Vice President Low said that it would be best to be as specific as possible in regards to planning the Study Session. Member Walden said that it would be hard for her to discuss what equity would look like at during the school year with the changes in student population. Discussion ensued. Ken McCroskey, Albany resident, said that he felt that the opportunities needed to be discussed. He said that the more concrete the discussion is, the better. He encourages that the physical plans at each school and unique site features be considered. Marilyn Merlino, teacher at Marin, felt that the Board should look at how equity can be brought to the schools. Jane, parent at Marin, said that there is a conversation at the school regarding plans for establishing an equity task force. She asked for clarification of what equity is. She said that it is appreciated that the PTA is partly responsible for the equity plan, but feels that it should not be completely responsible. Cynthia Ma, Marin parent, asked for a discussion of staffing, particularly aides, and how the PTA s are to raise and distribute funds. Carolyn Meyer, asked that the new Board Members be invited to attend the Study Session so that they may become familiar with the equity discussion. Vice President Low said that a follow-up will be sent out to summarize what the first steps will be for the discussion on equity. She said that her goal is to have a better policy and guidelines by spring. X. BOARD AND SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTS XI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS A) Single School Plans - November B) Special Education Report - November C) Technology Report - November D) Strategic Planning Update - November E) Wellness Committee Report - November F) Facilities Update - November G) First Interim Report - December H) Measure E BOC Final Report - January I) Measure A BOC Final Report - January XII. FUTURE BOARD MEETINGS A) WEDNESDAY, November 3, 2010, 7:30 p.m., Regular Meeting

11 B) Tuesday, November 16, 2010, 5:00 p.m., Study Session C) Tuesday, November 16, 2010, 7:30 p.m., Regular Meeting D) Tuesday, December 7, 2010, 7:30 p.m., Regular Meeting XIII. ADJOURNMENT.