SHASTA COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Shasta County Office of Education 1644 Magnolia Ave. Redding, CA January 12, 2011 Regular Board Meeting

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1 SHASTA COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Shasta County Office of Education 1644 Magnolia Ave. Redding, CA January 12, 2011 Regular Board Meeting MINUTES: ADOPTED 1. Call Meeting to Order The meeting was called to order by President Bradford at 1:37 p.m. Members Present Linda Bradford, President Diane Gerard Rhonda Hull Steve MacFarland Linda McBride William Stegall, Vice-President Susan Wilson (arrived at 2:18 p.m.) McKenzie Hoffman, Student Member (departed at 3:45 p.m.) Members Absent Shannon Westmoreland, Student Member Administrators Present Tom Armelino, Shasta County Superintendent of Schools Judy Flores, Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Services Adam Hillman, Assistant Superintendent, Administrative Services Kathy Thompson, Assistant Superintendent, Early Childhood Services/Special Education Others Present Robin Beeson, Executive Assistant (Recording Secretary) Dan Ostrowski, SCOE Vicki Smith, SCOE De An Chambless, SCOE Denny Mills, SCOE Gracey Hodges, Student Gayee Williams, Parent Jan McCall, CTA-CD Doreen Fuller, SCOE 2. Pledge of Allegiance Superintendent Armelino led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Public Forum/Hearing of Persons Wishing to Address the Board

2 3.1 School District Representatives 3.2 Bargaining Unit Association Representatives Jan McCall was in attendance representing CTA/CD. 3.3 Other Items for Discussion 4. APPROVAL OF REGULAR AGENDA ACTION: Board Member McBride moved to approve the Regular Agenda as submitted. Board Member MacFarland seconded the motion. The motion passed by majority vote as follows: Shasta County Board of Education Bradford, Gerard, Hull, MacFarland, McBride, Stegall ABSTENTIONS: ABSENT: Wilson Student Board Members Hoffman ABSTENTIONS: ABSENT: Westmoreland 5. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA 5.1 General: Approval of December 8, 2010 Board Budget Study Session and Regular Board Meeting Minutes 5.2 Administrative Services: Approval of Credentials and Oaths for Temporary Certificates Consider Approval of Membership for 7-11 Advisory Committee Authorized by the Board on December 8, 2010 Pursuant to Education Code Section 17387, et seq. 5.3 Early Childhood Services/Special Education: Approval to Seek Emergency Closure Waiver for Day of Attendance for Oak Seed Preschool Approval to Seek Emergency Closure Waiver for Day of Attendance for Buckeye Preschool of the Arts ACTION: Board Member Hull moved to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted. Board Member Gerard seconded the motion. The motion passed by majority as follows:

3 Shasta County Board of Education Bradford, Gerard, Hull, MacFarland, McBride, Stegall ABSTENTIONS: ABSENT: Wilson Student Board Members Hoffman ABSTENTIONS: ABSENT: Westmoreland 6. ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION STUDENT REPORT Denny Mills, Executive Director of Project VOICES/Student Support Services, introduced Lynda Dehart as an Independent Study Teacher who provided an overview of the Independent Study Program located at the Magnolia site and Shasta College campus. Students enrolled at the program located at the college can take concurrent college classes. Two students were introduced and shared their reasons for enrolling in the program, what makes it successful for them, and their goals for the future. 7. RECOGNITION 7.1 Board Members for Service on Shasta County Board of Education Board Member Stegall was recognized for ten years of service on the Board and Board Member Hull for five years. Both were presented service pins. Board Member McBride was recognized for her service as Board President in She expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to serve as President and shared that it was a rewarding learning experience for her. It was noted that she requested to not be presented with a plaque. 8. FACILITIES/TECHNOLOGY MONTHLY UPDATE Dan Ostrowski, Director of Facilities, Maintenance and Operations and Information Technology provided the following update: Magnolia Roof A punch list was reviewed with the contractor and minor adjustments were made, the project is now complete. Positive comments were received from all involved. It was noted that the roof leak was an unfortunate event, but allowed for an opportunity to make improvements with new flooring and paint in some areas. Moves Project SHARE is now located at the ERC building, Project VOICES moved to the Magnolia building where Project SHARE was located. Juvenile Hall Communication with staff at the County has occurred, they are not sure if the project will move forward as a result of the budget. The plan is to finish the school year in the current facility. Anderson Children s Center Meetings have been held with Cascade District to determine an interim location for students during the transition of moving portables to the Anderson Heights

4 campus where a long-term land lease has been secured. The district has determined they have space at one or more of their sites. Discussions have taken place in regards to possibly leaving the program at the school sites if a long-term lease can be agreed upon. This location would allow the program to integrate with students, staff, and events at the campus. Early Childhood Services A building at the north-end of Hilltop Dr. has been located as a potential space for the Early Childhood Services administrative offices. It is ten years old, has 13 offices, a classroom, conference room, library, kitchen, multiple bathrooms, and would be less costly than the building that was previously looked at on Shasta St. It was noted that what is currently being paid on the lease at Washington Plaza could pay for the Hilltop building over a ten-year period and that the lease with Enterprise District at Monte Vista is down to nine years. A building is also being considered for the Early Childhood Services office in Red Bluff. Comment was made that purchasing office space would not have an impact on the funding for the multipurpose room at Oasis as the office space would not be used for classrooms. A time will be set up for the Board to visit both locations. 9. ACTION 9.1 Instructional Services: Consider Acceptance of $1,590 Donation from Arthur L. Coggins Research Foundation to Support the Attendance of Low-Income Students at Science Camps held at Whiskeytown Environmental School, Schreder Planetarium Summer Day Camp, or Camp Latieze (if held) Superintendent Armelino shared that Janet Landles was invited to attend the meeting so that she could be acknowledged in person for the donation she made on behalf of the Arthur L. Coggins Research Foundation, however, she was unable to attend. A certificate of appreciation will be sent to her. It was noted that her grandfather, Arthur Coggins, at one point owned the land Whiskeytown Environmental School is located on, he gave it to Royal Blue, and it then ended up with the National Park Service. ACTION: Board Member Wilson moved to approve item as submitted. Board Member McBride seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. 9.2 General: Reconsider Resolution Fixing Date, Time, and Location of Regular Meetings for 2011 Board Member Hull indicated that she requested this item be added to the agenda at the last meeting so that further consideration could be given to holding two meetings per month opposed to one that was approved at the last meeting. ACTION: Board Member Hull moved to hold two Board meetings per month rather than one. Board Member Gerard seconded the motion. Board Members expressed their preference for holding one or two meetings per month. Superintendent Armelino was asked to share his view. He expressed a preference of one meeting per month and explained that staff have taken on extra duties as a result of budget cuts and

5 layoffs. It was suggested that Special Meetings be scheduled to address specific topics that come up and that Budget Study Sessions be scheduled to not coincide on days of Regular Board meetings. Board Member Hull commented that at the last meeting there was no back-up information included in the agenda packet for an action item and the Board had to make a decision based on information that was presented at the meeting which made it difficult. It was noted that staff were not provided any information to include in the agenda packet prior to the meeting. Board President Bradford indicated that while she is President, action will not be taken on any item on the agenda when back-up information is not included in the agenda packet. The motion failed due to lack of a majority vote as follows: Shasta County Board of Education Bradford, Hull Gerard, MacFarland, McBride, Stegall, Wilson ABSTENTIONS: ABSENT: Student Board Members Hoffman ABSTENTIONS: ABSENT: Westmoreland President Bradford stated that the Resolution will remain as originally approved at the December 8, 2010 meeting with Regular meetings being held on the second Wednesday of every month January through December 2011, with the exception of the fourth Wednesday in June, at 1:30 p.m., meetings will be held at the Shasta County Office of Education Board Room or other posted location with the discretion that a second meeting be called as needed Schedule Time/Propose Location/Agenda Items for February 23, 2011 Board Planning Session The following agenda items were suggested: Update on Property Ideas (Gerard) Board Evaluations Survey Monkey Results (1/2 hour) (Wilson) Governor s Budget Update (McBride) School District Reorganization, Superintendent/Principal/Service Sharing (Wilson) Report on SCOE Leadership Teams (ECS, Alternative Education, others)(mcbride) Superintendent s Report Update on Higher Education Taskforce (Armelino) It was determined the planning session will be held from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. It was suggested to see if the Sierra Pacific Industries Conference Room is available. Board Member Stegall indicated he will be on vacation and unable to attend the meeting.

6 10. SUPERINTENDENT S REPORT Superintendent Armelino reported that the Board had previously asked him to contact Castle Rock School District to see if they have interest in changing their boundaries to become part of Siskiyou County. The District Superintendent indicated that this had been explored previously and there is no interest in making a move from Shasta County Grant Update A Small School Bus Replacement Program grant was submitted to the California Department of Education for the amount of $155,000. Applications were also submitted for a Microcosm grant to Mercy Medical Center for $40,000 and another for Zula Patrol to First 5 Shasta for $40,000 to expand opportunities provided at the Planetarium. 11. STUDENT BOARD MEMBER REPORT Student Board Member Hoffman reported that she missed the November meeting due to a cross country meet and December due to finals. She provided an extensive update on a variety of events and activities taking place at her school. When asked her college plans, Student Board Member Hoffman shared that she has been accepted to UC Davis and is waiting to hear from UCLA. It was noted that Student Board Member Westmoreland is not at the meeting as she is attending a scholarship interview. 12. BOARD MEMBER REPORT 12.1 Attendance and FCMAT Information from CSBA Annual Conference (Board Member Stegall) Vice-President Stegall reported that the sessions he attended at the CSBA conference were well done. FCMAT presented on the process that takes place when districts are in financial trouble and taken over by the State. Currently there are 25 districts out of approximately 1,000 on a watch list. Previously there was never more than three on the list. Comment was made that county offices, as part of their AB 1200 responsibility, need to send communication to District Superintendents and Board Members so they are all aware of their budget status. Vice-President Stegall shared highlights from a presentation on attendance that included statistics, identifiers, suggested remedies, and the need to recognize successes of students and staff. Discussion took place regarding reward programs in place for the County Office Alternative Education students and staff. It was suggested that a program be put in place for pre- K as well as this is when attendance habits are formed. 13. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION 13.1 Administrative Services: General Fund Board Report It was noted that there was nothing of substance to report Review 2009/10 Audit Report De An Miller, Director of Business Services, reported that there were no audit adjustments or findings. She indicated this is the result of a group effort by staff who take their jobs seriously.

7 The Board commended Director Miller and staff for their outstanding work. Board Member Gerard referred to page 39 of the report and noted that it states, the Office of Education s Board of Education through the collective bargaining process and indicated that this is not true for a county office as the Board is not involved in negotiations. Director Miller stated she will bring this to the attention of the auditors so it can be corrected not next year State Budget Update Superintendent Armelino reported that the news on the budget at this point is positive, however, it is contingent upon tax increases continuing. The Governor realizes that 60% of cuts have come from education when it is only 41% of the budget. He has reinstated Stage 3 and 3632 (Mental Health) funding. The new law requires the budget to be approved by July 1 st, with the special election in early June, not much time is allowed to make decisions. Discussion took place regarding the funding shift for juvenile hall, out of county placements, and changes in Youth Peer Court. Adam Hillman, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, provided a handout from School Services of California, A New Governor, New Approach, Same Old Economic Problems for Board Members to read at their leisure. He stated that a two-thirds vote is required to put the tax increase extension on the ballot that would equal $8 billion, $2 billion for education. Statistics were given on who pays taxes and who does not New and Exited Employee Quarterly Report It was reported that not a lot of action has taken place General: Review Student Board Member Recruitment Process for 2011/12 The Board noted that the new policy now makes the selection process for Student Board Members clear. Discussion took place regarding County Office students who have applied in the past. The Board indicated that they would like to really advertise the Student Board Member position in County Office programs to encourage students to apply Review Board Bylaw 9010 Public Statements President Bradford stated that she asked that this policy be provided as a reminder to the Board. 14. BOARD BUSINESS 14.1 Board Correspondence It was noted that a letter was sent to Board Members from the grandparent of a Chrysalis student commenting on the quality of the program and included a donation Board Discussion Board Member Wilson reported that she was late to the Board meeting as she was attending a meeting to work on the Region 2 Youth Leadership Summit for The purpose is for students to design and implement a community service learning project. She requested that funds be made available for a group from Oasis to attend as has been done in the past and

8 provided a registration form to Superintendent Armelino. Last year 160 students participated from 35 various schools. The student driven event will be held on March 31, 2011 (Cesar Chavez Day) at the Gaia Hotel. Board Member McBride reported that the Early Childhood Educators Network is hosting a Palooza on February 25 th and is hoping the County Office will sponsor a table. The event will include dinner, music, and a silent/live auction. Board Member MacFarland reported that the Superintendent s Compensation Committee asked the HR Director to research the Superintendent declining the salary increase the Board approved. An opinion was obtained from the Lozano Smith law firm concluding that it is within the discretion of an individually elected county superintendent to determine whether they will accept an increase in the salary set by the Board, citing substantial precedent for elected officials to decline to take a salary or a salary increase including past-governor Schwarzenegger. Board Member MacFarland stated that the salary increase is in place, and it would be appropriate for the Superintendent to notify the Board should he decide at a later point to take it. Board Member Hull stated that according to past-board Member Derek Fasking s letter to the editor, the Superintendent cannot decline because he would have to pay the taxes. It was explained that the Superintendent would only have to pay taxes if he were to take the salary increase and then donate it elsewhere, this is not the case if he declines it Board President Comments 14.4 Board Member Comments Board Member Hull reported that the SETI (Planetarium) Ad Hoc Committee has not met again as they are waiting for word from Bev Stupek of Turtle Bay. She will notify the committee when there is a need to meet. Board Member Wilson indicated that she is on the CSBA Conference Planning Committee and available for input from the Board. 15. ACTION The Board took a break at 4:00 p.m. and then moved to Closed Session. Closed Session 15.1 Pursuant to Government Code (a), the Board met in closed session for the following: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL EXISTING LITIGATION Name of Case: Shasta County Office of Education v. Marcel E. Latieze, Deceased, et al., Shasta County Superior Court Case No

9 15.2 Pursuant to Government Code , the Board met in closed session for the following: CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR Property: Assessor s Parcel Nos and Agency Negotiator: Adam Hillman and Megan Macy Negotiating Parties: Shasta County Office of Education and All Interested Parties Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment Open Session 15.3 Report of Action Taken in Closed Session The Board reconvened to Open Session at 4:21 p.m. President Bradford reported that there was no action taken. 16. Hearing of Persons Wishing to Address the Board 17. Suggestions for Future Agenda Items 18. Reminders/Upcoming Events January 13, 2011, 5:00 p.m. Oasis Open House 19. Next Regular Meeting February 9, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. Shasta County Office of Education, 1644 Magnolia Ave., Redding, CA Adjourn President Bradford adjourned the meeting at 4:23 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Tom Armelino, Shasta County Superintendent of Schools Ex-Officio Secretary to the Board