MORENO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Transcription

1 MORENO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF APRIL 14, 2009 The minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 14, 2009, are being submitted to the Board of Education for approval at its Regular Board Meeting of April 28, The minutes are a complete and factual record of action taken by the Board of Education at its Regular Meeting of April 14, MORENO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Alessandro Boulevard Moreno Valley, California THESE PROCEEDINGS ARE AUDIO/VIDEOTAPED PURSUANT TO GOV. CODE AND REBROADCAST ON CHANNEL 16 CALL TO ORDER: The Board of Education opened the Regular meeting at 5:01 p.m. to convene into Closed Session to discuss Board Deliberation Regarding Student Discipline Cases; Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Non-Reelects; Conference with Labor Negotiators; Conference with Legal Counsel Existing Litigation; and Personnel Complaints. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION: There were no public comments on the Closed Session agenda. The Board of Education convened into Closed Session at 5:02 p.m. Members Present Tracey B. Vackar, President Jesus M. Holguin, Vice President Jacqueline L. Ashe, Clerk Victoria Baca, Member Rick Sayre, Member Administration Rowena Lagrosa Bob Crank Barbara Davis The Board of Education reconvened into Regular Session at 7:20 p.m. ROLL CALL: Aye -Ashe Aye - Baca Aye - Holguin Aye - Sayre Aye - Vackar High School Board Representative Miles Taylor, Vista del Lago REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION: On Closed Session agenda item Conference with Legal Counsel Existing Litigation, the Board of Education opted to hold two cases for additional information. On Case No , the Board took a vote of 3-2 and gave direction to legal counsel on that particular case. The Board of Education gave direction to the District to work with MVEA on the tentative agreement. There was no further action taken on the Closed Session agenda to report out. Administration Present Rowena T. Lagrosa, Superintendent of Schools Robert Crank, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services Barbara Davis, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services Kathy Nordin, Director, Elementary Education Kim Kruger, Director, Secondary Education Ken Schmidt, Director, Student Services 1

2 Administration Present (Continued) Aaron Barnett, Director, Information Systems Josie Ripoly, Director, Purchasing Stan Brown, Director, Maintenance and Operations Sergio San Martin, Director, Facilities Dan Reed, Director, Accountability and Assessment, and Training Michael Davitt, Director, Program Improvement and Middle Schools Lasandra Fairchild, Director, Classified Employee Services Willie Hasson, Director, Certificated Employee Services Bobby Byers, Principal, Bayside Community Learning Center Maribel Mattox, Principal, Moreno Valley Gil Oceguera, Principal, Vista del Lago Kristin Hunter, Principal, Valley View Francine Story, Director, Budget Estuardo Santillan, Business Manager Sharon Cirigliano, Executive Secretary, Board of Education Visitors Ana Morton Rosa Mugra Debra Craig Harold Acord Lorri Limoges-Kerns Paula Pelton Theresa Eddy Chris Huhs Vernicia Davis Maria Lemus Miguel Arreola Katherine Underwood Shirley Roath Janet MacMillan Latoysha Brown Daryl Terrell George Price Jose Alcala Patricia Gomez Mary Wigginton Pricilla Banks Ruben Goussen Denise Gonzalez Nick Chudasama Deven Chudasama Theresa Heekin Fred Capriotti Randy Dargitz Christine Rightnar Christina Thomas Christina Torres Susana Rodríguez NOTE: ALL BOARD ITEMS ARE SUBJECT TO: INFORMATION, DISCUSSION, ACTION PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Board Member Ashe. INSPIRATIONS: Board President Vackar gave the Inspiration. DATES OF FUTURE BOARD MEETINGS April 28, :00 p.m. Regular Board Meeting Board Room May 12, :00 p.m. Regular Board Meeting Board Room June 2, :00 p.m. Regular Board Meeting Board Room June 16, :00 p.m. Regular Board Meeting Board Room June 30, :00 p.m. Regular Board Meeting Board Room RECOGNITIONS/COMMUNICATIONS/EVENTS Shirley Roath, Math Coordinator, Riverside County Office of Education, recognized Moreno Valley High School as a 2009 High School Model of Excellence. Moreno Valley was being recognized with the honor for the Attendance Intervention Meeting Behavior Intervention Group programs it has developed and implemented. 2

3 Board Member Tracey B. Vackar was recognized for her many accomplishments in the Inland Empire and her selection as California s 2009 Woman of the Year for the 65 th Assembly District. It was moved by Rick Sayre and seconded by Tracey B. Vackar to approve Resolution No Classified Employees Month (May), as presented. Lorri Limoges-Kerns, CSEA President, was presented a copy of the resolution recognizing May Classified Employees Month. SCHOOL REPORTS The following Student Board Representatives gave their school reports: Angelica Stewart, Canyon Springs Michelle Agredano, Bayside/Community Learning Center Aaron Cruz, Moreno Valley Juan Jimenez, March Mountain Miles Taylor, Vista del Lago STAFF RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS MADE AT PREVIOUS MEETINGS A Seneca Elementary teacher shared a concern regarding the directive given by the Fire Marshall and the impact which it was having on her ability to create a positive classroom environment. The District is required to comply with the directive that it is in alignment with the letter of the law which is being followed and implemented by the Fire Marshall. A Valley View teacher thanked the Board for approving the early retirement program for certificated employees and requested that cuts be made as fairly as possible indicating that no one at the District office had to pay the price of the budget reductions. Recommendations which have been presented at past Board meetings and Study Sessionsm as well as those which will also be presented at the April 28 th Board meeting, have and will reflect that recommendations affecting District Office personnel have be presented to the Board for their consideration. District parents and one student spoke in support of class size reduction, the impact of cutting teachers, counselors, and EL Specialists and suggested other options to address the budget issues. The District continues to work with the bargaining units and all stakeholders in identifying recommendations which all parties can agree to. Teachers from Cloverdale, Chaparral Hills, Hidden Springs, Serrano, La Jolla, and a member of the Midland PTO, spoke in support of class size reduction. The District is committed to finding alternatives to address the budget deficit and recognizes the importance of trying to maintain the CSR program, while still identifying budget reductions. Three Edgemont teachers, and one parent shared a concern regarding the budget cuts and how this would impact the EL students, programs, and teachers. They were concerned about losing the gains in academic achievement which have been made over the past years. Many of the supplemental services for EL students and programs are purchased by the EIA-LEP funding which has not been reduced for the 2009/2010 school year. Additionally, this funding can only be utilized to provide services for the EL students. Recently, schools have received their additional projection of Title I dollars from the Federal Economic Stimulus package, which can also be utilized to provide additional services for Title I students. 3

4 One middle school teacher, two middle school counselors, and the President of the Moreno Valley Educators Association, shared concerns regarding the proposed budget reductions and the impact on students, further stating that all options should be considered before the budget cuts affect the students, programs, teachers, and classrooms. The District has been committed to continue working with its employee bargaining associations in order to minimize the impact which any recommended budget reductions would have on the above concerns. At this time, Board President Vackar stated that the Public Hearing on the Transfer of Categorical Funds has been posted for 7:30 p.m. The Public Hearing will be conducted with the student reports and public comments on agenda and non-agenda items will follow after the Public Hearing has been closed. 7:30 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING Transfer of Categorical Funds Board President Vackar opened the Public Hearing at 7:30 p.m. Barbara Davis, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services, presented an overview on the Transfer of Categorical Funds. Dr. Davis reviewed the programs. The Tier I programs will receive no program cuts,there is no local flexibility, and they must be used for the specific intent of funds, including special education, child nutrition, and federally funded programs. Tier II program funds still need to be used for the purpose they are intended; however, funds will be cut by 15.38% and cut by 4.46%. Some Tier II programs include the English Language acquisition program, partnership academies, and foster youth educational services. Dr. Davis reviewed the Tier III funds and indicated that they will be cut the same as Tier II funds; however there will be full local flexibility to use the funds for any educational purpose the District decides. Dr. Davis presented information on the ending fund balances and the dollar amounts. The total ending fund balances for equals $6.3 million. The District is proposing to transfer this into the unrestricted General Fund to address the District s deficit. The proposed flexibility transfers would result in a total of $1.6 million for and $3.5 million for This money would come from District programs that have not been implemented or fully implemented. This proposal will result in no reduction in services to English Learners or Special Education students. Dr. Davis reminded the Board that anything not approved in the categorical flexibility proposal means finding another source of revenue to address the deficit. At this time, the Board President asked if there were any public comments. An Edgemont teacher, addressed the information that was presented for Tier I programs of K-3 class size reduction. He indicated that the way it was presented looks like the District would not be losing teachers, which is not the case. There was clarification. It was moved by Rick Sayre and seconded by Victoria Baca to close the Public Hearing on the Transfer of Categorical Funds. Although not part of the Public Hearing requirement, it is proposed that the ending fund balances, as of June 30, 2008, be transferred to the unrestricted General Fund in Staff recommended that the Board of Education approve the transfers as proposed. 4

5 There was extensive discussion, clarification, and suggestions brought forward regarding the presentation on the Transfer of Categorical Funds. It is important that the District have the flexibility to utilize this money for the benefit of the students and not have the State take the money back because the measures for the special May election may not be successful. It was moved by Rick Sayre and seconded by Victoria Baca to continue with the programs as recommended by staff, but to try to free up as much of the funding without changing any programs and keep them the way they are. There was further discussion and clarification as to the intent of this motion and having the District move all categorical funds into a separate account. This would provide the District complete flexibility to use the funds as needs arise. Superintendent Lagrosa stated that she understood Board Member Sayre to mean, taking the opportunity, in order for the District to have maximum flexibility of all identified Tier III categorical funds, yet continue maintaining these programs. Board Member Sayre agreed with Ms. Lagrosa. He felt that this would protect the District from a state raid of funds. Board Member Sayre amended the motion to reflect the sweeping of all Tier III funds. A call for the vote was made. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS A community member addressed the Board regarding the proposed layoff of teachers, counselors, and reduction in class size reduction; shared a concern about the quality of the educational program in doing this; and stated that management needs to lead by example in taking the two days furlough, a reduction in salary, and a freeze on all salary increases. Two representatives from a vendor spoke about the bidding process. They felt that the District did not adhere to the established process. They requested that the award of bid for custodial supplies be placed on hold in order that they may place an amendment to their bid and that the District re-bid this item. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS A Perris school board member shared that she felt her rights had been violated because she asked to be placed on the Board agenda in order that she could address her concerns, which has not happened. She also shared a concern regarding policies for stolen property. A community member provided some information regarding a program that could save the District money in postage. A Serrano teacher spoke to the Board regarding the teacher reduction in force. She provided the names of the Serrano teachers that were affected. She hoped that everyone could work together for the best interest of the students. She asked that the Board try to keep as many of these teachers as possible. CONSENT AGENDA It was moved by Rick Sayre and seconded by Jacqueline L. Ashe to approve Consent Agenda Section G Superintendent, Section H Educational Services; Section I Business Services, and Section J Human Resources, as presented, pulling Business Services Consent Item I-9 - Award of Bid No Moreno Valley Unified School District/Chino Valley Unified School District Co-Op Bids for Custodial Supplies and Software, for a separate vote. 5

6 Business Services Consent Item I-9 - Award of Bid No Moreno Valley Unified School District/Chino Valley Unified School District Co-Op Bids for Custodial Supplies and Software It was moved by Rick Sayre and seconded by Jesus M. Holguin for discussion. There was a concern about the comments made by representatives of a vendor that the District did not follow the process it is required to in this bid. A Board member feels that the District needs to have transparency in the bidding process. District legal counsel was present to clarify the District s bidding process and legally what is required. The District is in compliance of the law. Nothing legally had been done incorrectly. Procedurally, the Board can award the bid. The vote was called for. VOTE: AYES 2 (Ashe, Baca) NAYS 3 (Holguin, Sayre, Vackar) ABSTAIN 0 Staff was directed to go back to bid for this item. ACTION AGENDA It was moved by Rick Sayre and seconded by Victoria Baca, to approve Section L Educational Services; Section M Business Services, and Section O Student Services, as presented, pulling Business Services Item M-1 Resolution No Board Member Absence for a separate vote. Business Services Item M-1 Resolution No Board Member Absence It was moved by Jesus M. Holguin and seconded by Jacqueline L. Ashe to approve Resolution No , as presented. DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA EDUCATIONAL SERVICES First Reading Board Policies and Administrative Regulations (BP/AR Students) This is the first reading which reflects revisions and current legislative updates. These policies will be brought back for second reading and adoption at the next regular Board meeting. Approval to Display California High School Exit Exam Curriculum Technology Program Barbara Davis, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services, that the proposed instructional material/textbooks for the California High School Exit Exam Curriuculum Technology Program will be on display in the District s Professional Development Department for the required 14-day period. Any interested person can view an overview of the program prior to Board consideration for adoption at the next Board meeting by accessing it on the Internet address of 6

7 BUSINESS SERVICES Budget Update Bob Crank, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services, gave an update on the federal stimulus one-time funds. Title I The state has received 50% of the allocation. The balance is due between July and September. Current Title 1 allocation formulas are being used. The District must spend these funds on Title I students as a supplement of funds not a supplanting of funds. The District s share is $4,955,000, 50% of which the District should receive in May with the balance due in September. Separate accounting is required and will be monitored closely. IDEA (Special Education) The state has received 50% of the IDEA allocation. The balance is due in September. The state is allowing the local contribution to be 50%. The allocation is based on the current AB602 fomula. This allocation to the District is an additional $7,182,000 for special education. The District will receive 50% of the allocation in May, with the balance due in October. Separate accounting is also required for this funding. State Stabilization No funds have been received by the state yet. States need to submit an application to the federal government. The overall purpose of these funds is to save jobs and increase student performance. A distribution formula and amounts have not yet been determined. The allocation for this money has been undetermined. There was Board discussion regarding the necessity of needing a plan as to how the Title I and Special Education funds will be used, a request for a report of how much Title I monies are left, and what the plan is for the use of these remaining funds. The Moreno Valley Educators Association (MVEA) President requested to speak to this item when it was addressed by the Board. She spoke about how the federal monies are safe, that Title I schools have received revised funding, and the counselor and specialist positions are being reinstated. MVEA s position is that counseling and OCS are intervention programs that need to be kept in place before new programs are added. MVEA looks forward to working with the District regarding the utilization of the Federal Stimulus funds, as they are reviewed. HUMAN RESOURCES Adopt the Draft School Calendar It was moved by Rick Sayre and seconded by Victoria Baca to approve the draft School Calendar, as presented. VOTE: AYE 5 NAY 0 ABSTAIN 0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ITEMS None 7

8 COMMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION The following items were brought forward: Rick Sayre He stated that the budget problem has been with the District for a while and he believes that we will overcome it. He commended all the employees for their professional manners during these difficult times. As the money comes, the District will prioritize how the money is spent. The goal of the District is to have well staffed, quality teachers. Victoria Baca She asked for a plan for OCS if the District is going to eliminate the teachers and program. What will happen to the students that are suspended because of behavior issues? She shared a concern regarding the reduction in GATE funding and how it would impact the program and delivery of instruction. She feels that the reduction in funds may not provide an equitable opportunity for all District identified GATE students. She requested that a Study Session be scheduled to address the GATE Program. She requested an itemization on what the carryover monies are being spent on and what the District plans to do with the remaining carryover funds. She shared a concern regarding the possible abductions of District students that has occurred recently. She feels that there needs to be more adult supervision and that we need to be pro-active to keep the children safe. Jacqueline L. Ashe She asked for feedback on why an item was not placed on the agenda as requested by community member. Jesus M. Holguin He stressed his concern about the word elimination being used during the categorical transfer presentation. Some of these programs are where there is a lot of parent participation and involvement. He asked about a report on Title I funds and how they are being used. He asked if they are being used as best as possible and that the District is getting the most for the money. He spoke about the Riverside County School Boards Association s general meeting scheduled for Monday, April 20, A school safety presentation will be provided by the Director of Safe Schools for the Murrieta Valley Unified School District. He encouraged the public to attend. Registration is through the Riverside County Office of Education. Tracey B. Vackar She again congratulated Moreno Valley High School on their Model of Excellence Award and commended staff for all the hard work that went into the program. She encouraged the other schools to apply for this program and other programs, such as Distinguished Schools. She would like to see all the District s hard work on display. The District has been dealing with some difficult topics recently. The Board appreciates all the suggestions and ideas that have been provided. 8

9 Rowena Lagrosa She thanked all the staff during this very difficult time. She especially wanted to thank the teachers for the focus they have maintained as the District embarks upon the testing season. The District is doing everything possible to be able to ensure that staff is able to focus with the students to make sure that fine teaching and learning is occurring. This is reflected in the outcome by the test scores. Thank you for all your work. We will be notifying the parents that the testing season will begin shortly. The District asks for their assistance in getting the students in bed on time, and have them well rested and nourished so they come to school focused on testing. ADJOURNMENT: RECONVENE INTO CLOSED SESSION: There being no further business to come before the Board of Education, the regular meeting was adjourned at 9:37 p.m. The Board of Education reconvened into Closed Session to discuss Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Non-Reelects at 9:38 p.m. The Board of Education reconvened into Open Session at 10:11 p.m. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION: There was no action taken on the Closed Session agenda items. The Superintendent provided the Board of Education with an update on discipline issues. The Closed Session was adjourned at 10:11 p.m. 9

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