VENTURA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Call to Order The Board of Education of the met on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 in the City of Ventura, Council Chamber, 501 Poli Street, Ventura, California. President Velma Lomax called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. President: Vice President: Board Member: Board Member: Board Member: Interim Superintendent: Asst. Supt./Cert.HR Asst. Supt. /Ed. Services: General Counsel : Velma Lomax John Walker Mary Haffner Sabrena Rodriguez Jackie Moran Joseph Richards, Jr. Robert Fraisse Matty Zamora Anthony Ramos Adoption of Agenda It was moved by Mrs. Haffner, Seconded by Mrs. Rodriguez and carried on a roll call vote 4-0, Absent Mrs. Moran to approve the agenda as presented. Public Comment on Closed Session Items - None Closed Session It was moved by Mrs. Rodriguez, seconded by Mr. Walker and carried unanimously that the Board adjourn to closed session to discuss liability claims, conference with legal counsel - anticipated litigation, significant exposure to litigation, conference with legal counsel - anticipated litigation, initiation of litigation, conference with labor negotiators and public employee discipline/dismissal/release. At 7:00 p.m., President Lomax called the regular meeting to order and led the pledge of allegiance. Student Board members Courtney Corbett, Foothill High School and David Perez Ventura Adult and Continuing Education read the Vision, Mission and Governing Principals. Report of Actions Taken in Closed Session - None Good News Student Board Members Courtney Corbett representing Foothill Technology High School and David Perez representing Ventura Adult and Continuing Education shared school good news items to include academics, sports and course offerings. Mr. Richards congratulated students from the Foothill Dragon Press and their journalism advisor Mr. Yiu Hung Li for their recent awards: Best of Show and Online Pacemaker Finalists. Mrs. Lomax asked for a moment from the FTHS student presentation to open the scheduled public hearing. PUBLIC HEARING - Regarding California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) 2015-16 Apportionment Information Report Waiver At 7:30 p.m., President Lomax called the public hearing to order per Education Code 33050 regarding the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) 2015-16 Apportionment Information Report Waiver. Hearing no public request to speak, the public hearing was closed. Students from the Foothill Dragon Press continued their presentation regarding their award-winning journalism achievements, and experiences. They also shared their belief value of freedom to pursue writing about worthy topics.
On National Volunteer Week, Mr. Richards took time to acknowledge and thank the parents, students and community for all their volunteer hours given to support the students and teaching staff. Mr. Richards noted that the Ventura Wind Ensemble Honors and String Orchestra returned from Chicago National completion with superior scores and gold ratings. Congratulations to all the students, and instrumental music director Mr. Paul Christopher Hunt. Mr. Richards extended words of congratulations to Maria Elizarraras, principal of Sheridan Way Elementary School. She was named as the 2017 recipient of the New West Symphony s Sandra Laby Memorial Award. The award annually honors a student, educator or community leader who through their work with the symphony s Harmony Project of Ventura County is making the world a better place through music. Mrs. Rodriguez congratulated students from Pacific High School for their participation in the after school Iron Chef Competition organized by VUSD staff Ms. Deidre Monarres and Ms. Alise Echele. Mrs. Rodriguez noted that many VUSD high school students participated in the imatter march from Plaza Park to City Hall. The purpose of the march was to present and request that the city council members look at a climate action plan for the city of Ventura. Mrs. Lomax noted the diverse Robotic team member participation and inclusivity from all the area high schools. The Robotics Team traveled to Houston for the World competition. Over 400 robots from 32 countries seen at this event. The team did an excellent job and for the most part ranked in the top 5. Unfortunately, due to a minor mechanical difficulty ended up 13 out of 67 in their field. Overall, the team did an amazing job with two regional wins to include the Chairmen s award. Mrs. Moran noted that she and Mrs. Rodriguez were invited to attend the Montalvo faculty meeting. She felt it a positive experience and helped reinforce bonding with the district. Public Comments Ms. Lynda Uvari a certificated elementary representative for the Ventura Unified Education Association voiced concerns over the negative negotiation process and zero percent salary increase. Ms. Linda Bergfeld a certificated staff member voiced discontent with current negotiation process and the message of non-appreciation that is being sent to staff. Dan Nelson vice president and future president elect of the Ventura Unified Education Association spoke to the employee commitment in all aspects of student instruction and district support of bond measures. He voice concerns that a zero percent salary does not reflect the work of the employees and sends a negative message. Correspondence Mr. Richards noted correspondence received from the Personnel Commission regarding a public hearing on the 2017-2018 budget. The public hearing is scheduled for 4:40 p.m. on Wednesday May 24, 2017 at the Trudy Tuttle Arriaga Education Service Center. The public is invited to attend and present their views. Mrs. Lomax read a letter from the Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE). The letter indicated that VCOE reviewed the second interim report ending January 31, 2017 to determine whether the budget projections presented to them, in the interim report, will allow the district to meet its financial obligations. Based upon the County review, the positive certification submitted by the district was accepted. However, failure to minimize deficient spending can jeopardize the financial standing of the district. Report on Board Appointed Committees Mrs. Rodriguez noted a productive Arts Collaborative meeting. She noted that the Arts Collaborative plan was created in three phases, to include middle and high school. At this time, looking to write a cohesive plan to futher develop all phases. 2
Mrs. Moran, had the opportunity to attend, in Mrs. Haffner s place, the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance meeting. She mentioned a potential Grant that could possibly pay for a consultant to provide a free energy profile report to organzations. CONFERENCE AGENDA VHS Friday Night Live is hosting a Sober Prom Project Mrs. Bobbi Richards, Ventura High counselor and advisory for the Friday Night Live (FNL) along with students made a presentation. They noted that the program helps build positive partnerships and healthy youth development that engages youth as active leaders and resources in their communities. The focus of FNL is to encourage students to abstain from using alcohol and/or drugs. The Sober Prom Project creates awareness about the dangers of drugs and alcohol particularly around prom time. The project asks students to sign a pledge card agreeing to stay drug and alcohol free on prom night. From January to April, several activities, games, classroom presentations as well as an assembly will be planned building up to the actual event, which is the prom on May 6, 2017. Adoption of Textbook AP Chemistry, tenth edition The High Schools requested the adoption of the following textbook. Title: AP Chemistry, tenth edition Author: Steven Zumdahl, Susan Zumdahl, Donald DeCoste Publisher: Cengage Learning Copyright: 2018 Status: Textbook Course(s) for which adopted: AP Chemistry Grade(s): 11 and 12 ISBN #: ISBN-13: 978-1-305-95773-2 ISBN-10: 1-305-95773-3 This item will be brought back for approval at the next regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting. Adoption of STEMscopes California NGSS The District office requested the adoption of the following curriculum. Title: STEMscopes California NGSS Author: Rice University Publisher: Accelerate Learning Copyright: 2017 Status: Supplementary Course(s) for which adopted: Physical Science P Grade(s): 10 12 ISBN #: n/a This item will be brought back for approval at the next regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting. Adoption of a New Course Digital Publications - Yearbook The High Schools requested the adoption of the following new course: Title: Digital Publications - Yearbook Grade level: 9, 10, 11 and 12 Type of Credit: Fine Art Prerequisite: none Length: year Need: This course addresses the need for students to understand and partake in the process of publication, journalism, and layout design. The course gives students opportunities to become visually literate which is important in our digital age where we constantly encounter a barrage of images. This course also addresses the need for a school yearbook to be produced and distributed. This course gives 3
students another opportunity to fulfill the (f) component of the A-G requirements. Course Description: Digital Publications Yearbook is a yearlong course designed to have students understand the role of visual art and design, and its impact on society and culture, particularly in publication mediums. The course will focus on students understanding a designer s target audience and stimulating creativity through a variety of two-dimensional media. Then, students will apply this artistic process to create designs for the yearbook publication. Finally, they will maintain the integrity of design through the editing process, while collaborating and communicating with their colleagues on the yearbook staff. Assessment and Periodic exercises and quizzes for formative assessment, research for written and Evaluation: oral presentations, completion of yearbook spread for summative assessment, and written self-reflection. Funding Sources: School budget This item will be brought back for approval at the next scheduled Board of Education meeting. Adoption of a New Course Leadership The High Schools requested the adoption of the following new course: Title: Leadership Grade level: 9, 10, 11 and 12 Type of Credit: Elective Prerequisite: Student body election or teacher appointment Length: year There is a limited number of A-G approved electives at our high schools. Many Need: students participate in Leadership and in doing so; sacrifice a much needed (g) elective. The course contains research, reading, curriculum and service learning. It is rigorous and time consuming and deserves the same elective status as other (g) electives. Course Description: The focus of this course is student leadership and the development of leadership skills through class work, research, reading and practical experience including school service and community service. Enrollment in this course is required for, and limited to, all Associated Student Body Officers. Students will develop skills in communication, public speaking, interviewing, conflict resolution and team collaboration. They will learn about practical government, business, marketing business laws and elections. Assessment and Research project, reading tests, essays, service projects, and service hours. Evaluation: Funding Sources: School budget This item will be brought back for approval at the next scheduled Board of Education meeting. California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Applications for Renewal of Multi-School Membership (Action Requested) It was moved by Mrs. Moran, Seconded by Mrs. Rodriguez and carried unanimously on a roll call vote 5-0, to Renew membership and allow students in grades 9 12 at El Camino High School to participate in CIF sports at the student s boundary school either Buena or Ventura High School. CIF regulations require Buena and Ventura High Schools file a CIF application annually. Report Regarding Williams Uniform Complaint Procedures Quarterly Report Pursuant to AR 1312.4 for Quarter Ending March 31, 2017 The Superintendent or designee shall report summarized data on the nature and resolution of all Williams Uniform Complaints to the Board and the County Superintendent of Schools on a quarterly basis. Under the Williams Uniform Complaint Procedures, the types of complaints reported to the board and the County Superintendent of Schools are (1) Textbooks and Instructional Material; (2) Teacher Vacancy or Mis-assignment; (3) Facility Condition (urgent/unsafe/unhealthy school facility conditions). The report shall include the number of complaints by general subject area with the number of resolved and unresolved complaints. These summaries shall be publicly reported on a quarterly basis at a regularly scheduled Board meeting (Education 4
Code 35186; 5 CCR 4686). In Ventura County these reports are due no later than 15 days following the end of the quarter, specifically March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31. For the Quarter (January 1 - March 31, 2017), no complaints were filed. Presentation and Approval of Resolution #17-09, Regarding "California Day of the Teacher" (Action Requested) It was moved by Mrs. Haffner, Seconded by Mrs. Moran and carried on a roll call vote 5-0, to approve resolution #17-09, recognizing May 10, 2017 as "California Day of the Teacher." Presentation and Approval of Resolution # 17-11, Recognizing Classified School Employee Week (Action Requested) It was moved by Mrs. Haffner, Seconded by Mrs. Moran and carried on a roll call vote 5-0, to approve resolution #17-11 recognizing Classified School Employee Week (May 21-27, 2017) and the invaluable services provided by the Classified employees of the. Presentation of the Food and Nutrition Services Healthy Schools Project Ms. Kara Muniz, Director of Food and Nutrition Services introduced Ms. Alise Echele registered dietician and coordinator of the Healthy Schools Project Farm to School program. Ms. Echele provided highlights for the 2016-17 school year. She noted educating students regarding nutrition using the farm grown crops from the school gardens. This program helps students develop the skills and knowledge they need to grow up into heathy adults. Ms. Echele noted that this program is possible due to funding grants and partnership with FoodCorps & UC Hansen Student Farm. Resolution #17-10, Entering Results of November 8, 2016, Parcel Tax Election into Minutes and Requesting the Board of Supervisors of Ventura County to Include the Voter-Approved Parcel Tax on the 2017-18 Tax Roll As a result of the Parcel Tax (Measure R) passage during the November 8, 2016 election, the District must comply with specific certifications, as listed in Resolution #17-10. The resolution was provided to the Board and will be brought back to the May 9, 2017 board meeting for action. Presentation Regarding the Phase Out of the Middle School Open Classroom Program During the 2015-16 school year, it was decided that the Middle School Open Classroom Program at Blanche Reynolds would phase out over three years. However, after re-evaluating the phase-out of the Middle School Open Classroom Program it was determined that the program should phase-out at the end of this school year. A multi grade program with so few students is not programmatically sound nor is it fiscally sound. The enrollment has not reached the level to support the staffing and it has been difficult to retain consistent staffing. Interim Superintendent and Blanche Reynolds Principal Ms. Kelley Hatton met with the Middle School Open Classroom families to assist in possible options. Discussion Regarding Superintendent Search Process Mr. Walker noted that the Board met during a special study session let by the consultants from McPherson & Jacobson, LCC. Discussion took place regarding the key characteristics/traits desired in a new superintendent. The information gathered will be used in development of a brochure with projected publication on May 1, 2017. Next steps include formal job circular that will be posted on the VUSD website and inked to the firm site. Also, public opportunity to provide input through an online survey and community forums. Right now, the projected locations are Buena High School and Cabrillo Middle School. Continued Discussion about the District s Efforts to Implement and Improve Practices and Programs that Promote Cultural Awareness and Proficiency, Restorative Justice, Conflict Resolution and Peacemaking The District continues to move forward. Thirty members of the community, teachers, classified and district administration met to discuss restorative justice practices. The group talked about the vision for restorative justice and develop plan on how it will be implemented. Dr. Zamora, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services shared the positive conversations and willingness of all to move forward from the unfortunate negative impact of social media posting by students. 5
ACTION AGENDA Approval of English Language Arts Adoption, grades 6 12 It was moved by Mrs. Haffner, Seconded by Mrs. Rodriguez and carried on a roll call vote 5-0, to approve the Language Arts Adoption grades 6 12. English Language Arts adoption core instructional materials Grade Level Course Title of Textbook Copyright Date Publisher 6 12 English Language Arts Studysync 2015 McGraw-Hill Education Supplemental intervention curriculum Read 180 Universal Program Grade Level Course Title of Textbook Copyright Date Publisher 6 12 English Language Arts The Real Book 2016 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Approval of California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) 2015-16 Apportionment Information Report Waiver After a public hearing was held, It was moved by Mrs. Rodriguez, Seconded by Mr. Walker and carried on a roll call vote 5-0, to approve the submission of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress 2015-16 Apportionment Information Report. Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators & Annual Statement of Need for 30 Day Substitute Teachers It was moved by Mr. Walker, Seconded by Mrs. Rodriguez and carried on a roll call vote 5-0, to adopt a declaration certifying that there is an insufficient number of certificated persons to meet the District s specified employment criteria for particular positions. The declaration with the specific positions identified attached to official minutes. Reduction in Classified Positions/Layoff of Classified Employees, 2017-18 Fiscal Year This item was pulled from the agenda and will be brought back at the next regular meeting of the Board. Approval of Resolution #17-08, in Support of the Filing of an Application for State Funding for Listed School District Eligible Facilities It was moved by Mrs. Rodriguez, Seconded by Mrs. Moran and carried on a roll call vote 5-0, to approve resolution #17-08 supporting the filing of an application for funding to the State Allocation Board (SAB) through the State School Facility Program (SFP). Approval of Resolution # 17-07, Acknowledgment of Insufficient Funding in the School Facility Program It was moved by Mrs. Haffner, Seconded by Mrs. Rodriguez and carried on a roll call vote 5-0, to approve resolution #17-07 regarding insufficient funding through the School Facility Program. McPherson & Jacobson, LLC Agreement It was moved by Mr. Walker, Seconded by Mrs. Haffner and carried on a roll call vote 5-0, to approve the contract with McPherson & Jacobson, LLC to provide consulting services associated with the search for a new superintendent. Approval of Proposal to Purchase Six New Buses It was moved by Mrs. Rodriguez, Seconded by Mrs. Moran and carried on a roll call vote 5-0, to approve the purchase of six buses per the recommended proposal. CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Mr. Walker, Seconded by Mrs. Haffner and carried on a roll call vote 5-0, to approve consent items #1 9 as presented. 1. Overnight and Out of the Tri-County Fieldtrips Pacific and Ventura High Schools students from their After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens (ASSETS) program requested permission to send 20 students and 4 chaperones to travel overnight and out of the tricounty to San Francisco/Oakland, CA. Students will visit a Japanese Tea Garden, China Town, San 6
Francisco Science Center, Picadilly Square, travel by ferry to Angel Island, and Fisherman s Wharf. The trip will take place on May 11-13, 201.7 2. Ratification of District s Approval of Miscellaneous and Part-Time Certificated Assignments for the 2016-17 School Year Ratification of District s approval of miscellaneous and part-time certificated assignments. List attached to official minutes. 3. Ratification of District s Approval of Employment and Reemployment of Substitute Teachers for the 2016-17 School Year Ratification of District s approval of employment and reemployment of substitute teachers listed below for the 2016-17 School Year: Name Credential Or Program Brown, Lorrie Emergency 30-Day Substitute Permit Pontecorvo, Michael Emergency 30-Day Substitute Permit 4. Ratification of District s Approval of Resignations & Retirements for Certificated Personnel The Board approved the resignations and/or retirements listed below. Name School Position Effective Reason Nelson, Karen Anacapa MS Teacher 6-16-17 Retirement 5. Ratification of District s Approval of Employment of Adult Education Substitute Teachers The Board approved the individuals listed below for Adult Education Programs. Name Assignment Credential Bell, Sean Substitute 30 day sub permit 6. Ratification of District s Approval of Assignments for 2017 Extended Year/ Summer School Programs Name Program SS Site Assignment Assignment Dates Pay Rate Cherrie, Matt High School Pacific HS Math Semester 2 72% Daily Rate Meyers, Sierra High School Ventura HS Physical Ed Semester 1 & 2 72% Daily Rate Adamich, Susan High School Ventura HS APEX Semester 1 & 2 72% Daily Rate 7. Ratification of District s Approval of Assignments Through Various Education Codes Current statutes and regulations recognize that there may be situations of a temporary mature in which a teacher with the appropriate credential is not available to the School District or the assignment is part-time and not conducive for recruitment. Senate Bill 435 has made it possible to assign staff with their permission to these areas in several ways: Education Code 44256(b) states that the holder of a self-contained type credential may be assigned, with his or her consent, teach any subject in departmentalized classes, below grade 9, in which the teacher has 12 semester hours of coursework in the subject area. Education Code 44263 states that the holder may be assigned, with his or her consent, to teach any single subject class in which the teacher has 18 semester hours of coursework or a self-contained classroom with 60 semester hours distributed among four of the following subjects: language studies, literature, mathematics, science, social science, history, humanities, the arts, physical education, and human development. Last Name First Site Subject Ed Code Units Aguilar Maricela AMS Math (SS) 44256(b) 12+ Berry Karen AMS Math (SS) 44256(b) 12+ Curtis-Abbe Laurel VHS English (SS) 44263 18+ Escobedo-Garcia Pavel AMS English (SS) 44256(b) 12+ Georghiou Evelyn AMS English (SS) 44256(b) 12+ Lennox Martha VHS Earth Science (SS) 44263 18+ Lewis Edyn AMS English (SS) 44256(b) 12+ Lynch-Thorpe Amanda DATA English (SS) 44256(b) 12+ Rowley Claire BHS Health (SS) 44263 18+ Salzberg Linda BHS Biological Science (SS) 44263 18+ 7
Togneri Paul VHS English (SS) 44263 18+ Underhill Richard BHS English (SS) 44263 18+ Williams Laurene CMS Math (SS) 44256(b) 12+ Zgliniec Emily BHS English (SS) 44263 18+ 8. Certification of Temporary Athletic Team Coach Assignments The Board of Education approved all temporary Athletic Team Coaches and certify that the provisions of Section 5590 have been met. An audit of all athletic coach assignments for 2017-18 School Year has determined that the provisions of Section 5592 have been met. Please see the attached Sections. 9. Ratification of Purchase Orders The Board approved the following purchase orders and change orders. A list was made available for review in the Business Services Department. February 24, 2016 March 29, 2016 626 Purchase Orders = $3,156,837.89 BOARD UPDATE None COMING EVENTS State of the Education Address April 27, 2017 Buena High Drama Production April 27, 2017 Ventura High Spring Production April 28, 2017 FUTURE BOARD ITEMS The Board was in agreement on Mr. Walker s request to ensure that the high school athletic coaches are invited to present sport program highlights prior to the end of this school year. Mr. Richards will follow-up and arrange for a governance workshop retreat preferably on a Saturday. Mrs. Moran noted need and interest to participate in a youth at risk committee focused on addressing issues of truancy. BOARD/SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTS None CLOSED SESSION - none ADJOURNMENT At 10:30 p.m. it was moved by Mrs. Rodriguez seconded by Mrs. Moran and carried on a roll call vote of 5-0, that the Board adjourn the meeting to the next regular meeting to be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. APPROVED President Secretary 8