MT. DIABLO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD MEETING – February 14, 2006

ATTENDANCE: Board: Dick Allen, Linda Mayo, Gary Eberhart, April Treece (Fifth seat: vacant)

Administrative Staff: Superintendent Gary McHenry; Associate Superintendent Alan Young; assistant superintendents Roger Bylund, Mildred Browne, Gail Isserman, and Dick Nicoll; General Counsel Greg Rolen

1. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President Mayo at 6:01 p.m. in the Board Room at the Mt. Diablo Unified School District Dent Center.

PUBLIC COMMENT: None

CLOSED SESSION: The Board adjourned to Closed Session at 6:02 p.m. in Room 6 of the Dent Center. Topics discussed included 31 requests for readmission, 109 expulsions, conference with real property negotiator (Oak Park Christian Center), existing litigation discipline/dismissal/release/complaint.

Readmissions

Allen moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 to approve staff’s recommendation to readmit 11 students and deny readmission to 20 who had not met the conditions.

Existing Litigation: Sierra Bay v MDUSD

Allen moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 provide direction to staff in the case of Sierra Bay v MDUSD.

Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Complaint

Eberhart moved, Treece moved and the Board voted 4-0-0 to release certificated employee #22697 from a temporary contract, effective February 14, 2006.

RECONVENE OPEN SESSION: The Board returned to Open Session at 7:30 p.m. Mayo led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and reported the action taken in Closed Session.

Expulsions:

Student 27-06: Allen moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 that Student 27-06 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 27-06 may apply for readmission after June 16, 2006. It is required that Student 27-06 participate in individual counseling, community service, the COPS program, the District’s Teen Anger Management class, and show evidence of a successful school experience, prior to applying for readmission.

Student 28-06: Eberhart moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 that Student 28-06 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 28-06 may apply for readmission after June 16, 2006. It is required that Student 28-06 participate in individual counseling, community service, the COPS program, and show evidence of a successful school experience, prior to applying for readmission.

Student 29-06: Treece moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 that Student 29-06 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 29-06 may apply for readmission after June 16, 2006. It is required that Student 29-06 participate in individual counseling, community service, the COPS program, provide proof of a negative drug test; and show evidence of a successful school experience, including 40 credits earned, prior to applying for readmission.

Student 30-06: Allen moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 that Student 30-06 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 30-06 may apply for readmission after June 16, 2006. It is required that Student 30-06 participate individual counseling, community service, the COPS program, and show evidence of a successful school experience, prior to applying for readmission.

Student 31-06: Treece moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 that Student 31-06 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 31-06 may apply for readmission after June 16, 2006. It is required that Student 31-06 participate in individual counseling, community service, the COPS program, the district’s Anger Management workshop, and show evidence of a successful school experience prior to applying for readmission.

Student 32-06: Eberhart moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 that Student 32-06 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 32-06 may apply for readmission after June 16, 2006. It is required that Student 32-06 participate in individual counseling, community service, the COPS program, and show evidence of a successful school experience, prior to applying for readmission.

Student 33-06: Allen moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 that Student 33-06 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 33-06 may apply for readmission after June 16, 2006. It is required that Student 33-06 participate in individual counseling, the COPS program, show evidence of a successful school experience, and undergo a psychological evaluation, prior to applying for readmission.

Student 34-06: Allen moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 that Student 34-06 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 34-06 may apply for readmission after June 16, 2006. It is required that Student 34-04 participate in individual counseling, community service, the COPS program, the District’s Teen Anger Management Workshop, and show evidence of a successful school experience, prior to applying for readmission.

Student 35-06: Eberhart moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 that Student 35-06 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 35-06 may apply for readmission after June 16, 2006. It is required that Student 35-06 participate in individual counseling, community service, the COPS program, the district’ Teen Anger Management Workshop, and show evidence of a successful school experience prior to applying for readmission.

Student 36-06: Treece moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 that Student 36-06 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 36-06 may apply for readmission after June 16, 2006. It is required that Student 36-06 participate in individual counseling, community service, the COPS program, and show evidence of a successful school experience, prior to applying for readmission.

Tribute to Bill Leal President Mayo reported the action taken and items discussed in Closed Session. She then recalled the contributions and spirit of fellow Board member Bill Leal, who passed away on January 29, 2006, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Gary Eberhart shared recollections as did AJ Fardella of the Oak Hills Community. Bill’s official photo and a clock commemorating his years of service on the Board, 1997 to 2006, were presented to the Leal family before the memorial service on February 4.

2. FILLING OF VACANCY – BOARD OF EDUCATION

2.1.1 Election of Vice President February 2006 – December 2006
Allen moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 to elect Gary Eberhart to succeed Bill Leal as vice president of the Board for 2006.

2.1.2 Establish Process for Filling Vacancy on the Board

Noting that Bill Leal’s term ends in December 2006, McHenry explained that the Board can fill the vacant position through either a provisional appointment or a special election, as set forth in California Education Code 5090-5095. An appointment must be made within 60 days of the vacancy. An election cannot be held until at least 130 days after the vacancy. If the Board chose to appoint a successor, the announcement, interviews, and appointment would all occur by March 30. If members of the public do not like the appointment, they may challenge it through a petition process. If the Board chose to call an election, the voting could not be held before June 24, so could not be consolidated with the June 6 California primary. The District would have to bear the entire cost, which would be $4.16 per voter (or $514,000), and the successful candidate would not be seated until August unless the Board called a special meeting in July, when it normally does not meet.

Public comment Gloria Magleby, member of the Bay Point Municipal Advisory Committee and the Ambrose Recreation and Park District Board, said she would like to see the vacancy filled by a member of the Bay Point community. Chris Stieger-Maguire, Pleasant Hill parent, urged the Board to appoint Leal’s successor rather than spend money on an election. Stewart Rine, Pleasant Hill resident, suggested that the Board apply for a waiver to hold the Board election with the June 6 primary.

Board comment Eberhart said the timing and the cost do not support the election option. He pointed out that the rules dictate that candidates be interviewed in a public meeting. Allen said the cost of an election is a factor not only for the District but also for individuals who run for the seat. He pointed out that the Board could fill the vacancy as early as March using the appointment option. Treece agreed with her fellow Board members, adding that the election option would require an individual to run two campaigns in one year, one now and another in the fall.

Board action Allen moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 that the Board make a provisional appointment to fill the vacant position and that the Board president set up a process for the appointment.

Followup McHenry explained that the appointment process is laid out in California Ed. Code. Staff will post notices this week that the vacancy exists and put an ad in the local paper. Board members set aside three dates as possibilities for the candidate interviews: Saturday, March 18 and 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday, March 21, 6 to 10 p.m. They will decide on the actual date after they know how many candidates they will be interviewing.

3. CONSENT AGENDA

After pulling item 3.8 at Treece’s request, Eberhart moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 to adopt the Consent Agenda, thereby approving the following:

3.1 Minutes of the meetings of January 17 and January 31, 2006.

3.2 Certificated Personnel

3.2.1 Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements, Employment

3.2.2 Resolution 05/06-41 Variable Term Waiver Requests

Variable term waivers provide applicants with additional time to complete requirements for the credential that authorizes the service. The waiver request is made when there is not a properly credentialed person available for the position.

3.2.3 Resolution 05/06-42 Education Code 44258.3 Board Authorization

Under Ed. Code 44258.3, holders of any California teaching credential can be authorized, by Board Authorization, to teach departmentalized classes with their consent in grades K-12.

3.2.4 Resolution 05/06-48 Education Code 44263 – Board Authorization

Under Ed. Code 44263, holders of any California teaching credential who have 18 lower division units or 9 upper division units in a subject can be authorized by Board Authorization, to teach that subject(s) full or part time.

3.2.5 Mt. Diablo Education Association (MDEA) Post-Retirement Contracts for 2005-06

The post-retirement committee met on Thursday, January 19, 2006, to review the proposals submitted. Five were approved for a total of $22,900. They include Marlene Baker/Maxine Emerson, $4,200 each to coordinate AP testing; Jan Bergamini, $3,500 to assist teachers in reading and writing; Eleanor McDougal, $3,000 for storytelling; Darlene van Hoetzendorff, $4,000 to coordinate the Young Authors Project; and Vicky Wilson, $4,000 for assistance to secondary history/social science teachers. This amount is already budgeted within the General Fund.

3.2.6 Recommendation for Preliminary Single Subject Math Teaching Credential for Joshua Jones

Recommended that Joshua Jones, who has now completed a two-year district intern program, apply for his preliminary teaching credential pursuant to California Education Code Section 44328.

3.2.7 Recommendation for Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential for Miguel Romo

Recommended that Miguel Romo, who has completed a district intern credentialing program, apply for his preliminary teaching credential.

3.2.8 School Administration Fieldwork Agreement with Chapman University for the Term of August 1, 2005, through August 1, 2007

Approved agreement to provide supervised fieldwork experience for graduate students as interns in the School Administration Program in the School of Education at Chapman University leading to the Administration Services Credential

3.2.9 Internship Contract Agreement with the University of Phoenix

In order for a teacher to participate in an internship program, there must be an agreement or memorandum of understanding on file between the District and the institution providing the internship program.

3.2.10 Multiple Subject, Single Subject and Special Education Credential Internship Agreement with Chapman University, Concord Campus

3.3 Classified Personnel

3.3.1 Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements, Employment

3.3.2 Reduction in Hours of a Site Technology Support Technician II at Hidden Valley Elementary School

Reduced from 10 to 7.75 hours/week an existing 10-month/year Site Technology Support Technician II at Hidden Valley Elementary School, resulting in a $2,501 savings to School Improvement funds for fiscal year 2005-06 and $8,616 for a full year.

3.4 Monthly Budget Transfers and/or Budget Increases/Decreases for the Month of December 2005

3.5 Resolution 05/06-49 Certification for Carryover of Unmatched District Deferred Maintenance Deposits

Adopted Resolution 05/06-49, applying a surplus contribution of $60,462 to the Deferred Maintenance Program in 2004-05 to the 2005-06 contribution requirement of $1,454,930. Fiscal Impact: $60,462 carryover to Deferred Maintenance Program. Funding Source: Deferred Maintenance

3.6 School Breakfast Program Grant Application

Approved request from Food and Nutrition Services to apply for a grant to purchase kitchen supplies and equipment to expand the breakfast programs at Bel Air, Cambridge, Fair Oaks, Meadow Homes, Mountain View, Rio Vista, Shore Acres, and Ygnacio Valley elementary schools; and El Dorado, Glenbrook, and Riverview middle schools. There is no impact to the General Fund. If awarded, the District will receive up to $47,848 to expand the breakfast program at 11 schools.

3.7 Intermediate Change Order No. 4 – Bid 1306, Contract 763

Approved Intermediate Change Order No. 4 – Bid 1305, Contract 763, to Sierra Bay Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $49,105.81 for new classrooms and modernization at Concord and Ygnacio Valley high schools. Funding Source: Measure C

3.8 Final Change Orders—See Separate Action, below

3.9 Notices of Completion

3.9.1 Notice of Completion to Contract C-780, Bid 1338 to Sierra Bay Contractors, Inc, in the amount of $3,555,293.50, for new classrooms and modernization work at Mt. Diablo High School. Funding Source: Measure C

3.9.2 Notice of Completion to Contract C-798, Bid 1359 to Albay Construction Company in the amount of $316,772.25, for the new snack shack building at Mt. Diablo High School. Funding Source: Fire Insurance Fund

3.9.3 Notice of Completion to Contract C-803, Bid 1366 to RMT Landscape Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $296,642.39, for landscape improvements at College Park, Concord, Mt. Diablo, and Northgate high schools. Funding Source: Measure C

3.9.4 Notice of Completion to Contract C-813, Bid 1380 to Hung Construction in the amount of $792,945, for the office remodel at Oak Grove Middle School. Funding Source: Proposition 55

3.10 Award of Contract for Professional Testing and Inspection Services for Measure C Program, Group IV Schools

Awarded contract not to exceed $176,386.96 to Consolidated Engineering Laboratories for testing and inspection services for the Group IV schools. Consolidated Engineering conducted inspection and materials testing services for the Group II and III schools as well. Funding Source: Measure C

3.11 Contract for Architectural/Engineering Services for Kitchen Renovations at Meadow Homes Elementary School

Awarded contract not to exceed $21,000 plus $5,000 in reimbursables to PHD Architects for architectural/engineering comprehensive design services related to kitchen renovations at Meadow Homes Elementary School. Funding Source: Developer Fees.

3.12 Contract for Architectural/Engineering Services for the Renovations to Willow Creek Center to House Diablo Day School

Awarded contract not to exceed $53,440 including $8,000 in reimbursables to PHD Architects for architectural /engineering services for renovations at Willow Creek Center to house Diablo Community Day School. Funding Source: Proposition 55

3.13 Adult Education Workability II Application 2006-07

Approved renewal of Mt. Diablo Adult Education’s $84,769 contract with the Department of Rehabilitation to continue the WorkAbility Program. There is no impact to the General Fund. Adult Education will provide $24,680 as a cash match through the existing budget. Funding Source: Department of Rehabilitation Contract

SEPARATE ACTION

3.8 Final Change Orders

Board comment/action In regard to Item 3.8.3, Treece expressed concern about the reference to “delete planned renovations at Mt. Diablo High School to accommodate completion of the Shop Building.” Maintenance and Operations Director Pete Pedersen assured her that improvements will be made. The site staff wants to reconfigure the entire quad, he said. That project would be implemented in 2007. Treece then moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 to approve the following final change orders:

3.8.1 Bid 1338 – Contract C-780

Final change order to Bid 1338, Contract C-780 to Sierra Bay Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $63,378.50 for new classrooms and modernization, increment II, at Mt. Diablo High School. Funding Source: Measure C

3.8.2 Bid 1359 – Contract C-798

Final change order to Bid 1359, Contract C-798 to Albay Construction Company in the amount of $18,772.25 for new snack shack at Mt. Diablo High School. Funding Source: Fire Insurance Fund

3.8.3 Bid 1366 – Contract C-803

Final change order to Bid 1366, Contract C-803 to RMT Landscape Contractors in the amount of $24,474.68 for landscape restoration at College Park, Concord, Northgate and Mt. Diablo high schools. Funding Source: Measure C

3.8.4 Bid 1380 – Contract C-813

Final change order to Bid 1380, Contract C-813 to Hung Construction in the amount of $3,945 for Oak Grove Middle School office remodel. Funding Source: Proposition 55

4. RECOGNITIONS

None, though McHenry announced that the College Park and Mt. Diablo high school wrestling teams have won the North Coast Section championships. They will be invited to a future Board meeting to be recognized for their achievement.

5. PUBLIC COMMENT

Jon Ferrante, parent, described his recent experience working under student direction at Mt. Diablo High’s Serendipity Restaurant. He said the students had a “refreshing” attitude towards school and credited teacher Judy Moon and her two assistants for their great work. AJ Fardella, Bay Point resident, urged the Board to fill the vacant Board seat “with someone as independent-minded as Bill Leal.” Melanie Tarango, parent, voiced a complaint about her son’s teacher and about the complaint process itself. Steven Bachofer, Pleasant Hill resident, took issue with the description in the minutes of his comments at the June 7, 2005, Board meeting.

6. COMMUNICATIONS

6.1 Organizations Mike Noce, MDEA president, expressed appreciation for Bill Leal’s contributions, calling him a great supporter of music and career education. He urged the Board to take a cautious approach in determining how to spend additional revenue. Saying competitive salaries for teachers must be a priority, he advised the Board to set aside any new money so it can be used for compensation in the next contract cycle.

7. REPORTS/INFORMATION

7.1 Measure C Oversight Committee

AJ Fardella, member of the Measure C Oversight Committee, which serves as an advisor to the Board and the public in regard to projects funded by the $250 million bond measure, provided an update on the committee’s purpose, structure, membership, and activities. Two issues the committee dealt with this past year were 1) coping with escalating construction costs caused by changes in Department of State Architect regulations and, more dramatically, by China’s need for steel; and 2) examining the concept of Project Labor Agreements, which the District will pilot test on a project not funded by Measure C. Mayo thanked Fardella for the report and acknowledged the hard work of the committee members.

7.2 Report on Plan for Address Overcrowding at College Park High School

Mildred Browne presented the staff report to address overcrowding at College Park High School, which has a capacity for 1,800 students and currently serves 2,138. Three mechanisms exists to reduce overcrowding: 1) change boundaries, 2) increase capacity, and 3) conduct a rigorous verification of student residency. Boundary changes are not being considered. Two new classrooms and a restroom are being added; staff and community members are being asked if they support using Measure C Priority 2 funds for an eight-wing science wing. Together, those buildings would increase capacity by 250 students. Checking and verifying the addresses of all incoming students could reduce enrollment by identifying and then dropping those who do not live in the attendance area or who do not have a legitimate reason for attending College Park. Browne said staff has increased the number of documents necessary to verify a student’s residence and in March will conduct an audit of College Park student residence information. Revised Administrative Regulation 5111.1, “District Residency,” is on the Board agenda later in this meeting for a first reading. If adopted, it will establish the new documentation necessary for registration at all District schools.

Board/Staff comment Eberhart questioned why the audit in March is being conducted only at College Park. McHenry said the audit is a direct response to the Board’s concern about overcrowding at College Park. Having established a residency verification process, staff can use it at any school that is overcrowded. Eberhart said the residency requirements should apply to all schools, so the verification process should be carried out throughout the District. At the same time, he acknowledged that it may be too labor intensive to implement districtwide. McHenry explained that staff is doing the verification audit midyear at College Park, but next fall will be requiring more verifications at all schools. Child Welfare and Attendance Liaisons will physically check questionable cases. Treece said the audit is an appropriate step to take at this time. Mayo worried that some families who move into the College Park attendance area in late summer may have trouble coming up with residency verifications in time to register for school. McHenry assured her that District staff are prepared to handle special cases. Mayo said she is concerned that some rules may exclude students from District schools. Browne said the Student Services staff are being sure that with all the new rules they can still help families get children enrolled in school. Eberhart reported that College Park parents Leanne Hamaji and Cindy Rubin had submitted their own suggestions, many of which were similar to the staff proposal.

Public comment Stewart Rine, parent, thanked Board for not making any changes to the “grey area” in Pleasant Hill. He said it appears that College Park will remain overcrowded even after the verification process and encouraged the Board to add more classrooms to the site.

8. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

McHenry announced that an Education Summit organized jointly by District staff and the LULAC organization will be held on Saturday, February 18 and that the Board will hold a special meeting on the subject of student discipline on February 21. He acknowledged that the District will continue to have budget challenges. He has been checking with constituent groups on their expectations if the District does get additional revenue. Most do expect that some programs and positions that were cut as part of the budget reduction process will be restored. He said the Board and Administration will have to address those expectations at some point.

9. BUSINESS

9.1 Resolution 05/06-39 African American History Month

Eberhart moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 to adopt Resolution 05/06-39, supporting the California Department of Education’s designation of February 2006 as African American History Month and recognizing the many contributions made by African Americans to the American heritage.

9.2 Resolution 05/06-40 Appreciation of the Black Families Association of Contra Costa County

Allen moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 to adopt Resolution 05/06-40, recognizing the Black Families Association of Contra Costa County for more than 30 years of service to the community. Allen announced that the Black Families Association will hold its annual Scholarship Dinner on Saturday, February 25.

9.3 Contract Extensions for the Associate Superintendent and Assistant Superintendents—PULLED

9.4 School Assistance and Intervention Monitoring Report for Oak Grove Middle School and Ygnacio Valley High School

Allen moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 to accept the Corrective Action Plans for Oak Grove Middle and Ygnacio Valley High prior to the plans’ submittal to the state Department of Education. The two schools are designated as state-monitored schools based on their Academic Performance Index (API) under the Immediate Intervention/Underperforming School Program (II/USP). Both schools contracted with WestEd, a state-approved provider, to serve as the School Assistance and Intervention Team (SAIT) to help develop the plan and monitor progress in implementing its recommendations. Fiscal Impact: Local district match may include dedication of General and/or Categorical funds. Funding Source: State and Federal fund will be provided ($150 per pupil annually for up to three years).

Board comment In response to Eberhart, McHenry said the “district contribution” is in the form of staff time, paid for with the $150 per student the schools receive in II/USP funds. To date, no General Fund money has been allocated as a result of the SAIT involvement.

9.5 Intent to Dedicate Easements

Resolution 05/06-43 – Hidden Valley Elementary School

Resolution 05/06-44 – Holbrook Elementary School

Resolution 05/06-45 – Highlands Elementary School

Resolution 05/06-46 – Pine Hollow Middle School

Resolution 05/06-47 – Sun Terrace Elementary School

Eberhart moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 to adopt Resolutions 05/06-43 to 47, each an intent to dedicate an easement at one of five schools: Hidden Valley, Holbrook, Highlands, and Sun Terrace elementary and Pine Hollow Middle. As a result of planned Measure C work, it was necessary to request services and equipment from Contra Costa Water District to install a fire hydrant and water line at each site. Contra Costa Water District requires an easement to access, operate, maintain, and repair the improvements and the connections it has installed on the District’s behalf.

9.6 Award of Bid 1398

Treece moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 to award Bid 1398 to Taber Construction, Inc., for the total amount of $14,623,500 to provide new classrooms and renovations at Bancroft, Valle Verde, Walnut Acres, and Woodside elementary schools. Funding Source: Measure C

9.7 Proposal to Prepare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Documentation for Additional Nighttime Sports Activities at Clayton Valley High School

Allen moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 to approve an agreement with Mills Associates to prepare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documentation for an environmental study on the impact of extending the time the field lights may be illuminated at Clayton Valley High. At its April 29, 2003, meeting the Board approved an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Clayton Valley High School stadium lighting project. Mill Associates completed the original environmental study.

Public comment Matt Hill, parent of a Clayton Valley High student athlete, submitted a petition to extend until 8:00 p.m. the time period during which the lights are on. He said the extension would allow teams practicing on the field to stagger their activities, so more will be able to practice there. Pat Middendorf, CVHS athletic director and Special Ed. teacher, said the Boosters Club has already raised the money to pay for the new CEQA study. She pointed out that the intent is not to add more days, but to extend the time on Mondays through Thursdays that the lights are allowed to be on.

Board comment In response to Mayo, Nicoll said the current agreement allows the field to be lit until 10 p.m. for a maximum of 17 nights; the request would increase the number of nights the field is lit to 117; however, they would not be as heavily used as for a football game, and the lights would go off at 8 rather than 10 p.m. In response to Treece, Nicoll confirmed that the Board is being asked at this time to approve the study, not the additional time.

9.8 Quarterly Report on Williams Uniform Complaints

Treece moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 to ratify the January 2006 quarterly report on complaints filed under the Williams Settlement. Those complaints regard textbooks and instructional materials, teacher vacancy or misassignments, and facilities conditions. This quarter’s report includes the months of November, December 2005, and January 2006.

9.9 Recommendation to Assign the Crystyl Ranch Development to the Northgate High School Attendance Area

Treece moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 to assign the Crystyl Ranch residential development to the Northgate High School attendance area.

Staff report McHenry reported that a modest, districtwide reduction in high school enrollment is expected over the next few years. This trend would result in sufficient capacity at Northgate High School to accommodate high school-aged students living in the Crystyl Ranch development. He said plans call for adding two new classrooms, which will increase Northgate’s capacity by at least 50 spaces, more than enough to accommodate the 60 or so students from Crystyl Ranch projected over the next 12 years. He noted that no more than 68 students from the development have attended Northgate at any one time and that Crystyl Ranch students have attended Northgate since the development was built about 12 years ago.

Public comment Bill Swanson of Woodlands Association, expressed concern that the Board decided to curtail a larger study of high school enrollment and is now considering just the Crystyl Ranch impact on Northgate. Also, with the Naval Weapons Station property becoming available for development, he asked if the District is considering a broader look at enrollment and capacity districtwide. Steve Bachofer, community member, expressed concern that the Board may not be allowing itself enough flexibility for future changes if it makes this addition to the Northgate attendance area permanent.

Board comment Eberhart pointed out that Board members and District staff have been attending meetings about the potential future use of the Concord Naval Weapons Station. Although there is a need to keep the site on the District’s radar screen, development there is at least 10 years away, he said. He explained that the initial plan for the high school enrollment study was to address overcrowding at College Park; with that issue being addressed through the verification audit, the Board can look at the impact of Crystyl Ranch without having the larger study. He stressed that the Board does not want to change school boundaries unnecessarily. Treece said she believes it’s important for parents to know their attendance area is secure. Allen said the District is well positioned in regard to the Naval Weapons Station as a result of Board member and staff involvement in meetings and discussions to date.

9.10 Consider Modification to Administrative Rule 6146.1, High School Graduation Requirements

Eberhart moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 to adopt Revised Board Policy and Administrative Rule 6146.1, adding permission for students who have completed enough units for graduation but have not passed the California High School Exit Exam to participate in the graduation ceremony. Presented as information at the meeting of January 17, 2006, this item was returned for action at this time.

9.11 AR 5111.1 – District Residency

Administrative Rule 5111.1 is being revised to reflect the changes of the documents that may be offered as proof of student residency. This modification is necessary to implement the District’s residency verification process. Presented as information only at this time, the item will be returned for action at a subsequent meeting.

9.12 Cambridge Elementary School Voluntary School Uniform Dress Code

Cambridge Elementary School has developed a schoolwide uniform dress code to standardize apparel to support a productive school learning environment. Cherisse Baatin, school principal, and Lourdes Beleche, PTA president, said they believe the uniforms will create a safer and better learning environment for the students. Presented as information only at this time, the item will be returned for action at a subsequent meeting.

10. BOARD REPORTS

Eberhart reported that he visited Oak Grove Middle School today and was impressed, calling it “a totally different site” from his last visit a year ago. He thanked McHenry, Young, District and site staff for the changes, saying it is clear that teachers are “into what they’re doing.” Students are respectful of one another and of staff members. He appreciated that Oak Grove has a school uniform policy, which is a good change, one he would like to see at all middle schools. “A revolution has occurred at Oak Grove, and it’s working fine,” he concluded. He also attended a crab feed cooked and presented by Serendipity Restaurant, whose students were great. In regard to budget expenditures, he said he hopes the Superintendent has been informing constituent groups that the Board has already set priorities for allocating additional revenue. His conversations with labor leaders tell him that compensation is their highest priority.

Mayo announced that the Alameda County School Boards Association will discuss Prop 82, the “Preschool for All” initiative, at a public meeting next week. She was pleased to see about 450 people attend the District’s annual Parent Conference, held on February 4. She thanked the Mt. Diablo Adult Education staff for organizing the event.

McHenry responded to Eberhart’s comment regarding budget priorities. He explained that in the budget reduction process over the past three years, he and the Board told the public that staff would return to hear about the impact of the cuts on programs and positions. He stressed that he is sharing the Board’s criteria with constituent groups, but said he is finding that parents, students, and individual employees are expecting the Board to look at restoring programs that were reduced. People are coming to him unsolicited with their concerns.

11. ADJOURNMENT Mayo adjourned the meeting at 10:43 p.m. in honor of the late Coretta Scott King and E. nWilliam Leal.

Gary McHenry, Secretary