MT. DIABLO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

 

BOARD MEETING – March 13, 2007

 

ATTENDANCE:              Board: Gary Eberhart (at 6:07 p.m.), April Treece, Dick Allen, Linda Mayo, Paul Strange

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

 

1.             CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President Eberhart at 6:00 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 6:01 p.m. in Room 6 of the Dent Center. Topics discussed included 3 expulsion cases and two requests for readmission; existing litigation (Spieler v. MDUSD); and negotiations.

 

Readmission
Allen moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 (Eberhart not yet present) to approve staff’s recommendation to deny readmission to two students who did not meet requirements.

 

2.             RECONVENE OPEN SESSION:  The Board returned to Open Session in the Board Room at 7:30 p.m. President Eberhart led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

A Moment of Silence was observed for Marilyn Waage, a Special Education Assistant at Shadelands School, who passed away on February 19.

 

Expulsion
Student 34-07: Mayo moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 34-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 34-07 may apply for readmission after January 2008.  It is required that Student 34-07 participate in individual counseling, community service, the COPS program, the district’s Teen Anger Management Workshop, provide proof of a negative drug test, complete a psychological assessment, pay his portion of the damages to Riverview Middle School, and show evidence of a successful school experience, prior to applying for readmission.

 

Student 36-07: Strange moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 36-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the MDUDS and that Student may apply for readmission after January 2008.  It is required that Student 36-07 participate in individual counseling, community service, the COPS programs, the district’s Drug/Alcohol Workshop, provide proof of a negative drug test, and show evidence of a successful school experience prior to applying for readmission.

 

Student 37-07: Allen moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 37-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the MDUDS and that Student 37-07 may apply for readmission after January 2008.  It is required that Student 37-07 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 fore readmission.

 

Eberhart reported the action taken and items discussed and action taken in Closed Session

 

3.             CONSENT AGENDA

Treece moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt the Consent Agenda, thereby approving the following items:

 

3.1          Minutes of the meetings of February 13, 2007.

 

3.2          Certificated Personnel

3.2.1 Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements, Employment

 

3.2.2 Addition of 9.0 Full-Time Equivalent Position (FTE) for the 2006-2007 School Year

Added 9.0 FTE—8.8 for the SAIT Corrective Action Program at Mt. Diablo High and 0.2 to reimburse the Northgate High Parent/Faculty Association, increasing the expenditure budget of categorical funds by $541,085  Funding Source: $522,431 from SAIT Corrective Action Plan (Program 3778) at Mt. Diablo High School; $187,654 as reimbursement from Outside Agency (Program 3970) at Northgate High School.

 

3.2.3 Addition of 1.4 Full-Time Equivalent Position (FTE) for the 2006-2007 School Year

Added 1.4 FTE—0.2 for Intervention at Glenbrook Middle and 1.0 for Intervention and 0.2 for Instrumental Music at Mt. Diablo High. The $118,429 in expenditures were already budgeted within the General Fund. Funding Source: Underperforming Schools General Purpose Intervention Fund:  $8,132 from Glenbrook Middle (Program 0047) and $94,120 from Mt. Diablo High (Program 0047) and $16,177 from Instrumental Music-Mt. Diablo High (Program 0713).

 

3.2.4 Teacher Education Fieldwork and Student Teaching Agreement with Chapman University for the Term of January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2010

Approved agreement with Chapman University for teacher education fieldwork and student teaching, thereby allowing for District teachers who have a student teacher to receive a stipend for their services.

 

3.2.5 School Counseling Fieldwork Agreement with Chapman University for the Term of January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2009

Approved agreement to provide supervised field experience for graduate students in the Chapman University School of Education’s School Counseling Program working toward their School Counseling Credential.

 

3.3          Classified Personnel

3.3.1 Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements, Employment

 

3.4          Award of Bids

3.4.1 Award of Bid 1457 to Robert A. Bothman, Inc. in the amount of $480,319 to provide renovations to the quad at Mt. Diablo High School. Funding Source:  Proposition 55

 

3.4.2 Award of Bid 1458 to Biland Construction Company in the amount of $95,940 to provide the bus washout pad at the Maintenance and Operations Department. Funding Source:  Redevelopment Fees

 

3.4.3 Award of Bid 1459 to Meehleis Modular Buildings, Inc. in the amount of $1,689,211 to provide the prefabricated modular building at James W. Dent Center – Buildings 18, 19, and 20. Funding Source:  Measure C

 

3.5          Contract Amendment to Capital Engineering Consultants

Amended contract with Capital Engineering Consultants, which is providing comprehensive design and engineering services for the installation of new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems at 13 schools, to include those services at Fair Oaks and Shore Acres elementary schools, Pleasant Hill Middle School, and Olympic High School should additional Proposition 55 funding become available to install HVAC systems at those four sites. Fiscal Impact:  Additional work not to exceed $737,709. Funding Source:  Proposition 55 funds.

 

3.6          Memorandum of Understanding between Alameda County Office of Education School Assistance and Intervention Team and Mt. Diablo Unified School District

Approved a Memorandum of Understanding for the Alameda County Office of Education to provide technical assistance and support services under the provisions of AB 961 to Meadow Homes, Cambridge, Fair Oaks, and Ygnacio Valley elementary schools and Glenbrook Middle School to help staff at each school design a strategic action plan and implementation timeline. Fiscal Impact:  $15,000  Funding Source:  High Priority Schools Grant Program

 

3.7          2006-2007 Career Technical Education Equipment and Supplies Funds Expenditure Plans

Approved each District high school’s plan for one-time expenditures for Career Technical Education supplies, equipment, and minor facility reconfigurations. Fiscal Impact:  There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding Source: Per the Budget Act of 2006 the state Department of Education allocated $149,149 to MDUSD for this purpose.

 

4.             RECOGNITIONS

4.1          College Park High School Wrestling Team – 2006 North Coast Section Champions

The Board recognized members of the College Park High School Wrestling Team, which won the 2006 North Coast Section 3A Dual Championship and the North Coast Section overall championship for the second year in a row. Coach Jim Keck noted that the senior students on the team were unable to attend the meeting as they are in training for Senior Nationals. He reported that the team has GPA of 3.2. President Eberhart presented a certificate of appreciation from the Board. Superintendent McHenry presented donations totaling $900. from the District’s senior leadership.

 

4.2          Delta Discovery Voyage

Roger Bylund described the Delta Discovery Voyage program in which all 5th grade students go out into the Delta on a legitimate research vessel, the Brownlee, and participate in marine research run by the Marine Science Institute. He said five sponsors match the District’s contribution to the program: the Contra Costa Water District, Delta Diablo Sanitation District, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, The Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation, and Dow Chemical Company. This year’s program involved 42 trips, 101 teachers, and 2,671 students. On behalf of the Board, President Eberhart presented a certificate of appreciation and thanks to two of the five sponsors who were able to attend this meeting:

·          Contra Costa Water District
Marianne Hook, education coordinator, said the water district contributes support (assemblies and activities) totaling about $100,000 a year to MDUSD

·          Delta Diablo Sanitation District
Linda Brewer commented that “the Robert Brownlee is the happiest part of my job.”

 

Public comment   Debbie Birnbaum, 5th grade teacher at Sun Terrace elementary, thanked the sponsors and the District for providing this valuable program, saying “the kids love it.” Bylund introduced Pat Cleaver, the District curriculum specialist who organizes the program.

 

Board comment   Eberhart noted that he and Strange participated in a recent event on the Brownlee with their children and called the program “a phenomenal experience” for students. Treece said Marianne Hook, Linda Brewer, and others from other local agencies and Dow Chemical work tirelessly throughout the year to help integrate hands-on science into the curriculum. All are involved in the annual Intel-Affiliated Contra Costa Science and Engineering Fair and engaged in organizing a week-long science camp for students. She thanked them for their efforts.

 

5.             PUBLIC COMMENT

Parents Sue Grimmond, Brenda Bell, and Betsy Jockner spoke in support of the District’s Special and Alternative Education programs such as Alliance Small Necessary High School and the services provided to their children.

 

6.             COMMUNICATIONS

        6.1          Organizations

Community Advisory Committee (CAC): Connie Warner, CAC chair, thanked the Board and senior administrators for their support of the Special Education program and students such as hers. She urged them to continue their efforts to support and promote high quality teachers, to offer the services students need, and to identify and prepare for areas of upcoming needs. Kim Goldman, parent, parent advocate, and CAC member, said she has seen many positive changes in the seven years she and her son have been involved in the Special Education program MDUSD. Leeann Sanders, parent, described the benefits her son has received from the Special Ed. program and urged the Board to continue supporting it.

 

Dick Allen, Board representative on the CAC, explained that the committee has provided each Board member with a packet of materials and will continue to do so. He said the materials are interesting and informative. He encouraged Board members to attend a CAC meeting, held on the first Monday evening of each month.

 

7.             REPORTS/INFORMATION

                7.1          Measure C Oversight Committee

Measure C Oversight Committee Chairman AJ Fardella and member Rick Callaway presented the committee’s annual report, the theme of which is “Accomplishment.” Members John Ferrante and John Parker were also in attendance.

Background: On March 5, 2002, voters in Mt. Diablo Unified School District communities overwhelmingly passed Measure C, an initiative that allows the district to issue $250 million in General Obligation bonds for five years to pay for projects to improve school buildings and grounds. A citizen Oversight Committee is required to monitor the progress of the bond projects.

                             Support for the Oversight Committee

                     Assistant Superintendent                             Dick Nicoll

                     Administrative Assistant                               Rosemarie Scrosati

                     Project Financial Manager                           Miles Phippen (VANIER)

                     Project Financial Manager                           (VANIER):             

                     Maintenance and Operations Director       Pete Petersen

                     Board representative                                     Linda Mayo

                     Board representative                                     Paul Strange

                             2006-07 Issues

          Costs: Escalation of project costs for Measure C continued to rise far beyond anyone’s estimates because of competition from China and India for building materials and contractors.

          Audit: In compliance with administrative audit requirements, the committee closely scrutinized bond expenditures. A representative from the accounting firm that performed the audit gave a report on the methodology used. The firm determined that the District was at or above the compliance level for a school bond audit.

          Bond issuance: smooth and successful.

 

                             2007 Challenges

          Continue closures on project work items in all Groups.

          Look ahead to next bond measure.

 

Board comment   Mayo thanked the committee for its work, saying that “It’s obvious when you attend one of the quarterly meetings that members review their materials and take their task seriously and conscientiously.” She said the committee members will help verify to the community that “we were successful with Measure C.” Eberhart, too, thanked the committee members for their “commendable work.” He said he appreciated Fardella’s praise of the District staff. He, too, sees staff as being totally dedicated to the projects.

 

8.                   SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

McHenry noted that it is time for contract negotiations with all employee units to begin. He said that the Board and he “are committed to working with each one of the units, working through whatever issues come up and trying to get some reasonable solution. We recognize that the top priority is compensation for all our employees, and we will address that as we get into negotiations.”

 

9.             BUSINESS

9.1          Public Hearing on Facility and Program Needs

McHenry once again presented a report on facility and program needs, a report he has given at several community meetings and in public hearings at previous Board meetings. In his report he said the District leadership has to determine how to address more than $600 million worth of facility and program needs, including how to provide competitive salaries for all employees. He and Dick Nicoll reviewed the needs identified to date, District revenues and expenditures, and funding mechanisms such as a parcel tax and a school bond. He said other school districts use those funding mechanisms, and he hopes the MDUSD community will be willing to do so, too. Following the report, Eberhart invited public comment.

 

Public hearing   Eberhart opened the public hearing at 8:50 p.m. John Parker, parent and member of the Measure C Oversight Committee, voiced his support for a parcel tax and/or another bond measure. He noted that the District could have charged up to $60 per $100,000 for Measure C, but instead, charged only $44. John Ferrante, campaign co-chair for Measure C, said it is important to get the community behind the District not just for facilities but for personnel costs as well. He said voters need to see that the District has benefited from both Measure C and its predecessor, Measure A and added that Mt. Diablo voters have had it good compared to others, such at Vallejo, which has five bond measures. With no further requests to speak, Eberhart closed the hearing at 8:54 p.m.

 

9.2          Appointment of Director of Student Services

McHenry recognized Sue Chambers, “a valuable team member in the Mt. Diablo district,” who is retiring at the end of the school year.

 

Allen moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to appoint Margot Tobias as Director of Student Services, effective July 1, 2007.

 

9.3          Appointment of Coordinator, Student/Community Services 9-12

Mayo moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to appoint Susan Shih as Coordinator, Student/Community Services 9-12, assigned to El Dorado Middle School effective March 14, 2007.

 

9.4          Public Hearing and Resolution 06/07-89 and 06/07-90 Imposing Level I School Facilities Fees

Staff report   Dick Nicoll explained that in order to meet critical facility needs, the Board must consider both a non-urgency resolution, which will take effect in 60 days, and an urgency resolution so that the new facility fee of $2.63 per square foot can take effect immediately. The new fee is a reduction from the $3.97 previously charged because the District no longer qualifies for the higher, Level 2, rate. In response to Mayo, Nicoll said the fee reduction will cause the District to lose approximately $1 million.

 

Public hearing   Eberhart opened the hearing at 9:02 p.m. Receiving no requests to speak, he closed the hearing.

 

Board action   Strange moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt Resolution 06/07-89 and Resolution 06/07-90 in regard to the imposition of school facilities fees. Following Board action, Nicoll introduced Jack Schrader of Schrader and Associates, who has been working with the District on projects related to developer fees.

 

9.5          Public Hearing – Deferred Maintenance Plan

In compliance with AB 939, Education Code 17584.1, the Board is required to hold a public hearing to review proposals and plans for expenditures of funds for the deferred maintenance of school district facilities.

 

Public hearing   Eberhart opened the hearing at 9:09 p.m. Receiving no requests to speak, he closed the hearing.

 

9.6          2006-2007 Second Interim Report

Chief Financial Officer Gloria Gamblin presented the Second Interim Report, the purpose of which is to make revenue and expenditure projections to the end of the fiscal year and to compare these projections to the current year’s budget. Gloria introduced Fiscal Services staff members Administrative Assistant Nance Juner, Chief Accountant Carolyn Murdock, and Budget Director Theresa Sidrian. Highlights of the report:

A.          General Fund Revenue Assumptions: Key Factors

                                                                                                2006-07                     2007-08             2008-09
                                                                                          Second Interim             Projected           Projected

          Declining Enrollment
Average Daily Attendance (ADA)
Total Revenue Limit  ADA                         33,776.28                  33,369.36            32,887.34

          Cost of Living Adjustments                          5.92%                        4.04%                  2.70%

          Deficit Factors                                                 1.000                          1.000                    1.000

          Federal, State and Local Revenues

          Revenue Limit Sources decreased by $78,088

          Federal Revenue increased by $194,690

          State Revenue increased by $430,120

          Local Revenue Sources increased by $1,520,541

B.         General Fund Expenditure Assumptions

          Certificated salaries

          Classified salaries

          Employee benefits

          Books and Supplies

          Services, Other Operating Expenditures

          Capital Outlay

          Other Outgo

          Transfer Out

C.         Contributions to Restricted Programs from General Fund, 2006-2007

          Special Education Instructional Program                                                                $25,132,312

          Transportation                                                                                                                   3,967,014

          JROTC                                                                                                                                    173,686

          BTSA                                                                                                                                       427,000

          Routine Repair Maintenance Account                                                                          8,115,541

          Diablo Community Day School                                                                                         110,720

          Interscholastic Sports                                                                                                         224,198

          Adult Education Capital Outlay                                                                                             75,000

          KAPOW Program                                                                                                                    15,000

          Brownlee Water Environment                                                                                              42,500

          Reimbursement from Outside Agencies                                                                           34,915

          Serendipity Program                                                                                                                6,453

                                                                                              TOTAL                                       $38,324,339

D.         Designations of the General Fund Projected Unrestricted Ending Fund Balance

Ending Fund Balance                                                                                                          $15,476,081
Less funds designated as follows:

          Reserved for revolving cash/stores                                                                               1,030,922

          Reserved for economic uncertainties
        (2% of total General Fund  Expenses )                                                                 5,674,924

          Lottery excess $105 per ADA Reserved for Board Action                                                         0

          Credential Compliance Penalty 2005-06                                                                     1,423,073

          2005-2006 J-7 CSR Adjustment                                                                                       132,479

          FCMAT Recommendations                                                                                                528,701

          GASB45 Post Retirement Benefits Annual Required Contribution (ARC)
        1% of $116,436,000 (Based on 2004/2005)                                                       1,164,360

          Sites/Depts Carryover/Restricted balances                                                                3,200,000

 

Undesignated Ending Fund Balance                                                                                 $2,321,622

E.         Second Interim Report’s Multi-year projections, General Fund

                                                                                               2006-07                   2007-08                 2008-09

Beginning Fund Balance 2006-07
    (based on 2006-2007 First Interim) $  12,820,312          $  15,476,080         $  19,445,130

Total Revenue Projections                     175,009,274             171,480,779           174,383,143

Total Expenditures                                   172,353,505             167,511,729           171,373,074

Excess (Deficit) of
     Revenue over Expenditures              $ 
2,655,769             $  3,969,050           $  3,010,069

Ending Fund Balance                                15,476,081               19,445,130             22,455,199
  
Less designated reserves                  $13,154,459             $14,865,740           $16,113,022

Undesignated Ending Fund Balance   $  2,321,622             $  4,579,390           $  6,342,177

F.          Conclusion

·          2% Economic Uncertainties Reserves

·          No Deficit Spending

·          Positive Undesignated Ending Fund Balance Reserves

·          Superintendent Recommends a Positive Certification based on these assumptions and projections

 

Board comment   Eberhart asked for an explanation of the $1.4 million “credential compliance penalty” listed as a designated expense under the Ending Fund Balance for each of the three years included in the Multi-Year Projections. Gail Isserman said District staff focused on placing new teachers into classrooms at the beginning of the 2005-06 school year and were late in submitting the teachers’ credential paperwork to the County Office of Education. The District may have to pay a penalty because of that delay, so the expense is listed in the budget. Isserman said the District is appealing the penalty. McHenry said Personnel Department staff now have procedures in place to assure that teacher credentials are processed within the state-mandated timeline.

 

Board action   Allen moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve the 2006-2007 Second Interim Report as presented.

 

9.7          Request Approval of 1) Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Summer School Rates for 2007 and 2) Tentative Agreement Regarding Stipends for Speech and Language Pathologists and School Nurses Effective 2007-2008

Treece moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a Tentative Agreement (TA) with the Mt. Diablo Education Association (MDEA).

The MOU increases the rate of pay teachers will receive this summer as follows:

          $30/hour for teachers with 1-4 years of teaching experience

          $33/hour for teachers with 5-8 years of teaching experience

          $36/hour for teachers with more than 8 years of teaching experience

The TA states that, effective with the 2007-08 school year, Speech and Language Pathologists who possess a Certificate of Competence and School Nurses who possess a National Board Certification are eligible for a stipend equivalent to a Master’s Degree.

 

Fiscal Impact:  Summer School Rate Increase: $213,796-$470,368; Speech and Language Pathologist Stipend: $67,441.20; School Nurse Stipend: $13,850.20  Funding Sources:  Summer School Budget and General Fund/Reduction in Contracted Services

 

Board/Staff comment   McHenry said the summer rate increase will ensure that the District is able to attract teachers for the 2007 summer program and remain competitive with surrounding districts. The $36/hour is the highest rate in the county. Isserman said District and MDEA worked collaboratively on both the MOU and the TA. In response to Eberhart, she said MDUSD teachers have first priority for summer school positions. Mayo thanked the District and MDEA teams for working together.

 

9.8          2007-2008 School Calendar

Mayo moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve the 2007-08 school calendar, which was approved by the Mt. Diablo Education Association (MDEA) and shared with all bargaining units and department heads.

 

9.9          Request Approval to Eliminate a Full-Time Management Information Systems Technician Position               and Creation of a Technology Customer Help Desk Technician/Special Education Position

Allen moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to eliminate a 40-hour/week, 11-month Management Information Systems Technician position, approve a job description for Technology Customer Help Desk Technician/Special Education, create a 40-hour/week, 12-month Technology Customer Help Desk Technician/Special Education position, and transfer employee #15076 from Local One, CST, to Local One, M&O. Fiscal Impact:  Total impact to the General Fund for fiscal year 2007-2008 is $10,709.

 

9.10        Award of Bid 1446

Strange moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to award Bid 1446 in the amount of $7,737,060 to Bell Products, Inc., to remove existing mechanical systems and provide heating, ventilating and air conditioning at Ygnacio Valley Elementary; and Clayton Valley and Ygnacio Valley high schools. Funding Source:  Proposition 55

 

9.11        Bel Air Elementary Voluntary School Uniform Dress Code

Strange moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve Bel Air Elementary School’s request to implement a schoolwide voluntary dress code in Fall 2007. In accordance with MDUSD Administrative Rule 5132, school staff actively solicited parental involvement and received 85% approval from parents/guardians who responded. The school principal, staff and parents/guardians will jointly select the specific uniform to be worn. Assistance League of Contra Costa County has volunteered to help families who may not be able to afford a uniform.

 

Board comment   Allen asked for a report on how the voluntary uniform policy is working at schools that have one. Eberhart reported that in the second year after Oak Grove Middle School adopted a school uniform policy, only ten students chose not to participate. As a parent, he says he is a firm believer in school uniforms. Allen noted that uniforms tend to “level the playing field.”

 

9.12        Consider Approval of the Budget Advisory Committee Members

Mayo moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve Katy Hicks as the Supervisory Unit’s representative on the Budget Advisory Committee. Treece asked that committee members be invited to a Board meeting before their first meeting on March 28.

 

10.          BOARD REPORTS

Mayo reported on the WASC meetings she and others have attended at Clayton Valley and Ygnacio Valley high schools and the Horizons Home Study program. She expressed appreciation for the site and District staff who have been involved in the WASC reports and visits. She said the visiting  teams have remarked on the dedication of staffs. She announced that the Diablo Council PTA meets tomorrow and will hold elections of new officers.

 

Strange reported on the Career Integrated Academics committee meeting he attended as Board representative. He is impressed with the program and looking forward to being more involved. He enjoyed attending the reception honoring District administrators on March 8 and sampling the “incredible food” prepared and served by the Serendipity students.

 

Allen said he “enjoyed every minute” of this evening’s meeting, which was very positive, with the recognition of students, staff, community partners, and Measure C. He announced that  on March 30 State Senator Torlakson is holding a luncheon meeting on the topic of Career Technical Education. He reported on going to Sacramento with Director of Adult, Continuing and Career Education Director Joanne Durkee to attend Legislative Action Day on Adult Education. He said April Treece’s name was mentioned often in discussions about Career Integrated Academics. He noted that earlier in the day he attended the meeting of the WASC team for the Horizons Home Study program and was impressed with how many questions focused on data. He believes the newly approved Student Information System will help District programs and schools be more responsive to WASC requirements. He announced that the Concord Chamber of Commerce had a successful Chocolate Festival last weekend and that McHenry met with the Chamber’s Ad Hoc Committee on the Naval Weapons Station Reuse to discuss what the District would need in the way of land and schools if housing development is included in the plans.

 

Eberhart said he and his daughter had fun at the Chocolate Festival. He also enjoyed attending a presentation on “Challenge Day” with Clayton Valley High parents. He said the program deals with the social issues students are coping with. Schools tailor activities to the needs of their own students. He encouraged Board members to attend a Challenge Day activity. He announced that the College Park High School wrestling team’s awards dinner is on March 26. He thanked Allen and Treece for meeting with City of Concord officials to plan a joint meeting of the Board and City Council on Tuesday, April 3.

 

Superintendent’s announcement re: highly qualified teachers   McHenry reported that several weeks ago Gail Isserman and Alan Young met with representatives of the state Department of Education (DOE), who want to assist the District in attracting highly qualified teachers. Isserman said MDUSD is one of 30 districts that will work directly with the state DOE on addressing “issues around the equal distribution of highly qualified teachers throughout the District and making all of our schools magnets for highly qualified teachers.” Isserman said District staff will be working with the state “in a positive manner to assist all of our schools in becoming [ones] teachers want to go to and remain at.” She said Lynda Nichols, the rep from the state, wants to answer questions any questions the Board may have, so staff will arrange for Board members to meet with her.

 

 

 

11.          ADJOURNMENT  Eberhart adjourned the meeting at 9:55 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                               

Gary McHenry, Secretary