MT. DIABLO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

 

BOARD MEETING – March 27, 2007

 

ATTENDANCE:              Board: Gary Eberhart, Dick Allen, Linda Mayo, Paul Strange; April Treece, absent (ill)

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

Student Representatives:  David Cranmer (voting); Hanna Kim and Lexie Peters, College Park; Claudia Galan, Clayton Valley; and Courtney Runyon, Concord; Alexandra Echeverria, Mt. Diablo; Vishal Lugani, Northgate; and Chris Acevedo and Ronald Cardenas, Olympic.

 

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 five expulsion cases; three requests for readmission; existing litigation (Golden Bay Fencing v. MDUSD); and negotiations.

 

Readmission
Mayo moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 (Treece absent) to approve staff’s recommendation to deny readmission to 3 students who did not meet the requirements.

 

Existing Litigation: Golden Bay Fencing v. MDUSD
Strange moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 to approve an additional $8,000 in the settlement of the case of Golden Bay

 

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

 

                Expulsions:

                Student 38-07:  Strange moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 that Student 38-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 38-07 may apply for readmission after January 25, 2008.  It is required that Student 38-07 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 for readmission.

 

                Student 39-07:  Allen moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 that Student 39-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 39-07 may apply for readmission after January 25, 2008.  It is required that Student 39-07 participate in individual counseling, community service, the COPS program, family counseling, and show evidence of a successful school experience, prior to applying for readmission.

 

                Student 40-07:  Mayo moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 that Student 40-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 40-07 may apply for readmission after January 25, 2008.  It is required that Student 40-07 participate in individual counseling, community service, the COPS program, the District’s Teen Anger Management Workshop, family counseling, and show evidence of a successful school experience, prior to applying for readmission.

 

                Student 41-07:  Strange moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 that Student 41-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 41-07 may apply for readmission after January 25, 2008.  It is required that Student 41-07 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 for readmission.

 

                Student 42-07:  Allen moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 that Student 42-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 42-07 may apply for readmission after January 25, 2008.  It is required that Student 42-07 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 for readmission.

 

3.             CONSENT AGENDA

Mayo moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 to adopt the Consent Agenda, thereby approving the following:

 

3.1          Minutes of the meeting of February 27, 2007.

 

3.2          Certificated Personnel

3.2.1 Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements, Employment

 

3.2.2 Resolution 06/07-93 Education Code 44256(b) – Board Authorization

Adopted Resolution #06/07-93, authorizing Kathleen Wells, who holds a multiple subject or elementary credential and has 12 lower division or 6 upper division units in a subject to teach that subject in a middle school for the current school year.

 

3.2.3 Resolution 06/07-91 Variable Term Waiver Requests

Adopted Resolution #06/07-91, authorizing Nadia Bedessie and Michell Redfoott to apply for a Variable Term Waiver, giving them additional time to complete certain requirements for the credential that authorizes their service. The waiver request is made when there is not a properly credentialed person available for the position.

 

3.3          Classified Personnel

3.3.1 Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements, Employment

 

3.4          Monthly Budget Transfers and/or Budget Increases/Decreases for the Month of February 2007

 

3.5          Fiscal Transactions for the Month of February 2007

 

3.6          Budget Calendar 2007-2008

Adopted a calendar of major budget development activities for the 2007-08 school year to be submitted to the County Superintendent of Schools by July 1, 2007, as required by Education Code 42127.

 

3.7          Award of Services Contract for Certified Asbestos Consultant

Awarded a $47,340 contract to Environmental Innovations Corporation for comprehensive services related to the re-inspection of all friable and non-friable known or assumed asbestos-containing building material in each school building that is leased, owned, or otherwise used as a school building.

 

3.8          Award of Design Services Contract for Architectural and Engineering Services

Awarded $50,000 contract to PHd Architects for comprehensive design services to renovate/remodel rooms at Loma Vista Adult Center designated to accommodate the Bridge Program. Funding Source:  Proposition 55 funds

 

3.9          Final Change Orders

3.9.1 Final Change Order to Bid 1375, Contract C-808 in the amount of $49,550 to Pacific Power Systems for electrical services upgrades at Valley View and Sequoia middle schools; and Hidden Valley Elementary School. Funding Source:  Measure C

 

3.9.2 Final Change Order to Bid 1417, Contract C-836 in the amount of $25,389 to Biland Construction Company for the electrical services upgrades at Ayers, Monte Gardens, and Mountain View elementary schools, and the Dent Center. Funding Source:  Measure C

 

3.9.3 Final Change Order to Bid 1418, Contract C-837 in the amount of $7,025 to Biland Construction Company for electrical services upgrades at Valle Verde, Walnut Acres, and Woodside elementary schools. Funding Source:  Measure C

 

3.9.4 Final Change Order to Bid 1432, Contract C-844 in the amount of $60,686.77 to Taber Construction for the construction of new classrooms as follows: Strandwood Elementary School – 2; Ygnacio Valley Elementary School – 1; Northgate High School – 1. Funding Source:  Developer Fees and Proposition 55 funding.

 

3.10        Notices of Completion

3.10.1 Notice of Completion to Contract C-808, Bid 1375 in the amount of $307,950 to Pacific Power and Systems, Inc., for electrical upgrades, Package B, at Hidden Valley Elementary School and Sequoia and Valley View middle schools. Funding Source:  Measure C

 

3.10.2 Notice of Completion to Contract C-835, Bid 1416 in the amount of $461,050 to Biland Construction Company for electrical upgrades at Bancroft Elementary, Pleasant Hill Education Center, and Loma Vista Adult Center. Funding Source:  Measure C

 

3.10.3 Notice of Completion to Contract C-836, Bid 1417 in the amount of $592,239 to Biland Construction Company for electrical upgrades at Ayers, Monte Gardens, and Mountain View elementary schools. Funding Source:  Measure C

 

3.10.4 Notice of Completion to Contract C-837, Bid 1418 in the amount of $354,205 to Biland Construction Company for electrical upgrades at Valle Verde, Walnut Acres, and Woodside elementary schools. Funding Source:  Measure C

 

3.10.5 Notice of Completion to Contract C-844, Bid 1432 in the amount of $2,410,686.77 to Taber Construction for prototypical classrooms, Group 1, at Strandwood and Ygnacio Valley elementary schools and Northgate High School. Funding Source:  Developer Fees and Proposition 55

 

3.11        Rescission of Award of Inspector of Record (Project Inspector)

Rescinded the award of a $100,000 contract to Cliff Hammond Construction Inspection for project inspector services for Measure C work at Strandwood Elementary, Diablo View Middle, Willow Creek Center, and Loma Vista Adult Center and awarded the contract to Avik Raichoudri for the same scope of work. Fiscal Impact:  Not to exceed $97,500. Funding Source:  Measure C

 

3.12        Air Conditioning Additional Rooms at Pleasant Hill Elementary School

Dedicated $50,000 received from the Oak Park Christian Center for its use of parking facilities at the adjacent Pleasant Hill Elementary School to an air conditioning project at the school. The amount will be matched with funds received from the Pleasant Hill Redevelopment Agency. Fiscal Impact:  $100,000   Funding Source:  $50,000 – Oak Park Christian Center Agreement; $50,000 – Pleasant Hill Redevelopment (Program 3612)

 

3.13        Grant Application Request

Approve Food and Nutrition Services staff’s request to submit an application to Kaiser Permanente for a $15,600 grant to purchase vending machines with security enclosures to expand the breakfast program at Glenbrook Middle School. There is no impact to the General Fund.

 

3.14        Application for Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act Funds 2007-2008

Approved receipt of Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education funding for improvements to career technical education: approximately $185,988 for secondary schools and approximately $58,000 for adult education. There is no cost to the General Fund or the Adult Education Fund. No matching funds are required.

 

3.15        Workforce Investment Act, Title II: Adult Education and Family Literacy Act

Authorized Mt. Diablo Adult Education to reapply for a one-year extension of its grant under Section 231 and EL Civics Education. This grant would bring approximately $500,000 to $600,000 in revenue. There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding Source:  California Department of Education 2006-07 Workforce Investment Act, Title II:  Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, Section 231 and EL Civics.

 

3.16        Disposal of District Surplus Equipment

Declared list of obsolete equipment as surplus and authorized its disposal by means of a public auction.

 

4.             RECOGNITIONS

Budget Advisory Committee   Gloria Gamblin introduced members of the new Budget Advisory committee.

representative

nominated by:                                                                 member name

District parents/Community

Allen:...................................................................................... Michele Parisi
Eberhart:
Mayo:........................................................................ Chris Stieger-Maguire
Strange:.......................................................................... Sherry Whitmarsh
Treece:........................................................................................ Jenny Reik

Employee bargaining groups/associations

CSEA:
DMA:............................................................................................. Rose Lock
Local One, CST:.................................................................... Norma White
Local One, M&O:...................................................................... Jim Cordice
MDEA:..................................................................... Declines to participate
MDSPA:................................................................................ Lavinia Henlon
Supervisory:............................................................................... Katie Hicks

One business representative from each major municipality in the District:

Bay Point/Pittsburg: ......................................................... Joseph Daynes
Clayton: ......................................................................... Mark Roddenberry
Concord: ............................................................................. Keith McMahon
Martinez/Lafayette, Pacheco/Clyde:
Pleasant Hill:
Walnut Creek

One representative from each District committee:

Community Advisory (CAC):................................................. Sherry Doyle

English Language Advisory (ELAC):

Gifted and Talented Advisory (GATE):................................ Bart Krasner

Measure A Oversight: ......................................................... John Ferrante

Measure C Oversight:......................................................... Rick Calloway

Superintendent’s Parent Advisory (PAC):........................... Karen Barta

Chief Financial Officer

Ex officio.............................................................................. Gloria Gamblin

 

McHenry thanked all the members for agreeing to serve. The first meeting is tomorrow night, March 28, at 5:30 p.m.

 

4.1          Delta Discovery Voyage

Bylund continued the recognition, begun at the last meeting, of the sponsors who support the Delta Discovery Voyage program. Honored and thanked this evening:

·          The Dow Chemical Company—Patty Deutsch

·          Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation—Kathleen Odne

·          Central Contra Costa Sanitary District—Michael Scahill, Jim Kelly, Jerry Lucey, Michael McGill, and Mario Menesini

 

4.2          Assistance League of Diablo Valley and Buena Vista Auxiliary Assistance League Diablo Valley
Roger Bylund introduced Leslie Salo, president, and Joan Siltanen, vice president, of the Assistance League of Diablo Valley and Suzanne Everly, representing its subsidiary, the Buena Vista Auxiliary Assistance League. The Diablo Valley League, which just celebrated its 40th anniversary, is a nonprofit volunteer organization focused on philanthropic projects, many of which greatly benefit District schools. Their programs include Operation School Bell, R.E.A.D., Buena Vista Tutorial, and Kids on the Block. Each year Operation School Bell provides clothing to approximately 1,500 students in the District. Project R.E.A.D. serves more than 600 students, and more than 4,500 students benefit from Kids on the Block assemblies. The Buena Vista Tutorial Reading Program, begun in 1994, is offered at eight schools, serving students who read below grade level. Data show that more than 90 percent of students who participate improve their reading skills. On behalf of the Board, President Eberhart presented the Assistance Leagues with a certificate of appreciation for their commitment and support of District students.

 

4.3          Northgate High School Mock Trial Team

The Board recognized the Northgate High School Mock Trial Team for winning the Contra Costa County Mock Trial competition. In addition to the team honor, the following individuals also earned awards for excellent performances in their roles:

Tiffany Hsu

Judge's Choice Award

Outstanding Direct Examination Attorney – Defense

Outstanding Cross Examination Attorney – Defense

Outstanding Closing Argument – Defense

                Vishal Lugani

Outstanding Cross Examination Attorney – Prosecution

Outstanding Closing Argument – Prosecution

Courtney Peterson: Outstanding Direct Examination Attorney – Prosecution

Matthew Clark: Outstanding Pretrial Attorney – Prosecution

Elaina White: Outstanding Opening Statement – Defense

Peter DeYoung, Stefan Geyer, Zachary Loebel-Begelman, Alyssa Bricklin, Justin Johnson: Outstanding Witness

On behalf of the Board, President Eberhart presented the team with a certificate of appreciation. On behalf of both the Board and Superintendent’s Council, McHenry presented the team with a check for $900.

 

Board comment   Mayo noted that the Assistance Leagues are always looking for volunteers and donations and that the Mock Trial Program is coordinated by the Contra Costa County Office of Education, which also welcomes volunteers. She encouraged adults to participate in both programs.

 

5.             PUBLIC COMMENT

Virginia Rivett, parent, said her middle school student’s speech therapy schedule conflicts with his academic needs. She also expressed dismay that her neighborhood is in El Dorado Middle School’s attendance area but not in Concord High’s even though it is the nearest high school. She asked the Board to look into the boundary disparity.

 

6.             COMMUNICATIONS

        6.1          Student Representatives

Hanna Kim and Lexie Peters, College Park; Claudia Galan, Clayton Valley; and Courtney Runyon, Concord; Alexandra Echeverria, Mt. Diablo; Vishal Lugani, Northgate; Chris Acevedo and Ronald Cardenas, Olympic; and David Cranmer, Ygnacio Valley reported on events, activities, and issues at their respective high schools.

 

6.2          Organizations: None

 

7.             REPORTS/INFORMATION - None

 

8.                   SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

        McHenry thanked members of the Budget Advisory Committee for agreeing to serve and for coming to the Board meeting to be introduced. He noted that it is getting close to the end of the school year and students are getting ready to take their annual tests. Earlier in the day he read article on educating the whole child. The topic “struck a chord,” he said. “We want every child to have not only academics but curricular and co-curricular programs to be all that they can be.” He thanked all staff members and representatives from the community for all they do to support District students.

 

9.             BUSINESS

9.1          Appointment of Director of Research and Evaluation

Mayo moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 (Student Rep, yes) to appoint Joy Steinecke as Director of Research and Evaluation, effective April 17, 2007.

 

9.2          Appointment of Vice Principal, High School

Allen moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 (Student Rep, yes) to appoint Hugh Bursch as Vice Principal, High School, effective July 1, 2007. He will be assigned to Concord High.

 

9.3          Appointment of Trades Supervisor

Strange moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 (Student Rep, yes) to appoint Richard Jackson as Trades Supervisor, effective immediately.

 

9.4          Appointment of Technology Customer Service Supervisor

Mayo moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 (Student Rep, yes) to appoint Harold Waters as Technology Customer Service Supervisor, effective immediately.

 

9.5          Appointment of Database Administrator

Strange moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 (Student Rep, yes) to appoint Sue Turney as Database Administrator, effective immediately.

 

9.6          Consider Request for Funding for an All-Weather Field at Northgate High School

The Northgate Community Pride Foundation has raised $530,000 towards the installation of a $1.3 million all-weather synthetic surface football field. In addition, the group will receive a $300,000 grant from the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation if construction of the project begins by September 2007. For construction to begin, funding for the total $1.3 million cost must be identified. The Northgate Community Pride Foundation is requesting that the District contribute $500,000 towards the project. Previously the Board allocated $1 million in Proposition 55 funds to projects at each comprehensive high school and to Riverview Middle School in the Bay Point community. At Northgate High the funds were used to renovate the Little Theater. The remainder of the Proposition 55 funds have been allocated for air conditioning projects at schools throughout the District. Fiscal Impact:  $500,000  Funding Source:  To be determined.

 

Public comment   Phillip Doolittle, Northgate student and band member, advocated for finding additional funding to improve the school’s field.

 

Staff/Board discussion   McHenry said he and Nicoll have met with members of the Northgate Community Pride Foundation several times. He explained that a portion of Prop 55 money has been used for projects such as this, but what’s left has been committed to installing air conditioning at schools, which is a Measure C Priority Two project. If the Board approves spending Prop 55 money for the Northgate field, he said, an air conditioning project for one of the schools on the list would have to be postponed. He further explained that the District received $100 million in Prop 55 funding. Of that, the Board allocated 80 percent for Measure C projects and 20 percent for other District projects. From that 20 percent each high school was allocated $1 million for a project or projects of its community’s choosing. At this time, McHenry said, there is not a funding source for the $500,000 being requested. Eberhart noted that a commitment was made during the Measure C campaign to put air conditioning in all schools and that even with Prop 55 money, the District will not be able to fund air conditioning at all the schools. In the past, he said, the District has been able to leverage some funds to generate other money, but there is not an opportunity to do so right now.

 

The Board took no action on the request from the Northgate Community Pride Foundation.

 

9.7          Resolution 06/07-94 Approving a Contract with Follett Software Company for the Procurement of Library Inventory and Management Software

Allen moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 (Student Rep, yes) to adopt Resolution 06/07-94, approving a contract with Follett Software Company to purchase library inventory and management software. Fiscal Impact:  $329,244.56  Funding Source:  Instructional Materials, Library Materials, and Education Technology grant.

 

Board/staff comment   In response to Eberhart, Curriculum and Instruction Director Vivian Boyd said the District needs to upgrade the library textbook inventory management system. The software being recommended is the only software available that will match the existing system. It can be purchased through a state grant specifically for library supplies, materials, and technology. After the software is purchased, she said, funds will be used to purchase scanners, computers, and books for school libraries. She commented that the District’s librarians wish all the grant money could be spent on books, but recognize the need for the software. Libraries cannot operate without it. Mayo pointed out that the existing system was purchased in 1987.

 

9.8          Resolution 06/07-92 Urgency Resolution Imposing Level I School Facilities Fees

Strange moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 (Student Rep, yes) to adopt Resolution 06/07-92, extending the Urgency Resolution Imposing Level I School Facilities Fees that the Board adopted on March 13, 2007. The Urgency Resolution expires after 30 days, but may be continued. To do so, the Board had to consider extending the resolution on March 27 and April 24, 2007. On May 12, the non-urgency resolution will be effective without any further action needed.

 

9.9          Annual Audit Report and Measure C Audit Report for Fiscal Year 2005-2006

Report  

The Board’s audit committee met with the auditors from Perry-Smith & Co. and reviewed the audit for the 2005-2006 fiscal year. There were no adjustments made to the District’s financial records. The Measure C Oversight Committee met with the auditors from Perry-Smith & Co. and reviewed the Measure C audit for the 2005-2006 fiscal year. There were no adjustments made to those financial records either. David Becker of Perry Smith reiterated the findings. He explained that there were no audit adjustments and that no difficulties or issues came up during the audit of 2005-06 financial statements. Perry Smith has given District’s financial statements an “unqualified” approval. 

 

Board action   Allen moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 (Student Rep, yes) to accept the 2005-06 audit report and the Measure C audit report as presented.

 

9.10        Approval of the School Sites and District Discretionary Block Grant Budget Plans for 2006-2007

Allen moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 (Student Rep, yes) to approve the Site and District Discretionary Block Grant budget plans submitted to date. Total allocations are as follows:

Category

Allocation

Percentage

Instructional materials

$197,976

8.12

Classroom and laboratory supplies, materials

68,011

2.79

Classroom and school library materials

80,001

3.28

Deferred maintenance

103,267

4.23

Educational technology (computers)

1,766,676

72.42

One-time uses to close achievement gap

135,142

5.54

Professional development

88,277

3.62

Home-to-school transportation

0

0.0

                                                                 Total

$2,439,350

100.0

At the September 26, 2006 meeting, the Board of Education established the criteria for the Site and District Discretionary Block Grant. The site allocation is based on $58.75 per pupil and the district allocation is $19.00 per pupil. Fiscal Impact:  $2,439,350  Funding Source:  Site and District Discretionary Block Grants

 

9.11        Meal Price Increase

Strange moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 (Student Rep, yes) to approve the following increases in secondary and adult meal prices for 2007-2008:

                                                                From                                      To

Lunch
Middle school                       $2.50                                      $2.75
High school                          $2.75                                      $3.00
Adult                                       $3.25                                      $3.50

Breakfast
High school                          $1.50                                      $1.75

 

There is no impact to the General Fund.

 

Board/staff comment  Eberhart said Board members had received information on SB 12, a state law dealing with the nutritional value of food sold on campus that takes effect on July 1. Food and Nutrition Services Director Kathleen Corrigan said SB 12 “will be a challenge districtwide because it not only applies to what’s sold in the cafeteria, it applies to all food sold on campus from 30 minutes before school to 30 minutes after.” Eberhart remarked, “So along with making sure kids don’t come to school with guns or knives, we can’t have them come to school with See’s candy either.” McHenry said Food and Nutrition Services staff will make a presentation at a future Board meeting to explain the new rules. Corrigan noted that the rules “are very proscriptive.” Eberhart expressed concern that the meal price increase will result in fewer meals purchased. Corrigan said that after the last price increase, lunch sales went up .5 percent. Also, the nutrition requirements cut down on the number of items being sold a la carte, prompting students to buy more lunches. She said her staff will track the impact of the new nutrition requirements on the number of lunches sold. Mayo complimented the Food and Nutrition Services staff for working with a group of families who had voiced concern about the school lunches meeting their students’ nutritional needs.

 

9.12        Consider Modification of Administrative Rule 4317.1 – Management Retirement Benefits

Mayo moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 (Student Rep, yes) to approve revised Administrative Rule 4317.1, “Management Retirement Benefits.” As a result of the revision the age at which management personnel must retire in order to receive medical benefits for themselves and a dependent for a maximum of ten years or until the retiree reaches age 65 has been extended from 60 to 62.

 

10.          BOARD REPORTS

Mayo said she and Allen attended the WASC exit meeting for Horizons Home Study and heard positive comments about District’s staff’s dedication to the program. She made school visits to Woodside, Wren, Cambridge, and Delta View elementary schools and attended Valley View Middle School’s PTA Founder’s Day, at which seven teachers, a staff member, parent, and three administrators were given honorary service awards. A student’s “visual reflections” presentation was especially impressive. She also attended the 32nd District PTA meeting on March 19. County Superintendent Joe Ovick reported on the status of public education in Contra Costa County and Judy Moon, Mt. Diablo High teacher, presented information on the Regional Occupation Program (ROP). Parents in other districts asked if they could transfer their students to Mt. Diablo High to attend the Serendipity program (that Moon created and coordinates). She announced that the Contra Costa Science Fair was held at Heald College over the weekend. Winners will be recognized at a future Board meeting. She also said she’d been reading to students at Gregory Gardens and Sun Terrace elementary schools.

 

Strange noted that tomorrow is the one-year anniversary of his appointment to the Board. He said he has learned an enormous amount and been very happy to be here and supporting the students, employees, and families in the District. “It really has been a pleasure.” He has attended the PTA Council meeting as Board rep and a number of elementary school auctions, where he has enjoyed talking with parents and teachers.

 

Allen reported that McHenry recently spoke to the Concord Chamber of Commerce’s committee on the Naval Weapons Station Reuse and outlined the District’s needs as presented at the community meetings. He presented the information to the Chamber’s Board of Directors earlier in the day. He also attended the Citizens Advisory Committee for the City of Concord on the Naval Weapons Station. Three informational meetings are scheduled. The first, on March 17, was attended by 252 people. The next meetings are on April 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Senior Center and on June 16. He reported that the Surplus Property notice appeared in the Federal Register on March 6. The notice sets the time clock going for the City of Concord. It gives the Public Benefit Conveyance—i.e. state and local entities that would benefit the public—a chance to express their interest in surplus property. They have 180 days in which to submit a plan. He suggested that District staff check with the city to find out if MDUSD should submit a proposal request. He said, “If we do this under the Public Benefit Conveyances, we could get a piece of property from the Navy that might be clear at the other end of the base from where the housing development, if there’s going to be housing development, would be.” He stressed the importance of working with the City of Concord, so “when they receive development plans, like from a developer, they provide land for us in that plan.” He noted that the subject of the Weapons Station is on the agenda for the joint meeting of the Board and Concord City Council on April 3. He explained that the city plan must be developed by June 24, 2008, after which City staff will evaluate proposals from various agencies to see how they fit in with what the community wants. On another subject, he reported that he with Program Specialist Melinda Love to learn about the PAR and BTSA programs. He suggested there be a report to the Board on these “excellent” programs.

 

Eberhart invited everyone to attend the April 3 meeting of the Board and Concord City Council where the groups will talk about initiatives “we can work together on.” He asked that more community events be listed on the activity calendar that staff has begun preparing for Board members. He’d like the Board to increase its community outreach, so it’s important to know what activities are going on. (Mayo suggested that Board members send information of meetings they know about to Loreen Joseph in the Superintendent’s Office. Strange encouraged staff to look into ways to exchange event information electronically within the District and with outside agencies. Young said staff has begun exploring ways to connect site-level “webmasters” with a districtwide web page for the purposes of information sharing.) Eberhart said the activity calendar is just one idea he has for looking at ways Board members can get out and interact with business, labor, and political leaders. He said it will be beneficial to establish relationships with politicians before they pass legislation affecting education. (Allen said “Leg Days” are useful although they are constrained by having a preset agenda. The key is to have ongoing relationships with the legislators representing the District’s communities.) Eberhart shared two ideas for outreach: upgrading the Board’s business cards and holding a Superintendent’s Breakfast, as local mayors do. He plans to discuss these and other ideas with the Superintendent. (McHenry said it will be useful for the Board to agree on outreach activities so they can be incorporated into District goals and staff can get the Board the information needed to support the goals.)

 

11.          ADJOURNMENT  Eberhart adjourned the meeting at 9:44 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                               

Gary McHenry, Secretary