MT. DIABLO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD MEETING – April 17, 2007

ATTENDANCE: Board: Gary Eberhart, 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 6 expulsion cases; existing litigation (Golden Bay Fencing v. MDUSD; Orterry v. MDUSD); and negotiations.

2. RECONVENE OPEN SESSION: The Board returned to Open Session in the Board Room at 7:37 p.m. President Eberhart led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Expulsions:

Student 43-07: Mayo moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 43-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 43-07 may apply for readmission after January 25, 2008. It is required that Student 43-07 participate in individual counseling, community service, the COPS program, the Districts’ Teen Anger Management Workshop, and show evidence of a successful school experience, prior to applying for readmission. Family counseling is also recommended.

Student 44-07: Allen moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 44-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 44-07 may apply for readmission after January 25, 2008. It is required that Student 44-07 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 45-07: Treece moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 45-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 45-07 may apply for readmission after January 25, 2008. It is required that Student 45-07 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 46-07 Strange moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 46-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 46-07 may apply for readmission after January 25, 2008. It is required that Student 46-07 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 47-07: Mayo moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 47-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 47-07 may apply for readmission after January 25, 2008. It is required that Student 47-07 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 48-07: Allen moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 48-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 48-07 may apply for readmission after January 25, 2008. It is required that Student 48-07 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, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt the Consent Agenda, thereby approving the following items:

3.1 Minutes of the meeting of March 13, 2007.

3.2 Certificated Personnel

3.2.1 Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements, Employment

3.2.2 Resolution 06/07-95 Variable Term Waiver Requests

Adopted Resolution #06/07-95, authorizing Joseph Harrison, Margaret Hakanson, and Mark Reider 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.

3.2.3 Request to Eliminate Two Resource Teacher Positions and Create Two Elementary Vice Principal Positions for 2007-2008

Eliminated two Resource Teacher positions and created two Elementary Vice Principal positions because, under Administrative Rule 4113.1, Delta View and Highlands elementary schools each qualify for a full-time Vice Principal based on student enrollment for 2007-2008. Fiscal Impact: $145,238 in savings from eliminating the Resource Teacher positions and $191,734 in costs for adding the Vice Principal position, resulting in a total cost to the District of $46,496.

3.2.4 Post Retirement Contracts for 2007-2008

Approved the following post retirement contracts as recommended by the review committee:

Vicky Wilson and Victoria Toth Coordinate AP testing $10,000
Antone Ligouri Help administer Instrumental Music Prgm. $2,500
Eleanor McDougal Promote storytelling at elementary level $4,500
Jan Bergamini Work with standards and assessment $3,000
Darlene Von Hoetzendorff Facilitate Young Authors’ Project $3,000
Vicki Hackett Improve writing across the curriculum $2,000

Fiscal impact: $25,000.

3.3 Classified Personnel

3.3.1 Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements, Employment

3.3.2 Request to Increase Work Year for an Intermediate Typist Clerk Position

Increased from 11 to 12 months/year an existing full-time Intermediate Typist Clerk position in the General Counsel’s office. Fiscal impact: $3,444.78 increase to the General Fund for fiscal year 2007-2008. Funding Source: General Fund

3.4 Award of Contract for Professional Testing and Inspection Service for Proposition 55 Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Improvement Project

Awarded $79,761.10 contract to Consolidated Engineering for testing and inspection services related to the District’s Proposition 55 funded heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) improvement program at Cambridge and Meadow Homes elementary schools; Glenbrook and Riverview middle schools; and Clayton Valley and College Park high schools. Funding Source: Proposition 55 funds

3.5 Contract Amendment #5 – Harlan Krusemark, Architect

Approved amendment to contract with Harlan Krusemark, Architect, for architectural/engineering services for the Group 5 Measure C Facility Improvement Program. Amendment increases contract by $6,500 to reconfigure the fire protection system at Loma Vista Adult Source. Funding Source: Measure C

3.6 Contract Amendment #6 – Corlett, Skaer and DeVoto Architects, Inc.

Approved amendment to contract with Corlett, Skaer and DeVoto Architects, Inc., for architectural/engineering services for work identified in the Measure C Facility Improvement Program. Amendment increases contract by $30,202.76 to address additional work at Gregory Gardens, Mountain View, Pleasant Hill, Valhalla, Sequoia, and Walnut Acres elementary schools. Funding Source: Measure C

3.7 Final Change Orders

3.7.1 Final Change Order to Bid 1382, Contract C-816 to Golden Bay Fence Plus Iron Works, Inc. in the amount of $41,136 for installation of perimeter fencing around athletic facility improvements at Riverview Middle, Concord and Ygnacio Valley high schools. Funding Source: Proposition 55 funds

3.7.2 Final Change Order to Bid 1398, Contract C-824 to Taber Construction, Inc., in the amount of $155,803.59 for modernization and new classrooms at Bancroft, Valle Verde, Woodside, and Walnut Acres elementary schools. Funding Source: Measure C

3.8 Notices of Completion

3.8.1 to Contract C-816, Bid 1382 to Golden Bay Fence Plus Iron Works, Inc., in the amount of $227,779 for athletic facility improvements, package B, perimeter fencing at Riverview Middle and Concord and Ygnacio Valley high schools. Funding Source: Proposition 55

3.8.2 to Contract C-824, Bid 1398 to Taber Construction, Inc., in the amount of $14,779,303.59 for new classrooms and modernization at Bancroft, Valle Verde, Walnut Acres, and Woodside elementary schools. Funding Source: Measure C

3.9 Grant Application Requests

3.9.1 California Department of Education, California Instructional School Garden Program Grant

Approved Eagle Peak Montessori Charter School’s request to apply to the California Department of Education for a $2,493 California Instructional School Garden Program grant. There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding Source: California Department of Education

3.9.2 Kaiser Permanente and Contra Costa Farmers Market Grant

Approved College Park High School’s request to apply to Kaiser Permanente and Contra Costa Farmers Market for a $5,000 grant to expand the organic garden. There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding Source: Kaiser Permanente and Contra Costa Farmers Market

3.9.3 Chevron Grant

Approved Hidden Valley Elementary School’s request to apply to Chevron for a $1,200 grant to purchase an ECO cart for transporting and storing science equipment and to purchase four elementary microscopes to be used for 5^th grade science. There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding Source: Chevron

3.9.4 Nell Soto Parent/Teacher Involvement Program Grant

Approved Bel Air and Delta View elementary schools’ request to apply for a $35,000 Nell Soto Parent/Teacher Involvement grant to improve relationships between school and home through home visits. There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding Source: Nell Soto Parent/Teacher Involvement Program Grant

3.9.5 Contra Costa County Family and Children’s Trust (FACT) Grant

Approved Alternative Education staff’s request to apply for a $60,300 grant from Contra Costa County Family and Children’s Trust (FACT) to support teen parents at Crossroads High School by encouraging continued school enrollment, an understanding of child development, and the adoption of positive parenting practices. There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding Source: Contra Costa County Family and Children’s Trust Grant

Board comment Mayo pointed out that FACT is comprised of donations that taxpayers make by checking a box on their annual tax statement. The group has been providing support to families and children for more than 25 years.

3.9.6 California Instructional School Garden Program Grant

Approved Afterschool Program staff’s request to apply for a $57,500 California Instructional School Garden Program Grant to establish and expand instructional school gardens at 20 schools in the District. There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding Source: California Instructional School Garden Program Grant.

3.10 High School Technology Centers

Approved purchases in the amount of $64,498 to complete the plans for the Technology Center at Northgate and at Ygnacio Valley high schools. Northgate High - $17,398; Ygnacio Valley High - $47,100. Funding Source: Measure C

4. RECOGNITIONS

The Board congratulated the following individuals for being selected as a Mt. Diablo USD Teacher of the Year:

Luz Beard – Shore Acres Elementary School

Sandra Conley – Delta View Elementary School

Angela LaTorre – Valley View Middle School

Aline Lee – Clayton Valley High School

Ann McCabe – Hidden Valley Elementary

Heather Nivas – Mt. Diablo High School

Laurie Rogers – Shore Acres Elementary School

Ellen Terminello – Valle Verde Elementary School

The Board also congratulated two individuals for being named a District nominee for 2007 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year:

Shauna Hawes – Hidden Valley Elementary School

Sandy Johnson-Shaw – Mt. Diablo High School

Board comment Eberhart remarked that the Teacher of the Year award ceremony, held each September, is an event that revitalizes everyone involved in education. He said he is proud to have the ten teachers nominated for this year’s honor working and helping students in Mt. Diablo Unified School District.

5. PUBLIC COMMENT

Laurie Strunk, parent, asked the Board and Superintendent to investigate Pleasant Hill Middle School staff’s handling of student truancy (referring to Ed.Code 48240-48246; 48260-48273). She said no one notified her in a timely manner of her student’s constant tardiness.

6. COMMUNICATIONS - None

7. REPORTS/INFORMATION - None

8. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

McHenry announced that College Park and Northgate high and Diablo View and Sequoia middle have just been named 2007 California Distinguished Schools. This year nine schools in Contra Costa County earned the honor, four of which are in Mt. Diablo Unified. Coupled with last year, when MDUSD had 7 of the 11 elementary schools in the county recognized as “Distinguished,” he said, “It is time to go out and tell the community that we are a great school district and we are doing our best to serve students.” He said parents who wish to attend the award ceremony in Anaheim in May should contact the school’s principal.

9. BUSINESS

9.1 Appointment of Coordinator, Classified Training

Mayo moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to appoint Sally Holliday as Coordinator, Classified Training.

9.2 Request to Revise the Job Title, Job Description, and Salary Range for Grant Writer

The Board considered a request to change the job title of Grant Writer to Director of Development and place this classification at Range 29 of the management salary schedule. Presented only as information at this time, this item will be returned for action at a subsequent meeting.

9.3 Request to Revise Job Description for Chief Accountant

The job description for Chief Account has been updated to reflect the current duties and responsibilities of the position Presented only as information at this time, this item will be returned for action at a subsequent meeting.

9.4 Local Education Agency (LEA) Application for Quality Education Investment Act (QEIA) Funding

Treece moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve the District’s application for funding under the Quality Education Investment Act (QEIA). The act arose out of an agreement between Governor Schwarzenegger and the California Teachers Association in which the state will allocate funding it held back from school districts in 2004-05 and 2005-06 to selected underperforming schools. Funding Source: QEAI grant

Fiscal Impact:

Grade Level	Amount per Pupil for
	2007-08	2008-09 to 2013-14
K-3	$333	$500
4-8	$600	$900
9-12	$667	$1,000

Board comment Strange said he is pleased that the ten District schools eligible to apply have done so, but expressed disappointment that money was taken away from all students and made available to a few through a lottery. Treece noted that the money is part of the $3 billion that the Governor took from the amount schools were due to receive under Proposition 98 at a time when the MDUSD Board was having to cut $14 million from its budget. She called it “disturbing” that school boards have the authority to make decisions locally to cut their budgets, but the decision to get money back is at discretion of the state. Allen commented that the public has been led to believe that the $3 billion is being returned to schools as unrestricted money when, instead, it’s coming back as categorical funds with strings attached. Eberhart said that recent studies of public education have focused on the lack of local control. In this case, the state took money out of all California schools and is returning it to only a few. He stressed the need “to cut out the politicking in Sacramento and tell politicians to depend on local boards of education and their communities to do the right thing for students.”

9.5 Mt. Diablo High School Technology Center

Staff report Mt. Diablo High Principal Bev Hansen said the school’s Tech Center has been long in the planning. She acknowledged MDHS shop teacher Steve Seaman, Adult and Career Education Director Joanne Durkee, Board Member April Treece and others who participated on the school and business team that developed the plans. She introduced business partners Dale Peterson, electrical union; Tom Quinn, carpenter’s trade; and Jason Cox, USS Posco (a steel mill in Pittsburg).

Seaman explained the planning that has been going into creating an Industrial Tech Academy (its working title), which will open next year with two 10^th grade classes. The instructors include math, history and English teachers. So far 120 students, including 13 girls, have applied to participate. More classroom space and more high tech equipment are needed. Cox said his company hires about 20 students a year who’ve been well trained through the existing industrial arts program at the school. Quinn said his union has been involved in the conversations about the academy, which will train students for both construction-related jobs and college. He and other business partners want to participate on an advisory board for the academy. Peterson said the tech center program is about engaging students so they are excited about learning.

Board comment Treece noted that in her day job she participates in the Contra Costa Economic Partnership’s Workforce Initiative, the purpose of which is to push for academic rigor and relevance in area high schools in the fields of engineering, construction, and manufacturing. She said Cox, Quinn, and Peterson have been active partners in promoting rigor and relevance in local schools. Students and teachers have the opportunity to use cutting edge technology that is being used in industry. She thanked the three individuals and others like them for continuing to support education. Eberhart recalled that the Board specifically earmarked money for technology centers and equipment when developing the plan for Measure C and before having detailed plans. He said, “This is going to be a phenomenal program” that opens opportunities for students they would not have without a motivated instructor, great principal, and supportive business partners.” He thanked organized labor and industry for their support.

Board action Strange moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve $182,730 for equipment for the Mt. Diablo High School Technology Center. Funding Source: Measure C

9.6 Adoption of the Elementary Science Materials

After a seven-month process an elementary school science committee representing all the District’s elementary schools and working with a curriculum specialist recommended that the District adopt the Macmillan/McGraw-Hill science program for Kindergarten through Grade 5: California Science. Presented only as information at this time, this item will be returned for action at a subsequent meeting.

9.7 Adoption of the Middle School Science Materials

After a seven-month process a middle school science committee representing all the District’s middle schools and working with curriculum specialist recommended that the District adopt the following science text and materials from Prentice Hall:

6^th grade – California Focus on Earth Science

7^th grade – California Focus on Life Science

8^th grade – California Focus on Physical Science

Presented only as information at this time, this item will be returned for action at a subsequent meeting.

9.8 Adoption of High School Science Materials

After a seven-month process a high school science committee representing all the District’s high schools and working with a curriculum specialist recommended that the District adopt the following science texts and their publishers.

Course	Text	Publisher
Biology I	Biology	Pearson/Prentice Hall
Biology AP	Advanced Placement Biology	Pearson/Prentice Hall
Chemistry I	Chemistry: Matter and Change	Glencoe Publishing Co.
Chemistry I Honors	Chemistry (7^th ed.)	Houghton Mifflin
Earth Science I	Earth Science	Pearson/Prentice Hall
Earth Science II	Earth Science	McDougal-Littell
Environmental Science	Environmental Science	Holt, Rinehart, and Winston
Environmental Science AP	Living in the Environment: Principles, Connections, and Solutions	Thomson Learning
General Physical Science	Physical Science with Earth and Space Science	Pearson/Prentice Hall
Healthy Living	Health	Pearson/Prentice Hall
Healthy Living	Reducing the Risk (supplement)	E.T.R. Associates
Introduction to Biology	Biology: Cycles of Life	AGS Publishing
Marine Biology	Marine Biology	Thomson Learning
Physics	Conceptual Physics	Pearson/Prentice Hall
Physics Honors	College Physics	Thomson Learning
Physiology	Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology	Pearson/Prentice Hall
Zoology	Zoology	McGraw-Hill/Glencoe
Foods	Guide to Good Food	Goodheart/Wilcox Publishing

Presented only as information at this time, this item will be returned for action at a subsequent meeting.

Board comment In response to Treece, Curriculum Specialist Patrick Cleaver said science materials include “tons more technology” than in previous adoptions, explaining that high school materials include CDs and DVDs and middle schools have hands-on activities. Treece said it’s important that laboratory equipment and supplies meet modern technology needs. Young said the District does need to upgrade science facilities. He noted that the adoption being considered at this time does not deal with facility needs. They must be addressed through a bond initiative.

9.9 Course Title Change – Biology Honors (AP) to Biology Advanced Placement (AP)

As a result of a recent AP audit, Education Services staff have recommended that the title of the course for Biology Honors (AP) be changed to Biology Advanced Placement (AP). Presented only as information at this time, this item will be returned for action at a subsequent meeting.

Board comment Treece pointed out that Advanced Placement classes should include college-level laboratories and asked if the District provides that level in AP classes. McHenry said equipment and supplies are limited by the resources available to the District. Staff wants to provide state-of-the-art programs and facilities, but the means to do so have not been available. A parcel tax or bond would help. In response to Treece, Young said school sites have budgets at their discretion to support courses as needed. The District Curriculum and Instruction Department has some funds that could be used as well. McHenry said that in the past the District had grant money for AP and for Gifted And Talented Education (GATE) classes.

9.10 Course Title Change – General Life Science to Introduction to Biology

Education Services staff have recommended that the title of the course called General Life Science be changed to Introduction to Biology to reflect the intent of the course and to encourage more students to continue their studies in the sciences. Presented only as information at this time, this item will be returned for action at a subsequent meeting.

10. BOARD AND SUPERINTENDENT REPORTS

Mayo reported that the Parent Advisory Council meeting in March was exciting with a healthy dialogue on a variety of issues. She also enjoyed the Contra Costa County School Board Association meeting where state legislators Tom Torlakson, Guy Houston, and Mark DeSaulnier were speakers. She reported that they all alluded to serious concerns about revenues for next year’s budget, saying demands for prison reform are taking precedence over education and health services. They all have ideas for spending a projected surplus in Proposition 98 funds over the next few years, prompting her to think they all need to know more about the effects of declining enrollment. They all like the idea of a countywide tax for education. She reported that Torlakson has proposed legislation that would require two courses in career technical education for high school graduation. Adding two courses would call for re-examining graduation requirements. The legislators said they would like to meet with county school boards a few times a year. Mayo announced the EdSource conference on April 20 and the California State PTA convention on May 6-4. She paid tribute to William Barber, a counselor in District schools who retired in 1994 and who died on April 10. She said, “He was faithful to students and respectful to parents. He will be missed.”

Allen reported on the Community Advisory Committee in March at which staff presented a report on the new Student Information System and how it will help manage the needs of students with special needs. The CEO of the Special Ed software company was there to answer questions. He remarked that the Board’s meeting with the Concord City Council on April 3 was productive. He enjoyed the “Every 15 Minutes” event at Concord High earlier in the day, saying the students were very attentive. He announced that a public information meeting to hear about the Concord Naval Weapons Stations Reuse Plan will be held at the Concord Senior Center This Saturday.

Treece apologized for missing the last Board meeting—the first she has ever missed—due to illness. She reported on the “very successful” Intel-affiliated Contra Costa Science and Engineering Fair on March 24. More than 110 students from across the county participated. Students from Clayton Valley High, Sequoia Middle, and Horizons Home Study received awards. Fair co-director Karen Kelly, a Clayton Valley High science teacher, had organized a science fair at the school so students there were well prepared. Frank Redle, the other fair co-director and a Mt. Diablo High science teacher, will accompany the first place winners to international competition in Albuquerque. High school teachers and industry partners, through the efforts of Curriculum Specialist Pat Cleaver, served as judges. Treece would like to have the students, teachers, and industry partners attend a future Board meeting to be recognized. She thanked Contra Costa Times reporter Shirley Dang for her article on the science fair as well as for another one on science and math. She commented that with $52 million in state funds being dedicated to career technical education and $350 million being raised for the program from a state facilities bond, interest in career tech is high. She reported that State Senator Tom Torlakson held a Leadership Alliance event on March 30 and that the Industrial Association of Contra Costa County and U.S. Congressman George Miller also held events on the topic. She also reported that the Parent Advisory Council meeting in March again provided “a fabulous conversation” on a variety of issues.

Eberhart announced that the City of Pittsburg has dedicated the park adjacent to Delta View Elementary in memory of Pittsburg Police Officer Larry Lasater, who was recently killed in the line of duty. He will ask the Board to consider adopting a resolution in support of that dedication. Speaking in regard to the joint meeting with the Concord City Council, he said he felt it helped increase the dialogue on issues of mutual interest. He remarked that he has been attending a number of school auctions and enjoying the opportunity to speak with teachers and parents.

Superintendent’s remarks McHenry asked if the Board would like to hold a special study session on the No Child Left Behind Act on Tuesday, May 1. Board members suggested that it would be more convenient to include the report and discussion in a regular Board meeting.

McHenry announced that ACSA Region VI, at its annual conference in Napa on Friday, April 20, will recognize Rose Lock as its Elementary Principal of the Year and Laurie Clark as its Secondary Co-Administrator of the Year. (The two were nominated by the Mt. Diablo Chapter of ACSA, which also selected Melinda Hall as its Special Options Administrator of the Year and Gary McHenry as its Central Office Administrator of the Year.)

11. ADJOURNMENT Eberhart adjourned the meeting at 9:32 p.m.

Gary McHenry, Secretary