MT. DIABLO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

 

BOARD MEETING – September 26, 2006

 

ATTENDANCE:              Board: Linda Mayo, Gary Eberhart, Dick Allen, Paul Strange, April Treece (6:20 p.m.)

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 Mayo 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 three requests for readmission and one expulsion case; existing litigation (Schaefer v. MDUSD; Golden Bay Fencing v. MDUSD); anticipated litigation (one potential case); conference with real property negotiator (Oak Park Elementary School site); public employee discipline/dismissal/release/complaint, and negotiations.

 

Readmissions
Allen moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 (Treece not yet present) to approve staff’s recommendation to readmit two students and admit one student.

 

Existing Litigation

1.       Schaeffer v MDUSD
Allen moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 (Treece not yet present) to approve up to $25,000 as a settlement offer in the case of Schaeffer v MDUSD.

2.       Golden Bay Fencing v MDUSD
Eberhart moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 (Treece now present) to approve $34,000 as a settlement offer in the case of Golden Bay Fencing v MDUSD.

 

2.             RECONVENE OPEN SESSION/MOVE TO MONTE GARDENS ELEMENTARY:
The Board returned to Open Session in the Board Room at 7:30 p.m. President Mayo announced that she had been told that 350 people had gathered at Monte Gardens Elementary, located next door to the MDUSD Dent Center, to attend the Board meeting. (Actual count: 225) Eberhart moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to move the meeting to Monte Gardens. Mayo adjourned the meeting at 7:32 p.m. to facilitate the move. She reopened the meeting in the Multi Purpose Room at Monte Gardens at 7:39 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

Expulsion
Student 2-07: Eberhart moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 2-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District ant that Student 2-07 may apply for readmission after January 26, 2007.  It is required that Student 2-07 participate in individual counseling, community service, the COPS program, and show evidence of a successful school experience, prior to applying for readmission.

 

Report of Closed Session
Mayo reported the action taken and items discussed in Closed Session.

 

3.             CONSENT AGENDA

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

3.1          Minutes of the meeting of August 22, 2006.

 

3.2          Certificated Personnel

3.2.1 Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements, Employment

 

3.2.2 Resolution 06/07-26 Education Code 44258.2 – Board Authorization

Adopted Resolution #06/07-26, authorizing Carrie Weil, who holds a single subject or secondary credential and has 12 lower division units 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 06/07-27 Education Code 44258.3 – Board Authorization

Adopted Resolution #06/07-27, authorizing Daisy Dugan, to teach departmentalized classes in grades K-12, as allowed under Education Code 44258.

 

3.2.4 Resolution 06/07-23 Approval of Provisional Internship Permit (PIP) Request

Adopted Resolution #06/07-23, authorizing Erica Huie and Elizabeth Miller to apply for a Provisional Internship Permit (PIP) in order to complete their assignment for the 2006-07 school year.

 

3.2.5 Resolution 06/07-22 Variable Term Waiver Requests

Adopted Resolution #06/07-22, authorizing Eric Borba and Virginia Golden 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.

 

3.2.6 Creation of a Grant-Funded Position for the 2006-07 School Year

Approved transfer of .20 FTE Curriculum Specialist position from Title II funding to Reading First grant funding for the 2006-07 school year. Fiscal impact: $18,978. Funding Source:  Reading First Subgrant – Program Code 3860

 

3.3          Classified Personnel

3.3.1 Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements, Employment

 

3.4          Fiscal Transactions for August 2006

 

3.5          Monthly Budget Transfers and/or Budget Increases/Decreases for the Month of August 2006

 

3.6          Resolution 06/07-25 Adopting the “Gann” Limit

Adopted Resolution 06/07-25, thus accepting the 2006 appropriation limit calculation (i.e. the Gann Limit, which assures that districts fully utilize all of the income to which they are entitled by law). Following receipt of the District’s worksheets, the state completes its own Gann Limit calculations.

 

3.7          Independent Contract for a Speech Pathologist through Progressus Therapy, Inc.

Approved $101,000 contract with Progressus Therapy, Inc. for Speech Pathologist services. There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding Source:  Related Services Other Specialized – Operating Budget (1219)

 

3.8          Amendment No. 5 to Contract with Nacht and Lewis Architects

Approved amendment No. 5 valued at $51,296 to the contract with Nacht and Lewis Architects for architectural/engineering services for assorted Measure C project. This amendment relates to heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) improvements funded by Proposition 55. Funding Source:  Proposition 55.

 

3.9          Final Change Order to Bid 1412, Contract C-833

Final change order in the amount of $621 to Bid 1412, Contract C-833 to B & B Grading and Paving, Inc. for paving improvements at Pine Hollow Middle School. Funding Source:  Deferred Maintenance Program

 

3.10        Notices of Completion

3.10.1 Contract C-830, Bid 1409 to Harry L. Murphy, Inc. for a total expenditure of $496,189 for flooring installation in 2006 at Bel Air, Valhalla, and Walnut Acres elementary schools; Diablo View, Glenbrook, Riverview, and Valley View middle schools; and Mt. Diablo, Northgate, and Ygnacio Valley high schools. Funding Source:  Deferred Maintenance

 

3.10.2 Contract C-831, Bid 1411 to Bell Products, Inc. for a total expenditure of $412,613 for HVAC improvements in Wing 300 at Ygnacio Valley High School. Funding Source:  Deferred Maintenance

 

3.10.3 Contract C-833, Bid 1412 to B & B Grading and Paving, Inc., for a total expenditure of $107,288 for paving improvements at Pine Hollow Middle School. Funding Source:  Deferred Maintenance

 

3.10.4 Contract C-838, Bid 1410 to Arntz Builders, Inc., for a total expenditure of $253,900 for window replacement at Valhalla Elementary School. Funding Source:  Deferred Maintenance

 

3.11        Award of Professional Services Contract

Approved $15,000 contract with Florin Vlasache and Associates for the design of a distribution service at Loma Vista Adult Center to support the planned renovations to house the Bridge Program. Funding Source:  Measure C

 

3.12        Contract for Architectural/Engineering Services

Approved $10,666 contract with Charles Ham Associates for the preparation of drawings and specifications necessary for the solicitation of a term contract for prefabricated modular buildings. Funding Source:  Measure C

 

3.13        Geotechnical Hazards Study and Pipeline Risk Analysis for the 11.3 Acre Site Located in the Alves Ranch Property

Approved $15,000 contract with Kleinfelder, Inc. for a geotechnical hazards study and pipeline risk analysis of a 11.3-acre site for a future school located in the Alves Ranch property.

 

 

4.             SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

Mayo, noting the large number of people in the audience, asked Superintendent McHenry to give his report, the State of the District for 2005-06, at this time. He presented data on student enrollment, demographics, achievement, and program participation and also on employee totals, ethnicity, and qualifications. He concluded, “Despite the differences in the student populations, every group achieved. To the teachers who are gathered here, I want to thank you for that hard work.” The report is available on the MDUSD web site: www.mdusd.k12.ca.us

 

Mayo thanked school staff for their part in helping the District meet 46 of the 46 criteria to meet the federal AYP. She said, “We are very proud as a District that that has occurred.” She also thanked staff for their support of students taking the California High School Exit Exam

 

5.             RECOGNITIONS - None

 

6.             PUBLIC COMMENT

Gail VanTassel, Delta View teacher, thanked the Board for the new phone notification system that allowed the Superintendent to tell all families of this year’s early school opening. The reminder improved the first day’s attendance, she said. She appreciates that the system can be used in emergencies. She said the system is an example of the Board’s “commitment to big-picture thinking” and thanked them for it. Mary Jane Keogh, president of the San Ramon Valley Education Association, said many teachers have come to her district from Mt. Diablo. She thanked the District “for supplying us with CLAD-certificated, certified, highly qualified teachers. It saves us from having to fund BTSA and induction.”

 

7.             COMMUNICATIONS

        7.1      Organizations

Ron Hansen, president of Local One, M&O, said his unit and Local One, CST, are endorsing the following candidates for MDUSD Board of Education in the November election: Dick Allen, Paul Strange, and Tina Gregory.

Mike Noce, MDEA president, thanked Mayo for having the Superintendent give his report early in the meeting and teachers for coming to tonight’s Board meeting to support the school board candidates MDEA has endorsed. He said he hopes this year there will be positive change in the District to retain teachers. He doesn’t believe what the data (in the Superintendent’s report) shows about the numbers of teachers who have left. (In response to Noce’s hope for positive change, Mayo said the Board looks forward to working collaboratively with teachers.)

Paul Strange, in his role as Alterative Education Foundation Board member, announced that the first annual Mt. Diablo Alternative Education Foundation Awards and Recognition Reception will be held on October 25 at 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Concord. Dick Allen will be honored that night for his 50 years of service to the school district. He thanked the Contra Costa Building and Construction Trades Council and Jay Williams of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 342 for underwriting the event.

 

8.             REPORTS/INFORMATION - None

 

9.             BUSINESS

9.1          Appointment of Elementary School Principal

Allen moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to appoint Cynthia Goin as Elementary School Principal, assigned to Strandwood Elementary, replacing Elizabeth Kim, who is transferring to Rio Vista as principal.

 

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

Strange moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to appoint Nicole Alberti as Coordinator, Student/Community Services, 9-12, assigned to College Park High effective October 1, 2006.

 

9.3          Certification and Approval of the 2005-06 Statement of Receipts and Expenditures, the Annual Closing of the Books (SACS Unaudited Actuals)

Gloria Gamblin presented a report on the year-end closing for 2005-06. Highlights:

          The District ended the 2005-06 fiscal year in a positive position.

          All MDUSD Funds ended the 2005-06 fiscal year with a positive fund balance.

          Ending General Fund balance, restricted and unrestricted accounts,
as of June 30, 2006:   $23,848,500

Unrestricted Fund balance:                                        $12,820,312

Restricted Fund balance:                                           $11,028,188

Amount Undesignated                                                  $2,920,645
(all unrestricted)

          Total contributions to Restricted Programs                    $36,713,796

 

Public comment  Tina Gregory, presented a lengthy list of questions about the budget, particularly regarding shifts between funds. At the conclusion, Mayo asked her to give the questions to Gamblin or McHenry so they can respond to them.

 

Board comment   Eberhart questioned the practice of transferring funds into the Restricted budget from the Unrestricted at the beginning of the budget year. Gamblin said some of the transfers, such as that in Restricted Maintenance, are legally required. He asked which Restricted programs are using Unrestricted/General Fund money. He believes the Board needs to review those programs to see if they are working. Strange said he talked with Gamblin and her staff earlier today and understands the funding shifts questioned under Public Comment.

 

Board action   Strange moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to certify and direct staff to file the annual statements of all receipts and expenditures of the District for 2005-06 with the county superintendent of schools.

 

9.4          Resolution 06/07-24 Disability Awareness Month – October 2006

Eberhart moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt Resolution 06/07-24, supporting  the designation of October 2006 as Disability Awareness Month, affirming the Special Education Department’s and the District’s support of the importance of an appreciation for the diversity of all people, recognizing the contributions made by people with disabilities throughout history, and encouraging schools to participate in activities that enhance awareness of and sensitivity to individuals with disabilities.

 

9.5          Request for Authorization to Purchase Four (4) Wheelchair Vans

Allen moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to authorize the purchase of four (4) wheelchair vans. The Transportation Department presently maintains a fleet of seventeen (17) operable wheelchair vans. The number of wheelchair students requiring transportation in 2006-07 has increased from 26 to 31 and there are three more host sites. Fiscal Impact:  $245,548 ($61,387 per bus). Funding Source:  General Fund, anticipated offset from Mandated Cost Funds

 

9.6          Adult Education Certificated and Flat Hourly Rate Increase

Allen moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve increases as follows for Mt. Diablo Adult Education (MDAE) staff: a 4 percent increase in rates for teachers and for certificated substitutes and non-instructional hourly staff and an increase in the Community-based Instructor rate to $20.49 per hour, all effective September 16, 2006; and a 4 percent increase in rates for Teacher/Program Coordinators, effective September 1, 2006. There is no cost to the General Fund. The total cost to the Adult Education Fund for 2006-07 program year is approximately $130,211.

 

9.7          Declaration of Impacted Schools

Strange moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to declare the following schools to be impacted and closed to transfer students in 2007-08 because they are at capacity: College Park, Concord, and Northgate high schools; and Meadow Homes elementary school. The declaration is called for under Board Policy 5118, which states “the Board shall annually determine the enrollment capacity of each district school.”

 

9.8          Memorandum of Understanding with Alameda County Office of Education

Treece moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the Alameda County Office of Education to be the external entity providing support to Riverview Middle School, and Shore Acres and Bel Air elementary schools as required by the High Priority School Grant Program. Fiscal Impact:  $75,000  Funding Source:  High Priority Schools Grant Program

 

9.9          Award of Contract to Vanir/3DI for Program and Construction Management Services for the Proposition 55 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Improvement Program

Eberhart moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve a contract not to exceed $1,597,180 including reimbursables with Vanir/3DI for comprehensive construction management services related to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) improvement program funded by the Proposition 55 . Eberhart requested that once the contract has been drawn up it be brought back to the Board for review. Nicoll reported that the work involves not only new air conditioning systems, but, in some cases, the replacement of the heating systems at several schools. The sites were selected because improvements at them generate additional state funding and because they are commonly used for the summer program. Funding Source:  Proposition 55 Funds.

 

9.10            Adoption of the Novel Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk

Strange moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to add Fight Club to the Extended Core Literature list. An English/Language Arts Site Literature Adoption Committee from Mt. Diablo High School worked under the supervision of a curriculum specialist to undertake the study. Presented as information at the September 12 Board meeting, this item was returned for action at this time.

 

9.11            Consider Approval of Criteria for Site and District Discretionary Block Grant

As part of the State Budget Act, money has been set aside for discretionary block grants for districts and individual school sites. It is estimated that the District will receive approximately $19 per ADA and each site $56 per ADA. Fiscal Impact:  $1,947,568. Presented as information only at this time, this item will returned for action at a subsequent meeting.

 

9.12            Board Policy 6145.6 – International Exchange

Curriculum and Instruction Director Vivian Boyd explained that Board Policy and Rule 6145.6 have been updated to match text from the California School Boards Association (CSBA). She noted that text in the Exhibit is from an old District document and staff cannot find current text to match it. Further research may find the text to be no longer necessary. Presented as information only at this time, this item will returned for action at a subsequent meeting.

 

10.          BOARD REPORTS

Strange reported that he visited Valhalla, where Measure C construction is almost complete, and attended Mt. Diablo High’s Back to School Night. He noted that test scores have gone up for Mt. Diablo High as a whole and for all its subgroups.

Eberhart said he appreciated seeing a lot of people at the meeting earlier in the evening. “It’s Important for everyone to work together,” he remarked, adding that he’d like to have lots of people at every meeting.

Allen reported that he enjoyed Emergency Preparedness Day sponsored by the City of Concord and the Concord Chamber of Commerce. He was impressed with a Group call CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), which is made up of volunteers who are trained to help their families and their local neighborhoods during an emergency. He also attended the Labor to Labor dinner on Friday night and toured schools during Pleasant Hill Cleanup Day on September 16.

Treece explained that she has been participating in professional development activities lately. One, the Envision California conference, looked at statewide issues, such as closing the achievement gap and considering the U.C. A-G requirements as a default curriculum. She also participates on the K-16 Council of Contra Costa County, where MDUSD representatives are taking the lead in science and engineering fairs held each summer.

Mayo reported that she attended the Adult Education in-service and the K-Adult Principals meeting, where she assisted in recognizing principals for their school’s API scores. She also attended the Contra Costa County Teacher of Year dinner, where Sandra Codington of Mountain View Elementary and Maggi Gough of Riverview Middle were among the teachers honored. She visited several schools, took part in the Pleasant Hill Cleanup Day, and attended the Concord Emergency Preparedness Day and the Labor to Labor dinner.

Meeting Announcement: Mayo announced that the Board will meet in Closed Session at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 30, at the District Office to discuss the Superintendent’s Evaluation.

 

 

11.          ADJOURNMENT  Mayo adjourned the meeting at 9:28 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                               

Gary McHenry, Secretary