MT. DIABLO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

 

BOARD MEETING – October 10, 2006

 

ATTENDANCE:              Board: Linda Mayo, Gary Eberhart (at 7:45 p.m.), Dick Allen, Paul Strange, April Treece

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 one expulsion case; conference with real property negotiator (Oak Park Elementary School site); public employee/dismissal/release/complaint, superintendent’s evaluation, and negotiations.

 

Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Complaint

Treece moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 (Eberhart not yet present) to accept the resignation of classified employee #15939.

 

2.             RECONVENE OPEN SESSION:  The Board returned to Open Session in the Board Room at 7:30 p.m.

 

                Expulsions:

                Student 03-07:  Allen moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 (Eberhart not yet present) that Student 03-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 03-07 may apply for readmission after January 26, 2007.  It is required that Student 03-07 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. She read the following statement regarding the Superintendent’s Evaluation, which the Board has now completed:

“The Board of Education has completed the 2005-2006 superintendent’s evaluation, and I have been directed to report that the Board is very pleased with Mr. McHenry’s leadership and the accomplishments of the District.

“Superintendent Gary McHenry is doing an excellent job leading the District and keeping the District focus on ‘the best interests of students.’ MDUSD educates its children in a manner that sustains the confidence of parents and the community. The Spring 2006 recognition of seven California Distinguished Elementary Schools and the achievement of 46/46 AYP indicators on the federal No Child Left Behind Act are noteworthy. The District has better test scores, and adoption and implementation of equitable, rigorous curriculum continues. He remains committed to balancing the budget while seeking to provide competitive compensation for our employees. The efforts of the Special Education Department have had positive results. Measure C construction and management continues with positive community and staff feedback. Mr. McHenry continues to have an effective leadership team that moves this District forward. He leads this District with excellence and integrity. Gary McHenry has a vision of educational excellence focused on all Mt. Diablo students, and he works hard to implement this vision through focused hiring and promotion of those individuals who further the District’s goals to serve all students with excellence.

“You will continue to see ‘Superintendent’s Evaluation’ on our Closed Session agendas throughout the year because the Board and superintendent  believe that these sessions have proved to be valuable for this leadership team.”

 

3.             CONSENT AGENDA

Treece moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 4-0-0 (Eberhart not yet present) to adopt the Consent Agenda, thereby approving the following:

3.1          Minutes of the meeting of September 12, 2006.

 

3.2          Certificated Personnel

3.2.1 Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements, Employment

 

3.2.2 Resolution 06/07-30 Education Code 44258.2 – Board Authorization

Adopted Resolution #06/07-30, authorizing Peri Curtis, 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 06/07-29 Variable Term Waiver Requests

Adopted Resolution #06/07-29, authorizing eight teachers, named in the Resolution, 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.

 

3.2.4 Resolution 06/07-31 Provisional Internship Permit (PIP) Request(s)

Adopted Resolution #06/07-31, authorizing Gabriel Ross to apply for a Provisional Internship Permit (PIP) in order to complete their assignment for the 2006-07 school year.

 

3.2.5 Increase Full-Time Equivalent Position for the 2006-07 School Year

Added .40 FTE to the ELD classes at Glenbrook Middle School, increasing the expenditure budget of Title I Funds (program 3110) by $22,310. Funding Source:  Title I Funds

 

3.3          Classified Personnel

3.3.1 Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements, Employment

 

3.3.2 Increase in Work Year for Five (5) Child Welfare and Attendance Liaison Positions

Increased the work year to 11 months for three existing full-time, 10 month/year and two existing full-time, 10.5 month/year positions. There is no impact to the General Fund. The difference in cost for fiscal year 2007-08 is $19,442. Funding Source:  Dropout Prevention Supplementary Funds (3313)

 

3.4          Resolution 06/07-32 Authorizing Issuance of Sale of Mt. Diablo Unified School District 2006 Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes (TRANs)

Adopted Resolution 06/07-32, authorizing the sale of Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes (TRANs). Proceeds (not to exceed $40,000,000) from the issuance of TRANs will be used to meet fiscal year 2006-07 cash requirements until property tax revenues are received. The fiscal impact is the difference between interest earnings and interest expense. At this time, it is projected that the District will earn interest of approximately $200,000.00. Funding Source:  General Fund

 

3.5          Independent Contract for a Speech-Language Pathologist through Communication Works

Approved $80,000 contract with Communication Works to provide speech-language pathologist services to meet student Individualized Education Program (IEP) requirements. The District has been unable to hire qualified speech-language pathologists to fill all vacancies. Fiscal impact: The amount is already budgeted, so there is no impact to the General Fund. Funding Source:  Related Services Other Specialized – Operating Budget (1219).

 

3.6          Amendment No. 6 to Contract with Nacht and Lewis Architects for Architectural/Engineering Services for the Measure C Construction Program

Approved amendment No. 6, valued at $11,697, to the contract with Nacht and Lewis Architect for assorted Measure C projects. This amendment relates to the installation of interim housing necessary to accommodate assigned sites in Group IV of the Measure C Program.

 

4.             RECOGNITIONS

The Board recognized a variety of District employees for their accomplishments:

 

4.1          Jackie deTorres for completing a three-year Painter Apprenticeship Program, which she did while working full time as an Apprentice Painter in the District.

 

4.2.         Heather Nevis, Mt. Diablo High School teacher, for exemplary service and leadership in preparing students for and facilitating the holding of the First District Court of Appeals Oral Argument at Mt. Diablo High on October 12.

 

4.3          Emploees with Two Years or More of Perfect Attendance:

                Ady Ching                  2 years                 Food Assistant III                       Riverview Middle

                Barbara Green         2 years                 Food Assistant I                         Ygnacio Valley Elem.

                Elisa Herrera            2 years                 Food Assistant III                       Cambridge Elem.

                Collene Ivie               2 years                 Sr. Food Service Mgr.                Cambridge Elem.

Vanessa Miranda    2 years                 Food Assistant III                       Wren Avenue Elem.

Esther Gonzalez      3 years                 Food Assistant I                         Clayton Valley High

Eva Tran                    3 years                 Food Assistant I                         Riverview Middle

Joanne Costa          4 years                 Cashier                                       District Office

Lucinda Pacheco    7 years                 Sr. Food Service Mgr.                Riverview Middle

 

4.4          Recognition of Improvement on the Academic Performance Index – Elementary Schools

 

            Highest Performing School on API:

 

                      Valle Verde                            931

 

Schools with ten point improvement or more:

 

Sunrise

74

 

Fair Oaks

46

 

Gregory Gardens

32

834

Ygnacio Valley

30

 

Eagle Peak

19

877

Wren Avenue

15

 

Woodside

13

877

Westwood

12

 

 

Schools that exceeded statewide standard of 800 and met all growth targets

 

Bancroft

887

Highlands

840

Monte Gardens

876

Mt. Diablo

900

Pleasant Hill

880

Sequoia

918

Silverwood

803

Strandwood

924

Valhalla

865

Walnut Acres

928

Woodside

877

Schools exceeding statewide standard of 800

Ayers                                            814
                      Hidden Valley                             801

 

5.             PUBLIC COMMENT - None

 

6.             COMMUNICATIONS - None

 

7.             REPORTS/INFORMATION: Summer Program

        Margot Tobias, director of alternative education and coordinator of the District’s summer program, reported on the Summer 2006 programs. She introduced Sharon Krell, coordinator of the Extended Year Program, who helped produce the report. Tobias said the summer program primarily focused on intervention, remediation and Extended Year services. Reduced funding impacted enrichment courses but staff worked collaboratively with multiple programs to provide a limited selection of enrichment options to students.

 

A Performing Arts Program for students in 6th through 9th grades was new for 2006. It started off on a small scale but had a big impact, with positive letters from participating families and exciting student performances at the end. A 2007 Performing Arts Program is being planned. Students also had the opportunity to take selected courses for original credit at the high schools. The Riverview Garden Project, GATE Program and Service Learning High School classes were offered again this year. An Autism Program providing intensive intervention was offered at Hidden Valley.

Enrollment

 

General Education

Extended Year

 

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

Elementary

2,504

2,916

2,374

2,669

2,369

2,306

 267

305

235

234

216

193

Middle

  591

  715

550

620

705

617

 161

117

101

107

98

122

GATE

  262

  192

209

171

145

168

 

 

 

 

 

 

VP Arts

    64

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

High

1,830*

1,794*

1,526*

1,257

1,013

1,265

 169

100

82

106

67

58

Centers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 232

240

216

240

185

164

Total

5,251

5,617

4,659

4,717

4,232

4,356

 829

762

634

687

566

537

*High school totals reflect an average of the mid-program count of both three-week sessions.

Students Served K-8:

          Retained students

          At-Risk of Retention

          I.E.P.--Extended Year

          Academic Enrichment

          Visual and Performing Arts

Students Served 9-12:

          Students needing to make up a failed grade or to stay on track towards graduation

          CAHSEE Preparation

          I.E.P. - Extended Year

          Elective original credit courses

Staffing

409 teachers

  29 administrators

  27 clerical staff

170 instructional assistants

 

8.                   SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

McHenry thanked the Board for conducting “a rigorous evaluation process.” He reported that over the last month, there have been a number of incidents of intruders on school campuses throughout the country. All District staff are on high alert. Every school site has developed a Site Safety Plan, which includes procedures for dealing with an intruder alert. Each site will conduct drills periodically during the year. He explained that over the weekend a threat was written in graffiti at Mountain View Elementary, saying that someone would come on campus today (Tuesday) to do harm. He thanked Dick Nicoll, Roger Bylund, Gail Isserman, Sue Chambers and the Concord Police for their assistance at the school, stressing that District staff will do everything possible to keep students and staff safe. (Mayo thanked the parent who saw the graffiti over the weekend and reported it to the police. She said it is important that community members take an interest in their schools.)

 

9.             BUSINESS

9.1          Resolution 06/07-28 Red Ribbon Week – October 23 - 27, 2006

Strange moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt Resolution 06/07-28, proclaiming October 23-27, 2006, as Red Ribbon Week, a time when schools and many community agencies throughout California join together to highlight their commitment to a drug- and tobacco-free society.

 

9.2          Consider Approval of a Revised Agreement with Contra Costa County Health Services, Mental Health Division

Treece moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve a revised agreement with Contra Costa Health Services, Mental Health Division, that supports the District school psychologists who provide WrapAround and Clinic Counseling Services to students and families in the District. Psychologists bill for their services through County Mental Health Medi-Cal. Fiscal Impact: Increase of $186,774 (from $433,650 to $620,424). Funding Source: County Mental Health Medi-Cal Reimbursement

 

9.3          Board Policy 6145.6 – International Exchange

Allen moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt revised Board Policy 6145.6 to match California School Boards Association (CSBA) language. Presented as information at the September 26 Board meeting, this item was returned for action at this time.

 

9.4          Modification of Board Policy and Administrative Rule 5116.1, “Intradistrict Open Enrollment”

Strange moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt revised Board Policy and Administrative Rule 5116.1, “Intradistrict Open Enrollment.” The modifications reflect changes in the District’s open enrollment process. In response to Treece, the text “Student Services” will be added to the Assistant Superintendent’s title listed in the Appeals section on AR 5116.1(e), so it reads, “All Intradistrict Transfer appeals will be forwarded to and considered by the Assistant Superintendent, Student Services/Special Education.”

 

9.5          Reorganization – Curriculum and Instruction Department

In order to become more cost effective and to consolidate work with school sites, the Curriculum and Instruction Department is recommending a reorganization. Fiscal Impact:  $38,544. Funding Source:  Categorical Programs: Title I, Economic Impact Aid, Title II. There is no impact to the General Fund. Presented as information only at this time, the item will be returned for action at a subsequent meeting.

 

9.6          California Department of Education (CDE) Waiver Request of Innovative Programs

A waiver from the California Department of Education (CDE) is necessary in order for the District to include Building Effective Schools Together (BEST) as a scientifically-based research program for student support and enhancement of school climate. There is no impact to the General Fund. Presented as information only at this time, the item will be returned for action at a subsequent meeting.

 

10.          BOARD REPORTS

Strange reported that Comcast Cares Day at Olympic High was a great event. In addition to cleanup activities, volunteers helped create a music recording studio at the school. At the event, it was announced that Comcast will donate $50,000 to the new Mt. Diablo Alternative Education Foundation. Strange publicly thanked Comcast for that donation and announced that the Foundation will be honoring Dick Allen for 50 years of service at its first annual recognition reception to be held October 25 at the Concord Holiday Inn.

 

Allen echoed Strange’s enthusiasm for Comcast Cares Day. He also attended the October meeting of the District’s Community Advisory Committee and said he’d like to see some of the reports (on topics such as differentiated instruction, and collaborative classrooms) that are made to District committees also made at Board meetings. He called the School Site Council training held the previous night “very good,” and thanked Susan Hukkanen, administrator in the Curriculum and Instruction Department, for organizing it. He noted that the human resources available to District schools was clearly evident when, at one point, attendees gathered in high school feeder pattern groups. He said, “When people get together and work, we can have success.” He announced that the District’s annual Celebration of Success will be held on Thursday, October 19, at Concord High.

 

Treece reported that she presented the “2005-06 State of the District” report to the Concord Chamber of Commerce Business-Education Committee. The group felt it to be so powerful, she said, that a subcommittee is meeting on December 12 to consider developing a “State of the Schools in Concord” report. She remarked that the monthly meeting of the Parent Advisory Council was impressive, as usual, explaining that at one point veteran parents showed their knowledge of the District in responding to a parent’s concerns. She, too, was impressed with Comcast Cares Day, seeing students and staff and Comcast employees and their families working together. She reported that last Saturday she went with Board members Allen and Mayo to the John Muir Health Center’s Concord campus for the annual Northern California Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) conference. Janet Gower, Ygnacio Valley High School teacher, was actively involved. She suggested that the Board honor the District students who are involved in HOSA. She announced that the Contra Costa Intel-Affiliated Science Fair will be held in March 2007. Teacher orientation was held last week. She was pleased to see Patrick Cleaver, MDUSD Curriculum Specialist, participating. Earlier in the day she attended Senator Tom Torlakson’s Education Coalition meeting, where she learned that he has asked YVHS Principal Carolyn Plath to serve on a student health and safety committee.

 

Mayo attended the College Park High instrumental music program on October 6, calling it “a wonderful evening with outstanding performances.” Speaking about Comcast Cares Day, she said the range of the participants’ ages, from infant to grandparent, was most impressive to her. She was also pleased that both state and national representatives from Comcast attended and that a bronze plaque was installed outside the new music recording studio, recognizing Olympic Principal Rinda Bartley, Maintenance Department Project Manager Jeff McDaniel, and Local One, M&O, for their efforts in creating it. She said the HOSA event was a good collaboration of students throughout California as well as an excellent leadership conference. She also attended a Court-Appointed Student Advocates (CASA) event and the Monument Corridor Health Fair. She announced that “Lights On After School” will be held in District communities on October 12.

 

        Announcements

Greg Rolen announced that Mt. Diablo High’s Romaine Hall will be transformed into a real court of law on October 12 when the California First District Court of Appeal hears arguments for actual cases. The event is intended to demystify the legal system for students, he explained, adding that the Court of Appeals could have picked any location for this event, and the District is proud that Mt. Diablo High was selected.

Mayo announced that College Park High School Vice Principal Teri Hurlbut recently received her doctorate in Educational Leadership from St. Mary’s College.

 

11.          ADJOURNMENT  Mayo closed the meeting at 9:05 p.m. in memory of Marlyn Baker, a teacher who retired in 1968 and recently passed away.

 

 

 

                                                               

Gary McHenry, Secretary