MT. DIABLO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

 

BOARD MEETING – November 14, 2006

 

ATTENDANCE:              Board: Linda Mayo, Gary Eberhart (at 7:00 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

 

1.             CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President Mayo at 6:00 p.m. 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 eight expulsion cases; existing litigation (N.V. Heathorn v. Mt. Diablo Unified School District; Spieler v. Mt. Diablo Unified School District; Orterry v. Mt. Diablo Unified School District); conference with real property negotiator (Oak Park Elementary School site)); and superintendent’s evaluation.

 

2.             RECONVENE OPEN SESSION:  The Board returned to Open Session at 7:42 p.m.  Mayo led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and reported the action taken in Closed Session.

 

Conference With Real Property Negotiator

Treece moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve the wording in the agreement with Contra Costa County with regard to the former Oak Park Elementary School property, adding the inclusion of the Flood Control District as a signatory.

 

                Expulsions:

                Student 7-07:  Eberhart moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 7-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 7-07 may apply for readmission after June 14, 2007.  It is required that Student 7-07 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 8-07:  Allen moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 8-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 8-07 may apply for readmission after June 14, 2007.  It is required that Student 8-07 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 9-07:  Strange moved, Eberhart seconded, ant the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 9-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 9-07 may apply for readmission after June 14, 2007.  It is required that Student 9-07 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 10-07:  Treece moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 10-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 10-07 may apply for readmission after June 14, 2007.  It is required that Student 10-07 participate in individual counseling, community service, the COPS program, the District’s Teen Anger Management Program, and show evidence of a successful school experience, prior to applying for readmission.

 

                Student 11-07:  Allen moved, Treece seconded, ant the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 11-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 11-07 may apply for readmission after June 14, 2007.  It is required that Student 11-07 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 12-07:  Strange moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 12-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 12-07 may apply for readmission after June 14, 2007.  It is required that Student 12-07 participate in individual counseling, the COPS program, keep a diary, write a letter of apology to the school, write a report as to how she could have better handled her free time that Saturday, and show evidence of a successful school experience, prior to applying for readmission.

 

                Student 13-07:  Treece moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 13-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 13-07 may apply for readmission after June 14, 2007.  It is required that Student 13-07 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 apply for readmission.

 

                                                                               

                Student 14-07: Allen moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 14-07 be expelled from all schools and programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 14-07 may apply for readmission after June 14, 2007.  It is required that Student 14-07 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

After removing Item 3.18 at Eberhart’s request, Allen moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt the remaining items on the Consent Agenda, thereby approving the following:

 

3.1          Minutes of the meeting of October 10, 2006.

 

3.2          Certificated Personnel

3.2.1 Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements, Employment

 

3.2.2 Resolution 06/07-40 Variable Term Waiver Requests

Adopted Resolution #06/07-40, authorizing Mary Vizcay and Maria Ana Domingo each 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 Increase of Full-Time Equivalent Position (FTE) for the 2006-2007 School Year for the Regional Occupational Program (ROP)

Added/subtracted Regional Occupational Program (ROP) full-time equivalent (FTE) positions as follows:

Concord High                                       .40
College Park High                               .40
Ygnacio Valley High                            .40
Clayton Valley High                             (.20)
Mt. Diablo High                                    (.20)

                                  Total FTE             .80

This action increases the expenditure budget of Regional Occupational Program funds (Program 3990) in the amount of $54,539. Funding Source:  Regional Occupational Program (ROP) – Program 3990 (funded by the County Office of Education)

 

3.2.4 Request to Reinstate Two Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) Peer Assistance and Review (PAR) Coaches

Reinstated 2.0 Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) and Peer Assistance and Review (PAR) coach positions cut from the budget in March 2003. The action was necessary because the 14 existing coaches are at their contractual limit of 18 teachers/coach and approximately 36-40 teachers still required coaching services. Fiscal impact: $95,105 increase to the expenditure budget of BTSA and $16,783 increase to the expenditure budget of PAR (3700) for the remainder of the 2006-2007 school year. Total Categorical expenditure increase is $111,888. Funding Source:  BTSA (Program Code 3312 – 85%) and PAR (Program code 3700 – 15%)

 

3.2.5 Increase Full-Time Equivalent Position (FTE) for the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 School Year

Added a 1.0 FTE Literacy Coach position at Delta View Elementary. Fiscal impact: $106,625 increase in the expenditure budget of the Mandated Cost Reimbursement program for November 1, 2006, through June 30, 2008. Funding Source:  Mandated Cost Reimbursement

 

3.2.6 Resolution 06/07-41 Provisional Internship Permit (PIP) Request(s)

Adopted Resolution #06/07-41, authorizing Michael Regalado to apply for a Provisional Internship Permit (PIP) in order to complete his assignment for the 2006-07 school year.

 

3.3          Classified Personnel

3.3.1 Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements, Employment

 

3.3.2 Creation of an Instructional Assistant Position for Valhalla Elementary School

Created a 15-hour/week, school-day-only, Instructional Assistant position at Valhalla Elementary School. There is no impact to the General Fund. The $6,400 cost for fiscal year 2006-2007 and full year cost of $8,357.11 will be funded by the Valhalla Parent Faculty Association (3970).

 

3.3.3 Eliminate a Vacant Part-time Job Developer Coach Position and Create a Part-Time Secretary Position for the Workability I Program

Eliminated one vacant 30-hour/week, school-day-only Job Developer Coach position and created one 30-hour/week, school-day-only, Secretary position for the Workability I program. CSEA and CST leaders were notified of this change. There is no impact to the General Fund. There will be a savings of $5,777 in fiscal year 2006-2007 and $11,555 for a full year. Funding Source:  Workability Grant (3136)

 

3.3.4 Change Existing Full-Time Site Technology Support Technician I Position to a Site Technology Support Technician II Position

Upgraded a 40-hour/week, 10-month/year Site Technology Support Technician I position that serves Mt. Diablo, Valle Verde, and Walnut Acres elementary schools to a Site Technology Support Technician II position and approved changes to hours and funding as follows:

·          Mt. Diablo Elementary – increase from 10 to 12 hours/week at an additional cost of $2,309 for 2006-2007 fiscal year (PFC).

·          Valle Verde Elementary – reduce from 19 to 17 hours/week for a savings of $2,129 for 2006-2007 fiscal year (PTA).

·          Walnut Acres Elementary – remain at 11 hour/week with an additional cost of $43 (SIP) and $25 (PFC) for 2006-2007 fiscal year (SIP .1750% and PFC .1000%).

There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding Source:  Parent Faculty Club/Parent Teacher Association (3970) and School Improvement Funds (3307)

 

3.3.5 Funding Change for Adult Education Senior Account Clerk

Transferred .4.6 FTE and associated costs from program code 7901 (Adult Ed. Admin. Costs) to program code 3201 (Perkins Grant). There is no cost to the General Fund. This results in a cost savings to the Adult Education fund of $2,988 and a cost to the Perkins Grant of $2,988.

 

3.4          Approval of Revised Community Day Expenditures Reports for Fiscal Years 2002-2003; 2003-2004; and 2004-2005

Approved and certified revised FORM Day for fiscal years 2002-2003; 2003-2004; and 2004-2005, thus complying with Education Code Section 48660.2, which requires that at least 90 percent of the funds received by each local educational agency (LEA) for community day schools be spent on direct instructional and documented support costs. Fiscal Impact:  Avoid $90,409 reduction in state revenue. Funding Source:  Community Day School Fund

 

3.5          Memorandum of Understanding between Mt. Diablo Unified School District and St. Mary’s College School of Education

Approved $7,500 agreement for St. Mary’s College School of Education to provide coordination and delivery of state-required training for new teachers with a Preliminary Credential to obtain a Professional Clear Credential. There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding Source:  Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment Categorical Funds.

 

3.6          Approval of After School Education and Safety (ASES) Program Transition Application for 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant

Approved submittal of an application for a $1,191,712 grant from the State of California After School Education and Safety (ASES) Program for 10 elementary schools in MDUSD—Bel Air, Cambridge, Fair Oaks, Holbrook, Meadow Homes, Rio Vista, Shore Acres, Sun Terrace, Wren Avenue, and Ygnacio Valley—and 4 in Pittsburg Unified. There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding Source:  California After School Education and Safety Program grant.

 

3.7          Approval for Submission of After School Education and Safety Program Grant

Approved submittal of an application for a $1,148,250 grant from the California After School Education and Safety Program to begin ten new comprehensive CARES (Collaborative Academics, Recreation and Enrichment for Students) After School Programs at Delta View, El Monte, Gregory Gardens, Hidden Valley, Mountain View, Silverwood, Westwood, and Woodside elementary schools and Pine Hollow and Pleasant Hill middle schools as well as at four schools in Antioch, Pittsburg, and West Contra Costa school districts.

 

3.8          Approval of Contract Between Mt. Diablo Unified School District and Antonio Jones

Approved a $50,500 contract with Antonio Jones to provide training and technical support in the areas of exemplary practices, youth development and peer coaching for the expansion of ten (10) additional CARES (Collaborative Academics, Recreation and Enrichment for Students) After School sites. There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding Source:  California After School Education and Safety Program grants

 

3.9          Award of Contract for Inspector of Record Services

Awarded $8,500 contract to Paul Lucido to provide required inspection services for the installation of the new HVAC system at Northgate High School and of interim housing at Concord High School. Funding Source:  $6,500 – Energy Conservation Project; $2,000 – Developer Fee Budget

 

3.10        Award of Contract for Conducting Removal Action Oversight, Removal Action Excavation Activities and Preparing Statutory Reporting and Agency Liaison Activities for the Removal Action at the Olympic High/Willow Pass Site

Awarded contract not to exceed $34,700 to Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure, Inc. for comprehensive Removal Action Services on the Olympic High/Willow Pass property. Funding Source:  Proposition 55 funding.

 

 

3.11        Award of Bid 1450

Awarded Bid 1450 to Kel-Tech Builders, Inc. in the amount of $668,465 to renovate Willow Creek Center to house Diablo Day School. Funding Source:  Proposition 55

 

3.12        Award of Design Services Contract

Awarded contract not to exceed $14,286 to Wilsey Ham Engineering, Planning and Surveying for the engineering/design of a paved service/fire lane at Concord High School. Funding Source:  Redevelopment Funds

 

3.13        Award of Design Services

Awarded contract not to exceed $11,500 to DASSE Design for comprehensive architectural/engineering services for a replacement pedestrian bridge at the northern edge of the Sequoia Middle School property. Funding Source:  Pleasant Hill Redevelopment Funds.

 

3.14        Award of Professional Services for Hazardous Materials Project Management and Inspection for HVAC Improvement Program

Awarded contract not to exceed $68,568 to MS Environmental for hazardous materials management inspection services for Phase I of the District HVAC Improvement Program. Funding Source:  Proposition 55 Funding.

 

3.15        Contract Amendment #2 to Consolidated Engineering Laboratories

Approved amendment in the amount of $176,000 to contract with Consolidated Engineering Laboratories for professional testing services for the Measure C Program, Group V Schools. Funding Source:  Measure C

 

3.16        Final Change Orders

3.16.1 to Bid 1364, Contract C-801 to Arntz Builders in the amount of $852,849 for the modernization and new classrooms at Holbrook Elementary and El Dorado and Foothill Middle School. Funding Source:  Measure C

 

3.16.2 to Bid 1437, Contract C-846 to Kel-Tec Builders in the amount of $2,099.18 for kitchen renovations at Meadow Homes Elementary School. Funding Source:  Developer Fees

 

3.17        Notices of Completion

3.17.1 to Contract C-801, Bid 1364 in the amount of $13,457,253 to Arntz Builders for the modernization and new classrooms at Holbrook Elementary and El Dorado and Foothill middle schools. Funding Source:  Proposition 55

 

3.17.2 to Contract C-841, Bid 1426 in the amount of $431,800 to Bleyco, Inc. for the sports field lighting at Concord High School. Funding Source:  Proposition 55

 

3.17.3 to Contract C-846, Bid 1437 in the amount of $140,384.18 to Kel-Tech Builders, Inc. for the kitchen renovations at Meadow Homes Elementary School. Funding Source:  Developer Fees

SEPARATE ACTION

3.18        Annual Renewal of Bi-Tech Services Contract

After requesting that the Board receive a copy of the agreement each year before it is to be considered for renewal, Eberhart moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to renew the annual agreement with Bi-Tech to provide customer support and software updates for the Integrated Financial Administrative Solution System (IFAS). The contract covers service from September 15, 2006 through September 14, 2007. The cost of the contract is $49,800. This amount is already budgeted, so there is no impact to the General Fund. Funding Source:  General Purpose Funds

 

4.             RECOGNITIONS - None

 

5.             PUBLIC COMMENT

Richard Heyer, vice principal of Northgate High, spoke on behalf of staff and parents to request that the Board recognize Jack DeRieux, who taught drama at NHS for 25 years before his retirement in 2004, by naming the recently renovated Little Theater in his honor. He presented a letter describing Mr. DeRieux’s contributions to the school and influence on students and dedication to teaching. Monica Maddern, choral music teacher at Northgate High, spoke in support of naming the theater for Mr. DeRieux.

Debbie Birnbaum, Sun Terrace Elementary School teacher, congratulated Paul Strange, Dick Allen, and Linda Mayo on being elected to the Board last week and expressed hope for the beginning of a positive working relationship for everyone involved. Jane Enloe, parent and member of the Pleasant Hill Education Commission, said she believes the enrollment process for Sequoia Elementary discriminates against students by age; registration cannot take place until a child reaches his/her third birthday. John Ferrante, community member, congratulated the incumbents for their re-election and took issue with statements about Mt. Diablo High School in a letter to the editor printed in last Saturday’s Contra Costa Times. He asked the Board to send a response to the paper, pointing out the inaccuracies in the letter. Tina Gregory, community member and candidate for the Board, called the campaign a success because all candidates agreed that teacher compensation, retention, and health benefits will be a priority for the Board. She and her supporters have additional work to do in terms of financial accountability, resource allocation, and transparency, she said, so she is available to help in achieving these goals.

 

6.             COMMUNICATIONS

Mike Noce, MDEA president, congratulated the incumbents on their re-election, then pointed out the number of votes the other candidates received and said the incumbents should not take the results as an affirmation of the status quo. He encouraged Board members to give direction to, rather than take direction from, the superintendent; to make employee compensation a priority; and to visit sites and talk to teachers without being accompanied by the superintendent or his assistants. He chastised the Board for giving the superintendent an “excellent” evaluation and listed areas (e.g. payroll, substitute availability, vacant positions) that he described as problems, saying “morale is at an all-time low.” He said “proficient” would have been a better rating and, personally, he believes the rating should have been “needs improvement.” He took issue with the funding source for the BTSA coaches (Item 3.2.4) and said MDEA will support Coach/Specialist positions (Item 9.7) only if only grant funding is used, with no encroachment on the General Fund. He has requested the posting for the Resource Teacher positions approved by the Board on April 11, 2006.

 

Annie Nolen, CSEA vice president, congratulated Mayo and Allen on their re-election and Strange on his election to the Board.

 

7.             REPORTS/INFORMATION

 

8.                   SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

McHenry congratulated Board members Allen, Mayo, and Strange on their election. He reported that staff is investigating complaints about the enrollment process for Sequoia Elementary, and an adjustment will be made. Now that the Board election is over, he said, it is time to focus on the District’s goals: improve student achievement; close the achievement gap; increase attendance; improve maintenance, facilities, and grounds; meet legal mandates; and garner more public support. Last year when it looked like the District would be receiving extra money, he asked people how it should be spent and received the following responses: increasing employee compensation, restoring positions, addressing legal mandates, and improving the District’s infrastructure (e.g. adding more positions in certain areas to provide service). He is asking those questions again this year and will provide a short summary of identified needs at the November 28 Board meeting. He noted that even with improvements funded by Measure C, many needs remain, such as new classrooms, air conditioning, and athletic facilities. He will present a list of needs to the Board in preparation for a discussion on ways to meet them. He commented that the best way to meet the needs is for everyone to work collectively to make it happen. It is time to end the negative rhetoric and decide to put energy behind garnering greater financial support by working together for another school bond or a parcel tax, for positions, programs for students, and to recruit and retain the best work force. The needs cannot be met with just the base revenue, he said. Other districts use parcel taxes and/or bonds to meet these challenges, “and they are no better than we are,” he remarked. “We turn out more graduates than they do. So it’s time for all of us to work together to make that happen. We will begin the discussion on November 28.”

 

9.             BUSINESS

9.1          Contract Extension for the Superintendent

Treece moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 4-1-0 (Eberhart, no) to extend the contract of the Superintendent. The contract period is for July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2010.

 

Public comment   John Parker, parent and member of Measure C Oversight Committee, said he anticipated negative comments made earlier in the evening and wanted to state that he thinks the superintendent is doing “a pretty good job.”

 

9.2          Consider Approval for Supplemental School Counseling Program – Policy and Rule 6164.2

Allen moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt Board Policy and Administrative Rule 6164.2, “Guidance/Counseling Services,” necessary to comply with recently adopted legislation, AB 1802 and SB 131, which created a supplementary school counseling program for 7th through 12th grade students. There is no cost to the General Fund. The program provides $70 per 7th-12th grade pupil based on 2005-2006 CBEDs enrollment, or $1,162,060. The District will use the funds to hire additional Student Services Coordinators to provide the guidance/counseling services. Funding Source:  Supplementary School Counseling Program. Presented as information at the October 24 meeting, this item was returned for action at this time.

 

9.3          Quarterly Report on Williams Uniform Complaints

Allen moved, Treece seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to ratify the October 2006 Quarterly Report on Williams Uniform Complaints. The reports reflect complaints regarding textbooks and instructional materials, safe and decent school facilities, and qualified teachers. This quarter’s report includes the months of August, September and October 2006 and shows four complaints, three of them resolved and one in the process of being so.

 

Public comment   Jerry Okendo, president of LULAC, congratulated the incumbent Board members for their election. He said he filed a complaint that does not seem to be reflected in the report. (Alan Young said that complaint is listed as “unresolved” in the report.) He also claimed that some students did not have books for six to eight weeks. Tom Blanks, vice president of MDEA, congratulated the incumbents also. He asked how complaints filed under the Williams Settlement are handled, reported, and resolved. (McHenry said staff is complying with the law in regard to complaints under the Williams Settlement. The County Superintendent of Schools has oversight to make sure law is being followed. Questions about the process should be directed there.)

 

Board/staff discussion   In response to Eberhart, Young said the forms used for complaints under the Williams Settlement are to be available at each school site, but site staff might not yet be familiar with the special forms as they are still learning about the new process. He said a person can file a complaint in a variety of ways and need not use the form. Any complaint, even those filed anonymously, must be acknowledged and acted upon. Treece asked how a complaint is formalized. As a parent, she’s had complaints over the years, but they weren’t necessarily formalized. Alan said staff is having to learn to distinguish among the types of complaints they hear. Notices required under Williams and posted at school sites say that complaints about textbooks, facilities, and teacher qualifications are to be formally recorded and addressed.

 

9.4          Contract between Mt. Diablo Unified School District and Progressus Therapy, Inc.

Treece moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve a $1,224,576 contract for Progressus Therapy, Inc. to provide occupational and physical therapy services for the 2006-2007 school year. Funding Source:  NPA Occupational Therapy budget. Monies have been budgeted for these services.

 

Board comment   In response to Eberhart, McHenry said some General Fund revenue is used for this contract. He pointed out that there is a revenue-expenditure gap in the amount of money the District receives for Special Education services, so the District needs to supplement that expense with money from the General Fund.

 

9.5          Public Presentation and Board’s Acknowledgement of Receipt of Union’s Successor Agreement Proposal. Public Presentation and Adoption of Board’s Successor Agreement Proposal

The Board presented its Successor Agreement Proposal and acknowledged receipt of the Local One, M&O, Successor Agreement Proposal. By law, school districts are required to “sunshine” collective bargaining proposals in an open session of the Board.

 

9.6          Approval of Four (4) New Hourly Job Descriptions for the After School Program

The following job descriptions were created to support the After School Program’s enrichment and nutrition activities:

Job                                                                                         Flat Hourly Rate

After School Recreation Specialist I                                          $9.00

After School Recreation Specialist II                                      $10.00

After School Site Coordinator I                                                 $16.00

After School Site Coordinator II                                                $18.00

There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding Source:  State After School Education and Safety Program Grant (3871). Presented only as information at this time, this item will be returned for action at a subsequent meeting.

 

9.7          Job Description for Coach/Specialist (Teacher on Special Assignment)

Numerous grants call for coaching support to implement the goals of the grant. This job description could be used to support such positions. Presented only as information at this time, this item will be returned for action at a subsequent meeting.

 

10.          BOARD REPORTS

Strange thanked all who voted for him and said he looks forward to spending time now on District business. He congratulated Allen and Mayo on their re-election.

 

Eberhart said he appreciated the effort the incumbents made in their campaigns to get elected. He feels they will keep the District moving in the right direction.

 

Allen reported that he enjoyed attending the Mt. Diablo High School Sports Hall of Fame Induction Dinner last Friday, calling it “a real pleasure.” He thanked all who voted for him and said he thinks “we can get off to a good start with Board working together with staff.” As he said during his campaign, it takes both sides working together—not just the Board, or the administration, or the bargaining units, but all together.

 

Treece reported on a recent visit to Kearney High in San Diego with a group that included Dick Allen, Alan Young, and Joanne Durkee, director of continuing, career, and adult education, along with representatives from Ygnacio Valley and Mt. Diablo high schools and from labor, government, and industry. They were all impressed to see and learn about the school’s integrated curriculum. She enjoyed participating in the Parent Advisory Council meeting earlier in the month, sharing information among parents and staff, and in the District Technology Committee meeting, where there was active engagement and dialogue among teachers, administrators, technology information staff, and parents about what classrooms need to look like to support high-quality, dynamic instruction in the schools. She appreciated the November issue of the Mt. Diablo Monthly Digest, which was full of useful information, and is pleased that the Superintendent is asking for discussions about a parcel tax or bond issue. Other districts use a parcel tax for competitive salaries and for bringing needed resources to schools. She announced that on December 12, the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce will discuss the “State of Education” with presentations by McHenry, Dr. Helen Benjamin, Contra Costa Community College District president, and Peter Wilson, dean of CSU, East Bay’s Concord campus.

 

Mayo announced that Margot Tobias, director of alternative education, will be honored at a reception on Friday. She is retiring after 13 years as a member of the Acalanes High School District Board. Mayo said she enjoyed the first issue of the Building Effective Schools Together newsletter, produced by District psychologists Cori Allard and Staci Curry. She announced that the Pleasant Hill community Awards Night will be held tomorrow night. Nominees for Educator of the year are Rich Howard, Angelea LaTorre, Merci Martin, Shelly McHale, and Lorrie Osborn. Nominees for Teen of Year are Megan Botts, Farrah Hussein, and Justin Pitcher. Nominees for Community A Plus are Terry Foreman, Louie Gonzales, and Dave Peters. She also announced Ygnacio Valley High School’s 20th biannual Academic WOW Assembly to be held on Friday honoring students for their academic performance and improvement. She thanked everyone who supported the election, the democratic process, and her candidacy. She looks forward to working with all the District’s employee groups and participating with the Board in the upcoming negotiations process and to working with parents and students to make sure their issues are heard as well. She said there many important initiatives to continue in making Mt. Diablo a district that serves students well. “Our work is the education of students in a public school setting, and we need to keep our focus there,” she said. In regard to the election, she recommended that candidates be invited by registered mail to participate in forums to avoid any being overlooked because an e-mail address or phone number is wrong. She commented that the Board election was different this year in that a Political Action Committee made contributions to candidates. She believes it will be more difficult and challenging for independent candidates to run in the future. She heard that the PAC donated at least $49,000 to the election process, which is in addition to what individual candidates raised themselves. She expressed concern that one flyer brought forward the issue of partisanship in a non-partisan election. She said she is excited and honored to continue to serve this district.

 

11.          ADJOURNMENT  Mayo adjourned the meeting at 9:06 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                               

Gary McHenry, Secretary