BOARD MEETING: January 8, 2008

 

ATTENDANCE:  Board: April Treece, Dick Allen, Gary Eberhart, Linda Mayo, Paul Strange

Administrative Staff: Superintendent Gary McHenry; Associate Superintendent Alan Young; assistant superintendents Mildred  Browne, Gail Isserman, and Dick Nicoll; and General Counsel Greg Rolen

 

1.       CALL TO ORDER: President Treece called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in Room 6 at the MDUSD Dent Center.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT: None

 

CLOSED SESSION: The Board adjourned to Closed Session at 6:01 p.m. in Room 6 at the Dent Center. Topics discussed included four expulsions and one request for readmission, existing litigation (Brandy v MDUSD), negotiations, and the superintendent’s evaluation.

 

Readmission
Mayo moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve the readmission of one student who had not been assessed for special education prior to behavior resulting in expulsion. The assessment determined that the student did qualify for special education services and that the behavior resulting in expulsion was a manifestation of the student’s disability.

 

Existing Litigation: Brandy v. Mt. Diablo Unified School District
Strange moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 4-1-0 (Eberhart, no) to approve up to $75,000 for a settlement in the case of Brandy v MDUSD.

 

2.       RECONVENE OPEN SESSION: The Board returned to Open Session in the Multi-Use Room at Monte Gardens Elementary School at 7:30 p.m. President Treece led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

Expulsions
Student 14-08: Allen moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 14-08 be expelled from all schools programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 14-08 may apply for readmission after June 11, 2008. It is required that Student 14-08 participate in individual counseling, community service, the COPS Program, the MDUSD Teen Anger Management Program, and show evidence of a successful school experience prior to applying for readmission.

 

Student 15-08: Strange moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 15-08 be expelled from all schools programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 15-08 may apply for readmission after June 11, 2008. It is required that Student 15-08 participate in individual counseling, community service, the COPS Program, the MDUSD Teen Anger Management Program, and show evidence of a successful school experience prior to applying for readmission.

 

Student 16-08: Eberhart moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 16-08 be expelled from all schools programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 16-08 may apply for readmission after June 11, 2008. It is required that Student 15-08 participate in individual counseling, community service, the COPS Program, the MDUSD Teen Anger Management Program, and show evidence of a successful school experience prior to applying for readmission.

 

Student 17-08: Mayo moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 17-08 be expelled from all schools programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 17-08 may apply for readmission after June 11, 2008. It is required that Student 17-08 participate in individual counseling, community service, the COPS Program, the MDUSD Teen Anger Management Program, and show evidence of a successful school experience prior to applying for readmission.

 

Treece reported out the action taken and items discussed in Closed Session. She introduced Pleasant Hill Mayor John Hanecak, attending this evening’s meeting.

 

3.       CONSENT AGENDA

After removing Item 3.2.1 at Eberhart’s request, Mayo moved, Allen 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 November 26, 2007.

 

3.2  Certificated Personnel

3.2.1 Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements, Employment—See “Separate Action” below

 

3.2.2 Internship Contract Agreement with Chapman University, effective January 1, 2008 through January 1, 2010

An Internship Credential authorizes the same service at the same level as the Preliminary Credential, except that it is only valid in one school district/COE. For this reason, interns must have a contract before a credential can be issued. Each intern candidate works under the direct and continuing supervision of a Chapman University s8ueprvisory and District Support Provider.

 

3.3  Classified Personnel

3.3.1 Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements, Employment

 

3.3.2 Increase in Hours for a Community School Coordinator Position at Mt. Diablo Adult Education

Increased from 30 to 40 hours/week an 11-month Community School Coordinator position in the Mt. Diablo Adult Education program. There is no impact to the General Fund. The $4,657.56 increased cost for fiscal year 2007-08 and full-year cost of $10,085.06 will be funded through the First Five Contra Costa contract.

 

3.3.3 Creation of Two (2) Part-Time School Family Resource Worker Positions for Mt. Diablo Adult Education

Created two 30-hour/week, 11-month (8/1-6/30) School Family Resource Worker positions in the Mt. Diablo Adult Education program. There is no impact to the General Fund. The $30,351.80 cost for fiscal year 2007-08 and full-year cost of $67,942.73 will be funded through the First Five Contra Costa contract

 

3.3.4 Creation of a Part-Time Instructional Assistant-Computer Position for Foothill Middle School

Created a 19.5-hour/week, school-day-only, Instructional Assistant-Computer position at Foothill Middle School to assist in the computer lab and support the technology program. There is no impact to the General Fund. The $7,225.88 cost for fiscal year 2007-08 and full-year cost of $11,302 will be funded by Foothill Parent Faculty Association funds.

 

3.3.5 Eliminate a Vacant Part-Time Site Technology Support Technician Position and Create a Part-Time Instructional Assistant–Computer Position at Strandwood Elementary School

Eliminated a vacant 9.5-hour/week, 10-month, Site Technology Support Technician I position and created a 15.5-hour/week, school-day-only Instructional Assistant–Computer position at Strandwood Elementary School. There will be a savings to the School Improvement Program of $122 for fiscal year 2007-08 and of $918 for a full year.

 

3.3.6 Funding Change for Senior Secretary in Curriculum and Instruction

Transferred the funding source for a senior secretary position in the Curriculum and Instruction Department from the General Fund to the following:

            50% School Improvement Program

            50% Title I

The transfer results in a $37,279.53 savings to the General Fund for fiscal year 2007-08 and $68,543.66 for a full-year. Funding Source:  School Improvement Program; Title I

 

3.3.7 Eliminate One (1) Part-Time Student Store Assistant Position at Loma Vista Adult Center

Eliminated one14-hour/week, adult education school year, Student Store Assistant position at the Loma Vista Adult Education site. There will be an annual savings of $9,998.25 to the Adult Education Student Store funding source.

 

3.4  Approve the Contract between Mt. Diablo Unified School District and the Speech Pathology Group for Speech Language Pathologist’s Services at Shadelands School for 2007-2008 School Year

Approved a $60,000 contract with The Speech Pathology Group to replace a contract with Educational Based Services that was terminated as of December 31, 2007. The new contract provides speech language pathology services at Shadelands School four days a week for the remainder of the 2007-08 school year. Fiscal Impact:  A savings of  $46,406 from the previous Board-approved contract. Its total had been $128,484. Of that, $22,078 had been paid. The remaining balance will cover the Speech Pathology Group contract and generate the savings. Funding Source:  Related Services Other Specialized – Operating Budget (1219)

 

3.5  Consider Approval of a Revised Agreement between Mt. Diablo Unified School District and Contra Costa County Health Services, Mental Health Division

Approved a revised agreement with Contra Costa County Health Services, Mental Health Division to reflect increases in salary, benefits and mileage for the school psychologists who provide WrapAround and  Clinic Counseling Services to District students and their families. Fiscal Impact:  $100,000. Funding Source:  County Mental Health Medi-Cal Reimbursement

 

3.6  Contract for Maintenance of the District’s Measure C Phone Systems and Voice Mail

Approved a contract totaling $52,050 per year with Professional Convergence Solutions for maintenance of NEC phone systems at the following sites: Ayers, Bel Air, Delta View, El Monte, Fair Oaks, Meadow Homes, Shore Acres, Sun Terrace, and Wren Avenue elementary schools, Oak Grove Middle School, Concord High School, Eagle Peak Montessori; and the Maintenance and Operations Department. Fiscal Impact:  $52,050 per year as budgeted in the General Fund.

 

3.7  CALNET II State Contract to Succeed CALNET Contract

Approved a contract with ATT for voice and data services under the CALNET II state contract pricing. The original term of the contract is five years—July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2013—with an option of two additional one-year extensions and is expected to provide an overall 7 percent cost savings over the current CALNET contract pricing. Fiscal Impact:  $29,000 per month already budgeted in General Fund, Program 5275

 

3.8  Surveillance System for Dent Center

Approved agreement with DecoTech Systems to purchase and install a video surveillance system at the Dent Center that will share a server with the system in place at Monte Gardens Elementary School. The surveillance is necessary due to recent vandalism at the Dent Center. Fiscal Impact:  $15,618.73 as budgeted in the General Fund.

 

3.9  Contract for Contra Costa County Office of Education Internet Services

Renewed a three-year Internet Service Provider contract with the Contra Costa County Office of Education using funding from the federal E-Rate program. Fiscal Impact: After applying the E-Rate discount of 53 percent, the District will pay $3,877.50 per year to receive the existing service. The federal government will pay the remaining $4,372.50 of the $8,250 annual contract. Funding Source:  Already budgeted in General Fund, Program 5089

 

3.10 Contract for Landscape Design and Engineering Services for the Renovation/Restoration of Turf/Lawn Areas

Approved contract not to exceed $132,800 with Verde Design for comprehensive landscape design and engineering services for turf/lawn areas at Foothill Middle School, and Bancroft, Mountain View and Monte Gardens elementary schools. Funding Source:  Measure C Funds

 

3.11 License Agreement with Omnipoint Communications

Approved a license agreement for Omnipoint Communications, a subsidiary of T-Mobile USA, Inc. to transmit and receive communication signals and to install, operate, and maintain related equipment at the Pleasant Hill Education Center campus. Omnipoint will be responsible for all construction costs, environmental compliance, city permitting, state architect approval and any other required governmental authorizations. Fiscal Impact:  One-time signing bonus to the District of $15,000 plus monthly rent of $2,500 with a 3 percent annual increase. Funds will be designated for school security equipment.

 

3.12 Optiman Service for Maintenance and Operations, and Loma Vista Adult

Approved contract for ATT to provide Optiman high-speed wide-area-network services at many of the District’s secondary schools. New rules for E-rate allow the construction cost of trenching and converting copper to fiber optics to be considered for the 53 percent E-rate discount. Fiscal Impact:  $617.58 per month already budgeted in the General Fund, Program 5089

 

3.13 Agreement between Mt. Diablo Unified School District and Independent Contractor Colleen Waggoner

Approved contract not to exceed $48,000 for Independent Contractor Colleen Waggoner to prepare accurate State Teacher Retirement System (STRS) reports, as required by FCMAT. Help is needed because the Payroll Department currently has two unfilled positions. Fiscal Impact:  Not to exceed $48,000  Funding Source:  Already budgeted in General Fund

 

3.14 School Breakfast Program Grant Application

Approved Food and Nutrition Services staff’s request to apply for a $60,000 grant from the California Department of Education to expand the School Breakfast Program to Ayers, Silverwood, Westwood, and Woodside elementary schools. There is no cost to the General Fund.

 

3.15 Contract between Mt. Diablo Unified School District and Maxim Healthcare Services, Non Public Agency (NPA) for the 2007-2008 School Year

Approved $132,870 contract for Maxim Healthcare Services, Non Public Agencies (NPA), to provide nursing/diabetic monitoring services to Section 504 students at El Monte, Hidden Valley, Highlands, Sequoia, Valhalla, and Walnut Acres elementary schools in 2007-08. Fiscal Impact:  $132,870  Funding Source:  5046 Medi-Cal Administrative Activities

 

SEPARATE ACTION

3.2.1 Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements, Employment
Eberhart asked why the effective date for teachers who are being recommended to move from Temporary to Probationary II status goes back to Fall 2006. Gail Isserman explained that, as per Education Code, fully credentialed teachers who work 75 percent of their first year in a Temporary assignment and are re-employed for a subsequent year in a Probationary position are entitled to receive credit for their first year. The teachers on this list were Temporary during the 2006-07 and rehired as Probationary for the 2007-08 school year. Therefore, they receive credit towards tenure based on the 2006 effective date. Following this explanation, Eberhart moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve the recommendation.

 

4.       RECOGNITIONS:  None

 

5.       BOARD FORUM

This item is here for the Board of Education to discuss any issues of concern.

5.1  Committee Minutes

 

5.2   Board Reports (time limit – 3 minutes)

Treece explained that the Board Reports provide an opportunity for Board members to share with the public the work they do as volunteers in the District between each Board meeting. At times, the reports may take longer than the total of 15 minutes allotted.

 

Board members reporting at this session:

Allen attended the monthly Community Advisory Committee meeting at which Program Specialist Peg Rimler spoke on transition training, how students with special needs are prepared for life after school (a report he’d like to see presented at a Board meeting). The committee also discussed the new requirement that Special Ed. students must pass the California High School Exit Exam in order to receive a diploma and the Every Child Holds Opportunity (ECHO) Coalition, a group of school leaders, teachers and parents promoting the need for services and funding for students with special needs. He announced that the District’s “You Make a Difference” award ceremony will be held on March 5 at Mountain View Elementary School and invited everyone to attend the annual parent conference, “Parents’ Day Out,” on the first Saturday in February at Concord High.

 

Mayo provided updates on several items of federal legislation. She announced that on December 29 Congress did pass legislation to extend the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) through March 2009. As a result, uninsured children in California will continue to receive benefits. The legislation includes a six-month extension to continue Medicare reimbursements to school districts.

 

Treece said she is honored to be serving as president of the Board in 2008. On behalf of her fellow Board members, she thanked Eberhart for his service as president in 2007, guiding the District through a number of challenges while also stopping to recognize a variety of student and staff accomplishments. She noted that there are significant challenges ahead in 2008. The District continues to negotiate in good faith with the employee bargaining units and to make hard decisions about budget cuts. She announced that on Thursday the Governor will announce the state’s financial circumstances. She looks forward to hearing staff report on the impact of his budget proposal on the District. In addition to looking at challenges in 2008, the Board will join with school staffs and students in celebrating their achievements. The Board will also have conversations with community, through meetings in high school feeder pattern groups, about District services and hold study sessions to look intensely at District programs and issues of transformation. She concluded, “A lot of hard work and dedication will be invested this year to make sure all students and families are served with excellence by the Mt. Diablo Unified School District.” She announced that Dr. Willard Daggett, an internationally acclaimed educational futurist, will be speaking the following evening at Northgate High’s Little Theater. The event is sponsored by Mt. Diablo Adult Education.

 

5.3  Issues of Concern

 

6.       PUBLIC COMMENT

James Wogan, administrator of school-linked services, said that during the holiday season he put out a call for donations to students and families in the Homeless Outreach Program for Education (HOPE) and the Foster Youth Program. The response included 300 gift cards, 20 cases of non-perishable food, cash and checks, one for $10,000, from employees throughout the District—teachers, secretaries, administrators, Board members—and community members. He said it was “heartwarming” to see the response and gave special tanks to Lori Amenta at the Dent Center and to Linda Schuler and her staff at Bancroft Elementary for their efforts with the collections.

 

Tamara Helfer, parent who started a blog in support of competitive compensation for teachers, reported that majority of visitors to the blog support increasing teacher compensation. She provided statistics to show that neither the District’s nor MDEA’s contract proposals will achieve parity with other school districts in three years. She voiced support for a parcel tax and encouraged the Board and Administration to work with financial consultants and parents to revise the District budget and find money to increase salaries. John Parker, parent, voiced support for the Board, superintendent, staff and students in the District. Alma Johnson, teacher, described the benefits and satisfaction of being a teacher and the difficulties she faces in paying medical expenses for her mother on her salary. She urged the Board to settle the teachers’ contract. Elaine Murphy, teacher, complained about the “glacial pace” of teacher contract negotiations. She told the Board to direct staff to settle the contract no later than January 28, 2008.

 

7.       COMMUNICATIONS: None

 

8.       REPORTS/INFORMATION: None

 

9.       SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

McHenry said it’s time for Board and staff members to get out into the District communities to hear from parents, staff, and students. He suggested a series of community meetings to invite public comment on a variety of District issues: curriculum, transportation, and food services, to name a few.

 

10.    BUSINESS

10.1   Public Hearing and Recommendation on Possible Budget Reductions

At its December 11, 2007, meeting the Board of Education began approving budget reductions to pay for unanticipated expenses and to meet compensation demands by employee groups. McHenry went through the report he presented at the December meeting and reviewed the items on the list of proposed reductions, showing those that the Board approved in that session.

 

Public hearing   Treece opened the hearing at 8:20 p.m. Roy Larkin, parent, said that given the state budget crisis, it’s time to take a full look at the budget and employee needs and to identify and cut discretionary expenditures such as for travel and meals. Richard Cox, custodial supervisor at Ygnacio Valley High, spoke of the value of custodial supervisors at the school sites. He said he would forego a raise in order for employees to keep their jobs. Mike Huff, custodial supervisor at College Park High, said one of the 17 custodial supervisor positions was cut three years ago, and it did not work. He described the duties of the position. With no other requests to speak, Treece closed the public hearing.

 

Board announcement    Treece announced that the cost for one of the vacant positions the Board agreed to reduce at the previous meeting, the senior secretary in the Curriculum and Instruction Department, is $61,000, not the $51,000 listed on that agenda.

 

Recommendations   McHenry had divided the list of possible budget reductions into five groups for Board consideration. In December the Board approved Group 1 and all but one item in Group II. At this time he recommended that the Board approve the following reductions:

Group II: (item not approved on 12/11/0)

Item #

Item

Unrestricted

Budget

Restricted

Budget

20A

Eliminate one (1) Custodial Roving Crew

§    2 PM Custodians

§    1 Custodial Leadworker

$172,066

 

Group III: effective July 2008

Item #

Item

Unrestricted Budget

2

Three (3) Elementary Vice Principals

$264,768

12

Reduce Two (2) Psychologists

$193,242

13

Reduce 15 Regular Teachers over formula

$829,351

14

Reduce two (2) Resource Teachers

$110,580

15

Reduce two (2) Speech Language Pathologists

$120,439

16

Reduce three (3) Special Education Teachers
because of small class size

$165,870

 

                                                                               Total

$1,695,100

Group V

Item #

Item

Unrestricted Budget

38

Transfer all lottery proceeds to the Unrestricted General Fund for 2007-08, 2008-09, and 2009-2010 estimated at $350,000 a year for a total of $1,050,000 for the three years. This increases the amount reduced on December 11, 2007, by an additional $200,000 a year for a total of $600,000 additional over the three years.

$200,000

39

Transfer $25,000 of Adult Education lottery proceeds to the Unrestricted General Fund for 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-2010 for a total of $75,000 of one-time money over the three years.

$25,000

40

Freeze Chief Financial Officer position until June 30, 2008, for a one-time savings of $40,000.

$40,000

 

Board discussion

Strange explained that, based on a formula set in the 1970s and because MDUSD does not have a parcel tax, the District has the lowest per student Unrestricted Revenue of all school districts in Contra Costa County. With revenues non-competitive, it is not surprising that the District’s salaries are non-competitive, he said. The Board’s only option for increasing salaries is to “reprioritize the budget.” With 86 percent of the budget allocated for personnel, some positions must be cut. He said the ultimate solution is to change the revenue situation as there is no question that Board members want to improve employee compensation. Assuming the District receives all the money it is projected to receive from the state, he noted, it will still be necessary to cut $4-6 million over two years to fund the contract proposals on the table. If the offers are increased or the District receives less money from the state due to the state budget crisis, the budget must be cut even more. He added that budget decisions must also factor in the cost in decreased revenue due to the District’s declining enrollment. Encouraging everyone to work together for a parcel tax, he said, “It’s us against our budget situation, not us against each other.”

 

Referring to Item 20A in Group II, Eberhart said cutting custodial services “seems insane to me,” noting that a 2004 study of custodial services recommended custodial teams. He wants to see cuts that do not affect students, but all will have some impact. Reducing the budget is a “hard task for the Board,” he said, but the Board must follow good business practices and provide competitive salaries “to attract the best and the brightest.” He commented that if the Governor and Legislature decide to cut into what is owed to the District this year, the cuts will be even more drastic. That said, he stated that he cannot support cuts to custodial services as they are part of maintaining and safe and healthy environment for students.

 

Allen agreed with Eberhart about the value of custodial services. However, he said, the Governor today announced that every department must take a 10 percent cut. In addition, he reported, in speaking of educational reform, the Governor said California will be first state in the nation to deal with school districts that have not met NCLB guidelines for 5 years in a row. If districts have already spent this year’s money from the state, they will receive a fraction of what they are due next year, Allen remarked. He said, “I hate to make cuts, but there is no choice.”

 

Mayo noted that between 2002 and 2005 the Board made $13 million in cuts to maintain a balanced budget, affecting many programs and services. In 2006 the Board was able to add back many programs and provide additional compensation to employees. As the state budget changes, school districts and their boards have to take actions as needed.

 

Treece, referring to the budget cuts of 2002-2005, said it was “a painful period from which we still haven’t recovered.” A school district being a service organization, she remarked that every employee affects students in some way.

 

Board Action re: remaining item in Group II

Allen moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 4-1-0 (Eberhart, no) to approve 20A, eliminating one Custodial Roving Crew.

 

Board Action re: Group III
Eberhart moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve all items in Group III.

 

Board Action re: Group V
After agreeing to Eberhart’s friendly amendment to consider Item #40 (freezing Chief Financial Officer position) separately, Mayo moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve Items 38 and 39 in Group V.

 

Eberhart, noting that CFO Gloria Gamblin is retiring at the end of January, said the District should fill the position as quickly as possible. McHenry said the position is advertised to be filled by July 1, 2008. Given the Governor’s budget proposal and the positions that have been added in the Fiscal and Personnel departments to carry out many responsibilities, he believes staff can handle the position’s being vacant until July. Mayo said the position can be frozen now and if a qualified candidate is found before July, the superintendent can ask the Board to unfreeze it. Eberhart expressed concern that freezing the position will delay the search for a new CFO. McHenry said candidates for this position typically do not begin looking for a job until late spring.

 

Board Action re: Item #40

Mayo moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt Item #40 in Group III.

 

Discussion re: Group IV

McHenry said he was making no recommendation on the items in Group IV at this time. In response to Eberhart, he said items 18 (bilingual instructional assistant) and 19 (campus supervisors) are funded by General Fund money that the Board approved for high-poverty schools in 2006. Staff is looking to see if there is other funding to support these positions. Also in response to Eberhart, McHenry said he is not ready to specify an amount that can be reduced by implementing a new policy regarding employee use of cellular phones. More studies are needed to determine how much money can be saved. Again in response to Eberhart, McHenry said staff are looking at caseloads for Behavioral Specialists before determining a specific cost savings.

 

10.2   Consider Approval of Petition by “Northgate Parents for Transfer,” a Group of Walnut Creek Parents, to Transfer Schools and Property from the Mt. Diablo Unified School District to Other School Districts that Serve the City of Walnut Creek

McHenry reported that Ruth Carver, a parent who lives in Walnut Creek and head of Northgate Parents for Transfer, submitted the following request for Board consideration:

PETITIONERS RUTH CARVER AND "NORTHGATE PARENTS FOR TRANSFER" HEREBY REQUEST pursuant to Education Code sections 35721(1)(c) and 35709(b)(2), that you consent to this Agenda item:

That K-8 schools located in City of Walnut Creek (Foothill Middle, Bancroft Elementary, Eagle Peak Elementary, Valle Verde Elementary and Walnut Acres Elementary) should be transferred from Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) to Walnut Creek School District (WCSD); and that Northgate High School located in City of Walnut Creek should be transferred from MDUSD to Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD).

The territory transferred from MDUSD shall include the city limits of Walnut Creek, and the current boundary of the 3 elementary schools (Bancroft, Valle Verde and Walnut Acres).  Students residing outside that that boundary who are attending Eagle Peak (a charter school), Foothill Middle or Northgate High School may be “grandfathered” to continue to attend those schools, or may apply for an inter-district transfer.

FURTHER, PETITIONERS HEREBY REQUEST that each and any Board member who denies this Agenda item, shall state their reasons on the record of the January 8, 2008 MDUSD Board meeting.

McHenry pointed out that MDUSD has served the City of Walnut Creek for more than 50 years and provided the following information about the schools in question:

School

Capacity

October 2007 Enrollment

Northgate High

1578

1516

Foothill Middle

1093

1081

Bancroft Elementary

606

402

*Eagle Peak Montessori

180

175

Valle Verde Elementary

654

544

Walnut Acres Elementary

630

685

                          TOTAL

4741

4403

*Eagle Peak is a charter school approved by the MDUSD Board in 2000. It has its own Board of Directors and draws students from throughout the District.

If the six schools were transferred, the District would lose the buildings, land, staff, and students. The projected cost of the land, school buildings and equipment would be more than $50,000,000. The potential loss of Average Daily Attendance (ADA) on an annual basis would be 4,403 students x .96 (the attendance rate for the affected schools) x $5,779.67 (the revenue limit per ADA) = $24,429,971. In addition, 354 students who live in Walnut Creek choose to attend elementary and secondary schools in other areas of the District. They would subsequently have to apply for Inter District Transfers in order to attend these schools.

 

Students in MDUSD’s Walnut Creek schools have done well academically, as shown by their Academic Performance Index (API) over the last six years. The statewide standard is 800.

Schools

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Northgate High

801

827

823

836

827

831

Foothill Middle

852

868

867

876

880

890

Bancroft Elementary

871

911

907

901

888

861

Eagle Peak Montessori

663

779

799

858

875

893

Valle Verde Elementary

886

908

909

933

929

921

Walnut Acres Elementary

885

910

910

920

927

922

 

In addition to its API rank, over the last six years each school (with the exception of Eagle Peak, which is applying this year) has been designated a State of California Distinguished School. Foothill Middle and Walnut Acres Elementary were also each named as a federal No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon school with the last three years.

 

McHenry concluded, “There is simply no reason for the Board of Education to approve this petition. Students have been served well and are achieving at a high level. The financial impact on our schools during a state wide budget crisis would be devastating as well. I recommend the Board deny approval of this petition.”

 

Public comment   Ruth Carver, parent, said petition is “to correct a mistake that was made 50 years ago,” when half the City of Walnut Creek was not included in the MDUSD boundary. She said parents in support of this petition hope to place it as an initiative on the November 2008 ballot. She listed several reason for removing the schools located in Walnut Creek from MDUSD: 1) Walnut Creek is, under the law, a geographic, political, and social unit; 2) the district administration is too big for economies of scale and not efficient; 3) the Walnut Creek Elementary School District is too small for economies of scale; 4) though MDUSD would lose state revenue, it would have fewer expenses; 5) MDUSD, with its larger budget, has more cushion to deal with decreases in funding than the Walnut Creek and Acalanes districts, where, as with MDUSD, enrollment is declining. 6) schools in the Acalanes district have higher API scores than Northgate. She submitted a sampling of a petition she has been circulating on this issue and asked the Board to approve the transfer.

 

Mike Voss, parent and Concord resident who lives in the Foothill and Northgate attendance areas, said it would be fiscally irresponsible for the Board to make a decision that would cause the District to lose the amount of money the transfer would cost. Lisa Dell’Anno, parent, said all Walnut Creek children should be able to attend schools together so they have the same schedules for their school and extracurricular activities. Dodie Katague, Northgate parent, disagreed with the Superintendent that the District is serving Walnut Creek students well and listed a number of complaints about services to Northgate. He said Northgate parents are willing to support a parcel tax, but the rest of the District will not. Kevin Sullivan, president of the Eagle Peak Board, said he respects parents’ right to support the petition. Explaining that Eagle Peak is a charter school with a Montessori program that draws students from throughout the District, he said the Board was not consulted on the petition and is concerned about the impact of the boundary change on the program and its location. Marlene Penuela- Mackouse, Walnut Creek parent, voiced concerns about morale at Northgate High and in the community. She said the District is too large to do anything well. Sara Schroeder, Walnut Creek parent, said Walnut Creek schools are successful solely due to parents and teachers, not to the District administration. David Rafal, Concord resident, said many cities are served by different school districts. He noted that some Walnut Creek students attend MDUSD schools in Pleasant Hill and Concord and questioned whether the Walnut Creek and Acalanes districts would have room for them. Eric Anderson, Walnut Creek parent, said everyone would be better served if MDUSD were a smaller district. Ron Loza, Walnut Creek parent, read statistics to illustrate that the District is not serving students well academically. Susan Townsend, Northgate parent, said the school is severely overcrowded and not serving students well. Ed Wohlers, Walnut Creek parent, spoke against the petition, saying the students who remain in MDUSD after the Walnut Creek students leave would be adversely affected by the loss of revenue. Jo Sciarroni, Concord parent, while agreeing that the District is not well managed, said parents who live in the Northgate attendance area but not in Walnut Creek will be adversely affected. Paul Brounstein, Walnut Creek, parent, criticized the District for allowing Concord residents to attend Northgate and said the schools are good solely because of their parents. Bob Stuart, Concord parent, said the petition fails to address families who live in the Northgate attendance area but not in Walnut Creek. He questioned whether the small school districts receiving the students can handle the additional numbers. Shawn Kertel, Walnut Creek parent, said MDUSD is too large and Northgate has too many problems because of it.

 

Board comment

Eberhart said the Board’s responsibility is to educate students, to responsibly serve the District communities, and to maintain the District’s fiscal health. In looking at the rationale for and against the transfer as presented at this meeting and in e-mails to him, he has not seen any “proof positive” that transferring schools to Walnut Creek “lives up to my responsibility as a Board member and our responsibility as a Board of Education.” He acknowledged that parents who spoke and who signed the petition have legitimate concerns, which need to be addressed. However, so far he has seen 20 signatures on a petition and heard 15 speakers—not enough to convince him to move 4,500 students. Strange said that active and concerned parents, such as those who spoke at this meeting, are the ones needed to effect changes in the District, “but not these changes.” He stressed the need for a parcel tax, but took issue with statements that Walnut Creek is completely prepared to support one. According to survey results, the strongest support is in Pleasant Hill. He said the fundamental issue facing the District is revenue, an issue everyone must deal with together. In regard to the transfer petition, he said he’s heard from many people outside of this meeting who oppose it. He encouraged parents to put their energy into being supportive, not divisive. Treece remarked that she has not heard or read anything that would suggest that MDUSD would benefit from moving out the Walnut Creek schools.

 

Board action

Eberhart moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt the Superintendent’s recommendation to deny the petition to transfer schools located in Walnut Creek to the Walnut Creek Elementary and the Acalanes Union High School districts.

 

10.3   Appointment of Summer School Administrators

Mayo moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to appoint the following individuals as 2008 summer school administrators:

School                                                        Principal                           Vice Principal
Delta View Elementary                                 John Fox
Fair Oaks Elementary                                  Debbie Birnbaum
Highlands Elementary                                  Mary-Ann Tucker
Meadow Homes Elementary                         Vicki Eversole
Shore Acres Elementary                               Liz Kim
Sun Terrace Elementary                               Nina Mucher
Valhalla Elementary                                     Marji Calbeck
Woodside Elementary                                  Linda Schuler
Wren Avenue Elementary                             Sandra Seskin
Ygnacio Valley Elementary                           Allison Hutchins

Glenbrook Middle                                         Gary McAdam                  Dale Petrich
Pine Hollow Middle                                       Coleen Martin                   Ailene Lee
Riverview Middle/Mntl Health Col.                  Leyla Benson                   Brenda Beteta
Sequoia Middle/GATE                                  Nigel Debby
Valley View Middle/Perf. Arts                        Nadine Rosenzweig           Christine Huajardo
Pleasant Hill Middle/Mntl. Health Col. (VVMS)                                       Nadine Rosenzweig        Christine Huajardo

Mt. Diablo High/Alliance                               Absylom Sims                  Terry Dunn
Families First @ MDHS                                Absylom Sims                  Terry Dunn
Riverview High School                                   Leyla Benson                   Brenda Beteta
Ygnacio Valley High School                          Hugh Bursch                    Joe Alvarez/
                                                                                                         Spoogmai Habibi

Bridge @ Loma Vista                                   Marlowe Hirk
Robert Shearer PreK @ Greg. Gardens          Diane-Vierra-Lopez
Shadelands/Sunrise                                     Janelle Heley

 

10.4   Resolution 07/08-48 Relative to Elimination and Reduction of Classified Positions

Strange moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt Resolution 07/08-48, eliminating the following classified positions due to program modifications and budgetary limitations:

Number                Title                                                            Location

   2.8 FTE             Special Ed. Assistant (vacant)                      Various
   1.0                    Intermediate Typist Clerk                              Student Services
   1.0                    Personnel Assistant (vacant)                         Personnel
   1.0                    Secretary, Extended Year                             Special Ed.
   1.0                    Senior Account Clerk (vacant)                       Fiscal Services
   1.0                    Senior Secretary (vacant)                              Curriculum and Instruction
   1.0                    Groundskeeper/Gardener                              Pleasant Hill Ed. Center
   1.0                    Medium Equipment Operator (vacant)            M&O
   1.0                    Mobile Maintenance Team Worker                 M&O
   1.0                    Mobile Maintenance Team Leader                 M&O
   1.0                    Site Technology Support Tech.                      District Tech Services

 

10.5   Award of Bid 1491

Eberhart moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to award Bid 1491 to Valair-Carrier Corporation for the total amount of $1,847,212 to provide manufacturing/assembling and delivery of heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment at Bel Air and Rio Vista elementary schools, Oak Grove Middle School, and Concord High School. Funding Source:  Proposition 55

 

10.6   Board Committee Assignments—POSTPONED

Treece asked Board members to give her their preferences for committee assignments for the period of January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008.

 

10.7   Public Hearing on Eastbay Public Charter Academy Petition

A petition to form the Eastbay Public Charter Academy was submitted on November 9, 2007, to open a charter school in Bay Point to serve grades K-5. Education Code requires the Board to hold a public hearing following the submission.

 

Public hearing   Treece opened the public hearing at 10:23 p.m. Maryetta Golden, petitioner, described the school’s vision and mission. The school would serve students of all ability levels and cultures and provide a rigorous curriculum. With no other requests to speak, Treece closed the public hearing.

 

Staff will review the petition and provide a recommendation to the Board at a subsequent meeting.

 

10.8   Job Description for Fire Systems Technician

This job description has been developed to provide regularly available in-house programming on fire alarm panels. Presented only as information at this time, this item will be returned for action at a subsequent meeting.

 

10.9   Board Policy 5030 Student Wellness

The federal Child Nutrition and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Reauthorization Act of 2004 mandates that each district participating in the National School Lunch Program or any program in the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 including the School Breakfast Program, adopt a districtwide school wellness policy with specified components. Presented only as information at this time, this item will be returned for action at a subsequent meeting.

 

11.    ADJOURNMENT

Treece adjourned the meeting at 10:30 p.m.

 

                                                               

Gary McHenry, Secretary