BOARD MEETING: February 25, 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, Roger Bylund, Gail Isserman, and Dick Nicoll; and General Counsel Greg Rolen

1. CALL TO ORDER: President Treece called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the Board Room at the MDUSD Dent Center.

PUBLIC COMMENT: None

CLOSED SESSION: The Board adjourned to Closed Session at 5:01 p.m. in Room 6 at the Dent Center. Topics discussed included the superintendent’s evaluation; 4 expulsions, 38 requests for readmission); existing litigation (MDUSD Audit Appeal); anticipated litigation (two cases); and negotiations.

Readmission
Strange moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve the staff’s recommendation to readmit five students and deny readmission to 33 students who did not meet conditions.

Existing Litigation: MDUSD Audit Appeal
Strange moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to withdraw the District’s appeal before the Education Audit Appeals Panel (EEAP) based on the agreement of the California Department of Education and the Office of the State Controller that all Mt. Diablo Unified School District teachers were properly credentialed on their first day of teaching in the 2007-08 school year and that, therefore, the District shall not be assessed a penalty.

2. RECONVENE OPEN SESSION: The Board returned to Open Session in the Board Room at the Dent Center at 7:30 p.m. President Treece led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and reported the items discussed and actions taken in Closed Session.

Expulsions
Student 31-08: Strange moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 31-08 be expelled from all schools programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 31-08 may apply for readmission after January 2009. It is required that Student 31-08 participate in individual counseling, community service, the COPS program, write a 3-page essay or letter to Student Services Administrator explaining what he learned form this experience and what can be done to turn his life around, and show evidence of a successful school experience, prior to applying for readmission.

Expulsions
Student 32-08: Mayo moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 32-08 be expelled from all schools programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 32-08 may apply for readmission after January 2009. It is required that Student 32-08 participate in individual counseling, community service, the COPS program, the District’s Teen Drug and Alcohol Workshop, and show evidence of a successful school experience, prior to applying for readmission.

Expulsions
Student 33-08: Eberhart moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 33-08 be expelled from all schools programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 33-08 may apply for readmission after January 2009. It is required that Student 33-08 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.

Expulsions
Student 34-08: Allen moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 34-08 be expelled from all schools programs of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and that Student 34-08 may apply for readmission after January 2009. It is required that Student 34-08 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 Items 3.1, 3.6.3, and 3.10 for separate discussion, Mayo moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt the Consent Agenda, thereby approving the remaining items:

3.1 Minutes of the meeting of January 22, 2008—SEE SEPARATE ACTION, BELOW.

3.2 Certificated Personnel

3.2.1 Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements, Employment

3.2.2 Reduction of Full-Time Position (FTE) for the 2007-08 School Year

Eliminated a .40 FTE ROP teacher at Concord High and a .60 FTE teacher at Ygnacio Valley High, decreasing the expenditure budget of Categorical funds in the amount of $60,220 (Concord High: $24,088; Ygnacio Valley High: $36,132). Funding Source: Regional Occupational Program.

3.3 Classified Personnel

3.3.1 Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements, Employment

3.3.2 Funding Change for Senior Secretary in Curriculum and Instruction

Transferred funding for .40 of a .875 full-time, 11.5-month Senior Secretary in Curriculum and Instruction to the Teaching American History grant. Fiscal Impact: $13,679.84 in savings to the General Fund for fiscal year 2007-08 and $20,371 for a full year.

3.4 Monthly Budget Transfers and/or Budget Increases/Decreases for the Month of January 2008

3.5 Fiscal Transactions for January 2008

3.6 Grant Application Requests/Acceptance

3.6.1 Smaller Learning Community Grants

Approved submittal of an application to the U.S. Department of Education for a five-year grant to establish and expand Smaller Learning Communities at all six comprehensive high schools. If funded, the grant will provide $1,500,000 annually for a total of $7,500,000 over five years.

3.6.2 County Technology Academy Grant (CTAG)

Accepted the following donations from the Contra Costa County Office of Education and the Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation: $8,000 to Valley View Middle School and $8,000 to Prospect Necessary Small High School for a total of $16,000 for the 2007-08 school year. There is no cost to the General Fund.

3.6.3 Early Reading First Program Grant—SEE SEPARATE ACTION, BELOW

3.6.4 School Community Violence Prevention Program Grant

Approved submittal of an application to the California Department of Education for a five-year grant to establish and expand violence prevention and intervention services at Mt. Diablo High School. If funded, the grant will provide $100,000 annually for a total of $500,000 over five years.

3.7 Final Change Order to Bid 1470 Contract C-860, Biland Construction Company

Approved final change order to Bid 1470, Contract C-860 to Biland Construction Company in the amount of $1,530, for installation of electrical service upgrades at Silverwood, Strandwood, and Westwood elementary schools. Funding Source: Measure C

3.8 Notice of Completion to Bid 1470, Contract C-860 Biland Construction Company

Approved Notice of Completion to Contract C-860, Bid 1470 to Biland Construction Company in the amount of $465,530, for electrical upgrades at Silverwood, Strandwood, and Westwood elementary schools. Funding Source: Measure C

3.9 Award of Bids

3.9.1 Award of Bid 1498 to Kel-Tec Builders, Inc., in the amount of $120,125, to provide ADA doorway improvements at Ayers and Monte Gardens elementary schools. Funding Source: Measure C

3.9.2 Award of Bid 1499 to Sposeto Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $249,288, to provide the concrete flatwork repair at Ayers, Meadow Homes, and Pleasant Hill elementary schools; Sunrise Center and College Park High School. Funding Source: Deferred Maintenance

3.10 Consider Increasing Spending Authority for the Contracts between MDUSD Behavioral Intervention Association (BIA) and Inside Out—SEE SEPARATE ACTION, BELOW

SEPARATE ACTION

3.1 Minutes of the meeting of January 22, 2008
In response to Eberhart and on behalf of McHenry, secretary to the Board, Senior Administrative Assistant/Communications Specialist Susan Berg explained that the minutes were reported in more detail than usual due to the nature of the announcements by Board members Eberhart and Strange during Board reports. Having recorded those announcements in detail, Berg said she thought it necessary to record all Board members’ comments in detail. She expressed the hope that such detail would be a one-time occurrence. Mayo then moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve the minutes of the January 22, 2008, Board meeting.

3.6.3 Early Reading First Program Grant
In response to Strange, Grant Writer Stephanie Roberts said classes funded by this grant will not require any additional space at their respective sites. Strange then moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve submittal of an application to the U.S. Department of Education for a three-year grant to establish and expand new preschool classes at four elementary schools (Cambridge, Meadow Homes, Rio Vista and Shore Acres). If funded, grant will provide $500,000 annually for a total of $1,500,000 over three years. There is no impact to the General Fund.

3.11 Consider Increasing Spending Authority for the Contracts between MDUSD Behavioral Intervention Association (BIA) and Inside Out

Strange noted that expenses for non-public schools have been higher than budgeted. Mildred Browne said there is sufficient money is this budget (1661) to pay this expense, but the amount of each contract is above what she is authorized to approve and must be presented to the Board. Strange then moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to extend the contractual limit to $35,000 for a contract with BIA and one with Inside Out to provide behavioral health services as required by student Individual Educational Plans. Fiscal Impact: $70,000 Funding Source: Non-Public Agencies (1661)

4. RECOGNITIONS

McHenry announced that the Board is being recognized this Thursday, February 28, by the California Middle Grades Alliance for its support of middle school staff, students, and programs.

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)

Strange expressed concern that over the past three years the District has been spending more each year on non-public school contracts, but the budget for that expense has not been large enough.

Mayo reported that she and Strange attended a meeting of the Safe and Drug Free Task Force, which is looking at how to bring conflict resolution to middle schools. She visited Shore Acres Elementary, where saw teachers engaged in collaborative instruction and evaluators reviewing it. Recently in Sacramento participating in PTA advocacy efforts, she learned that the state Legislative Analyst’s Office has reported that the state budget shortfall is now 16 rather than 14 billion dollars. She also visited Bancroft Elementary, which is preparing for a visit from the Distinguish School evaluation team, and attended the Black Families Association Scholarship Dinner last Saturday, where scholarships for 18 students were announced. She gave out two web sites that provide state budget information that is specific to children and education: www.c.b.p.org (the California Budget Project) and www.pta.org (the national PTA). She listed some cuts being proposed in the federal budget.

Eberhart took issue with articles by Treece, Allen, and McHenry that recently appeared in local newspapers and that presented a positive view of the District. He listed reasons to support his belief that the District is not doing well and that the Superintendent should resign. He said he will continue to engage the community in conversations about the school district.

Allen said he stands by the article he and Treece co-authored because he believes the District is moving forward. He reported on attending State Senator Tom Torlakson’s committee hearing on Career Technical Education, held at Mt. Diablo High School. The testimony stressed the importance of relevance, rigor, and relationships, which MDUSD has been engaged in for many years.

Treece said the headline on a profile of her in a local newspaper did not accurately reflect her comments to the reporter. She reported on attending the State Senate committee hearing on Career Technical Education. She said it was disheartening to hear about significant cuts occurring to career tech ed. investments in the state, but good to know of the tremendous work going on in MDUSD to insure that students learn how core subjects relate to their application in the real world. She praised Judy Moon, retired administrator of the Serendipity program, for her testimony and maintenance staff for preparing for the hearing. She announced the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce crab feed coming up, welcomed Federal Glover as the new chair of the County Board of Supervisors, and said she enjoyed the Black Families Association dinner, remarking that the organization “is integral to supporting children in a holistic way.”

5.3 Issues of Concern

6. PUBLIC COMMENT

Jessie Goldberg, grandmother of a Special Education student, recounted incidents to support her belief that the District is not adequately serving her granddaughter. Chelsea Weiss, student, provided a first-hand account of the examples her grandmother had given. Three MDUSD middle school principals, Denise Rugani of Riverview who is also a MDUSD graduate, Linda Hutcherson of Foothill who has worked in the District for 6 of her 35 years in education, and Jonathan Roselin of Pleasant Hill who is also a parent and former teacher in the District, each described positive changes they have seen in the District and at school sites under the current leadership team. Neola Crosby, community member representing a number of faith-based groups in the area, spoke in support of Superintendent McHenry, saying everyone needs to work together within the District and with others to fight state budget cuts.

7. COMMUNICATIONS: None

8. REPORTS/INFORMATION: Advanced Placement/Pre-Honors/Honors Courses

Vivian Boyd, director of curriculum and instruction, reported on advanced classes offered to students. Highlights:

• Process for Adding AP Classes

• Each participating school designates an AP Coordinator

• Coordinator helps teachers develop AP Course of Study and approval from the College Board, a non-profit association founded in 1900 whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity; among its best-known programs are the SAT®, the PSAT/NMSQT®, and the Advanced Placement Program® (AP®).

• 37 AP course descriptions are available from the College Board

• MDUSD offers 20 AP courses

• AP Testing Coordination

• Two retired teachers coordinate the MDUSD AP testing

• Work on a post-retirement contract; post-retirement contracts were cut for next year

• AP Coordinator manages receipt, distribution, administration, and return of AP materials

• Total Test Takers (Contra Costa County Office of Education data)

2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006

MDUSD 696 780 893

County 4,456 5,135 5,600

State 165,164 183,365 196,852

• Number of Exams Scoring 3 and Above (Contra Costa County Office of Education data)
Note: students may take more than one test.

2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006

MDUSD 769 930 864

County 4,456 5,135 5,600

State 169,753 184,498 202,714

• AP Enrollment (MDUSD data

2006-07 2007-08

Clayton Valley 415 419

College Park 892 738

Concord 320 295

Mt. Diablo 102 163

Northgate 442 311

Ygnacio Valley 256 240

Total 2,427 2,166

• Enrollment in Honors Classes (2007-2008 MSUSD data)

CVHS CPHS CHS MDHS NHS YVHS Total

Chem I............................. 28.............. 26............ 33.................. 49.......... 89................ 49............ 274

English III........................ 81.............. 80.......... 100.................. 81.......... 60................ 56............ 458

English IV.............................................................. 67.................................. 66.................................. 133

French IV......................... 11.............. 12............... 8..................... 2.................................................... 33

French V................................................................................................................................. 1................. 1

German V............................................. 2................. ..................................... 5..................... ................. 7

CVHS CPHS CHS MDHS NHS YVHS Total

Physics............................ 65............. 23............... 7.................. 34.......... 45..................... ............ 174

Pre-Calc.......................... 25............ 115.......... 101.................. 30........ 105................ 65............ 441

Spanish IV............................................... ............ 29.................. 31.................................................... 60

Spanish V.......................................................................................... ................................... 4................. 4

Spanish ............................................ 22.......................................................................................... 22

............................................................................................................................................................................. 1,574

Boyd noted that enrollment dropped this year. Vice principals, who oversee the program, work with students ahead of time to make sure they understand the demands of the advanced class. At some schools students can preview an AP class in the spring before selecting the next year’s classes. She pointed out that many parents can no longer afford a university tuition, so their students are going to community college, where AP courses not needed for admission.

Board comment In response to Mayo, Boyd said preparation of an AP course syllabus is challenging and can take a teacher months of time. The College Board does work with the teacher on the project. The AP test is based on the content of the syllabus. Students use district-adopted texts and supplemental materials. Eberhart asked for data for the years prior to 2005-06. In response to Strange, Boyd said teachers must have three years of experience and an approved syllabus in order to teach an AP course. Young said AP training is available to teachers. In response to Allen, Boyd said an AP course leads to a test that counts for college credit; an honors course is simply a more rigorous class. Allen noted that pre-Honors courses are intended to prepare students for more rigorous classes. In response to Treece, Boyd said the District has not traditionally offered pre-AP courses. Treece wondered if pre-Honors and Honors classes can serve as pre-AP classes. She noted that the District had a grant a few years ago to increase student access to AP classes. She asked if there are data to show more students opting in to AP classes than opting out, particularly as a result of the grant. She wants assurance that it is not the institution that discourages students from taking more rigorous courses.

9. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

McHenry thanked the people who spoke in support of the District and on his behalf earlier in the meeting. He said he is spending his time trying to find ways to cope with the budget crisis. It is going to impact every program and people are going to lose their jobs. Cutting the budget is not something anyone wants to do. The proposed cuts on this meeting’s agenda will not reach the $14 million goal. “Now is the time to look at what we can do collectively,” he said.

10. BUSINESS

10.1 Public Hearing and Plan of Action to Address Decrease in Revenue from the State of California

With the Governor’s proposed cuts to K-12 grade education, funding for public education is expected to be reduced by $4.4 billion statewide. For Mt. Diablo, the proposal means a reduction of approximately $129 per ADA from Revenue Limits, $30 per ADA from Special Education, and $146 per ADA from Categorical budgets. The total loss in revenue from 2007-08 to 2008-09 is estimated to be $305 per ADA. To maintain a balanced budget in light of the Governor’s proposed budget, the Board and District staff must prepare to reduce expenditures significantly.

Staff report McHenry used a Power Point presentation to explain the impact of the Governor’s proposal on the District. He said it is time to begin working again on parcel tax, a mechanism other districts are using to increase revenue. Ask our public, what programs are you willing to support on a short-term basis?

Public hearing Treece opened the public hearing at 9:07 p.m. Monica Maddern, Northgate High choral music teacher, said it would be difficult for students to fulfill college prep requirements if “A” period is not offered and they are limited to a 6-period day. Steve Shaw, parent, said the state has a lot of money for education; districts spend too much on administrative overhead and not enough on teachers. With no other requests to speak on this item, Treece closed the hearing at 9:17 p.m.

10.2 Consider Approval of Budget Reductions

Beginning in November 2007, the District began a process of budget reductions to provide compensation for all employees. As of January the Board of Education had approved expenditure reductions by approximately $3.5 million. On January 10, Governor Schwarzenegger declared a statewide fiscal crisis because of a reported $14.5 budget deficit. Since school districts and all public agencies receive some funding from the state, the budget shortfall has a tremendous impact. The entire education budget has to be reduced by $4.6 billion in 2008-09. Mt. Diablo Unified School District will have to reduce expenses by $14 million. This is in addition to the $3.5 million already reduced.

Funding Sources: General Purpose

Special Education

Routine Restricted Maintenance Account

Recommendation

Approve the following items: 8, 13, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 35, 41, 42, 51, 52, 53

Board/Staff comment McHenry reported that certificated positions must be considered first in order to meet the legally required March 15 deadline for notifying certificated employees that their position may be reduced or eliminated in the upcoming school year. Before considering cuts to positions, he is trying to do fund shifts. The District’s Second Interim Report, which includes budget projections over the next three years, is due to the County Office of Education on March 18. In response to Mayo, he explained that MDUSD receives $5,700 per student attendance day in state Revenue Limit funding and approximately $700 per student for Special Education and categorical funding for assorted programs (e.g., federal money for Title programs).

Public comment Alana Israel Samuels, parent, voiced support for elementary instrumental music and campus supervisor time at Oak Grove Middle. Rhys Miller, curriculum specialist overseeing the beginning teachers and peer support programs, described the value of those programs. Maryannette Venti, teacher, spoke of the importance of elementary instrumental music and questioned the cost-effectiveness of 20 students per teacher in Grades K-3. Mundy Viar, music teacher, announced several music accomplishments in the District and cited sources validating the importance of music instruction. Margaret Vercammen, parent, voiced support for instrumental music and for retaining “A” period. Lizbeth Brown, Concord High music and performing arts student, described the importance of those programs in her life. Deb Heinzmann, parent who has been working in the School-Linked Services program, said she has seen school psychologists provide essential services to students. Kavitha Narayan, parent and president of Northgate Instrumental Music Board, spoke in favor of elementary instrumental music and “A” period.

Board comment Strange said the task before the Board is “unbelievably difficult.” California is 46^th in per pupil spending, and “we were already in a giant hole before having to consider budget cuts.” He agreed that a 7-period day is important. He asked for help in getting the message to the state that the District cannot afford these cuts. He said that because of mandates, the Board must look at everything that is eligible to be cut, not because anyone wants to but because there is no choice. Mayo said the Governor has espoused no tax increases. She pointed out that the amount that could be raised by the vehicle license fee the Governor eliminated when he took office would make cuts to education and other programs for families and children unnecessary. She encouraged the public to review ideas for revenue enhancements and discuss them with state policy makers, asking them to work to restore funding to public education. Eberhart noted that the state is imposing cuts on public education and parks, but unwilling to levy taxes on residents who own luxury yachts. He encouraged the public to examine the voting records of their state legislators. He said he was happy to see people come to the Board meeting and advocate for programs they think are important. He asked for historical data on the District’s special education funding. In response to Eberhart, McHenry said the cost per teaching position is based on an average; per classified position, on the actual cost of the position in question. Also in response to Eberhart, McHenry said he may not end up recommending all the items on the list. He’s trying to make recommendations in stages in hopes that the state legislators will come up with a way to lessen the amount that needs to be reduced. Allen pointed out that legislators consider district staff and Board members to be “special interests” and are more open to listening to parents. He encouraged the public to contact their representatives. He said the job is difficult and needs everyone working together to get through it. Treece said the 18 school districts in Contra Costa County must cut $65 million. She appreciated student Lizbeth Brown’s comments about the devastation budget cuts can cause. She said the District hasn’t recovered from the $14 million that had to be cut between 2003 and 2005, and now must face another $14 million. The Board is required by law to produce a three-year balanced budget even as it faces a moving target in the amount that actually must be cut.

Board action

Item 8: Eliminate remaining Mobile Maintenance team--1 Mobile Maintenance Leadworker; 1 Mobile Maintenance Team Workers

Eberhart moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve. Fiscal impact: $181,837

Item 13: Reduce contracted Behavioral Services in 2008-09 by 20% by adding 1.0 Educational Consultant Behavioral Management Specialist. Cost in 2006-07 $683,579.

Allen moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve. Fiscal impact: $124,800

Item 26: Staff to caseload for five (5) Special Education Teachers.

Mayo moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to staff to approve. Fiscal impact: $276,450

Item 27: Reduce all Special Education Assistants that are not legally mandated.

Strange moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve. Fiscal impact: $99,000 (Approx. 3 FTE)

Item 28: Transfer all staffing costs for 5.0 FTE groundskeepers from General Fund to Measure A pass through.

Eberhart moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve. Fiscal impact: $274,893

Item 29: Transfer fractional staffing costs from programs 5200, 5500, and 5505 to 5110, 5150, 5170 to Routine Restricted Maintenance

Allen moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve. Fiscal impact: $100,000

Item 30: Freeze Director of Technology Application position for 2008-09 and 2009-10

Mayo moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve. Fiscal impact: $122,429

Item 32: Eliminate Director of Research and Evaluation position; provide enough General Fund revenue to reinstate the Research Specialist position, funded 80% General Fund and 20% Testing Budget.

Strange moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve. Fiscal impact: $30,000

Item 33: Suspend Elementary Vice Principal staffing formula AR 4113.11 for two years, 2008-09 and 2009-10. Reduce all Elementary Vice Principals at schools under 700 enrollment.

Allen moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 4-2-0 (Eberhart, Strange, no) to approve. Fiscal impact: $529,536 (6.0 Elementary Vice Principals at $88,256.)

Item 35: Suspend High School Vice Principal staffing formula. Assign all high schools 3.0 Vice Principals. Net effect, reduction of 1.0 Vice Principal position.

Mayo moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve. Fiscal impact: $102,833

Item 42: Reduce 0.80 elementary librarians because of enrollment decline and adherence to elementary prep. period staffing formulas.

Strange moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve. Fiscal impact: $44,000

Item 51: Transfer 10% of the cost of Custodial Supervisors I and II to the Routine Restricted Maintenance account ($7,000 per position - 17 positions)

Item 52: Transfer 5% of the cost of all Custodial Leadworkers I and II to the Routine Restricted Maintenance account. ($2,500 per position - 17 positions)

Item 53: Transfer 5% of the cost of all elementary head custodians to the Routine Restricted Maintenance account ($4,000 per position - 33 positions)

Eberhart moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve. Fiscal impact: $119,000 for #51; $52,500 for #52; $132,000 for #53.

10.3 Resolution 07/08-63 Women’s History Month – March 2008

Allen moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt Resolution 07/08-63, acknowledging the California Department of Education’s designation of March as Women’s History Month and recognizing the many contributions made by women in the formation of American History.

10.4 Resolution 07/08-64 Arts Education Month – March 2008

Strange moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt Resolution 07/08-64 acknowledging the California Department of Education’s designation of March as Arts Education Month and recognizing the importance of celebrating the arts with meaningful student activities and programs.

10.5 Resolution 07/08-66 Week of the School Administrator

Mayo moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt Resolution 07/08-66, acknowledging the California Department of Education’s designation of March 3-7, 2008, as the Week of the School Administrator and recognizing the administrators of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District for their support of and contributions to the quality of education in MDUSD. Isserman announced that a reception to recognize and thank all District managers will be held on March 5 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Serendipity Restaurant.

10.6 Appointment of Summer School Administrator

Strange moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to appoint Ean Ainsworth as summer school vice principal at Mt. Diablo High.

10.7 Mobile School-Based Health Clinics

Strange moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 4-1-0 (Treece, no) to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with Contra Costa Health Services to provide mobile school-based health clinics, which will rotate among campuses providing up to 20 hours of services per week. The campuses to be served are: Fair Oaks, Ygnacio Valley, Cambridge and Meadow Homes elementary schools; Glenbrook and Oak Grove middle schools; and Mt. Diablo and Ygnacio Valley high schools. There is no impact to the General Fund. Presented as information at the February 8 Board meeting, this item was returned for action at this time. Treece said she sees the tremendous value of these clinics but cannot support providing services to young students without parental permission.

10.8 Riverview Middle School Voluntary Uniform Dress Code

Eberhart moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve the request from Riverview Middle School to implement a voluntary uniform dress code. Board Policy and Administrative Rule 5132 provide the policy and procedures for implementing a voluntary uniform dress code.

10.9 Shore Acres Elementary School Voluntary School Uniform Dress Code

Strange moved, Mayo seconded, and Board voted 5-0-0 to approve the request from Shore Acres Elementary to implement a voluntary uniform dress code. Board Policy and Administrative Rule 5132 provide the policy and procedures for implementing a voluntary uniform dress code.

10.10 Resolution 07/08-64 Relative to the Elimination of Classified Positions

Allen moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt Resolution 07/08-64, eliminating the following classified positions in the Fiscal Services Department due to program modifications and budgetary limitations: one full-time Chief Financial Officer (vacant), one full-time Director of Budget and Accounting, and one full-time Senior Account Clerk (vacant). The leadership of Local One, CST, was advised of this action. Fiscal Impact: Savings to the General Fund of $29,298.29 for fiscal year 2007-08. Funding Source: General Fund

10.11 Resolution 07/08-65 Dedication of Easements at Pleasant Hill Education Center

Treece opened the public hearing at 10:45 p.m. With no requests to speak, she closed the hearing.

Board action Strange moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt Resolution 07/08-65, dedicating an easement at the Pleasant Hill Education Center to the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District pursuant to the process specified under Education Code Section 15556. Mayo thanked M&O Director Pete Pedersen for the MOU to the Park District.

10.12 2008 California School Board’s Association (CSBA) Delegate Assembly Election

Allen moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted to cast its ballot for Subregion 7-A representatives on the 2008 CSBA Delegate Assembly to the three incumbents: Laura Canciamilla (Pittsburg USD), Kathi McLaughlin (Martinez USD), and Joyce Seelinger (Antioch USD).

10.13 Job Description for Director, Fiscal Services

A revised job description for Director, Fiscal Services, was presented only as information at this time. The item will be returned for action at a subsequent meeting.

10.14 Review of Board Policy 6146.1(a) – High School Graduation Requirements

Board Policy and Rule 6146.1, High School Graduation Requirements and Physical Education, were presented for review and clarification at this time. They will be returned for action at a subsequent meeting.

Public comment Mike Noce, MDEA president, suggested that the Associate Superintendent, not principals, be designated to approve waivers and exemptions from the P.E. requirement to assure consistency. If that designation is not included, then criteria for waivers and exemptions should be developed and followed. He also suggested eliminating summer school courses offered for original credit, saying that it would be a savings in any General Fund money the program uses.

Board comment In response to Eberhart, Young said the intent is for students to fulfill the two-year P.E. requirement, but to allow them a deferment until 11^th or 12^th grade if needed. The new language actually moves away from the waiver. Students who request a waiver would have to meet specific criteria. Strange noted that Education Code requires students to take P.E. in the 10^th grade if they have not passed the physical fitness test in 9^th grade. He asked that Board members receive copies of that Ed. Code section. Treece said she’d like a discussion about students who are actively participating in school athletics (and other physical activities such as marching band and cheerleading) under the direction of a credentialed teacher.

11. ADJOURNMENT
Treece adjourned the meeting at 11:00 p.m.

Gary McHenry, Secretary