BOARD MEETING: May 13,
2008
ATTENDANCE: Board:
Administrative Staff: Superintendent
1.
CALL TO ORDER: President Treece called the meeting
to order at 5:30 p.m. in the Board Room at the
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
CLOSED SESSION: The Board adjourned to Closed
Session at 5:31 p.m. in Room 6 at the
Negotiations
Allen moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve a direction to
staff in regard to employee contract negotiations.
Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Complaint
Strange moved,
Eberhart seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve the non-reelection of
certificated employees #15255, #25530, #24764, and #13551..
2.
RECONVENE OPEN SESSION: The Board returned to Open Session
in the in the Board Room at the
Expulsions
Student 56-08: Mayo
moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 56-08 be
expelled from all schools and programs of the
Student 57-08: Strange moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board
voted 5-0-0 that Student 57-08 be expelled from all schools and programs of the
Student 58-08: Eberhart moved, Allen seconded, and the Board
voted 5-0-0 that Student 58-08 be expelled from all schools and programs of the
Student 59-08: Allen moved, Mayo seconded, and the Board
voted 5-0-0 that Student 59-08 be expelled from all schools and programs of the
Student 60-08: Eberhart moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted
5-0-0 that Student 60-08 be expelled from all schools and programs of the
Student 61-08: Mayo moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board
voted 5-0-0 that Student 61-08 be expelled from all schools and programs of the
Student 62-08: Strange moved, Allen seconded, and the Board
voted 5-0-0 that Student 62-08 be expelled from all schools and programs of the
Student 63-08: Eberhart moved, Strange seconded, and the
Board voted 5-0-0 that Student 63-08 be expelled from all schools and programs
of the
Student 64-08: Allen moved, Eberhart seconded, and the Board
voted 5-0-0 that Student 64-08 be expelled from all schools and programs of the
3.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayo moved, Allen seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to
adopt the Consent Agenda, thereby approving the following items:
3.1 Minutes of
the meeting of March 18, and April 8, 2008.
3.2 Certificated
Personnel
3.2.1 Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements,
Employment
3.2.2 Resolution 07/08-77 Variable Term Waiver Requests
Adopted Resolution #07/08-77 authorizing Monica Mary Ley to
apply for a Variable Term Waiver, giving her additional time in the 2007-08
school year to complete certain requirements for the credential that authorizes
her service. A waiver request is made when there is not a properly credentialed
person available for the position.
3.2.3 Increase Full-Time Equivalent Position (FTE) for the
2008-09 School Year
Added 13.2 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions: 6 teachers,
2 coaches, and a Student Services Coordinator at Mt. Diablo High; 2 teachers at
Ygnacio Valley Elementary, 2 teachers at
3.2.4 Reduction of Full-Time Equivalent Positions (FTE) for
the 2008-09 School Year
Reduced 21.124 FTE positions at District schools and in the
Curriculum and Instruction Department for the 2008-09 school year: Fiscal
Impact: a $1,490,385.80 reduction in the expenditure budget of assorted Categorical
Fund budgets.
3.2.5 Addition/Subtraction of Full-Time Equivalent Position
(FTE) for the 2008-09 School Year
Approved changes in the number of full-time equivalent (FTE)
positions in order to apply Board-approved staffing ratios and make related
position control adjustments. Fiscal Impact: a $2,632,652 decrease in the General
Fund expenditure budget and a $13,746 decrease in the Adult Education Fund expenditure
budget.
3.3 Classified
Personnel
3.3.1 Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements, Employment
3.3.2 Eliminate a Full-Time (Vacant) Payroll Analyst
Position and Create a Full-Time Senior Account Clerk Position for the Payroll
Department
Eliminated the vacant, full-time,12-month Payroll Analyst
position and created a full-time, 12-month Senior Account Clerk position. Fiscal
Impact: a $24,385.84 savings of to the General Fund.
3.3.3 Creation of a Part-Time Senior Instructional Assistant
Position for
Created a 19.5-hour/week, school-day-only, Senior
Instructional Assistant position at Shore Acres Elementary, effective July 1,
2008. Fiscal Impact: $11,459.49 for fiscal year 2008-09. Funding Source: Economic
Impact Aid – Limited English Proficient funds.
3.3.4 Recreation of Three (3) Part-Time Instructional
Assistant-Bilingual Positions at
Recreated, effective July 1, 2008, three 30-hour/week,
school-day-only Instructional Assistant-Bilingual positions at Glenbrook Middle
that had been cut, effective June 30, 2008, by Board action on April 8, 2008. Incumbent
employees #25109, #25866, and #24083 will remain in the positions. Fiscal
Impact: $90,231.11 for the 2008-09 fiscal year. Funding Source: High Priority
Schools Grant.
3.3.5 Recreate a Secretary Position at Mt. Diablo High
School
Recreated, effective July 1, 2008, a 10.5-month, 8-hour/day
Secretary position at Mt. Diablo High that had been cut, effective June 30,
2008, by Board action on April 8, 2008. Incumbent employee #10314 will remain
in the position. Fiscal Impact: $54,491.55. Funding Source: Quality Education
Investment Act (QEIA) funds.
3.4 Amendment
to Contract with Charles Ham Associates for Architectural/Engineering Services
for the Design of Supplemental Restroom Buildings
Approved an amendment valued at $3,000 to the contract with
Charles Ham Associates. Work covered under the amendment includes design and
engineering services related to the installation of a new fire line and hydrant at
3.5 Award
of Purchase Order to AAA Fencing, Inc.
Awarded purchase order totaling $34,397 to AAA Fencing, Inc.
for fencing improvements at
3.6 Award
of Purchase Order to Kel Tec Builders, Inc.
Awarded purchase order totaling $74,923 to Kel Tec Builders, Inc. to remove
asbestos-containing doors at
3.7 Award
of Bids
3.7.1 Award of Bid 1507 to McGuire & Hester, for a total amount of $275,120, to
provide site utilities in 2008 at Mt. Diablo Elementary, Sequoia Middle, and
College Park High. Funding Source:
Measure A
3.7.2 Award of Bid 1510 to San Francisco Ford in the amount of $201,442.42 to
provide seven (7) 2008 Ford F250 pick-up trucks and three (3) 2008 Ford Rangers.
Funding Source: Measure A, Fund 12 –
3.8 Award
of Inspector of Record (Project Inspector) Contract
Awarded Inspector of Record contract not to exceed $7,500 to
Matthew Kelly to inspect and monitor the installation of fire line laterals at
3.9 Final
Change Orders
3.9.1 Final Change Order to Bid 1443, Contract C-849 – Arntz
Builders, Inc. in
the amount of $188,361.67, for facility modernization work and the construction
of new classrooms at
3.9.2 Final Change Order to Bid 1459, Contract C-856 Meehleis
Modular Buildings, Inc., in the amount of $42,596.24, for the installation and construction of
7,200 square feet of prefabricated modular buildings at the
3.10 Notices
of Completion
3.10.1 Notice of Completion to Contract C-849, Bid 1443 to
Arntz Builders, Inc.
in the amount of $6,478,136.01, for facility modernization work and the
construction of new classrooms at
3.10.2 Notice of Completion to Contract C-856, Bid 1459 to
Meehleis Modular Buildings, Inc. in the amount of $1,731,807.24, for the installation and
construction of prefabricated modular buildings at
3.11 Grant
Application Requests
3.11.1 First 5 Family-Friendly Community Grant
Approved request
from
3.11.2 Target Community Foundation Grant
Accepted, on behalf
of Cambridge Elementary, a $1,000 grant from the Target Community Foundation
for teacher Janice Winsby to purchase fiction and non-fiction books in English
and Spanish for students. There is no cost to the General Fund.
3.11.3
Approved request
from Glenbrook and Valley View middle schools and
3.12 Amended
Contract between
Approved an additional $4,312.51 to the $24,999.99 contract with
Evelina Villa for interpreting services for Spanish-speaking students and
families. Fiscal Impact: $29,312.50 of which $24,999.99 has been paid to date. Funding
Source: Program Specialist –
Regionalized Services (1300).
3.13 Contract
with School Web Services for Website Design and Training
Approved $35,495 for phase two of a contract with School Web
Services. In this phase consultant will create an improved design for the
District and school web pages that District, department, and school staffs can
easily maintain and update. Fiscal Impact:
$21,095 (already budgeted from 5033); and $14,400 (already budgeted from
5290).
3.14 Contract
Amendment for Linda Grundhoffer
Approved an additional $15,000 to the contract with Linda
Grundhoffer for continuing direction and assistance to the Fiscal Services
Department as the new position of Director of Fiscal Services has not yet been
filled. Funding Source: General Purpose
Funds-Program 5032
4.
RECOGNITIONS
4.1 Teacher of the
Year Nominees
The Board of Education recognized two teachers as the
District’s nominees for 2008 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year:
·
Helen
Coverdale – Mt. Diablo Elementary School
·
Carol
Wallis –
President Treece presented each teacher with a plaque in
appreciation of their service and in recognition of this honor.
4.2
President Treece presented Holbrook Principal Nancy
Edwards-Dasho and teachers Carol Wallis and Kim Keough for the school’s being
named Bay Area Regional Award Winner of the Governor’s Council on Physical
Fitness and Sports.
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)
Eberhart said he’s attended all but three elementary school
auctions this year and finds them to be an excellent opportunity to talk to
parents and staff about what’s going on at their school. He pointed out a
number of different Internet blog sites on which individuals can discuss
District issues. He took issue with the reference to “bickering on Internet
blogs” in this week’s Monday Memo and
invited everyone to visit the sites. He provided the address for his and
Strange’s blog: www.mdusd.blogspot.com
Mayo, remarking that she’s been involved in the California State
PTA at the leadership level since 1991, said she just attended the 194th
state convention. Among the PTA’s main initiatives are promoting a longitudinal
integrated student data system and lowering the parcel tax threshold from 66⅔
to 55 percent. She described the PTA Reflections program, in which students submit
visual and performing arts projects, and said ten of
Strange said he’s been asked why he uses a laptop during
Board meetings. He explained that he downloads the Board agenda to his computer
as it’s easier for him to access in that format. During the meeting he is just
referring to the agenda and not using his computer for other purposes. He then
described the information he and Eberhart provide in their Internet blog.
Allen reported on the
Treece described her “incredible visit” to Delta View
Elementary, where she visited teachers in their classrooms and saw “Board Math”
curriculum being taught at kindergarten, first, third, and fifth grades. She was
impressed with the focus on a working agreement among all staff members that
included core values and staff responsibilities to both their classroom and the
team. She said the students were “very astute” in learning about concepts and
in exhibiting their skills. Staff look at data to determine students’ mastery
of the subject matter and then send the students to “math academies” to work on
more specific areas. Delta View will be sharing best practices with others.
5.3 Issues of
Concern: Strategic Plan
Treece explained that over the past
several months the Board has been talking about “strategic planning” and hearing
it mentioned at the community meetings. The Board agreed that it wanted to
begin the process and the Superintendent has “strategic planning” as one of his
goals. At the community meetings, strategic planning was part of information
gathering and long-term continuous improvement. She said the process can help
to clarify the District’s aspirations for young people, identify organizational
goals and strategies, and convey the Board’s expectations and priorities. She asked
Board members to share ideas on what a strategic planning process might look be
and, specifically, if there is interest in participating in a study session on
the subject. Strange described the importance and value of strategic planning,
noting that other school districts do it routinely. He supports a study session
and bringing in a consultant as well as parents and others in the District
community. Eberhart said he wholly supports strategic planning; however, he
thought the majority of the Board had decided not to engage in it. Allen responded
that when Eberhart and Strange began talking about strategic planning, some Board
members said, “Not at this time.” No official action was taken and the idea
seems to be moving forward. He supports a study session so Board members can
discuss the topic—“what it is and what it means.” Mayo also expressed support,
but cautioned that there must be a commitment from all participants to follow
it. A study session to review various models and approaches will be important. Eberhart
and Strange expressed concern about the cost of a consultant. Treece and
Strange both said that there may be resources within the community or in
neighboring school districts who would volunteer to meet with the Board for the
initial conversation. The Board set a tentative date of Saturday, June 21, from
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
6.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Gail Van Tassel, Delta View teacher, said Delta View is a
“lab school” for “Board Math,” a systematic method for strengthening math
skills in the classroom, engaging all students. She described the activities taking
place in the school’s classrooms and thanked Treece for visiting her school. She
encouraged everyone to focus their collective energies in supporting the
District’s students, give up divisive practices, and work as a team to take on
the challenges from
7.
COMMUNICATIONS: Organizations
8.
REPORTS/INFORMATION – None
9.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
McHenry thanked his son for standing in front of his critics
and speaking up for him. He then asked, “Where is the shared responsibility?”
in regard to the teachers’ contract. Eight 8 years ago MDEA and the District
negotiated a contract in which teachers asked to have a stipend as salary in
exchange for medical benefits. He acknowledged that it was a bad decision. In
response the District made an offer a year ago to begin paying some of the
teachers’ medical benefit costs. As late as November 2007, the District offered
to pay 60 percent of the costs. He pointed out that no other district whose teachers
pay their own medical benefits has offered to restore them. He said, “We made
an offer, and that offer was denied.” Now, due to the state budget crisis, the
District can’t afford the offer and, with union consent, put it on hold. He
said the critical task is to balance the budget. If the District doesn’t do
that, a state administrator will be assigned to do it. He explained that a look
at three-year projections shows that the District must either get more money or
make further budget cuts. He agreed with Noce that the District and MDEA need
to have a better relationship, to work together, but believes the actions he sees
from the union do not indicate a willingness to do so. He meets with the
District’s labor leaders every month and extends himself to each of them,
including the MDEA president, in other ways. He said, “Our continuing to attack
each other is just not going to help. If we don’t have confidence in each
other, the public is not going to have confidence in us. Let’s put differences
aside and decide what we can do together to get back to the business of schooling
children.”
10.
BUSINESS
10.1 Consider Approval of Budget Reductions
McHenry explained that in November 2007 he and the Board
began a process of budget reductions to provide increased compensation for all
employees. In January 2008, Governor Schwarzenegger declared a fiscal emergency
in the State of
The District is obligated to submit a balanced budget, which
includes multi-year projections for 2008-09, 2009-10, and 2010-11. Those projections
currently show that the District is deficit spending (spending more than
revenues received) in all three years and that there is a projected $7.3
million revenue expenditure gap in the 2010-11 school year. That gap must be
eliminated in order for the adopted budget to be approved by the
1. Shift cost funds from unrestricted to
other funding sources.
2. Delay transfer of monies to cover expenses.
3. Reduce expenditures based on
retirements, leaves, and resignations.
4. Reduce services.
5. Reduce programs for students.
Recommendation McHenry said a
budget reduction or additional income of $2.4 million of ongoing revenue in the
2008-09 school year is necessary to close the gap. To achieve that total, approximately
45 additional positions at an average cost of $55,000 including salary and
benefits must be eliminated. He recommended the Board approve the following
items: 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108.
Public comment
Lloyd Comstock, HVAC worker, said the budget cuts are affecting good
people and commiserated with the Board for having to make them. He described
the important of HVAC positions. Gary Swanson, Clayton Valley High principal, spoke
in support of the clerk typist position at his school, saying that eliminating
it will affect the support teachers and students need. Lizbeth Brown, Concord
High student, urged everyone to work together, to examine student programs to
make sure they are effective, and not to cut any Special Ed expenses. Jacqueline
Travers, parent, expressed dismay that the budget reduction list still includes
the elementary instrumental music program. (In
response to Treece, McHenry said the lists includes all the items that have
been on it, but there is no recommendation to cut the music program.)
Gracie Vega, teacher who was non re-elected at this meeting, complained about
her experiences at Pleasant Hill Middle and the Seneca program this year. Steve
Scheye,
Board comment
Strange expressed concern that he is not getting sufficient and timely
information about budget changes from District staff. Eberhart asked a number
of questions. He requested a report on any vacant positions that are not
expected to be filled during the course of the next three years. In response to
Strange, McHenry said he’s brought these cuts to the Board before hearing the
Governor’s May Revise tomorrow because he does not believe the revision will
bring $7.2 million in relief. He said the District needs to start work on
balancing the budget now, not two weeks from now. Strange said he preferred to
see all the options before being asked to vote on any budget cuts.
Board action
Eberhart moved, Allen seconded, and
after lengthy discussion the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve to approve the
following items:
Item 100
Reduce the number of teachers in the staffing pool by ten (10) full time
equivalent positions in the 2008-09 school year. This would bring the number to
32 positions. Fiscal Impact: $554,475
Item 101
Reduce an additional five (5) full time equivalent positions from the staffing
pool in the 2009-10 school year. This would bring the number to 27. Fiscal
Impact: $285,552
Item 102
Reduce an additional five (5) full time equivalent teaching positions from the
staffing pool in the 2010-11 school year. This would reduce the number to 22
positions. Fiscal Impact: $294,118
Item 103
Reduce payment to Food Service by $100,000 for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school
years. Fiscal Impact: $100,000
Item 104
Eliminate Integrated System Project Manager position on June 30, 2010. Fiscal
Impact: $164,000
Item 105
Reduce one (1) management position in Technology and Information Services by
June 30, 2010. Two (2) positions were created to support the implementation of
the Student Information System. Fiscal Impact: $94,000
Item 106
Suspend high school clerical staffing formula. Reduce one (1) Intermediate
Typist Clerk position at
(Item 107: Earlier approved under
Consent Agenda)
Eliminate Payroll Analyst and create Senior Account Clerk position in Fiscal
Services. Fiscal Impact: $24,385
Item 108
Reduce five (6 hour ) vacant Special Education Assistant positions for the
2008-09 school year. Fiscal Impact: $165,000
Total impact:
|
2008-2009 |
$783,083 |
|
2009-2010 |
$1,168,644 |
|
2010-2011 |
$1,720,762 |
|
Total |
$3,672,489 |
Board comment
Eberhart noted that the Board voted to remove 4th and 5th
grade instrumental from the list, so he doesn’t think they should appear on the
list. Henry said he provided a full list of proposed and approved budget cuts simply
to show all the items the Board has considered. Mayo said people are coming
forward to speak to other items, and it is helpful for them to see the
rationale for all the items. Eberhart said he does not expect the Governor to
provide relief in the state budget and it is essential to increase employee
compensation, so it is time for the Board to look at how to do business in a
different way. Treece noted that the legislative process to approve the state
budget may last into the fall and said it is a “volatile time” for the state
and for the school district as well. Strange said school districts always
reduce expenses when the state cuts its budget, and it’s time they refused to
do so.
10.2
Eberhart moved, Mayo seconded, and
the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve the request from Meadow Homes Elementary to
implement a voluntary dress code as per Board Policy and Administrative Rule
5132.
10.3 Resolution 07/08-78 Approve the Proposed Decision of the
Administrative Law Judge and Implement the Certificated Layoff
As part of the certificated layoff
process, a formal hearing was held on April 29, 2008, to determine the validity
of the process that was used to establish the number of full time equivalent
(FTE) positions to be eliminated and the names of the specific employees to
receive final lay off notices.
Public comment
Megan Thomas, Concord High vice principal, said she has had a great
first year at Concord High and hopes the Board will let her continue in her
position.
Board action
Strange moved, Eberhart seconded, and
the Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt Resolution 07/08-78, approving the decision of
the Administrative Law Judge to eliminate 7.2 FTE from MDEA membership and 5.0
FTE from DMA membership and authorize the superintendent or designee to give
appropriate notice on or before May 14, 2008, to the individuals named in the
decision.
10.4 Resolution 07/08-79 Relative to Elimination and Reduction of
Classified Positions
Allen moved, Eberhart seconded, and
the Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt Resolution 07/08-79,
eliminating and reducing classified
positions in the CSEA and Local One, M&O, units at District schools and
programs. Fiscal Impact: This reduction
will result in a total savings as follows:
$
31,416.19 to School Improvement Plan Funds
$
54,514.48 to Title I
$
45,946.72 to School Linked Services
$
13,795.64 to Mt. Diablo Elementary Parent Faculty Club
$
10,382,45 to
$164,168.22 to Curriculum and
Instruction
10.5 School Site Comprehensive Safety Plans for 2007-08
Eberhart moved, Strange seconded, and
the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve Comprehensive School Site Safety Plans for all
District schools except for Strandwood Elementary, Glenbrook and Pine Hollow
middle, Olympic High, and Diablo Community Day. The plans were drafted in order
to ensure compliance with Education Codes 33280-32288 and MDUSD Board Policy
and Administrative Rule 0450.
Board comment
Mayo said in some plans staff are assigned different responsibilities in
the school’s emergency preparedness procedures and in its crisis management procedures.
In response, Browne explained that new guidelines now require school safety
plans to integrate emergency preparedness procedures, which include a
10.6 Williams Quarterly Summary Report – April 30, 2008
Eberhart moved, Allen seconded, and
the Board voted 5-0-0 to ratify the Williams Quarterly Summary Report for the
months of February through April 2008. Quarterly reports reflect complaints
regarding textbooks and instructional materials, teacher vacancies or
misassignments, facilities conditions and Valenzuela/CAHSEE support.
10.7 Adopt Job Description, Upgrade Position and Approve Appointment
of Manager of Research and Evaluation
Eberhart moved, Strange seconded, and
the Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt the job description and create the position of Manager,
Research and Evaluation, at Range 20 of the Management Salary Schedule,
effective July 1, 2008. Employee #11046 was selected to fill the position. The new
position is an upgrade of the Research Specialist position and will be
responsible for overseeing and conducting research and evaluation activities on
behalf of the District. Presented only as information at the April 22 Board
meeting, this item was returned for action at this time. Fiscal Impact: $5,852.
Funding Source: General Fund
10.8 Adoption of 7th Grade Novel Blood Red Horse, by K.M. Grant for the Extended Core Literature
List
Strange moved, Mayo seconded, and the
Board voted 5-0-0 to approve the adoption of Blood Red Horse for the extended core literature list as
recommended by a Site Literature Committee at
10.9 Adoption of 10th Grade Novel The Kite Runner, by Kahled Hosseini for the Extended Core
Literature List
Public comment
MarySue Kuzak and Kevin Cline, English teachers at
Board action
Eberhart moved, Strange seconded, and the Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt The Kite Runner for the extended core
literature list as recommended by a Site Literature Committee at
10.10 Adoption of the Studio Art AP-Drawing Course of Study
Mayo moved, Allen seconded, and the
Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt the Studio Art AP-Drawing Course of Study, developed
by a committee of high school teachers.
Presented only as information at the April 22 meeting, this item was returned
for action at this time.
10.11 Adoption of Studio Art AP-3D Design Course of Study
Strange moved, Mayo seconded, and the
Board voted 5-0-0 to adopt the Studio Art AP-3D Course of Study developed by a committee
of high school teachers. Presented only as information at the April 22 meeting,
this item was returned for action at this time.
10.12 Modification to Administrative Rule 1312.4 – Williams Uniform
Complaint Procedures Pursuant to the Valenzuela/CAHSEE Lawsuit Settlement
Agreement
Eberhart moved, Allen seconded, and
the Board voted 5-0-0 to approve modified Administrative Rule 1312.4, “Williams
Uniform Complaint Procedures,” to comply with the Valenzuela/CAHSEE Intensive
Instruction and Services Program lawsuit settlement agreement.
11.
ADJOURNMENT
Treece announced that the Board will
hold a special study session on the budget next Tuesday, May 20. McHenry said
members of the Budget Advisory Committee will also attend. The meeting will
provide an opportunity for a close examination and review of the budget. Mayo
noted that many districts are rescinding pink slips, leaving the public with
the impression that those positions have not been cut. She stress the need to
point out that positions have been cut, MDUSD has eliminated 145 teaching
positions.
Treece closed meeting in memory of
Tommy Choi, Valley View student, and retired District employee Alvie Brunk,
each of whom recently passed away. She adjourned the meeting at 10:50 p.m.