Minutes of the Governing Board

Minutes of the Arvin Union School District Board of Trustees Regular Meeting held on April 20, 2010.

The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Rubio at 6:30 p.m.		Call to Order

Members Present: Mrs. Anabel Rubio, President Mr. Albert DeLeon Mrs. Joycene Tarver, Clerk Mr. Bill Stoner		Members Present
Members Absent: Mr. Tim Owens		Members Absent

Staff Present: Mrs. Jerelle Kavanagh, Superintendent Mrs. Marilyn Thompson, Assistant Superintendent Ms. Geneva K. Banks, Administrative Secretary Mr. Chris Davis, District Accountant Mrs. Ludim Llanes, District Receptionist Mrs. Laurie Bowden, Sierra Vista Vice Principal Ms. Melanie Meadows, Bear Mountain and El Camino Real Vice Principal Mr. Gayle Hui, Haven Drive Vice Principal		Staff Present
Others Present: Randy Hooser, Karen Davis, Angelyn Summes, Cathie Barraza, Martha Mortimer, Rick Perez, Margarita Perez, Marlen DeLeon, Jose A. Garcia, Christine Caldwell, Rey Ramos, Lissett DeLeon, Hilda Ocampo, Elizabeth Salinas, Maria Garcia, Manuel Gutierrez, Nestor O. Sierra, Susie Sierra, Jennifer Johnson, Jacalyn, Toni Pichardo, Ginger Hemingway, Magdalena Hernandez, Susie Reyes, Lupe Calderon, Taguilai.		Others
Mr. Albert DeLeon led the Pledge of Allegiance.		Pledge of Allegiance
No changes to the agenda. On motion of Mr. DeLeon, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously approved Minutes of the Regular Meeting on March 16, 2010. Mrs. Kavanagh informed the board of the retirement celebrations scheduled for administrators, certificated and classified employees. Mrs. Kavanagh informed the board that their Special Board Meeting packet was at their seat. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at 5:30pm at the District Office. Mrs. Kavanagh informed the board that we may need to schedule a Special Board Meeting before May 15, 2010. Mrs. Kavanagh reported that the district is eligible to apply for the SIG Grant. Mrs. Kavanagh explained that based on the percentage of students proficient and above for the last three years Bear Mountain and Sierra Vista are listed on the Persistently Lowest Achieving Schools list. The timeline to apply for the SIG grant is June 1^st. If the district applies we must follow one of the four turnaround strategies: 1. Restart model – closing a school and re-open as a charter school; 2. Close the school and send the students to other schools within the district; 3. Turnaround model – replacing principals and eliminate 50% of staff; 4. Transformation – replace principals and enhance school leadership. In July when test scores are in we have to start a process with a needs Assessment. The requirements would be three hearings for public input, one at each site and one regular board meeting. The board would then recommend the correct turnaround strategies for each site. If the sites do not improve in three years the board would then select another turnaround strategy. The application does not require an outside evaluator, however, at this time Mrs. Kavanagh does not recommend the district apply for the SIG Grant and the DAIT Team also recommends we wait until after we review 2010 test scores. Mr. Stoner asked will all the knowledge the state has what will happen if no models work. Has this been thought about? Jerelle responded no and she does not have an answer for that. Mrs. Tarver commented that this will end up just like NCLB. Mr. Stoner commented that all of this just applies pressure to the teachers. Mrs. Tarver commented that all students will not achieve at the same level. Mrs. Kavanagh responded that because we keep records we can show proof that our students have made progress. We have refined our methods for those students that are not at grade level. Mrs. Kavanagh reported that she will save the announcement for the ACSA Regional Middle School Principal of the Year for the May Board Meeting. Mrs. Kavanagh reported that Karen Davis and the Family Resource Staff had given countless hours for the planning phase of the California Endowment Building Healthy Communities Grant. Mrs. Davis reported the goal of this Initiative is to work with the communities of South Kern (Arvin, Lamont, and part of Greenfield) to create a ten-year plan for the communities to become places where every child and youth is healthy, safe and ready to learn. A nine month planning phase was conducted with a great amount of community input. Five areas of targeted changes and outcomes were selected: 1. Increase access to health care systems; 2. Create a healthy environment with clean air and water; 3. Improve Pre K to adult education with preparation and local access to college/university programs; 4. Improve access to recreation activities, facilities and parks; 5. Create a vibrant economy including more job opportunities and economic development strategies. This is a ten year plan and in June we will find out about the funding. Mrs. Davis wanted to thank Margarita Perez, Ana Delgado and Amalia Leal for their hard work and dedication. Mrs. Thompson introduced Cathie Barraza who was sitting in the audience. Mrs. Johnson gave a presentation on the benchmark data for RLA (Reading Language Arts). Mrs. Johnson reported that there has been Language Arts growth in K – 5 at all sites. The increase in first and third grades is flat for the 2009/2010 school year but we had 14% increase in the other four grades. For 6 – 8 grades the quarterly benchmark test is not the same each quarter. Mrs. Summers gave a presentation on the benchmark data for Math with a comparison of the last three quarters of data. At each grade level there was an increase from the first quarter to the second quarter except in second and fifth grades. At the second grade level there was a decrease of 8% and at the fifth grade level there was a decrease of 7%. From the second to third quarter there was a slight decrease at each level except second and sixth grades. In second grade there was an increase of 18% and in sixth grade there was an increase of 19%. In third grade there was a large decrease of 41%. In seventh and eighth grades there has been a growth at each quarter. Mrs. Rubio asked if they were working with the teachers to find out exactly what area the students are struggling. Mrs. Johnson replied yes, the teachers are working and have a plan in place on what they need to do to help their students. Mrs. Rubio was concerned of the 18% drop in Language Arts at Sierra Vista from 2009 to 2010 and commented that she hoped the test scores did not show this. Mrs. Thompson replied that Sierra Vista has a plan to particularly work with the first and third grade students. Mrs. Rubio commented that we are a district. Every site should be working toward the same goal. Mrs. Rubio asked are we working together – are the sites teaching in the same manner. Mrs. Thompson replied yes we are working together and first instruction is where you make the difference. Mrs. Rubio thanked Mrs. Summers for her presentation and for explanation she gave regarding the scores. Mrs. Thompson gave an overview of 3-24-10 DAIT Monitor/Review Report for the DAIT Plan. The plan was reviewed by the DAIT Team and the following recommendations were made: 1. At each site regroup with leadership teams; 2. Professional Learning collaboration days – Agendas are turned in at a timely matter from each site; 3. To develop a more consistent approach for the principal walkthroughs; 4. Continue to monitor our professional development; 5. Area of intervention – continue to make this more systematic, need to be consistent at each site and reach students that are in trouble sooner. Mrs. Rubio asked about our progress getting teachers trained in mandatory training. Mrs. Thompson replied its going very well. Currently we have 60% of our teachers trained. We have a math training scheduled for this summer and RLA SB472 scheduled for June 28 – July 2. Mrs. Tarver asked if the struggling students were placed in a different class. Mrs. Thompson replied benchmark and above K – 3 students will work with more enrichment skills. Mrs. Tarver asked if they will be pulled out of their class. Mrs. Thompson replied yes. At this time, Mrs. Rubio announced the opportunity for public comment. No comments made by the public. Mr. Stoner was concerned about the cost of the SES Tutoring services. Mrs. Kavanagh explained we have over $200,000 to be spent on this service. Mrs. Tarver asked if we have 300 students participating. Mrs. Thompson replied yes that we have to use this money or it goes back to the state. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mr. DeLeon, the board unanimously approved the following consent agenda: Purchase Order Numbers 100411 – 100464 and 13010083 – 13010089 Bill Payments 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48 Payroll Numbers 37, 38, 39, 40 Ratify the following Interdistrict Attendance Requests for the 2009/2010 school year based on parent request. (indicates renewal) Ruiz, Maria – Grade 4 – Arvin to Vineland Ratify the following Interdistrict Attendance Requests for the 2009/2010 school year based on child care. ( indicates renewal) Flores, Elisa – Grade 2 – Arvin to Lamont Flores, Joseph – Grade 5 – Arvin to Lamont Ratify the following Intradistrict Attendance Requests for the 2009/2010 school year based on parent request. (*indicates renewal) Avalos, Jacob – Grade 6 – SV to BME Avalos, Lizbeth – Grade 4 – SV to BME Romero, Elyssa Marie – Grade 2 – BME to SV Palomares, Jadira – Grade 4 – ECR to BME Medina, Jiovani Cesar – Grade K – SV to BME Consider approval of the obsolete maintenance equipment to be discarded. John Deere Riding Mower Tractor located at Sierra Vista Elementary		Adoption of the Agenda Minutes – Approved Mrs. Kavanagh Mrs. Kavanagh Mrs. Kavanagh SIG (School Improvement Grant) Program Mr. Stoner Mrs. Tarver Mr. Stoner Mrs. Tarver Mrs. Kavanagh Mrs. Kavanagh Mrs. Kavanagh Mrs. Davis Mrs. Thompson Mrs. Johnson/Benchmark Data for RLA Mrs. Summers/Benchmark Data for Math Mrs. Rubio Mrs. Rubio Mrs. Rubio Mrs. Rubio Mrs. Thompson/Report for DAIT Plan Mrs. Rubio Mrs. Tarver Mrs. Tarver Communications from the Public Mr. Stoner Mrs. Tarver Purchase Orders Bill Payments Payroll Interdistrict-09/10 Parent Request Interdistrict-09/10 Child Care Intradistrict-09/10 Parent Request Obsolete Maintenance Equipment
5.1 Mrs. Thompson reported no instructional or facilities discrepancies were reported for Sierra Vista, Bear Mountain and Haven Drive. El Camino Real was not included because there were not in program improvement. No action necessary. 5.2 Mrs. Thompson reported that the FRC center coordinates with the sites to see which students would benefit from the contract with Operation School Bell. Mrs. Tarver asked if we provide transportation. Mrs. Kavanagh replied no. Mrs. Tarver asked if we are reimbursed by the Assistance League. Mrs. Kavanagh replied no. On motion of Mr. DeLeon, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved the Agreement between Operation School Bell and Arvin Union School District to provide clothing to elementary school children (K-6^th grade) in need. This agreement shall be renewed every three years. 5.3 Mrs. Tarver asked is this part of the tutoring services. Mrs. Thompson replied no. Mrs. Rubio asked if the university pays for tutoring. Mrs. Thompson replied there is no cost to the district. Ms. Mortimer asked if the district pays the students. Mrs. Thompson replied no, they are paid through the university. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved the America Reads/Counts Tutoring Program Federal Work Study Program Agreement with the Trustees of the California State University, California State University, Bakersfield and Arvin Union School District to provide for the placement of Student Tutors in District elementary/middle school (grades 4^th through 8^thgrade) during the academic year 2008-2011 for the purpose of providing tutoring for District students at scheduled times to be designated by CSUB’s FWS program coordinator. 5.4 Marilyn reported that the cost per student is $29. Mr. Stoner asked if this agreement was new. Mrs. Thompson replied no this was approved annually. Mrs. Rubio asked if the county was getting ADA + $29 per student. Mrs. Thompson replied yes. Ms. Mortimer asked would it be more feasible to have our own classroom for the K-8 students to handle these situations. Has it been looked into the fact we are losing $29 per student and ADA. Mrs. Kavanagh replied we have looked into this a while back. Funding is an issue and also the facility cannot be at a school site. Ms. Mortimer mentioned about a class we’ve had in the past at Haven Drive. Mrs. Kavanagh replied we use to have an in-school suspension and an opportunity class but expelled students have different needs. There has been discussion of different options for our expelled students. Mrs. Kavanagh reported that she will look into this situation and will report back to the board. Mrs. Thompson mentioned that the cost was also $29 per student last year. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mr. DeLeon, the board unanimously approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) – County Level Educational Services for K-6 Students between the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office and Arvin Union School District beginning on July 1, 2010 and continuing through the remainder of the 2010-2011 school year. 5.5 Mrs. Thompson explained that this was also an annual agreement. Mrs. Tarver asked if this program was run through the whole school year. Mrs. Kavanagh replied no it’s closed three months in the winter and open the rest of the year. On motion of Mr. DeLeon, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Arvin Union School District and Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Program to ensure the coordination of the federally funded Head Start programs with State and local educational institutions for the maximum participation and benefit to children’s preschool participation, education and school readiness. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved the Agreement with Kern County Children and Families Commission and Arvin Union School District to provide services described in attachments A1 – A3, Unified Scope of Work – Evaluation Plan. This agreement shall remain in effect until June 30, 2013. Mrs. Thompson reported that there were no changes to the graduation policy for the 2010/2011 school year. Mrs. Rubio is concerned that credits are based on the 7^th and 8^th grade year. She asked what happens if one year their credits are substantially low. Mrs. Thompson replied the district provides opportunities to earn additional credits to be able to graduate. Tests are also provided. If they pass credit is given. Mrs. Rubio was also concerned about the attendance requirement for students. She thinks 20 days for a student to miss in a school year is excessive. Mrs. Rubio stated that before she approved this policy she wants to know that 8^th grade students are given the opportunity to graduate if they fail 7^th grade. Mr. Hui replied that office staff, campus supervisor, principal and vice principal has stepped up to support the students. Mrs. Kavanagh stated that if the policy was not approved that she would gather information and report back to the board. On motion of Mr. DeLeon, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously approved the Haven Drive Middle School 2010/2011 Graduation Policy. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously approved the following employment, resignation, retirement, leave of absence, change of status, and termination of the following certificated staff for the 2009/2010 school year: Substitute Teachers: Samuel Aguilar Shokat Akbar Stephen Beardsley Consuelo Lopez-Calderon Additional Assignments: Technology Trainer Jill Gyll Resignations/Retirement: Ninfa Alaniz – Preschool Teacher, retirement effective June 4, 2010. Saundra Blakley – Third Grade Teacher, retirement effective June 4, 2010. Martha Loya – Third Grade Teacher, effective June 4, 2010. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved the re-employment of certificated staff for the 2010/2011 school year. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. DeLeon, the board unanimously approved the contracts for the School Psychologists for the 2010/2011 school year. Jennifer Bowling Maria Almaraz On motion of Mr. DeLeon, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved the re-employment of the Speech Pathologists for the remainder of the 2009/2010 school year. Elisa Joy Launio-Lamis Ma. Ruby Calderon On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved the request for leave of absence from Amy Gill, Bear Mountain Elementary Teacher for the 2010/2011 school year. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. DeLeon, the board unanimously approved the Annual Statement of Need – 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permits and Designated Subjects Vocational Education 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permits. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. DeLeon, the board unanimously approved the Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators for the 2010/2011 school year. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved the Proclamations for certificated retirees: Ninfa Alaniz Martha Loya Saundra Blakley Judy McLauchlin Karen Jacobsen Larry Sears On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mr. DeLeon, the board unanimously approved the following employment, resignation, retirement, leave of absence, change of status, and termination of the following classified staff for the 2009/2010 school year: Change of Position: Maria Vargas – 6 hour Special Education Behavior Instructional Aide, effective April 13, 2010. Resignations/Retirement: Maria Vargas – RSP Instructional Aide, effective April 12, 2010. Jose Bautista – 6 hour Special Education Behavior Instructional Aide, effective March 17, 2010. Olivia Esquivel – Administrative Assistant, effective March 31, 2010. Mary Soliz – School Clerk at Bear Mountain Elementary, retirement effective July 5, 2010. Isaias Valdez – Warehouse Foreman, retirement effective July 6, 2010.		Mrs. Thompson/ School Accountability Report Card (SARC) Agreement with Operation School Bell America Reads/Counts Tutoring Program MOU – County Level Educational Services for K-6 Students Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Program Kern County Children and Families Commission Haven Drive Middle School 2010/2011 Graduation Policy Certificated Staff Re-employment of certificated staff for the 2010/2011 school year School Psychologists for the 2010/2011 school year Speech Pathologists for the remainder of the 2009/2010 school year Leave of Absence from Amy Gill Annual Statement of Need Declaration of Need Certificated Proclamations Classified Personnel
On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously approved the Proclamations for classified retirees: Toni Pichardo Isaias Valdez Mary Soliz Before going into closed session – 6.4.1 Jose Garcia, 501 Jess Street, Arvin, CSEA President, asked if this is Olivia’s position. Mrs. Kavanagh replied no not exactly, it’s just a proposal of a combination of the two jobs. Mr. Garcia asked if this was a classified or confidential position. Mrs. Kavanagh replied that she would need to talk with the board. But did want to specify that confidential employees are not part of the bargaining unit and classified management are confidential positions which allows them to supervise and evaluate employees. Mr. Garcia asked if this was a classified position wouldn’t it have to be negotiated with the union. Mrs. Kavanagh replied no management and confidential are not part of the union. The board went into closed session at 8:23 p.m. for discussion of Classified Management and Administrative Personnel. After reconvening at 9:26 p.m. the following action was taken. Revisions were made to the job description for the Director of Budget and Finance. 6.4.1 Consider approval of job description for Director of Budget and Finance. Tabled until the May Board Meeting. The vote taken was Yes – 4, No – 0. Ms. Mortimer asked the board to review the administrator contracts in regards to the mileage stipend. She asked if this stipend was used for to and from work or extra travel. She asked why the administrators can’t use the district vehicles. Ms. Mortimer stated that last year teachers were asked to cut their supplies by ½. What are administrators giving up to help save the district. Ms. Mortimer asked the board to table the administrator contracts. Mr. Stoner asked what the stipends are for. Mrs. Kavanagh replied it is part of their salary schedule. Mrs. Kavanagh does not recommend that anyone take a pay cut at this time. Ms. Mortimer stated if the stipend is part of their salary why isn’t it part of the salary schedule. Mrs. Kavanagh replied that the contracts are negotiated with the administrators. She stated that rolling the mileage into the salary schedule was an option. Mrs. Kavanagh stated that unless all staff was taking a cut she does not recommend administrators to take a cut. Mr. Stoner stated that sometimes things are given instead of a raise, is the mileage stipend one of those things. Mrs. Kavanagh replied could very well have been, it is a typical part of administration salary. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mr. DeLeon, the board unanimously approved the Site Administrator contracts for the 2010/2011 school year. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved the Seamless Summer Feeding Option Agreement to Participate June 8, 2010 – July 16, 2010. Mrs. Rubio asked if the district has looked into other agencies for the teacher calling system. She believes there are other agencies that cost a lot less. Mrs. Kavanagh replied no but we could next year. Mrs. Rubio asked that we look into AESOP.com for more information. On motion of Mr. DeLeon, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved the CRS Application Service Provider Agreement for the SubFinder System for the period of January 1, 2010 ending December 31, 2010 for $432.53 per month. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously approved to move the June Regular Board meeting to Tuesday, June 22, 2010. Mr. Davis gave a brief overview of the SISC I Actuarial Report as of December 31, 2009. (No Action Necessary) Mrs. Kavanagh reported there were no complaints received for the Williams Settlement Uniform Complaint Quarterly Report ending March 31, 2010. No action was necessary. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved the following budget transfers for the 2009/2010 fiscal year. 100007 – 2^nd Interim 2,129,078.72 On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously approved the contract agreement between the Arvin Union School District and School Innovations & Advocacy (SI&A), to provide mandated cost professional consulting services for the term of one year, July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011 at a cost of $5,000. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved the Proclamation for Day of the Teacher, May 4, 2010. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mr. DeLeon, the board unanimously approved the Proclamation for Classified School Employee Week, May 16 – 22, 2010. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved to extend the contract with Foster Farms to provide milk and dairy products to the Arvin Union School District effective from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011. On motion of Mr. DeLeon, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously adjourned the meeting at 9:48 p.m.		Classified Proclamations Mr. Garcia Closed Session/Classified Management and Administrative Personnel Reconvened Job Description for Director of Budget and Finance Site Administrator contracts for the 2010/2011 school year Seamless Summer Feeding Option Agreement SubFinder System June Regular Board Meeting SISC I Actuarial Report Williams Settlement Uniform Complaint Quarterly Report Budget Transfers School Innovations & Advocacy (SI&A) Day of the Teacher, May 4, 2010 Classified School Employee Week, May 16 – 22, 2010 Foster Farms Adjournment

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