Minutes of the Governing Board

Minutes of the Arvin Union School District Board of Trustees Regular Meeting held on February 16, 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 Mr. Tim Owens		Members Present
Members Absent: None		Members Absent

Staff Present: Mrs. Jerelle Kavanagh, Superintendent Mrs. Marilyn Thompson, Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Kathie Kouklis, Student Support Services Ms. Geneva K. Banks, Administrative Secretary Mrs. Ludim Llanes, District Receptionist Mrs. Aurora Moran, Bear Mountain Principal Mrs. Georgia Rhett, El Camino Real Principal Mr. Gayle Hui, Haven Drive Middle School Vice Principal		Staff Present
Others Present: See attached sign in sheets for additional staff and others that were present.		Others
Mr. Albert DeLeon led the Pledge of Allegiance.		Pledge of Allegiance
Mrs. Kavanagh informed the board that there were no changes to the agenda. On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mr. DeLeon, the board unanimously approved Minutes of the Regular Meeting on January 19, 2009 and Special Meeting on February 2, 2010. Mrs. Kavanagh introduced Mrs. Llanes as one of the Bond Oversite Committee members. Mrs. Llanes gave a brief overview of the Report to the Community which is one of the requirements of the Bond. Mrs. Kavanagh and Mrs. Thompson reported progress in DAIT. Mrs. Kavanagh explained that Arvin was selected as one of the four districts for a visit by the State Board, however, no criteria was given for the selection. Those present during the visit were Mr. Ted Mitchell and Ms. Laura Waggoner from the State, all administrators from the district, Mrs. Angie Summers, Mrs. Jennifer Johnson and our School Board President Mrs. Anabel Rubio. Mr. Mitchell commented that he was impressed with the way the district worked together and then asked why test scores were not up. Mrs. Kavanagh replied the district was making progress. Mrs. Kavanagh informed the board that a written report will be sent to the district but written recommendations will be sent ahead of time. If the any of the schools are placed on the list there are four possible sanctions and decisions will be made by the end of the school year. Mr. Stoner asked if Federal supersedes the State will DAIT be eliminated. Mrs. Kavanagh replied yes with further expectations. Mrs. Tarver commented that Mr. Mitchell liked what he had seen but didn’t see everything that he wanted to see. Our teachers are working hard and he should take that into consideration. Mrs. Kavanagh commented that the district was well prepared for the visit. Mrs. Tarver commented that our students are prepared and our teachers are teaching. Mrs. Kavanagh presented two options for the school calendar for the 2010/2011 school year. The first with three weeks for winter recess beginning December 20, 2010 with students returning January 10, 2011 and the second option with two weeks for winter recess beginning December 20, 2010 with students returning January 3, 2011. Mrs. Kavanagh does not believe that energy consumption would be a reason to change to the 2 week recess. Also, there was not a lot of interest from administrators and the union not to change from 3 weeks to 2 weeks for the winter recess. Mrs. Thompson introduced Mrs. Jennifer Johnson, ELD Coordinator, who gave an overview of the 2009/2010 Reading Language Arts program K – 8^th grade. K – 5 are currently using the Houghton Mifflin Reading Language Arts Program and 6 – 8 grades are currently using the Prentice Hall Reading Language Arts Program. Both are integrated Reading and Language Arts programs which provide extra support material for struggling and advanced readers as well as English Learners. All students are included in totals to determine percentage of grade level at proficient. What are we doing now? 1)Implementation of summative assessments for the 2009/10 school year; 2) Increased monitoring and support of assessment use by site administration; 3)Provide SB472 training for the new RLA curriculums implemented in 2010-11; 4)Evaluate setting up current Data base (OARS) to allow more efficient use of data in the K-6 grade levels. At this time, Mrs. Rubio announced the opportunity for public comment. Mrs. Rebecca Rojas, 200 Zimmerman, Arvin – concerned that the district is not following the bylaws regarding student suspension. Mrs. Kavanagh informed Mrs. Rojas that she will have an opportunity to speak during closed session regarding student suspension. Ms. Martha Mortimer, BME – stated that approximately 210 students left the district before December 17, 2009. Teachers feel the 3-week Christmas recess would be better than the 2-week recess. Haven Drive had ¾ of their students to return on time. Mr. Stoner made the statement that he was the one concerned about the 3-week vs. 2-week recess and whether or not it would benefit the district financially to change the calendar. Mrs. Ginger Hemingway, ECR – stated that parents would keep their students out for the 3 weeks regardless so she would recommend the district keep the 3-week recess. Mrs. Amanda Torres, 1316 Tesoro Drive, Arvin – stated that the district was moving in a positive direction and she was concerned about class size reduction. Mrs. Joanne Kleinendorst, SV – stated that the district has a large revenue to use in the event of an emergency. She feels the budget needs to be looked at closely that students are not responsible for the economic downfall. It would be of disservice to increase class size especially in Kindergarten and the cuts would jeopardize the student learning process. Mrs. Audrey Chambers, SV – asked that the district please reconsider taking away class size reduction. To have more students in the classroom would make it harder to reach each student. Ms. Elizabeth Alvarez, BME – to eliminate class size reduction will affect student’s 40% reading proficiency. Mrs. Alvarez invited each board member to visit her classroom and asked the board not to remove class size reduction. Ms. Penny Roberts, ECR – stated that intervention has to happen at the lower grade level and asked that the board reconsider eliminating class size reduction. Mrs. Cynthia Hufnagel, SV – State cannot compare First grade students from one school year to the next. Mrs. Hufnagel asked if we have to get into RTTT? Mrs. Kavanagh replied if we qualify for the grant we do not have to accept but we would have to employ sanctions. Ms. Cynthia Carew, SV – stated that the district has been intervening for years and staff has been on board before the January meeting. Mrs. Carew stated she is proud to be a member of the district and asked the board to reconsider class size reduction. Mrs. Veronica Gonzalez, SV – stated that she had more students in third grade for the 2009/10 school year and the kindergarten students would have a hard time adjusting with more students in the classroom. Mrs. Liliana Martinez, SV – stated that it would make her job tough to teacher 28+ kindergarteners and asked the board to reconsider class size reduction and think of the students – they will not benefit. Public comments closed at 7:31pm. Mr. Stoner questioned the bills for the SES tutoring. Mrs. Kavanagh stated SES was required by Title I and all of these were outside tutoring companies. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously approved the following consent agenda:		Adoption of the Agenda Minutes – Approved Report to the Community – Ludim Llanes State Board Visit Reading Language Arts/Jennifer Johnson Communications from the Public
Purchase Order Numbers 100314- 100335 and 13010058-13010063 Bill Payments 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 Payroll Numbers 25, 26, 27, 28 Ratify the following Interdistrict Attendance Requests for the 2009/2010 school year based on parent request. (indicates renewal) Mendez, Damian – Grade 2 – Arvin to DiGiorgio Ratify the following Interdistrict Attendance Requests for the 2009/2010 school year based on parent employment. ( indicates renewal) Aguilar, Frankie – Grade 1 – Arvin to Panama Ratify the following Interdistrict Attendance Requests for the 2009/2010 school year based on child care. (* indicates renewal) Gonzalez, Abigal – Grade 1 – Arvin to Lamont Carrera, Jesus – Grade 7 – Bakersfield City to Arvin Carrera, Isabela – Grade 3 – Bakersfield to Arvin Ratify the following Intradistrict Attendance Requests for the 2009/2010 school year based on parent request. (indicates renewal) Huerta, Jesus – Grade 3 – ECR to SV The board went into closed session at 7:33 p.m. to consider matters related to re-admitting students. After reconvening at 8:04 p.m. the following action was taken. Mrs. Kavanagh explained that a yes vote will be to re-admit the student; a no vote would mean the student cannot be re-admitted. On motion of Mr. DeLeon, seconded by Mr. Owens, the board unanimously approved the motion to re-admit Student #H: 2008/2009. The vote taken was Yes – 5, No – 0. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously approved to Ratify Waiver Application for Title I Part A, Local Educational Agency to request a waiver from CDE to carryover more than 15% of its Title I, Part A, 2009 and 2010 allocations due to ARRA funding (ESEA Section 1127[a][b]). On motion of Mr. DeLeon, seconded by Mr. Owens, the board unanimously approved the School Site Safety Plan for Sierra Vista Elementary School, Bear Mountain Elementary School, El Camino Real Elementary School and Haven Drive Middle School. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Owens, the board unanimously approved the continued mandatory uniforms for Sierra Vista Elementary School, Bear Mountain Elementary School, El Camino Real Elementary School and Haven Drive Middle School for the 2010/2011 school year. 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:* Davis, Matthew Mercado, Jeremy Villegas, Marissa Additional Assignments: After School Intervention Teachers Sierra Vista Bear Mountain El Camino Haven Drive Janet Barajas Debbie Vietti Sarah Cabral Rosemarie Borquez Sonia Martinez Jill Gyll Migrant Saturday School Academic Coach (PreK-8) Debbie Vietti Twila Whitney Resignations: Larry Stromberg – resigned from Eighth Grade Physical Science teacher – effective June 30, 2010. Mrs. Kavanagh will determine names of those certificated teachers to receive a lay-off letter by seniority list. Notifications will need to go out by March 15, 2010 and the final date would be May 15, 2010. Mrs. Kavanagh stated we will know enrollment but we may not know more from the Governor’s proposal. Attachment “A” will allow a ½ million cut from the budget. At this time the district does not know where class reduction will happen and we also do not know of all resignations/retirements. Mrs. Kavanagh asked for approval. Mr. Stoner asked of the 100 students we are down how many is that per class. Mrs. Kavanagh replied we do not know. Mrs. Jackie Roberts asked is the district considering placing VP’s and coaches in the classroom. Mrs. Kavanagh replied no but we need to keep our options open. Mrs. Roberts asked if the district is considering keeping coaches. Mrs. Kavanagh replied yes at this time. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously approved Resolution #10:2009/2010 – Reducing or Eliminating Certificated Services for the 2010/2011 school year. Mrs. Kavanagh explained the retirement incentive would allow 2 years service credit and opening the window is a legal requirement. On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mr. DeLeon, the board unanimously approved Resolution #11:2009/2010 – Certificated Golden Handshake to be opened for the period April 1, 2010 to July 9, 2010. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Stoner, 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:		Purchase Orders Bill Payments Payroll Interdistrict-09/10 Parent Request Interdistrict-09/10 Parent Employment Interdistrict-09/10 Child Care Intradistrict-09/10 Parent Request Closed Session/Student Expulsion Reconvened Student #H:08/09 Waiver Application for Title I Part A, Local Educational Agency School Site Safety Plan for 2010/2011 school year Mandatory Uniforms for 2010/2011 school year Certificated Staff Resolution #10:2009/2010 – Reducing or Eliminating Certificated Services for the 2010/2011 Resolution #11:2009/2010 – Certificated Golden Handshake Classified Personnel
Change of Position: Diana Zavala – Instructional Aide at Sierra Vista Elementary Veronica Sanchez – Cafeteria Helper at Bear Mountain Elementary Joanna Gonzalez – Cafeteria Helper at Bear Mountain Elementary Additional Assignments: Cynthia Sanchez – Migrant Extended Day Tutor Patricia Pantoja – Migrant Extended Day Tutor New Staff: Melissa Abrego – 1 hour Noon Duty Aide at Sierra Vista Elementary, effective February 10, 2010. Angelica Perez – 2 hour Noon Duty Aide at Sierra Vista Elementary, effective February 3, 2010. Maria Tamayo – 1 hour Noon Duty Aide at Sierra Vista Elementary, effective February 3, 2010. Resignations: Veronica Sanchez – resigned from Noon Duty Aide at Sierra Vista – effective January 29, 2010. Joanna Gonzalez – resigned from Special Education Transportation Aide and 1-hour Noon Duty Aide – effective January 29, 2010. Yesenia Bautista – resigned from 1-hour Noon Duty Aide at Sierra Vista – effective January 29, 2010. Gladis Gallardo – resigned from Migrant SSA/Clerk – effective February 12, 2010. On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mr. DeLeon, the board unanimously approved Gloria Garcia for a leave of absence effective January 25, 2010 to February 15, 2010, approximately 3 weeks. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mr. DeLeon, the board unanimously approved Resolution #12:2009/2010 –Classified Golden Handshake to be opened for the period April 1, 2010 to July 9, 2010. Mr. Juvenal Bermudez asked Mrs. Kavanagh why make changes now if her contract was just renewed. Mrs. Kavanagh replied that her contract was not just renewed it was renewed a year ago. Mr. Bermudez asked Mrs. Kavanagh for an explanation in writing to all parents. Mrs. Kavanagh replied she will announce to staff and a letter will go out to parents. Mr. Bermudez asked why Mrs. Kavanagh didn’t have all parents attend the board meeting. Mrs. Kavanagh explained that the board meetings were public meetings. Mr. Bermudez expressed that he would like to have the agenda posted in English and Spanish. Mrs. Kavanagh replied that by the next meeting the agenda will be posted in English and Spanish. Mr. Bermudez asked why both Mrs. Kavanagh and Mrs. Thompson were retiring at the same time. Mrs. Kavanagh replied it is a personal decision. On motion of Mr. DeLeon, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved the letter of retirement from Jerelle Kavanagh, District Superintendent, effective June 30, 2010. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved the letter of retirement from Marilyn Thompson, Assistant Superintendent, effective June 30, 2010. Mrs. Amanda Torres, 1316 Tesoro Drive, Arvin addressed the board regarding item 6.3.3. Mrs. Torres asked that the board reconsider appointing Mrs. Kathie Kouklis as Assistant Superintendent due to a situation pertaining to her student. Mrs. Torres felt that Mrs. Kouklis did not handle the situation correctly and should not be appointed Assistant Superintendent. Mrs. Kavanagh responded that she did not want to discuss the situation regarding her student due to the sensitivity of the situation. Mrs. Kavanagh explained to the board that Mrs. Kouklis and Mrs. Thompson have worked closely with DAIT and other programs and asked the board to recommend Mrs. Kouklis for the Assistant Superintendent position to ensure a smooth transition. Mrs. Jackie Roberts asked if Mrs. Kouklis has to apply for the position or is she just appointed. Mrs. Kavanagh replied that the Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent positions do not have to be posted. Both positions can be appointed. Mrs. Tarver asked if Mrs. Kouklis’ contract can be tabled. Mrs. Kavanagh explained to the board that no votes will be taken regarding the contract just the appointment. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Owens, the board unanimously approved to appoint Kathie Kouklis Assistant Superintendent, effective July 1, 2010. On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mr. DeLeon, the board unanimously approved the following two candidates to represent Sub Region 12-B in Kern County at the CSBA Delegate Assembly: Cynthia Baird (Tehachapi USD) and Bill Farris (Sierra Sands USD). On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved the Audit Agreement between Arvin Union School District and Linger, Peterson, Shrum & Co., Certified Public Accountants for the period of June 30, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Mrs. Kavanagh informed the board that Mrs. Sylvia Treanor and Mrs. Toni Smith from KCSOS will attend a special board meeting to provide information regarding the superintendent search. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mr. Owens, the board unanimously approved the Special Board Meeting to be held on February 23, 2010 for Superintendent Search. On motion of Mr. DeLeon, seconded by Mr. Owens, the board unanimously approved the following staff to the PINCO Advisory Committee for the 2010/2011 school year. Regina Padilla-Bohanon – Representative Jaclyn Villapando – Alternate On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously adjourned the meeting at 8:53 p.m.		Gloria Garcia/Leave of Absence Resolution #12:2009/2010 – Classified Golden Handshake Jerelle Kavanagh/Letter of Retirement Marilyn Thompson/Letter of Retirement Kathie Kouklis/Appointment of Assistant Superintendent CSBA Delegate Assembly Representative Sub Region 12-B Audit Agreement with Linger, Peterson, Shrum & Co. Special Board Meeting for Superintendent Search PINCO Advisory Committee for the 2010/2011 school year Adjournment

Clerk Secretary