Minutes of the Governing Board

Minutes of the Arvin Union School District Board of Trustees Regular Meeting held on March 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. Olivia Esquivel, Administrative Assistant Mr. Chris Davis, District Accountant Mrs. Ludim Llanes, District Receptionist Mr. David Bowling, Haven Drive Principal Mrs. Aurora Moran, Bear Mountain Principal Mrs. Georgia Rhett, El Camino Real Principal Mrs. Angelica Salinas, Sierra Vista Principal		Staff Present
Others Present: Luis Arios, CBA, Salvador Partida, CBA, Guadalupe Valles, Monica Borquez, Al Alshaif, Rosalinda Penaloza, Marelia Roman, Elut Perez, Ana Perez, Maria C. Garcia, Jaclyn J., Ginger Hemingway, Martha Mortimer, Timotio Prado, Linda Cowan, Rigoberto Tinoco, CBA, Gloria Garcia, Blanca Virvez, Alicia Mendoza, Jennifer Johnson, Juvenal Bermudez, Elizabeth Salinas, Joaquin Duran, CBA.		Others
Mr. Tim Owens led the Pledge of Allegiance.		Pledge of Allegiance
Mrs. Kavanagh informed the board that there were no changes to the agenda. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved Minutes of the Regular Meeting on February 16, 2010 and Special Meeting on February 23, 2010. Mrs. Kavanagh announced that the Kern County Superintendent of Schools was in agreement with the 1^st Interim Report and there were no concerns. Tonight we will review the 2^nd Interim. Mrs. Kavanagh reported that the State Board was unclear of the data sent by the district; however, the February 12, 2010 meeting was a great visit. Mrs. Kavanagh, Mrs. Thompson and the DAIT Team attended the State Board meeting in March and the recommendation from the state was to continue with DAIT for one more year. The district will not be assigned a trustee. Mrs. Kavanagh reported that SIG is a Federal Grant. During the State Board meeting the first part of the morning was spent making final decisions on the application, to which many superintendents are concerned. California applied for the RTTT grant but they were not successful. Bear Mountain and Sierra Vista are listed on the Persistently Lowest Achieving Schools list. One of the ways to be removed from the list is to have a net gain of 50 points in API. Bear Mountain and Sierra Vista had a net gain of 47 and 48. Unfortunately, there is not an appeals process. The district is eligible to apply for the SIG Grant which is a minimum of $50,000 and maximum of $2,000,000. If the district applies we must follow 1 of 4 methods: 1. Turnaround model – replacing principals and eliminate 50% of staff; 2. Restart model – changing to a charter school; 3. Close the school and send the students to other schools within the district; 4. Transformation – replace principals and take steps to improve teachers. It is not mandatory to apply for the SIG Grant. Mrs. Kavanagh’s recommendation is to wait for now. Mr. Stoner asked if the state didn’t receive RTTT are we still eligible for the SIG Grant. Mrs. Kavanagh replied yes. Mrs. Kavanagh informed the board that there were three completed applications for the posted Superintendents position. Mrs. Summers, Title III Math Coordinator, presented an overview of the Math Intervention Program. In January 2009 the district implemented the math intervention at all elementary sites. There are two levels of intervention; 1. Strategic Intervention which is for students 1-2 years below grade level; 2. Intensive Intervention which is for students 2 or more years below grade level. Our K-6 students receive the strategic and intensive intervention which is 20 minutes every day. Our 7-8 students receive the strategic intervention one period every other day and the intensive intervention one period every day. Placement criteria would be 2-3 years of CST data (4-8 grades); diagnostic test; end of year benchmark results; teacher recommendation. Our areas of focus for K-3 are basic facts and skills with additional support for the core instruction. Our areas of focus for 4-7 strategic intervention, skills needed to access the core curriculum with additional practice of basic facts, skills, key standards and academic language and for intensive intervention, basic skills (place value, number sense, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division). Our areas of focus for 8^th grade are algebra readiness (preparing students for high school algebra). Our proficient students for grades K-6 they do math enrichment activities and for 7-8 they attend elective class every day. Strengths of the program: the struggling students are getting help in areas they need, students are experiencing success in math and designated time to focus on these skills. Our opportunities for growth would include continuing to refine the use of data to target the intervention instruction and building the students’ understanding and retention of basic facts and skills at each grade level. The district will continue with the rigor of the core curriculum and focus on first instruction so that students master their current grade level skills, ensure that grade level basic facts are mastered by all students. Next year we will provide an intervention period for those 8^th grade students who are capable of succeeding in algebra, but may need additional time and support. Mrs. Rubio asked what happens during the 20 minutes when the K-6 students are pulled out for math intervention. Mrs. Summers replied the students are not pulled out of their regular math class; the 20 minutes would be additional time. Mrs. Tarver asked is this what they are doing now. Mrs. Summers replied yes, this was implemented January 2009. Mrs. Thompson gave a brief overview of the data points reported to the State Board of Education. The update to the plan is done four times a year. The following updates were reported: Plan professional development for SB472, begin 6-8 reading language arts, 4-8 language intervention began August 2010, additional third hour for grades 7-8 for reading language arts. We have moved from 30% to 60% for our teachers trained in ELPT. We have 100% site administrators trained in response to intervention. OARS is completed, we re-visited norms which are rules teachers apply, re-visited smart goals and we continue to work and train teachers. All school site plans have been submitted for board approval. At this time, Mrs. Rubio announced the opportunity for public comment. Al Alshaif Haven Drive student, 760 Monroe Street, Arvin – expressed concern of the sports being eliminated from the schools specifically track. He believes sports will keep students out of trouble. His suggestions were to have the students provide their own transportation to and from games since they all live in Arvin and also that he had a teacher who would volunteer her time to coach which is Mrs. Buckley. He asked the board to reconsider eliminating sports. Mr. Jose Flores, 2100 James Court, Arvin – wanted to first congratulate Al Alshaif for speaking to the board about his concerns. Mr. Flores informed the board that he was very disappointed in the schools and the district. Mr. Flores asked what are we doing to motivate the students to learn and the teachers to teach. He asked the board not to remove sports and the graduation ceremony from the students. Mr. Juvenal Bermudez wanted to thank Mrs. Kavanagh for having the agenda translated to Spanish for the parents and also wanted the agenda to be mailed to the parents. He informed Anabel that she was responsible for this. He mentioned on February 9, 2010 Mrs. Kavanagh announced her retirement and asked that she not be allowed to keep her benefits. Mr. Bermudez asked the board to pay attention to what’s going on in the district. Mr. Salvador Partida, 240 King Street, Arvin – Mr. Partida is not happy with the board members. He expressed concern that staff members have done what they should not do. He feels that the district has failed the parents and students of Arvin and parents were mad and disappointed with the education the students have received. He asked the board to reconstruct plans and take over and reestablish the school district. Look for funds to provide transportation to all students. We are serving a Hispanic community and we need to look for the right moves for the Hispanic community. Public comments closed at 7:19pm. On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously approved the following consent agenda:		Adoption of the Agenda Minutes – Approved County Review of First Interim Report State Board Visit SIG (School Improvement Grant) Program Mr. Stoner Mrs. Kavanagh DAIT Report/Angie Summers Mrs. Rubio Mrs. Tarver Data Points/State Board of Education – Mrs. Thompson Communications from the Public Mr. Al Alshaif – Haven Drive Student Mr. Jose Flores Mr. Juvenal Bermudez Mr. Salvador Partida
Purchase Order Numbers 100373 – 100410 and 13010069-13010082 Bill Payments 41, 42 Payroll Numbers 33, 34, 35, 36 Ratify the following Interdistrict Attendance Requests for the 2009/2010 school year based on parent request. (indicates renewal) Garcia, Valentin – Grade 4 – Arvin to DiGiorgio Ratify the following Interdistrict Attendance Requests for the 2009/2010 school year based on parent employment. ( indicates renewal) Grissom, Jaime – Grade 2 – Arvin to Bakersfield City Ratify the following Interdistrict Attendance Requests for the 2009/2010 school year based on child care. (* indicates renewal) Lujan, Jocelyn – Grade 7 – Arvin to DiGiorgio Pennington, Hannah – Grade 8 – Arvin to Lamont Ratify the following Intradistrict Attendance Requests for the 2009/2010 school year based on parent request. (indicates renewal) Conradi, Landyn – Grade K – SV to BME Serna, Monique – Grade 3 – SV to ECR Alvarez, Manah – Grade 1 – SV to ECR Loza, Benjamin – Grade 3 – SV to ECR Loza, Jasmin – Grade K – SV to ECR Loza, Demetrio – Grade 4 – SV to ECR Fregoso, Angel – Grade K – BME to ECR Fregoso, Raymond – Grade 2 – BME to ECR The board went into closed session at 7:20 p.m. to consider matters related to student expulsion. After reconvening at 7:35 p.m. the following action was taken. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mr. Owens, the board unanimously approved the expulsion for Student #C: 2009/2010. The vote taken was Yes – 4, No – 0, Abstain – 1. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. DeLeon, the board unanimously approved the expulsion for Student #D: 2009/2010. The vote taken was Yes – 5, No – 0. On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously approved the expulsion for Student #E: 2009/2010. The vote taken was Yes – 5, No – 0. Mrs. Thompson explained that the student teaching agreement has been in effect for many years. It is beneficial to Arvin because we see the new future teachers and also they have practical experience in the classroom. Mr. Stoner asked how much participation we receive. Mrs. Thompson replied we usually have one or two a year. Mr. Stoner asked who applies. Mrs. Thompson replied the student teacher applies directly with the university. Mrs. Tarver asked how many hours do they work. Mrs. Thompson replied it varies depending on where they are in the credentialing program. Ms. Mortimer asked if the district receives funds from the university or vouchers for the student teachers. Mrs. Thompson replied some universities may provide vouchers but the district does not receive funds. The student teacher contracts directly with the university. Ms. Mortimer commented that it was a lot of work for the student teacher to take on a teacher role. Mrs. Thompson agreed. On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved the Student Teaching Agreement with the Trustee of the California State University, California State University, Bakersfield to provide teaching experience through practice teaching to students enrolled in teacher training curricula of the State University effective July 1, 2010 and remain in effect for two years, terminating on June 20, 2013. (Amendment TCH0792) Mrs. Thompson explained that the clinical practicum agreement was primarily for working with Speech Therapists. This program is not offered at many universities in California but it will allow Speech Therapists in classroom experience. Mrs. Ruby Calderon will benefit from this agreement to allow her to continue her education. Mr. Stoner asked if there was a monetary stipend awarded. Mrs. Thompson replied no. On motion of Mr. DeLeon, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously approved the Clinical Practicum Agreement with the Trustee of the California State University, on behalf of California State University, Northridge to provide the graduate training for the Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences, emphasis in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology effective March 16, 2010 and shall remain in effect for three years. Mrs. Kavanagh announced the certificated employees retiring at the end of the 2009/2010 school year; Karen Jacobsen with 39 years of service, Judy McLauchlin with 22 years of service and Larry Sears with 37 years of service. On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mr. DeLeon, 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:* Wendy Giles Donny Horton Roy Joyce Christina Lopez Denise Zavala Cristina Zuniga Additional Assignments: After School Intervention Teacher Araceli Bopp Shawna Schmidt Migrant Extended Day Language Arts Teacher Fernando Guzman Rosemarie Borquez Alfredo Lopez Migrant Saturday School Language Arts Teacher Fernando Guzman Resignations/Retirement: Karen Jacobsen – Academic Coach, retirement effective June 4, 2010. Judy McLauchlin – Second Grade Teacher, effective June 4, 2010. Larry Sears – Physical Education Teacher, effective June 4, 2010. On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mr. DeLeon, the board unanimously approved Christy Vargas, Bear Mountain Elementary 2^nd Grade Teacher, as home school teacher for Maria Murillo for the duration of March 2, 2010 through June 3, 2010. On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved Rhett Rasmussen as home school teacher for Oscar Jaime for the duration of March 2010 through June 3, 2010. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mr. DeLeon, the board unanimously approved Michelle Davidson as home school teacher for Jesus Carrera Haven Drive Middle School 7^th Grade, for the duration of March 5, 2010 through June 3, 2010.		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 #C:09/10 Student #D:09/10 Student #E:09/10 Student Teaching Agreement Clinical Practicum Agreement Mrs. Kavanagh/Certificated Retirees Certificated Staff Christy Vargas – BME Home School Teacher Rhett Rasmussen – ECR Home School Teacher Michelle Davidson – HD Home School Teacher
Mrs. Kavanagh announced the classified employee retiring at the end of the 2009/2010 school year; Toni Pichardo with 41 years of service. 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: Additional Assignments: Sirenia Pantoja – Migrant Extended Day Tutor Guadalupe Valles – Migrant Extended Day Tutor Cecilia Baltazar – Migrant Extended Day Tutor Patricia Pantoja – Migrant Extended Day Tutor Joanna Gonzalez – 1.25 hour Noon Duty Aide at Sierra Elementary, effective February 16, 2010. New Staff: Nataly Banuelos – 2-hour Special Education Transportation Aide, effective February 16, 2010. Resignations/Retirement: Antoniet Pichardo – School Secretary, retirement effective June 15, 2010. Mrs. Kavanagh explained right now we need to eliminate approximately $600,000 due to state cuts and another $600,000 to the revenue limit due to declining enrollment. It is best to give notices now and there may be a possibility of bringing back positions. Notices need to be given 45 days prior to their last day which would be June 14, 2010. Any other positions that may be eliminated are 12 month positions. On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved Resolution #13:2009/2010 – Classified Employee Layoff. Mrs. Kavanagh reported to the Board the SISC Investment Pool Statement for the period from October 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009. No action was necessary. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously approved the 2010/2011 Academic School Calendar for the Arvin Union School District. Mrs. Kavanagh discussed with the board members the time frame for the Special Board Meeting for paper screening of the Superintendents position. Special Board Meeting will begin at 5:30pm. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously approved the Special Board Meeting Closed Session to be held on April 21, 2010 at the District Office for the purpose of paper screening for the Superintendent position. Mrs. Olivia Esquivel, Administrative Assistant, presented an overview of the Second Interim Report. There have been changes to the Unrestricted General Fund since first interim which include transfer in Deferred Maintenance Fund balance of $400,000 and an additional savings to Special Education of $200,000. Our estimated unrestricted fund balance is $400,000 and we met our 3% reserve. In the multi-year projection the district enrollment is declining with a projection of a 3% decline in 2010/11. When the ARRA funds are exhausted, the district faces additional program encroachment to Special Education ($900,000 in 2010/11 and over $1 million in 2011/12). The district anticipates a 15% increase to health and welfare benefits in 2010/11. For the 2010/11 fiscal year, one administrative position, seven teaching positions, and three part-time classified positions have been eliminated due to funding, increased class sizes and enrollment decline. Step and column and costs associated with retirement incentives (golden handshake) are projected. At the end of the current fiscal year, the district reserve level including Fund 17 is projected to be 23.38%. The reserve level will decrease to 10.34% at year end June 30, 2012. Mr. Stoner asked what would happen if we stayed the same in enrollment. Mrs. Esquivel replied we would receive last year’s level. Mr. Chris Davis, District Accountant, gave a brief overview of Federal one-time money. There is an outstanding revenue balance of $852,000 owed to the district from money awarded and money we have not received. For our current activity between Title I, State Fiscal Stabilization and Special Education we a balance of 1.3 million to spend but by the end of next school year this money will run out. Mrs. Rubio asked if the $300,000 paid to KCSOS was for severely handicapped students. Mrs. Kouklis replied it for all disabilities that the district cannot provide. Mrs. Kavanagh added that the district does not have enough students to form a class. On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mr. DeLeon, the board unanimously approved the Second Interim Report of the Arvin Union School District for the Fiscal Year 2009/2010. Mr. Stoner commented that the district could not have the board meetings without staff and parents and wanted to thank everyone for attending. On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously adjourned the meeting at 8:18 p.m.		Mrs. Kavanagh/Classified Retirees Classified Personnel Resolution #13:2009/2010-Classified Employee Layoff SISC Investment Pool 2010/2011 Academic School Calendar Special Board Meeting/April 21, 2010 Mrs. Esquivel/Second Interim Report Mr. Stoner Mr. Davis/ARRA Funds Mrs. Rubio Second Interim Report Mr. Stoner Adjournment

Clerk Secretary