Minutes of the Governing Board

Minutes of the Arvin Union School District Board of Trustees Regular Meeting held on August 16, 2011.

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

Members Present: Mrs. Anabel Rubio, President Mr. William Stoner Mrs. Janie Arvizu, Clerk Mr. Tim Owens Mrs. Joycene Tarver Members Absent: None		Roll Call Members Absent

Staff Present: Dr. Michelle McLean, Superintendent Mrs. Laurie Bowden, Sierra Vista Principal Mrs. Kathie Kouklis, Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Aurora Moran, Bear Mountain Principal Ms. Geneva K. Banks, Administrative Secretary Mrs. Georgia Rhett, El Camino Real Principal Mr. Chris Davis, Chief Business Official Mr. David Bowling, Haven Drive Principal Mrs. Ana Delgado, Community Liaison		Staff Present
Others Present: Dr. Stanley E. Clark, CSUB, Randy Hooser and Jennifer Johnson.		Others
Mrs. Rubio led the Pledge of Allegiance. No changes to the agenda Mrs. Rubio asked everyone to take a moment of silence for Mrs. Doris Salter. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Owens, the board unanimously approved the minutes for the Regular Board Meeting on July 19, 2011. Dr. Clark, Cal-State University Bakersfield, presented information to the school board regarding the Promise Neighborhood Program. There was further discussion with the board members regarding the Promise Neighborhood Program. Dr. McLean reported the Arvin Union School District was awarded the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables grant for $157,000.00. The program is currently in place at the elementary schools. Mrs. Bowden reported the students at Sierra Vista Elementary are enjoying this program and everything is running smoothly. Mrs. Rhett reported the students at El Camino Real are enjoying this program. Mrs. Rubio asked if this was only offered on the first recess or throughout the day. Mrs. Rhett replied the first recess only. Dr. McLean reported Mrs. Davis wrote for a $1000.00 grant with the Junior League to provide shoes to the students of Arvin. Dr. McLean announced she has been elected to serve a three year term on the Board of School District Facilities Services Board of Directors, which is under Schools Legal Service. Mrs. Johnson gave a presentation on the preliminary state test score results. Mrs. Johnson reported on the preliminary data for the last three years. Congratulations to Haven Drive Middle School who made AYP in English Language Arts. Mrs. Kouklis reported on the Grimmway Academy School Board Meeting. At this time, Mrs. Rubio announced the opportunity for public comment. No public comments. The board adjourned to closed session at 7:41pm for conference with legal counsel – anticipated litigation. Resumed to open session at 8:04pm. Report of action taken in closed session: Grant Herndon of Schools Legal Service gave a presentation on updated demographics for the District, including information from the 2010 Census. Copies of information sheets containing data from 2000 and 2010 were distributed to the Board and made available to the public. Mr. Herndon noted that the Board of Trustees adopted Resolution No. 20 on June 22, 2010, calling for the development of trustee areas using 2010 Census data when it becomes available, and after holding one or more public hearings to obtain additional public input on any proposals. He distributed demographics information from the 2000 and 2010 Censuses and other sources for voter registration and participation data. Mr. Herndon noted that the total population in the District increased from 13,562 in 2000 to 19,762 in 2010, an increase of almost 46 percent. Hispanic residents were the largest minority group within the District, accounting for 86.3 percent of total population in 2000 and 92.2 percent in 2010. Hispanic citizen voting age population increased from 68.2 percent in 2000 to 71.03 percent in 2010 according to the Census Special Tabulation. Mr. Herndon noted that data indicates an increase in Hispanic electoral participation. Registration data indicated 65.6 percent of registered voters in the District were Hispanic in 2000, in comparison with 79.49 percent in 2010, and voter turnout data showed 73.7 percent Hispanic in 2000 versus 76.27 percent in 2010. Mr. Herndon indicated that the District has a strong history of Hispanic representation on the Board of Trustees. A review of contested elections from 1994 to 2008 showed that for 14 vacant seats, there were 18 Hispanic candidates, 9 of whom were elected to the Board. Two members of the current Board of Trustees are Hispanic, one is African-American, and two are Caucasian (non-Hispanic). Mr. Herndon asked whether Board members live very close together, or are fairly well dispersed within the residential portion of the District. Board members indicated that their residences are dispersed throughout the residential areas in the District, so that all parts of the inhabited portions of the District are currently represented by a trustee. Mr. Herndon reviewed some potentially relevant advantages and disadvantages of the current at-large system versus a “by-trustee area” election system: 1. A trustee’s representation in an at-large system is not confined to just his/her trustee area, so that all trustees must consider the good of the entire district. 2. With a “by-trustee area” system, voters may feel more connected because their geographical area has its “own” representative that they alone elected. However, there may be a tendency to give priority to issues impacting only a trustee’s particular trustee area or the schools located within it. If Board members focus only on the constituencies who elect them, this can preclude a broader policy perspective and interfere with a willingness to cooperate to achieve common goals, which can impact student achievement. This can also impact Board cohesiveness and productivity in general. 3. An at-large system allows for a larger candidate pool, allowing voters to choose (or the Board in the case of a vacancy) from a broader base of candidates and to support candidates from outside the immediate area where they live. This may be important in a district such as Arvin Union, with a relatively small population and a history of insufficient candidates for Board seats even under the at-large system. 4. The Board of Trustees is already broadly representative of various school district communities of interest including racial and ethnic minorities. 5. In an at-large system, each voter has an equal influence in elections and can vote for any of the candidates running. In a by-trustee area system, the influence of voters may vary depending on the number of registered voters within a trustee area. Trustee areas with smaller numbers of registered voters will result in each voter having more influence than in areas with higher voter registration rates. 6. Given the demographics of the District and its electoral history, a strong case can be made that Hispanic voters have more than sufficient voting strength in the District to elect their candidates of choice. However, an at-large system can still be subject to a claim under the California Voting Rights Act. 7. In a single-member by-trustee area system, voters get to vote on Board candidates only once every four years, since they only vote for candidates running in the trustee area where the voter resides. In an at-large system, voters are voting for Board candidates every two years. 8. Where minority groups are under-represented on the Board, “by-trustee area” elections MAY provide more opportunities for minorities to elect representatives of their choice. However, the system may also result in discouraging qualified candidates who might draw support from all areas of the District but who do not have a constituency within their particular trustee area. Trustee Stoner asked whether change in election systems will significantly increase Hispanic voting strength. Mr. Herndon noted that it is possible that Hispanic influence District-wide could be reduced in an alternative election system by concentrating voting power in trustee areas in a greater percentage than District-wide, where Hispanic voters are already a significant majority. Given that the population of the District is overwhelmingly Hispanic both in terms of total population and citizen voting age population, and considering its election history, a strong case can be made that Hispanic voters have more than sufficient voting strength in the District to elect their candidates of choice. The trustees noted that no public concerns have been expressed in the recent past alleging that the at-large electoral system is in any way unfair. Mr. Herndon asked the trustees whether they felt that the size of the District could present an obstacle in running for the Board. The trustees noted that the fairly small size of the District and compact nature of the residential portion of the District is such that size would not present an obstacle in running for the Board. Superintendent McLean noted that no demand letters seeking a change in the electoral system have been filed with her office. The Board further discussed the pros and cons of a change in election system. Board President Rubio stressed that the current system calls for all trustees to consider the welfare of all schools and students in the District and fosters cooperation among Board members for the benefit of students, rather than focusing on specified schools or voter constituencies. Trustee Tarver added that under the current system, the Board and District are like a family, looking out for the welfare of all, whereas a different election system may change that. Trustee Arvizu felt it was important that voters in the District have an opportunity to express their preferences every two years, rather than only every four years. Board President Rubio expressed that dividing the relatively small district into even smaller election areas may actually result in fewer candidates, including minority candidates. She and other trustees noted that the District in the recent past has had a history of appointments and an insufficient number of candidates. Having a larger candidate pool is important in this District. In light of the information presented, the trustees noted that it was not clear to them that a change in electoral system would be beneficial to the District at this time, or would increase the voting strength of minority voters in the District. Hispanic voters seem to be able to make their choices for school board members. By consensus, the Board members expressed that their preferred approach would be to maintain the current at-large election system for now, while continuing to watch for changes in District demographics and other factors which might make a by-trustee area election system more beneficial for the District and its students. Superintendent McLean asked Mr. Herndon to bring back a resolution expressing the Board’s intention to hold off on changing election systems for now pending further developments and that a public hearing be set for public comment on the issue. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved the following consent agenda: Purchase Order Numbers 120065 – 120162 Bill Payments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Payroll Numbers 5, 6, 7, 8 Consider approval of the following Interdistrict Attendance Requests for the 2011/2012 school year based on child care. (indicates renewal) Lindner, Harmoni – Grade 4 – Arvin to DiGiorgio Lindner, William – Grade 6 – Arvin to DiGiorgio Fields, Kaithlynn – Grade 2 – Arvin to DiGiorgio Garcia, Daniela – Grade 3 – Arvin to Vineland Seay, Pamela – Grade 3 – Arvin to DiGiorgio Seay, Cheyenne – Grade 5 – Arvin to DiGiorgio Merriman, Wayne – Grade 7 – Arvin to DiGiorgio Silva, Esmeralda – Grade 8 – Arvin to Vineland Silva, Jacinto Jr. – Grade 6 – Arvin to Vineland Consider approval of the following Interdistrict Attendance Requests for the 2011/2012 school year based on parent employment. (indicates renewal) Coatl, Ricardo – Grade 4 – Fairfax to Arvin Coatl, Luis Angel – Grade K – Fairfax to Arvin Mackey, Cole – Grade 6 – Arvin to DiGiorgio Mackey, Jay – Grade 4 – Arvin to DiGiorgio Mackey, Kody – Grade 2 – Arvin to DiGiorgio Moreno, Jose Xavier – Grade 2 – Panama to Arvin Perez, Neftali – Grade 6 – Lamont to Arvin Perez, Josue – Grade 1 – Lamont to Arvin Consider approval of the following Interdistrict Attendance Requests for the 2011/2012 school year based on parent request. (indicates renewal) Flores, Jenessa – Grade K – Arvin to BCSD Lawson, John – Grade 5 – Arvin to Vineland Mackey, Brianna – Grade 5 – Arvin to DiGiorgio Mackey, Derek – Grade 4 – Arvin to DiGiorgio Mackey, Tara – Grade 1 – Arvin to DiGiorgio Silvestre, Alexander – Grade 4 – Vineland to Arvin Silvestre, Citlaly – Grade 1 – Vineland to Arvin Wren, Summer – Grade 6 – Arvin to DiGiorgio Consider approval of the donation from the Junior League in the amount of $1000.00 to purchase shoes for the students of the Arvin Union School District. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously approved the Service Provider Agreement for Title I Program Improvement/External Entity – Monitor and Review Services between The Kern County Superintendent of Schools and the Arvin Union School District. The initial term of this agreement is August 15, 2011 – June 30, 2012 in the amount of $52,500.00. On motion of Mr. Owens, 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 2011/2012 school year: Additional Assignment* BTSA Facilitator Debbie Vietti BTSA Support Provider Michelle Davidson Charlie Haycock Technology Assistants Sierra Vista Elementary Jackie Roberts Corey Schmidt Bear Mountain Elementary John Bullard Christy Vargas Twila Whitney El Camino Real Elementary Michael Taylor Haven Drive Middle School Charlie Haycock Darren Jones On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mr. Owens, the board unanimously approved the job description for AVID Coordinator (Advanced Via Individual Determination) at Haven Drive Middle School. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mr. Owens, the board unanimously approved the job description for Specially Funded Program Specialist. On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously approved the job description for Specially Funded Teacher Tutor. Correction: (D) 7^th/8^th grade girls basketball On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously approved the amended Memorandum of Understanding between the Arvin Union School District and the Arvin Teachers Association/CTA/NEA for the 2011/2012 Coaches Salary Schedule. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mr. Owens, the board unanimously approved the following employment, resignation, retirement, leave of absence, change of status, and termination of the following classified staff for the 2011/2012 school year: Additional Assignment Breakfast Duty Aides Brandi Randle, Sierra Vista Elementary, effective August 11, 2011 Maria Cruz, Bear Mountain Elementary, effective August 8, 2011 Veronica Sanchez, El Camino Real, effective August 1, 2011 New Positions On-Site Coordinator After School Program Alicia Carrera Noon Duty Aide (1 hour 45 minutes) Romelia Alias Special Education Bus Aide Carmelita Vega Resignations/Retirement: Nataly Banuelos – Special Education Bus Aide, resignation effective July 21, 2011. Mauricio Becerra – Noon Duty Aide at Haven Drive Middle School, resignation effective August 1, 2011. Sarai Garcia – Noon Duty Aide at El Camino Real, resignation effective August 1, 2011. Correction: Item five removed On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mr. Owens, the board unanimously approved the amended job description for Specially Funded Clerk. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mrs. Arvizu, the board unanimously approved to move the September Regular Board meeting to Tuesday, September 13, 2011. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Owens, the board unanimously approved to change the mileage reimbursement rate from 48.5 cents to 55.5 cents effective August 1, 2011. On motion of Mrs. Rubio, seconded by Mr. Owens, the board unanimously approved the Success Through Chess Program Agreement between the Arvin Union School District and American Chess Institute, Inc. to provide the full “Success Through Chess” Program, which includes facilitator training, equipment, resources, and facilitator support. This agreement will remain in force until June 10, 2012 unless the parties agree to modify it. The total cost for services is $3,995.00. On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved the Agreement for Utility and Custodial Services between the Kern County Superintendent of Schools and the Arvin Union School District for the 2011/2012 school year. Contract No. 201699. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Owens, the board unanimously approved the Amendment to Agreement for Law Enforcement Services – School Resource Officer between the City of Arvin and the Arvin Union School District commencing on August 3, 2011 and ending June 30, 2012. On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved the following Interfund transfers for the 2011/2012 fiscal year. 970307 –Temporary Cash Loan for General Fund $ 70,000.00 970383 –Temporary Cash Loan for General Fund $ 200,000.00 970430 –Temporary Cash Loan for General Fund $ 300,000.00 970437 –Temporary Cash Loan for General Fund $ 430,000.00 At this time, Mrs. Rubio announced the opportunity for public comment regarding the School Facilities Needs Analysis and Adoption of Alternative School Facility Fees for the Arvin Union School District. Hearing was open at 9:00pm Hearing was closed at 9:02pm No comments made by the public. On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved Resolution #2:2011/2012 School Facilities Needs Analysis (SFNA) and Adoption of Alternative School Facility Fees for the Arvin Union School District. The board did not adjourn to closed session. On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mrs. Arvizu, the board unanimously adjourned the meeting at 9:03 p.m. Clerk Secretary		Pledge of Allegiance Changes to the Agenda Adoption of the Minutes Dr. Clark, CSUB Dr. McLean/Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Grant Mrs. Bowden Mrs. Rhett Mrs. Rubio Dr. McLean/Junior League Donation Dr. McLean/Board of School District Facilities Services Mrs. Johnson/Preliminary Test Scores Mrs. Kouklis/Grimmway Academy School Board Meeting Communications from the Public Closed Session/Conference with Legal Counsel Resume Open Session Mr. Herndon/Report of closed session Mr. Stoner Dr. McLean Purchase Orders Bill Payments Payroll Interdistrict-11/12 Child Care Interdistrict-11/12 Parent Employment Interdistrict-11/12 Parent Request Junior League Donation 2011/12 Monitor and Review Services Agreement Certificated Staff Job Description/AVID Coordinator Job Description/Specially Funded Program Specialist Job Description/Specially Funded Teacher Tutor Memorandum of Understanding with ATA Classified Staff Job Description/Specially Funded Clerk Change to September Board Meeting Change to Mileage Reimbursement Success Through Chess Program Agreement 2011/12 Utility and Custodial Services Agreement 2011/12 Agreement for Law Enforcement Services 2011/12 Interfund Transfers Public Comment/School Facilities Needs Analysis and Adoption of Alternative School Facility Fees Hearing Open Hearing Closed Communications from the Public Resolution #2:2011/2012 (SFNA) and Adoption of Alternative School Facility Fees Adjournment