Minutes of the Governing Board

Minutes of the Arvin Union School District Board of Trustees Regular Meeting held on October 18, 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. Kathie Kouklis, Assistant Superintendent Ms. Geneva K. Banks, Administrative Secretary Mr. Chris Davis, Chief Business Official Mrs. Ludim Llanes, Payroll/Personnel Technician Mrs. Laurie Bowden, Sierra Vista Principal Mrs. Aurora Moran, Bear Mountain Principal Mrs. Georgia Rhett, El Camino Real Principal Mr. David Bowling, Haven Drive Principal		Staff Present
Others Present: Randy Hooser, Robert Rangel, Jose Garcia, Rosie Kidwell, Felipe Villalobos, Lupe Villalobos, Lakisha Salinas, Rubin Salinas, Lupita Machuca, Judith Martinez, Paulino Chavez, Florenciana Lopez, Jennifer Johnson, Esmeralda Contreras, Marco Martinez.		Others
Mrs. Arvizu led the Pledge of Allegiance. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously approved the minutes for the Regular Board Meeting on September 13, 2011. 3.1.1. Review Updated Demographics from 2010 Census and Proposed Resolution to Maintain At-large Election System Grant Herndon of Schools Legal Service reviewed the updated demographics for the District presented at the August 16, 2011 meeting, including information from the 2010 Census. Copies of information sheets containing data from the 2010 Census as well as sources for voter registration and participation data were again distributed to the Board and made available to the public. Mr. Herndon reviewed the changes in total population in the District between 2000 and 2010 (an increase from 13,562 to 19,762 inhabitants). Hispanic residents are currently the largest minority group within the District, accounting for 86.3 percent of total population in 2000 and 92.2 percent in 2010. Non-Hispanic White residents accounted for 5.5 percent of total population in 2010, Non-Hispanic Asian residents 1.0 percent, and African-American residents .7 percent. Hispanic voting age population registered at 90.7 percent in 2010; Hispanic citizen voting age population registered at 70.8 - 71 percent, with Hispanic registration and voter turnout based upon the California Statewide Database at 79.5 and 76.3 percent, respectively. Mr. Herndon reviewed the data indicating an increase in Hispanic electoral participation and the strong history in the District of Hispanic representation on the Board of Trustees. Two members of the current Board are Hispanic, one is African-American and two are Caucasian (non-Hispanic). Mr. Herndon summarized the discussion from the August 16, 2011 Board meeting concerning the advantages and disadvantages of moving to a “by-trustee area” election system. ► 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. ► Board members expressed that the current at-large system promotes a focus on all of the children attending schools in the District. That may change under a by-trustee area election system and may erode cooperation among Board members. A Board member commented that under the at-large system, the Board and District are currently like a family, looking out for the welfare of all. ► In contrast to a by-trustee area system, the at-large system permits voters in the District the opportunity to affect the makeup of the Board every two years, rather than every four years. ► Based on the information presented, Board members expressed that a change in election systems would not significantly increase the opportunity for Hispanic voters to elect their chosen candidates at this time, and that a change in systems may in fact reduce Hispanic influence by concentrating voting power in trustee areas in a greater percentage than District-wide, where Hispanic voters are already a significant majority. ► Board members did not feel that the size of the District would present an obstacle in running for the Board. They expressed concern that a change in systems could result in a situation where the elections were uncontested or an election area did not generate candidates. Even under the at-large system, the District has experienced a history of appointments and an insufficient number of candidates, such that having a larger candidate pool is important in the District. ► Board members discussed that a by-trustee area system could lead to a situation in which voters in one trustee area with a lesser number of registered voters could wield more influence than in other trustee areas. ► By consensus, the Board 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. Mr. Herndon reviewed with the Board a proposed resolution calling for the Board to maintain its at-large election system at this time, while monitoring developments which might indicate the need for a change at some time in the future. 3.2. Public Hearing Regarding Maintenance of the Current At-large Election System Board President Rubio opened a public hearing regarding maintenance of the at-large election system at 6:39 p.m. No public comments were received and the hearing was closed at 6:40 p.m. 3.3. Consider Adoption of Resolution to Maintain At-large Election System The Board discussed the adoption of a resolution calling for the maintenance of its at-large election system and rescinding Resolution No. 20. On motion by Trustee Arvizu, seconded by Trustee Tarver, the Board adopted the Resolution to Maintain At-Large Election System. Mrs. Bowden gave a presentation to the board on Sierra Vista School. API score for 2010/2011 is 703. Mrs. Bowden reviewed API, AYP and Math scores for the past three years. Mrs. Bowden also reviewed the Sierra Vista focus on Math, Sierra Vista’s highlights and the three guiding principles; rigor, relevance and respectful relationships. Mrs. Bowden recognized three students at Sierra Vista School who scored a perfect 600 scale score on their Math CST test. Matthew Kidwell Susana Salas Jacob Aguilar Dr. McLean discussed with the board suggestions to refine future board agendas. Dr. McLean gave an update on grants submitted/pending decision, grants awarded, grants in progress and grants submitted but not funded. Dr. McLean announced Red Ribbon Week is October 24 – 28, 2011. Senator Rubio donated book marks for all the students. Mrs. Arvizu asked how many of the approved grants were prepared by district personnel. Dr. McLean replied the fresh fruits and vegetables grant and the cal recycle tire-derived product grant were brought to us by California Consulting. Information was received from Mrs. Padilla-Bohanon and Mrs. Salinas to prepare the grants. Mrs. Rubio informed the parents they are more than welcome to stay for the meeting but if they need to leave they can do so. Dr. McLean stated the grant writer submits the upcoming grants to herself and Mrs. Salinas. The district then notifies the grant writer of any grants they would like to apply for. Mr. Stoner asked if it was a good idea to hire the grant writer. Dr. McLean replied yes. Mrs. Tarver asked if all the wood chips would need to be removed from the playground. Dr. McLean replied yes and the cost is built into the grant. Mr. Owens asked if there are any strings attached to these grants. Dr. McLean replied to her knowledge no. Mr. Davis replied you can only buy fruit and you can only buy rubber but other than that you know what you’re getting into. Mrs. Tarver asked if these grants are considered non-profit. Mrs. Rubio responded its free money. Dr. McLean reported on Principals Day at Arvin High School. Mrs. Kouklis reported on the Grimmway Academy School Board Meeting. Mr. Owens asked if Arvin Union School District will be the feeder school for Grimmway for seventh and eighth grade students. Mrs. Kouklis replied yes. Dr. McLean reported on breakfast in the classroom at Bear Mountain School. On average 350 students eat breakfast. On Monday, October 17, 2011, 808 students ate breakfast at Bear Mountain. Mrs. Tarver asked how the breakfast was getting to the classrooms. Dr. McLean replied wagons were being used. Mrs. Rubio asked how long were we going to pilot this program. Dr. McLean replied the long term goal is to try it out this year, study the results at each school site with the goal of having it up and running at each site next year. Mr. Davis gave an update on the new attendance accounting process report. At this time, Mrs. Rubio announced the opportunity for public comment. No comments There was discussion on purchase orders and the payroll report. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mr. Owens, the board unanimously approved the following consent agenda: Purchase Order Numbers 120235 – 120290 Bill Payments 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 Payroll Numbers 13, 14, 15, 16 Consider approval of the following Interdistrict Attendance Requests for the 2011/2012 school year based on child care. (indicates renewal) Lopez, Dagoberto, Jr. – Grade 7 – Vineland to Arvin Lopez, Daniel – Grade 5 – Vineland to Arvin Lopez, Maricela – Grade 1 – Vineland to Arvin Moreno, Jorge – Grade 3 – Vineland to Arvin Moreno, Diana – Grade 7 – Vineland to Arvin Ochoa, Maria A. – Grade 3 – Vineland to Arvin Ochoa, Cecilia – Grade K – Vineland to Arvin Consider approval of the following Interdistrict Attendance Requests for the 2011/2012 school year based on parent request. (indicates renewal) Rouell, Jeffery, II – Grade 8 – Arvin to Lamont Rouell, Breeanna – Grade 7 – Arvin to Lamont Consider approval for the fall festival donation of $100 given by Craig Garrett. The board will go into closed session at 7:59 to consider matters related to student expulsion. Resumed open session at 9:21. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously approved the expulsion for Student #B: 2011/2012. The vote taken was Yes – 5, No – 0. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mr. Owens, the board unanimously approved the expulsion for Student #C: 2011/2012. The vote taken was Yes – 5, No – 0. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mr. Owens, the board unanimously approved the expulsion for Student #D: 2011/2012. The vote taken was Yes – 5, No – 0. On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously approved the contracts between the Arvin Union School District and the named agencies to provide Title I – Supplemental Educational Service to LEA students. Contract is effective October 1, 2011 and terminates on June 30, 2012. A Tree of Knowledge Educational Services, Inc. Adelante Educational Services On motion of Mrs. Arvizu, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved the Agreement for Student Assistance Program between the Kern County Superintendent of Schools and the Arvin Union School District beginning August 2, 2011 through June 30, 2012. 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 2011/2012 school year: Additional Assignments AVID Coordinator Adam Troxel Migrant Extended Day Teachers Rosemarie Borquez – Sierra Vista Marc Mathiasen – Sierra Vista John Bullard – Bear Mountain Devon Witte – El Camino Real Technology Assistant Jill Gyll – Bear Mountain After School Gate Teachers Veronica Cruz – Bear Mountain Gloria Ramirez-Krauter – Haven Drive Sandra Keller – Haven Drive Joe Hawthorne – Haven Drive Resignations/Retirements Karen Ramos, Third Grade Teacher at El Camino Real, retirement effective November 14, 2011. On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mrs. Arvizu, 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: New Positions Special Ed Bus Duty Aide Carmelita Vega Parent Facilitator Marilyn Lopez Additional Assignment Substitute Custodian Gracie Goodwin Migrant Extended Day Tutor Elsa Quirino Migrant Pre-K Intercession Tutor Maria C. Cruz Yuliana Morales Migrant Pre-K Tutor Maria C. Cruz Change of Position Night Custodian – ECR Angel Pantoja Transfer Position Secretary – Bear Mountain Elementary Marlen DeLeon, effective October 17, 2011. Probationary Lucia Palacios did not pass her probation as Parent Facilitator effective September 19, 2011. Resignations/Retirements Adriana Andino, Bear Mountain Secretary, resignation effective October 10, 2011. Maria L. Garcia, Preschool Instructional Aide, resignation effective October 14, 2011. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously approved the request for leave of absence from Mariana Perez, After School Instructional Aide at El Camino Real Elementary, beginning September 20, 2011 through November 18, 2011. Mr. Davis reviewed the initial contract proposal from CSEA Chapter 164. (No Action Necessary) On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mrs. Arvizu, the board unanimously approved the field trip for the Fourth Grade students at Bear Mountain Elementary to attend the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California on November 2, 2011. On motion of Mrs. Arvizu, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously approved Resolution #8:2011/2012 approving submittal of applications for all CalRecycle grants for which the Arvin Union School District is eligible. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mr. Owens, the board unanimously approved Board Policy AUSD6 for purchase of environmentally preferable products (green purchasing). On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mrs. Arvizu, the board unanimously approved the contract with California Consulting effective October 1, 2011 through April 1, 2012. Dr. McLean presented information to the board regarding the Kern County Grand Jury Report in regards to school district trustees’ compensation. On motion of Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mrs. Tarver, the board unanimously approved Option 1 of the Board response to the Grand Jury Report in regards to school district trustees’ compensation. On motion of Mrs. Tarver, seconded by Mrs. Arvizu, the board unanimously approved the following Interfund transfers for the 2011/2012 fiscal year. 971051 –Temporary Cash Loan for Preschool Fund $40,000.00 On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mrs. Arvizu, the board unanimously approved the Engagement Letter between Linger, Peterson, Shrum & Co. Certified Public Accountants and the Arvin Union School District to perform the annual examination of the District’s financial statements. Dr. McLean reported there were no complaints received for the Williams Settlement Uniform Complaint Quarterly Report ending September 30, 2011. (No action was necessary) Mr. Stoner asked how often we are required to change auditors. Mr. Davis replied we have to change partners every four years but we can keep the same company. The board adjourned to closed session at 9:49pm for discussion of personnel actions – appointment, employment, evaluation, discipline/dismissal release. (No Action Necessary) Resumed to open session at 10:22pm. Report of action taken in closed session: No action taken On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mr. Stoner, the board unanimously adjourned the meeting at 10:23 p.m. Clerk Secretary		Pledge of Allegiance Adoption of the Minutes Mr. Herndon/Review Updated Demographics from 2010 Public Comment/Maintenance of the Current At-Large Election System Resolution#5:2011/2012 – Maintain At-Large Election System Mrs. Bowden/Spotlight on our School Dr. McLean/Refining Future Board Agendas Dr. McLean/Grant Report Dr. McLean Mrs. Arvizu Mrs. Rubio Dr. McLean Mr. Stoner Mrs. Tarver Mr. Owens Mrs. Tarver Dr. McLean Mrs. Kouklis Mr. Owens Dr. McLean Mrs. Tarver Mrs. Rubio Mr. Davis Communications from the Public Purchase Orders Bill Payments Payroll Interdistrict-11/12 Child Care Interdistrict-11/12 Parent Request Donation/Craig Garrett Closed Session/ Student Expulsion Resumed Open Session Student #B:2011/2012 Student #C:2011/2012 Student #D:2011/2012 SES Contracts Student Assistance Program Certificated Staff Classified Staff Leave of absence/Mariana Perez CSEA Initial Contract Proposal Field Trip/Aquarium of the Pacific Resolution #8:2011/2012/CalRecycle Grant Board Policy AUSD6/Green Purchasing California Consulting Contract Dr. McLean/Grand Jury Report Board Response to Grand Jury Report Interfund Transfer Engagement Letter/Linger, Peterson, Shurm & Company Williams Settlement Uniform Complaint Quarterly Report Mr. Stoner Closed Session/Personnel Actions Resumed Open Session Report of Action Taken Adjournment

Next regular board meeting will be held November 22, 2011.