The Monday, September 9, 2024, LASD Board meeting will start its open session at 7:00pm and contemporaneous public comments may only be made in person in the LASD Board Room. We use the Zoom webinar platform for community members to follow our meetings at home. If you cannot attend in person, and have a comment that you would like the LASD Board to consider in its decision making, please email all of us at [email protected].  To register to watch the board meeting from the comfort of your home, click here.  The entire agenda and supporting documentation for this week's meeting can be found here.

First up on the agenda, Greg Drummond and Denise Khalid will give a Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Program Update. This is a discussion item and their presentation can be found under agenda item H.1. In 2021, the state mandated (with no additional funding to LASD and other community funded/basic aid districts) that TK be rolled out to all 4 year olds and codified how it would eventually be rolled out.  We are in the 4th year of the roll out with students turning 4 from September 2 through June 2nd of 2024 eligible for TK.  I look forward to hearing how LASD's rollout is progressing. 

Then, Erik Walukiewicz will present the Facilities Master Plan for approval.  This is an action item, and the plan can be found under agenda item H.2.  The District engaged with CAW Architects to do an extensive assessment of facilities across the district including data collection, site tours, online surveys, focus groups, and community outreach, and then instill that into master plan for facilities in the district.  I highly recommend your reading it yourself, as it is pretty exhaustive and honestly too much for me to summarize in a meaningful way for you.  

Next, the Board will be given a chance to openly discuss the Bullis Charter School (BCS) Renewal Petition Update.  As discussed before, On 7/17/24, BCS had its charter renewal hearing where the SCCOE, BCS, and LASD all had 10 minutes to speak regarding the matter. At that same hearing there was lots of public comment followed by lots of questions, comments, and requests for more information from both LASD and BCS made by the Santa Clara County Board of Education (SCCBOE).  LASD submitted responses to those requests with all the data requested.  BCS sent the SCCOE marketing material and stated the data was not needed by the SCCOE/SCCBOE and that they lacked the capacity to get the data to them.  On August 16th, as required by law and in preparation for the SCCBOE's renewal decision hearing scheduled for August 26th, the SCCOE's Charter Department published its renewal decision recommendation.  You can find that recommendation here. In short, the SCCOE Charter Schools Department, even though it found BCS's charter renewal documentation and presentation deficient and not responsive to their Notice of Concern, recommended the SCCBOE approve renewal of BCS for 5 years (not 7 years) conditioned on them executing an MOU with the County Superintendent of Schools with many requirements for said MOU outlined.  On 8/26/24 (going into 8/27/24), the SCCBOE approved a modified version of the SCCOE's resolution requesting that the MOU come back to the SCCBOE for approval by 12/18/24 and the charter school remove its cap on free and reduced lunch (FRL) students.  On 9/4/24, the SCCBOE evaluated reconsidering its 8/26 to 8/27 decision, based on a new recommendation that BCS and SCCOE put forth, that incorporated a lot of the requests/conditions into BCS's charter renewal petition, including removing the cap on FRL students, but erased consequences for not complying and any mention that the charter school was deficient in at least 2/3rds of its charter renewal application.  The SCCBOE decided to not reconsider their decision of 8/26 to 8/27, with that decision remaining final.  

Erik will then present LASD's 2022-23 Unaudited Financials. This is an action item and his presentation and the unaudited financials can be found under agenda item H.4.  LASD's financials are looking quite sound thanks to the passage of the Parcel Tax, right sizing of staffing after COVID, and strategic usage of one time monies received.  That being said, we still have concerns about inflation, unfunded and underfunded mandates, and fixed costs increasing for the district.  We are asked to approve the unaudited financials so it can be sent to/filed with the SCCOE. 

Next, Erik will present a Resolution Adopting the Gann Limit. This is an action item and the resolution and backup materials can be found under agenda item H.5.  Erik asks the Board to approve this resolution which is basically procedural and sets an appropriations limit on the District based on last years actual appropriations and expectation for this budget year.  

Then, Sandra will present Appointments to Northwest Special Education Local Plan Area Community Advisory Committee (SELLA CAC).  This is an action item and the applications for the requested appointees can be found under agenda item H.6.  SELPA CAC is an advisory body to the District and greater Santa Clara County community on Special Education needs of students and their families.  The applicants are current LASD Special Education parents. 

Next, Sandra will present a 2024-25 Mentor-Tutor Connection (MTC) Memorandum of Understanding.  This is an action item and the memorandum of understanding can be found under agenda item H.7.  The Board is asked to approve this agreement with MTC for them to continue to supply the district with much needed, well trained volunteer tutors for our students needing extra help.  

Sandra will then present two resolutions relating to LASD staffing: one for those teachers with a Multiple Subject Credential and the other for those teachers with a Single Subject Teaching Credential. This is an action item and the resolutions can be found under agenda items H.8 and H.9.  Approval of these resolutions will allow teachers with a multiple subject credential teach a specific course, and those credentialed in another subject matter, teach a different subject, as long as they completed a certain amount of classes in the new subject matter. 

Last, but not least, Sandra has a bunch of Board Policy Updates for the Board to review. Two are an action item and the rest are discussion items and they all can be found under agenda items H.10, H-11 and H-12.  The California School Boards Association (CSBA) frequently advises local school districts on updates and deletions to board policies, bylaws and regulations based on recent changes to California state law and regulations and our Board gradually updates our policies based on CSBA's recommendations. 

Please note, these are just the highlights of what is on the agenda for the 9/9/24 meeting.  You can inform yourself about the rest of the agenda at the link provided above.  As always, feel free to email me with any questions.  

The Monday, August 19, 2024, LASD Board meeting will start its open session at 7:00pm and contemporaneous public comments may only be made in person in the LASD Board Room. We use the Zoom webinar platform for community members to follow our meetings at home. If you cannot attend in person, and have a comment that you would like the LASD Board to consider in its decision making, please email all of us at [email protected].  To register to watch the board meeting from the comfort of your home, click here.  The entire agenda and supporting documentation for this week's meeting can be found here.

First up on the agenda, Superintendent Sandra McGonagle and staff will give a School Opening Update.  This is a discussion item and her presentation can be found under agenda item H.1.  Across all campuses, there has been a hopeful energy with tons of community building and excitement to dig deep into learning this school year.  

Then, Gregory Drummond will give a Strategic Actions Progress Update.  This is a discussion item and his presentation can be found under agenda item H.2.  The District is focused in Deeper Learning this school year, focusing on the "Rich Learning Experiences" and "Development of Skills, Mindsets, and Habits" of the LASD Student Experience Wheel.  LASD students will truly learning the content they need to know, along with executive functioning skills needed to succeed not only in school, but in life. 

Next, Erik Walukiewicz will present the Facilities Master Plan Draft for review.  This is a discussion item, and the draft can be found under agenda item H.3.  The District engaged with CAW Architects to do an extensive assessment of facilities across the district including data collection, site tours, online surveys, focus groups, and community outreach, and then instill that into master plan for facilities in the district.  I highly recommend your reading it yourself, as it is pretty exhaustive and honestly too much for me to summarize in a meaningful way for you.  

Lastly, the Board will be given a chance to openly discuss the Bullis Charter School (BCS) Renewal Update.  As discussed before, On 7/17/24, BCS had its charter renewal hearing where the SCCOE, BCS, and LASD all had 10 minutes to speak regarding the matter. At that same hearing there was lots of public comment followed by lots of questions, comments, and requests for more information from both LASD and BCS made by the Santa Clara County Board of Education (SCCBOE).  LASD submitted responses to those requests with all the data requested.  BCS sent the SCCOE marketing material and stated the data was not needed by the SCCOE/SCCBOE and that they lacked the capacity to get the data to them.  On August 16th, as required by law and in preparation for the SCCBOE's renewal decision hearing scheduled for August 26th, the SCCOE's Charter Department published its renewal decision recommendation.  You can find that recommendation here. In short, the SCCOE Charter Schools Department, even though it found BCS's charter renewal documentation and presentation deficient and not responsive to their Notice of Concern, recommended the SCCBOE approve renewal of BCS for 5 years (not 7 years) conditioned on them executing an MOU with the County Superintendent of Schools with many requirements for said MOU outlined.  

Please note, these are just the highlights of what is on the agenda for the 8/19/24 meeting.  You can inform yourself about the rest of the agenda at the link provided above.  As always, feel free to email me with any questions.  

The Monday, August 5, 2024, LASD Board meeting will start its open session at 7:00pm and contemporaneous public comments may only be made in person in the LASD Board Room. We use the Zoom webinar platform for community members to follow our meetings at home. If you cannot attend in person, and have a comment that you would like the LASD Board to consider in its decision making, please email all of us at [email protected].  To register to watch the board meeting from the comfort of your home, click here.  The entire agenda and supporting documentation for this week's meeting can be found here.

We will start the board meeting by hearing from staff about 2024-25 School Preparations.  This is a discussion item and their presentation can be found under agenda item H.1.  In short, while many of us were vacationing this summer, the District was hard at work enrolling new students (with 3,427 enrolled as of 8/2), hiring new staff (teachers and classified positions), conducting and participating in professional development, and improving facilities across the district. 

Next, Dr. Carrie Bosco will present the 2024-29 Strategic Plan.  This is an action item and her presentation and the Strategic Plan can be found under agenda item H.2.  The Board is asked to approve the plan that aligns with the Learning Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) we approved at the beginning of the summer. The Strategic Plan for LASD includes ways in which the District will ensure we have thriving students, empowered educators, engaged families, and a strong infrastructure, now and into the near future.  You can read more about it in the Strategic Plan!  

Then, Erik Walukiewicz will present an Overview of the 2024-25 State Budget. This is a discussion item and his presentation can be found under agenda item H.3.  Because LASD is a community funded district, the state budget only marginally effects our budget.  What funds we do receive from the state got a cost of living (COLA) increase of 1.07%, but the District has an increase in expending for CALPERS.  The good news is that the governor is putting a statewide facilities bond on the ballot that LASD could benefit from, if it passes.  

Speaking of bonds, Erik will next present a Bond Resolution.  This is an action item and the Resolution can be found under agenda item H.4.  For over a year, the LASD Board and staff have been evaluating the placement of a Bond measure on the November 2024 ballot. While LASD provides one of the best public education programs in the state, it has been doing so in deteriorating classrooms. Our schools haven’t been upgraded in nearly three decades and are in urgent need of improvements.  Not to mention, 10 schools located on nine campuses isn’t working, causing severe overcrowding at junior high schools in dilapidated portables.  The Bond Resolution calls for a $350 million bond ($30 per $100,000 assessed value of each parcel in LASD) to be placed on the ballot to repair aging facilities and preserve our small neighborhood school model.  It is important to note, compared to other Santa Clara County school districts, LASD has bonded near the least amount, with only one very small school district below us. 

Sandra will then update the board on Bullis Charter School's (BCS) Charter Renewal.  This is is a discussion item and there is no supporting documentation attached to the agenda.  This June, BCS filed its charter renewal application (nearly 600 pages) with the Santa Clara County Board and Office of Education (SCCBOE and SCCOE).   On 7/17/24, BCS had its charter renewal hearing where the SCCOE, BCS, and LASD all had 10 minutes to speak regarding the matter.  SCCOE informed the SCCBOE that BCS was up for renewal, that it is a high performing school (which is determined by comparing their data against statewide data), that the SCCOE and SCCBOE had sent BCS a Notice of Concern in May 2021 (and reaffirmed it in August 2023) stating BCS did not serve all students in contravention of charter law, and that it would be up to the SCCBOE to decide whether BCS should be renewed for 7 years.  BCS argued that it was a high performing school, that it served all students who wished to attend, and that it should be renewed for 7 more years.  LASD agreed that BCS was a high performing school, but argued that BCS did not, in fact, serve all students, and requested that if the SCCBOE chose to renew BCS, that it do so with conditions to ensure their demographics mirror LASD's.  You can watch the hearing here (starting at the 34 minute mark).   

Last, but definitely not least, Sandra has a bunch of Board Policy Updates for the Board to review.  This is a discussion item and all of the Board Policies Updates can be found under agenda item H.6.  The California School Boards Association (CSBA) frequently advises local school districts on updates and deletions to board policies, bylaws and regulations based on recent changes to California state law and regulations and our Board gradually updates our policies based on CSBA's recommendations. 

Please note, these are just the highlights of what is on the agenda for the 8/5/24 meeting.  You can inform yourself about the rest of the agenda at the link provided above.  As always, feel free to email me with any questions.  

The Monday, June 3, 2024, LASD Board meeting will start its open session at 7:00pm and contemporaneous public comments may only be made in person in the LASD Board Room. We use the Zoom webinar platform for community members to follow our meetings at home. If you cannot attend in person, and have a comment that you would like the LASD Board to consider in its decision making, please email all of us at [email protected].  To register to watch the board meeting from the comfort of your home, click here.  The entire agenda and supporting documentation for this week's meeting can be found here.

Before we start regular business, we will be recognizing Retiring Employees.   While we are happy these amazing educators, administrators, and staff members will get a much needed break, we are sad to see them go.  They are a huge part of the reason LASD is a destination district. 

Regular business will start with the Measure N Citizens Bond Oversight Committee Annual Report.  This is an action item and their report can be found under agenda item H.1. The Bond Oversight Committee's charge is to ensure that LASD is spending proceeds according to the Measure N language.  The committee found LASD had and the Board is asked to approve this report. 

Next, the Citizens Advisory Committee for Finance (CACF) will give their Annual Report.  This is a discussion item and their report can be found under agenda item H.2. CACF is tasked with ensuring LASD spends its parcel tax according to the letter of the law.  That being said, CACF does a lot more, including looking out for the general financial health of the district and factors that effect such.  Among other things, CACF states the projected 24/25 budget shows solid improvement, that we should focus on balanced budget for the out years while also ensuring we give our workforce competitive salaries and update our facilities. 

Then, Dr. Carrie Bosco will present the Strategic Plan/2024/25 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP).  This is a discussion item this meeting and the plan, the LCAP and all necessary bureaucratic documents can be found under agenda items H.3, H.4. and H.5.  While these are discussion items this week, next week the Board will be asked to approve them. In short, the strategic plan for LASD for the next school year and the two years thereafter is to ensure we have thriving students, empowered educators, engaged families, and a strong infrastructure.  

Erik Walukiewicz will next present the Proposed 2024-25 District Budget. This is also a discussion item the Board will be asked to approve at its next meeting.  Erik's presentation and the proposed budget can be found under agenda item H.6.  Among other assumptions, LASD's proposed budget assumes:

• Property tax growth of 4%
• Parcel Tax revenues of $10.4 million
• $10.6 million due to BCS (their expected portion of LASD's property tax apportionment proscribed by law and includes a 1.07% cost of living increase). 
• Transfer of $625,000 of parcel tax revenues to BCS
• Payment of $865,111 by LASD to rent portables/facilties in which BCS is located
• Payment of $276,687 by BCS to LASD for use of LASD facilities

​LASD is expected to have healthy reserves, but there are future concerns of slowing property tax growth (the lion share's of LASD funding), stagflation, rising utility, supplies, services, and health care costs, and aging facilities impact on the general fund.

Erik will next present Mobile Modular Agreements for the Portable Removal Projects at Covington and Springer.  This is an action item and the agreements can be found under agenda item H.7.  These are agreements to removed portable classrooms that are no longer needed at Covington and Springer Elementary Schools.  The Board is asked to approve these agreements. 

Next, Sandra will present a Resolution Opposing the Governor's 2024-25 May Revise Budget for Violating the State Constitution and Reducing School Funding.  This is an action item and the resolution can be found under agenda item H.8.  The governor has proposed a budgeting maneuver that while it saves funding this year, will actually mean less school fundings in later years and that is violative of the state constitution.  

Last, but definitely not least, Sandra has a bunch of Board Policy Updates for the Board to review.  This is a discussion item and all of the Board Policies Updates can be found under agenda item H.9.  The California School Boards Association (CSBA) frequently advises local school districts on updates and deletions to board policies, bylaws and regulations based on recent changes to California state law and regulations and our Board gradually updates our policies based on CSBA's recommendations. 

Please note, these are just the highlights of what is on the agenda for the 6/3/24 meeting.  You can inform yourself about the rest of the agenda at the link provided above.  As always, feel free to email me with any questions.         

The Monday, April 1, 2024, LASD Board meeting will start its open session at 7:00pm and contemporaneous public comments may only be made in person in the LASD Board Room. We use the Zoom webinar platform for community members to follow our meetings at home. If you cannot attend in person, and have a comment that you would like the LASD Board to consider in its decision making, please email all of us at [email protected].  To register to watch the board meeting from the comfort of your home, click here.  The entire agenda and supporting documentation for this week's meeting can be found here.

Before we get started with regular business, we will hear from Loyola Elementary School.  Students from the 2nd grade will share information about their project based learning unit.  

Erik Walukiewicz will kick off our regular business with a Facilities Master Plan Progress Update.  This is a discussion item and LASD's architect's presentation can be found under agenda item I.1.  CAW Architects and district employees have visited every site to assess the physical needs at all campuses, surveyed all stakeholders (administration, teachers, staff and parents) about the same, and have generally inventoried facilities across the district.  CAW's assessments show that much needs to be done across the district as no significant work has happened in over 20 years with many key programs being housed in aging portables.  

Then, Superintendent Sandra McGonagle, along with Trustee Shali Sirkay, and myself will give an update on LASD/BCS Discussions.  LASD representatives will be meeting with BCS representatives on April 1st to continue discussions, including a walk around the land that is the 10th site.  

Next, Erik will present an updated MOU Between LASD and Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD).  This is an action item and the redlined agreement can be found under agenda item I.3. The Board is asked to consider approving an update to this MOU that has been in place since 2008 memorializing an agreement between PAUSD and LASD to allow students who live in PAUSD but closer to Gardner Bullis to go Gardner Bullis with funding from PAUSD.  

Erik will then present an Amendment to a Transfer of Development Rights Purchase and Sale Agreement.  This is an action item and the amendment can be found under agenda item I.4.  The Board is asked to approve this agreement lengthening the term of this agreement with Rockwood in exchange for some periodic deposits to LASD. 

Sandra will next present a Resolution regarding the Valley Health Foundation Grant.  This is an action item and the resolution can be found under agenda item I.5.  Valley Health Foundation has announced its intent to grant LASD $278,995 towards Wellness Center related expenses at Egan.  This resolution is required by Valley Health to allow Sandra to execute an agreement with Valley Health to receive the funds.      

Next, Erik will present a Resolution Supporting Award of a Design-Build Contract for District Wide CalSHAPE Ventilation Project and request an Approval of a Design-Build Contract with Syserco Energy Solutions.  These are action items and the resolution and contract can be found under agenda items I.6 and I.7.  The project this is for consists of the completing the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) assessment and maintenance for our nine District school sites under the California Schools Healthy Air, Plumbing, and Efficiency (“CalSHAPE”) Ventilation Program.  LASD received funds from the state to pay for this.  

Then, the Board will consider an Appointment to the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee.  This is an action item and the application of Emily Harris, an LASD parent, can be found under agenda item I.8.  The Citizens Bond Oversight Committee is the committee that ensures LASD is spending Measure N bond funds as approved by the voters.  

Erik will next bring forward a Joint Use Agreement and ELOP Services Agreement with Children's House at Springer Elementary School.  This is an action item and the agreements can be found under agenda item I.9.  LASD's prior after school and ELOP provider at Springer, Abracadabra, decided to close down after the end of this school year.  LASD put out an RFP for other service providers and Children's House was chosen.  Children's House already provides the same services at Loyola and Gardner Bullis.  

Last, but not least, Sandra has a bunch of Board Policy Updates for the Board to review. This is a discussion item and all of them can be found under agenda items I.10.  The California School Boards Association (CSBA) frequently advises local school districts on updates and deletions to board policies, bylaws and regulations based on recent changes to California state law and regulations and our Board gradually updates our policies based on CSBA's recommendations. 

Please note, this is just the highlights of what is on the agenda for the 4/1/24 meeting.  You can inform yourself about the rest of the agenda at the link provided above.  As always, feel free to email me with any questions.

The Monday, March 4, 2024, LASD Board meeting will start its open session at 7:00pm and contemporaneous public comments may only be made in person in the LASD Board Room. We use the Zoom webinar platform for community members to follow our meetings at home. If you cannot attend in person, and have a comment that you would like the LASD Board to consider in its decision making, please email all of us at [email protected].  To register to watch the board meeting from the comfort of your home, click here.  The entire agenda and supporting documentation for this week's meeting can be found here.

Before we get started with regular business, we will hear from Covington Elementary School.  They will share information on their student leadership program.  

Dr. Carrie Bosco will start regular business with an Aspiring Leaders Update.  This is a discussion item and her presentation can be found under agenda item I.1.   The goals of this program was to identify potential candidates for future leadership opportunities from within LASD.  This has been done through periodical afterschool workshops throughout the school year.  Those participating have learned a ton not only about leadership in general, but the inner workings of LASD too.  

Next, Carrie will present the LASD Student Experience: Supporting Environments Filled with Safety and Belonging.  This is a discussion item and her presentation can be found under agenda item I.2.   Throughout the years LASD has done a lot of work to ensure students have a sense of belonging on each and every campus.  The most recent work includes the Board adopting an Equity Policy in 2020, the district adopting a Anti-Bias Framework in 2021.  Implementation of such has included tweaks to Social Studies curriculum and ADL anti-bias training for teachers, and most recently 7th and 8th graders. 

Then, Superintendent Sandra McGonagle will present a 10th Site Update.  This is a discussion item and her presentation can be found under agenda item I.3. Based on direction from the board at our last meeting, her presentation is focused on the impact of sharing on our Junior Highs on LASD's programs and resources, and what continued sharing could mean to LASD's desired movement to a middle school model.  

Sandra, along with Trustee Shali Sirkay and myself will next give an update on LASD and BCS Discussions.  This is a discussion item with no official presentation.  Since our February 5th meeting Shali and I have met with a team of BCS Board members, and it is expected that Sandra will meet BCS's superintendent before our meeting on March 4th.  

Erik Walukiewicz will then present the 2nd Interim Financial Report.  This is an action item and the report and his presentation can be found under agenda item I.5.  Since the adoption of the Budget in June 2023, our revenues have been better than expected, as were expenditures.  That being said, we still expend more for Universal Meals and Special Education than we receive in revenues from the state and federal government.  The Board is asked to approve the certification of this 2nd Interim Financial Report considering the district will meet its financial obligations for the current school year, and the two subsequent fiscal years. Based on the knowledge gained by the 2nd Interim (with increases and decreases in revenues and expenditures), the Board is then asked to approve a Resolution to Increase/Decrease Income and Expenditures.  This is an action item and the resolution can be found under agenda item I.6.  

Then, Erik will request the Approval of a 2024-25 Transportation Plan.  This is an action item and his plan can be found under agenda item I.7.  This plan needs to be approved in order for LASD to be entitled to over $169,000 in funds from the California Department of Education for Special Education and non-duplicated pupil transportation. 

Next, Erik asks the Board for the Approval of a Contract with Atlas Technical Consultants.  This is an action and the contract can be found under agenda item I.8,  The agreement is for geotechnical report services related to the 10th site. 

Erik then asks the Board to approve Amendment 1 to Community Services Agency Lease Agreement.  This is an action item and the amendment can be found under agenda item I.9.  Community Services Agency is leasing what was JoAnn's Fabrics on the 10th site while its current facilities are renovated.  The amendment is add more facilities to the lease for their use.  

Sandra will next present a Resolution for the Elimination of Classified Services for the 2024-25 School Year.  This is an action item and the resolution can be found under agenda item I.10.  The Board is asked to consider eliminating 2.5 full time equivalency of positions for the 24/25 school year.  

Last but not least, the Board must consider 2024 CSBA Delegate Assembly Election.  This is an action item and the ballot and applications of those Santa Clara County trustees running for spots can be found under agenda item I.11.  Representatives to the Delegate Assembly are tasked with representing our area's interests with the CSBA to ensure that this statewide organization is advocating with the state and federal government in all of our districts' best interest.  We are asked to agree on six candidates to be our representatives.  

Please note, this is just the highlights of what is on the agenda for the 3/4/24 meeting.  You can inform yourself about the rest of the agenda at the link provided above.  As always, feel free to email me with any questions.     

The Monday, February 5, 2024, LASD Board meeting will start its open session at 7:00pm and contemporaneous public comments may only be made in person in the LASD Board Room. We use the Zoom webinar platform for community members to follow our meetings at home. If you cannot attend in person, and have a comment that you would like the LASD Board to consider in its decision making, please email all of us at [email protected].  To register to watch the board meeting from the comfort of your home, click here.  The entire agenda and supporting documentation for this week's meeting can be found here.

Before we get started with regular business, we will hear from Almond Elementary School.  They will share information on how students are promoting a school filled with safety and belonging.

Dr. Carrie Bosco will start regular business by presenting the Local Control and Accountability (LCAP) Mid-Year Report.  This is a discussion item and the mid year report and other supporting documentation can be found under agenda item I.1.  By all accounts LASD is on its way to meet its LCAP goals. 

Next, Dr. Bosco will present the District's Planning for 2024-25 School Year.  This is a discussion item and her presentation can be found under agenda item I.2. In a nutshell, the goals for the 24-25 school year for LASD is to ensure the best education for our students while keeping the District fiscally solvent. Pre-registration shows that the district can have at least 1 TK at every elementary campus.  Based on enrollment and expired COVID financing, the District still needs to continue right sizing staffing in order not to deficit spend.  As always, the District will look to do this through natural attrition. 

Then, Greg Drummond with give an Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP)/Summer Program Update. This is a discussion item and his presentation can be found under agenda item I.3.  One section of the LASD Student Experience wheel is Integrated Support Systems.  One of those integrated support systems is ELOP for our economically disadvantaged and English learning students.  ELOP is a state mandated program that requires all school districts to offer care and enrichment activities for economically disadvantaged and English learning students after school, during school breaks (during school year and summer break).  This summer, LASD plans to have programs for ELOP students located at both Santa Rita and Almond this summer.  

Sandra McGonagle will next present a 10th Site Update.  This is an action item and her presentation and other supporting and historical documents can be found under agenda item I.4.  The update includes a review of all work done by the staff, Board and community to date.  It includes the top six solutions for long term facilities for BCS generated by the Community Engagement Process and narrowed down by the Board (picture of list above), the history/context of BCS facilities allocation over the years, staff work and developments as it relates to the 10th site, BCS, and LASD as a whole.  The Board is asked to consider/direct staff regarding the following: 

• Which option(s) will the Board consider implementing?
• What further information do we need to consider?
• What will be the next steps?

Erik Walukiewicz will then present LASD's Audited Financial Report for our 22/23 budget year.   This is an action item and our auditor's presentation and the audited financial report can be found under agenda item I.5. The Board is asked to approve the Audited Financial Report that our auditors, Chavan and Associates, found to have no exceptions, no material weaknesses, no disagreements with management, and no significant passed on adjustments.

Next, Erik will present an Agreement with Parametrix.  This is an action item and the agreement can be found under agenda item I.6.  The Board is asked to approve this contract with Parametrix to supply safe routes to school consulting services in conjunction with 10th Site's Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and CEQA process. 

Then, Sandra will present the 2024-2025 Board Meeting Calendar.  This is an action item and it can be found under agenda item I.7. The Board is asked to approved the calendar which generally tracks with the school year and all years I have been a Trustee.  

Last, but not least, Sandra has a bunch of Board Policy Updates and one Board Policy Deletion for the Board to review. This is a discussion item and all of them can be found under agenda items I.8 and 9.  The California School Boards Association (CSBA) frequently advises local school districts on updates and deletions to board policies, bylaws and regulations based on recent changes to California state law and regulations and our Board gradually updates our policies based on CSBA's recommendations. 

Please note, this is just the highlights of what is on the agenda for the 2/5/24 meeting.  You can inform yourself about the rest of the agenda at the link provided above.  As always, feel free to email me with any questions.

The Monday, January 8, 2024, LASD Board meeting will start its open session at 7:00pm and contemporaneous public comments may only be made in person in the LASD Board Room. We use the Zoom webinar platform for community members to follow our meetings at home. If you cannot attend in person, and have a comment that you would like the LASD Board to consider in its decision making, please email all of us at [email protected].  To register to watch the board meeting from the comfort of your home, click here.  The entire agenda and supporting documentation for this week's meeting can be found here.

First up on the agenda, Greg Drummond will present LASD's 2022-23 Student Performance Data.  This is a discussion item and Greg's presentation can be found under agenda item H.1 using the link provided above.  This presentation shows that LASD's CAASP results (statewide testing) remained about the same year over year from the 21/22 school year and significantly better than statewide results.  Furthermore, our special student groups such as English Learners, Economically Disadvantaged and Student's with Disabilities did better in LASD than the statewide average.  Lastly, the data shows that students that we have had with us longer (since, TK, K, etc.) have performed better than those who were more later in joining us.  

Next, Sarah Gerlinger of the Curriculum and Instruction Department will present on LASD's Supporting Environments Filled with Safety and Belonging.  This is a discussion item and her presentation can be found agenda item H.2.  Environments Filled with Safety and Belonging is part of LASD's Student Experience wheel and includes, in addition to a physically safe spot in which to be educated, a space where a student's identity is kept safe and which is culturally affirming.  Ms. Gerlinger will present what LASD has done in this space to date and the plans LASD has for the future in this space. 

Then, LASD's energy consultant, Terra Verde will present our Annual Solar Project Performance Report.   This is a discussion item and their presentation can be found under agenda item H.3.  The short of it is that our solar panels across the District have produced 95.7% of the energy we expected (or our consultant expected).  I look forward to hearing more from our consultants and Erik. 

Erik Walukiewicz will next present information on what a Design Build Process entails and the steps the district would have to go through to use it in the construction of the 10th site.  This is a discussion item and Erik's one page primer on the Design Build Process can be found under agenda item. H.4.  In November 2023, the Board directed the District to start the process of using a Design Build Process for the construction of the 10th site.  This does not mean the board has started constructions or made any final decisions about plans for the 10th site.  What it does mean is that the Board has evaluated different ways of constructing schools sites and has determined the Design Build Process is the quickest, most cost efficient process to build a quality school site.  
 
Erik with then present a Notice of Completion with Play and Park Structures.  This is an action item and his memo describing the project and the Notice of Completion can be found under agenda item H.5.  This notice of completion is for a new inclusive play structure placed at Covington Elementary School and made possible by grants from outside organizations.  Inclusive play structures are scarce in the Los Altos area and it was time to rectify that.  The playground was placed at Covington because it is the site of the district’s largest Special Education Program for students with moderate to severe learning needs.

Next, Superintendent Sandra McGonagle will present LASD's Draft 2024/25 School Calendar.  This is a discussion item and the draft calendar which is drafted to closely align with the MVLA High School District calendar can be found under agenda item H.6.  This is a first reading, and the calendar will not be approved until LASD's next board meeting. 

Then, the Board will consider i​ts Board Committees and Appointments list.  This is an action item and a draft of the committees and appointments to those committees can be found under agenda item H.7.  This is a procedure the Board goes through every calendar year and it allows Board members to try out new committees if they so choose.  

Sandra will next present a contract with Contract with TeamCivX for the Board to consider.  This is an action item and the contract can be found under agenda item H.8.  The Board is asked to approve this contract with TeamCivX (the consultancy the District has worked with all its prior successful ballot measures, including its most recent Measure A parcel tax renewal) to research and consider the feasibility of a bond measure for the November 2024 general election ballot.  In prior meetings, the Board has directed staff to looking into funding mechanisms to not only construct a school on the 10th site, but to also undertake necessary maintenance of the rest of its nine current facilities.  

Last, but not least, Sandra has a bunch of Board Policy Updates for the Board to review. This is a discussion item and all of the Board Policies can be found under agenda item H.9.  The California School Boards Association (CSBA) frequently advises local school districts on updates and deletions to board policies, bylaws and regulations based on recent changes to California state law and regulations and our Board gradually updates our policies based on CSBA's recommendations. 

Please note, this is just the highlights of what is on the agenda for the 1/8/24 meeting.  You can inform yourself about the rest of the agenda at the link provided above.  As always, feel free to email me with any questions.