The Monday, November 6, 2023, 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, every year we have representatives from each and every LASD school present at board meetings throughout the year. Springer will kick it off by sharing information on their Ambassadors program. First up on regular business, Erik Walukiewicz will present Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) Childcare Agreements. This is an action item and the agreements with Champions, Children's House and YMCA can be found under agenda item I.1 using the link provided above. The Board is asked to approve these agreements for these childcare agencies to provide after school care to LASD's ELOP students. ELOP students are those who are English learners, eligible for free or reduced-price meals, or are foster youths, as identified by the District. ELOP is a CA state requirement and the District is reimbursed (for now) for providing these services (either directly or indirectly). Next, Erik will present an Amendment to a Joint Use Agreement with Champions located at Covington Elementary School. This is an action item and the agreement can be found under agenda item I.2. Champions provides after school care at Covington and this agreement is to rent them more space in order to offer more spots of after school care. The Board is asked approve this agreement. Then, Erik will present Oak School Building Repair Project Contract. This is an action item and the contract can be found under agenda item I.3. During last winter's wind storms a tree fell on an Oak classroom. This contract is for the repair to the building/classroom. The Board is asked to approve this contract with Ron Paris Construction for the repair work. LASD's insurance will be paying for the repairs. Erik will then present a Contract for Inspector of Record for Oak School Repair Project. This is an action item and the contract can be found under agenda I.4. As part of the Oak School repair, the CA Division of State Architect (DSA) requires LASD to hire a DSA approved inspector to inspect the repair for the duration of the repair. The Board is asked to approve this contract with RPH & Associates. Erik will next present an Agreement with City of Los Altos for Junior High After School Sports Program. This is an action item and the agreement can be found under agenda item I.5. LASD and the City of Los Altos have already had a version of this agreement in place for the City to manage after school sports at our Junior Highs. This agreement updates/renews that agreement. Last, but not least, the Sandra McGonagle will ask the Board to Establish a Date of Annual Board Organizational Meeting. This is an action item. Every year the Board has a reorganizational meeting where it determines the officers of the board (President, Vice President and Clerk) and on election years, swears in newly (re)elected members. The Board is asked to approve December 4, 2023 as the date for its Annual Board Organizational Meeting. Please note, this is just the highlights of what is on the agenda for the 11/6/23 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.
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The Monday, October 16, 2023, 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, every year we have representatives from each and every LASD school present at board meetings throughout the year. Santa Rita will kick it off by sharing information on their 6th grade leadership groups. First up on regular business, Greg Drummond will give the Board an updated on The Student Experience (TSE) Survey and DIBELS Data. This is a discussion item and his presentation can be found under agenda item I.1 using the link provided above. DIBELS stands for Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills. It is a set of procedures and measures for assessing the acquisition of literacy skills. Greg will present data showing the progress of our K-3rd graders from Fall 2021 through Fall 2023. Greg will also present the results of our Student Experience Survey that looks at students thoughts on how the District is doing as it relates to Hope, Engagement, Belonging, and 21st Century Learning. Next, Erik Walukiewicz will present Sharing of Parcel Tax Proceeds with Bullis Charter School. This is an action item and BCS's report of how it expended its portion of Measure GG can be found under agenda item I.2. Every year, under the requirements of Measure GG, BCS must give a written report showing that it used their portion of the Measure GG parcel tax proceeds to pay for teacher's salaries in accordance with law and the measure. The Board is asked to approve the report. Then, Erik will present a First Amendment to Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Purchase and Sale Agreement (MG 400 Logue). This is an action item and the amendment can be found under agenda item I.3. The amendment extends the closing date of the agreement and the Board is asked to approve it. Erik will next bring a Facilities Master Planning Services Contract for the Board's approval. This is an action item and the contract with CAW Architects can be found under agenda item I.4. In May, the Board gave staff direction to begin the process to update the District's Facilities Master Plan. In July, the District issued a Request for Proposal for Facilities Master Planning Services and, in October, interviews were conducted on the best applicants. The selection/interview committee recommends that we approve an agreement with CAW Architects who proved to be the best choice based on its application and interview. Erik will then present a Notice of Completion with USA Shade. This is an action item and Erik's memo in support and the notice can be found under agenda item I.5. The Board is asked to approve the District filing this Notice of Completion for a shade structure installed at Gardner Bullis Elementary and paid for by the Gardner Bullis PTA. This is a bureaucratic step required to finish this project. Last, but definitely not least, Sandra has a bunch of Board Policy Maintenance for the Board to review. This is a discussion item and all of the Board Policies can be found under agenda item I.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, this is just the highlights of what is on the agenda for the 10/16/23 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, October 2, 2023, 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 give a Professional Development (PD) Update. This is a discussion item and his presentation can be found under agenda item H.1. Professional development is intrinsically part of everything our teachers and staff do. In addition to professional development days in October and January, our teachers learn from each other on a daily basis, as LASD is full of life long learners who are dedicated to ensuring all our students get a top notch learning experience. Next, Erik Walukiewicz and the Citizens' Advisory Committee for Finance (CACF) will present an Update. This is a discussion item and their presentation can be found under agenda item H.2. CACF, the committee charged with overseeing how the District expends its parcel tax proceeds (and so much more), wants to reiterate to the Board the dangers in front of the District if Measure A were not to pass. LASD has consistently performed in the 1% of school districts in CA, but is second to the bottom in compensation for its teachers. 80% of our budget goes toward educating our students by way of teacher salaries, but we pay them with fewer dollars than neighboring districts have. We will not be able to stay in the top 1% if this parcel tax fails because LASD will be forced to make $3 million in cuts (to remain fiscally sound) which will result in noticeable effects in the classroom. Then, Erik will give a Facilities Master Plan Update. This is a discussion item and his presentation can be found under agenda item H.3. In May 2023 the Board had a study session to better understand the District's current facilities needs. After that meeting, the Board directed staff to begin a facilities master planning process that reflects new state mandates that affect our facilities needs in addition to all other district facility needs. In July 2023, the District issued an RFP for facilities master planning services. On October 2nd, finalists that responded to the RFP will be interviewed. That all being said, the facilities master planning process is set to start up in late Fall, once the District has selected and approved a vendor/expert to spearhead that effort. Superintendent Sandra McGonagle will next present a 2023-25 Employment Agreement with Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Business Services for the Board's approval. This is an action item and the agreement can be found under agenda item H.4. This agreement extends Erik's current contract another year through June 2025. Last, but definitely not least, Sandra has a bunch of Board Policy Updates and Deletions for the Board to review. This is a discussion item and all of the Board Policies Updates can be found under agenda items H.5 and 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, this is just the highlights of what is on the agenda for the 10/2/23 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, September 18, 2023, 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 of the Curriculum & Instruction Department will provide the Board with a Social and Emotional Learning Update. This is a discussion item and his presentation can be found under agenda item H.1. At LASD, not only is social and emotional learning a separate curriculum where specific lessons are taught, but it is also baked into LASD's culture of learning or Student Experience. "In LASD we connect with who each and every child really is, put them at the center of their learning experience, integrate their social, emotional, cognitive, and academic development, and develop learners as full people." LASD also makes sure our students, families and staff know about internal and external resources for wellness when it is needed. And of course, LASD will continue to improve and stay true its culture of lifelong learning. Then, Dr. Carrie Bosco will conduct a public hearing on the Sufficiency of Instructional Materials. This is an action item and the resolution Dr. Bosco asks the Board to approve can be found under agenda item H.3 using the link provided above. This is a process and resolution the Board is asked to approve every year in accordance with state law. Next, Erik will present the Santa Clara County Treasury Investment Portfolio Status. This is an action item and his memo explaining it and the county's Quarterly Investment Report can be found under agenda item H.4. The portfolio is highly regulated for risk by state law and the depositors are the County of Santa Clara, all the school districts, and most of the special purpose districts of the county. The Board is asked to accept the portfolio's status. Carrie will then present a Resolution regarding a Speech Language Pathologist. This is an action item and the resolution can be found under agenda H.5. A district can hire a Speech Language Pathologist without a credential if that person holds a valid license and meets certain Educational Code requirements as long as the board approves it through a resolution. The Board is asked to do just that. 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 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, this is just the highlights of what is on the agenda for the 9/18/23 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 Tuesday, September 5, 2023, 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, Erik Walukiewicz will present the 2022-23 Unaudited Financials. This is an action item and his presentation and the financials can be found under agenda item H.1. Erik asks the Board to approve the unaudited actuals so that he can file it with the County of Education (SCCOE). With our books closed for the 22/23 school year, our bottom line looks healthy but the unfunded mandate of Transitional Kindergarten and the underfunded mandate of Universal Meals, and paying our staff a living wage continues to chip away at our reserves. 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.2. 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, Erik will present an Agreement to Prepare Utility Impact Study. The rationale for the agreement and the agreement itself can be found under agenda item H.3. Erik asks that the Board approve this agreement because the City of Mountain View requires us to determine the projected water demand and sewer generation of the 10th site for the Environment Impact Report. Erik will next present the Annual Developer Fee Report. This is discussion item and his report can be found under agenda item H.4. Every year the state requires school districts to file an annual report of the income received from developers fees and how those fees are expended by the district (which can only be expended on Capital Facilities projects). Almost every year we expend more in that category than we receive in developers fees. Last, but not least, Sandra McGonagle will present a Resolution for Single Subject Teaching Credential. This is an action item and the resolution can be found under agenda item H.5. Approval of this resolution will allow teachers credentialed in another subject matter, teach a different subject as long as they completed a certain amount of classes in the new subject matter. Please note, this is just the highlights of what is on the agenda for the 9/5/23 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 21, 2023, 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 will give an update on the Opening of the 2023/24 School Year. This is a discussion item and her presentation can be found under agenda item H.1. LASD students went back to school this week on Wednesday, 8/16. Earlier in the week, teachers and staff started their week with an all staff meeting at Egan where Sandra welcomed back new and returning staff, celebrated teachers who achieved permanent status (tenure), and reviewed the LASD Student and Staff Experience. Furthermore, PTAs and school sites hosted community building experiences such as s schedule days at the Junior Highs, and back to school picnics and playdates at the elementary schools. Next, Dr. Carrie Bosco and Greg Drummond will give a Professional Development Update. This is a discussion item and their presentation can be found under agenda item H.2. Professional Development this summer and going forward will center around the LASD Student Experience, otherwise known as the "Wheel" shown in the illustration above. It focuses on the science of learning and centers upon each student individually. Other professional development this summer and into the fall includes transitional kinder (TK) training, special education training, TK, K and literacy aide training, and science curriculum training for our 6-8th grade teachers for the newly adopted science curriculum. It is important to know that professional development in LASD happens all year and every day. While there are definitely days fully focused on professional development, there is are also coaching and mentoring and leadership team training happening all year round. Then, Laura Wiley will give the Board a 2023 Summer Programs Report. This is a discussion item and her presentation can be found under agenda item H.3. LASD had 3 programs this summer, Extended School Year (ESY) for those students with an IEP, Summer Intervention for those students behind grade level in reading and/or math, and summer camp for those students who qualify for the Extended Learning Opportunity Program (ELOP) (low socioeconomic, English language learner, and foster and homeless students). I look forward to hearing how these programs went this summer. Erik Walukiewicz will next present a Notice of Completion with Best Electric. This is an action item and the notice can be found under agenda item H.4. This summer, much needed lighting maintenance/upgrades were done at Almond, Blach and Springer. The Board is asked to approve this to certify that the project has been completed. Erik will then present an updated Employment Agreement for Consulting Services by Randall A. Kenyon. This is an action item and the agreement can be found under agenda item H.5. The Board is asked to approve this agreement to continue to engage with our former CBO to consult on matters related to the complicated 10th site project. Next, Erik will present a Board Policy Update regarding Design Build Contracts. This is an action item and the board policy can be found under agenda item H.6. The Board is asked to approve this policy that outlines how the Board can award Design Build Contracts when designing and building facilities. Last, but not least, Sandra will present a 2023-24 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. Please note, this is just the highlights of what is on the agenda for the 8/21/23 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 7, 2023, 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 continue to 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, Erik Walukiewicz and Sandra McGonagle will give an update on 2023-24 School Preparations. This is a discussion item and their presentation can be found under agenda item H.1. The presentation includes updates on enrollment, staffing, summer construction projects, repairs at Oak, and a visit from Shanghai High School. Next, Erik will give the Board an Overview of the 2023/24 State Budget. This is a discussion item, and his presentation can be found under agenda item H.2. It is always important to remember that LASD is a Basic Aid/Community Funded District. You may ask, what does that mean? It means most of our funding comes from property taxes (71% for 23/24) and parcel taxes (12% for 23/24) with funds only received from the State for categorial grants like Special Education, Learning Recovery Block Grant, Arts, Music, and Instructional Materials Block Grant, and Proposition 28 Arts and Music Education Funding. Furthermore, the state has instituted mandates like Universal Transitional Kindergarten and Universal Meals that were unfunded or underfunded for basic aid districts like our own. That is to say, the states requires us to do it (and it is a great thing to do), but we get little or no funding for the requirement. Then, Sandra McGonagle will lead a Public Hearing Regarding a Proposed Education Parcel Tax on November 7, 2023 Ballot and put forth a Resolution Calling an Election for an Education Parcel Tax. This is an action item and her presentation and the resolution can be found under agenda items H.3 and 4. Staff recommends the Board approve placing a parcel tax on a special November 7, 2023 ballot for Los Altos School District voters to consider. The proposed parcel tax is a renewal of Measure GG ($223 per parcel) passed in 2016, with an increase of $72 per parcel (for inflation) and includes:
Erik will next present a Transfer of Development Rights Agreement with Merlone Geier. This is an action item and the agreement can be found under agenda item H.5. The Board is asked to approve this revised agreement with Merlone Geier. Merlone Geier, along with several other developers, made the purchase of the 10th site affordable for LASD by committing to purchasing developments rights that came with the 10th site for a total of $79.3 million. This agreement revises/extends the term of the agreement. Erik will then present a Contract Amendment with Peter Ingram Consulting. This is an action item and the agreement can be found under agenda item H.6. The Board is asked to approve this amendment for the consultant we use for navigating the complexities of the 10th site and the unprecedented deal that was put together to allow us to afford it. Next, Erik will present an Appointment to the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee. This is an action item and the application of the appointee can be found under agenda item H.7. The Board is asked to approve the appointment of Li Zhang to the committee. Then, Erik will present a Resolution Requesting Santa Clara County Establish the District's Tax Year 2023-24 General Obligation Bond Tax Levy at the Requested Levy of $19.50 per $100,000 of Assessed Value. This is an action item and the resolution can be found under agenda item H.8. The Board is asked to approve this resolution that will merely continue the tax levy the county is already levying for our general obligation bonds. Erik will next present a Resolution Authorizing Applying for California Schools Healthy Air, Plumbing, and Efficiency (CalSHAPE) Program Grant. This is an action item and the resolution can be found under agenda item H.9. The Board is asked to approve this resolution that will allow the District to apply for over $1 million in funding for HVAC related expenses. Erik will finally be able to sit down after he presents a Board Policy Update Regarding Design Build Contracts. This is an action item and the Board Policy can be found under agenda item H.10. The Board is asked to approve this policy that outlines how the Board can award Design Build Contracts when building facilities. Last but not least, Sandra will present a Resolution Authorizing Absences for Religious Exercises or Instruction. This is an action item and the resolution can be found under agenda item H.11. The Board is asked to pass this resolution. This resolution fits squarely within LASD's dedication to anti-bias in education and ensures students of all religions receive excused absences for exercising their religion. Please note, this is just the highlights of what is on the agenda for the 8/7/23 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 12, 2023, 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. If you plan to participate in person, follow county guidelines as they relate to masking. We will continue to use the Zoom webinar platform for community members to follow our meetings at home, but public comment will not be allowed on it. 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, Dr. Carrie Bosco will present our Local Indicators for the California Dashboard. This is a discussion item and her presentation can be found under agenda H.1. It is important to note, the local metrics are about process and not status. That is to say, the question is "has the district done an analysis of the metric?" and not "how has the district done on the metric?" LASD has "Met" all the local indicators in California's Seven Priority Areas. Next, Carrie will present the 2023-24 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). This an action item and the LCAP and supporting documentation can be found under agenda item H.2. The LCAP was presented last week for Public Hearing and board comment. Carrie is asking that we approve all the documentation to be filed with the state and federal government. In short, these documents highlight LASD's goals, how we plan to reach those goals, and how the budget will support those goals. Then, Erik Walukiewicz will present the 2023-24 District Budget. This is an action item and the budget can be found under agenda H.3. As explained last week, the budget relies on the following key assumptions: (1) property tax growth of at least 5.5% next year and 4 and 3% in the out years, (2) a $1,000,000 increase in property tax transfers to BCS because of the cost of living increases in the state budget (to the tune of roughly $10,000,000 transferred to BCS, plus their $676,000 portion of the parcel tax), (3) an LAEF contribution of $2,500,000, and (4) 18 fewer employees (FTEs) lost by attrition and in line with right sizing staffing after COVID. The Board is asked to approve this budget. Erik will next present a Resolution for the Authorization to Increase/Decrease Income and Expenditures. This is an action item and the resolution can be found under agenda item H.4. These is standard resolution that reflects the reality of LASD's income and expenditures for FY 22/23. The Board is asked to approve this resolution. Erik will then present the Measure N Citizens Bond Oversight Committee Annual Report. This is an action item and the annual report and auditor's report can be found under agenda item H.5. This committee is tasked with ensuring the District is spending Measure N bond funds according to the Measure N bond language. The committee has found that LASD spent Measure N Bond Fund Expenditures for the 2021-22 school year "on projects listed in the text of the applicable ballot measure." The Board is asked to approve this report and the audit. Then, Erik will present a Resolution Declaring the District's Membership in OMNIA and Authorization to Enter into Contract for the Purchase, Delivery and Installation of Certain Playground Equipment, Site Accessories, Surfacing, and Related Products and Services from Play and Park Structures, Inc. This is an action item and the resolution can be found under agenda item H.6. Erik is requesting the Board approve this resolution to provide an update to the play structures at Covington to make structures more accessible for the increasing population of disabled pre-school and elementary aged students on the campus. Just when Erik thought he could sit down, he will be pulled back in to present a Consideration of Approval of Findings Regarding Joint Use Agreements, Consideration of Approval and Renewal of Joint Use Agreements with eight preschool and daycare providers on LASD campuses. This is an action item and the agreements can be found under agenda item H.7. The Board is asked to first find the the proposed Joint Use Agreements will not: (1) interfere with the educational program or activities of any District school or class conducted on the property, (2) unduly disrupt the residents of the surrounding neighborhood, and (3) jeopardize the safety of the children at the property AND is then asked to approve the Joint Use Agreements. Next, Sandra will present Amendments to the Employment Agreement with the Superintendent of Schools and to the Employment Agreement of Assistant Superintendent, Business Services and an updated Agreement with the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services. These are action items and their agreements can be found under agenda items H.8 through H.10. When the teachers and staff receive a negotiated salary increase, our superintendent and assistant superintendents, as a practice, also receive the same percentage salary increase. The Board is asked to approve these amendments and agreement. Lastly, Sandra will present a Resolution of Declaration of Need for Qualified Educators. This is an action item and the resolution and supporting documentation can be found under agenda H.11. The Board is asked to approve this resolution so that the district has the flexibility to hire employees with emergency permits. Please note, this is just the highlights of what is on the agenda for the 6/12/23 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 5, 2023, 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. If you plan to participate in person, follow county guidelines as they relate to masking. We will continue to use the Zoom webinar platform for community members to follow our meetings at home, but public comment will not be allowed on it. 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] by 5pm on Saturday, 5/3/23. 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 normal business, the Board will be recognizing employee retirements. We are so thankful for the tireless service of our retiring teachers, staff and administrators. Quite simply, we would not be the incredible district we are without their hard work. We wish them the best in their new adventures. First up, Citizens Advisory Committee for Finance (CACF) will present its Annual Report. This is a discussion item and their presentation can be found under agenda item H.1. 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. With the slowing economy, the expenditure of one time COVID monies, and the well deserved employee raises to ensure they earn a living wage, CACF cautions LASD to reduce expenditures for the next 2 years by right sizing our staffing and other expenditures to pre-COVID levels (for a total of $4-5 million in reductions). CACF recommends LASD revise its Facilities Master Plan and use Measure N funds to start regular maintenance of its facilities according to that plan, while also considering future bonds for future upgrades and maintenance. Then, Dr. Carrie Bosco will hold public hearings for the 2023-24 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and Federal Addendum. This is a discussion item and her presentation and supporting documentation can be found under agenda item H.2. The LCAP includes LASD's measurable goals for 2023-2024. Those goals include: (1) ensuring all students have access to equitable conditions for learning, (2) All LASD students experiencing high quality instruction that results in equitable outcomes and expected yearly growth, (3) providing tiered supports and systems that promote and sustain strong academic growth and positive social/emotional development for all students, and (4) ensuring a safe, healthy, and respectful school environment to maintain engagement, involvement, and satisfaction of students, staff, and parents. Next, Erik Walukiewicz will hold a public hearing on the 2023-24 District Budget. This is a discussion item and his presentation and the budget can be found under agenda item H.3. The budget relies on the following key assumptions: (1) property tax growth of at least 5.5% next year and 4 and 3% in the out years, (2) a $1,000,000 increase in property tax transfers to BCS because of the cost of living increases in the state budget (to the tune of roughly $10,000,000 transferred to BCS, plus their $676,000 portion of the parcel tax), (3) an LAEF contribution of $2,500,000, and (4) 18 fewer employees (FTEs) lost by attrition and in line with right sizing staffing after COVID. Erik will then present a Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes. This is an action item and the resolution can be found under agenda item H.4. Every Spring the Board is asked to authorize these notes because we incur expenses over the summer before we receive our portion of the property tax revenue from Santa Clara County. This year we are being asked to borrow $12,000,000. Erik will next give an update in Summer Facilities Projects. This is a discussion item and his presentation can be found under agenda item H.5. Projects this summer include tree damage repair (paid for by insurance) at Oak, flooring replacement projects at all sites, asphalt repairs at all sites, drainage repairs at GB, Springer, and Oak, painting at all sites, and white board replacements at Oak and Santa Rita. Erik is also looking for direction from the Board on updating the Facility Master Plan and everything that goes along with that. Then, Erik will give a Measure N Bond Update. This is an action item and the Measure N Budget Report highlighting new expenditures that he would like the Board to approve the use of Measure N funds for payment can be found under agenda item H.6. Those expenditures include electrical work at Almond, Blach and Springer, and architectural schematic designs for certain portions of the 10th site related to the fields, gymnasium and drainage (all part of the joint use with the City of Mountain View). Next, Erik will next present the Transfer of Development Rights Purchase and Sale Agreement for 189 Bernardo, LLC. This is an action item and the agreement and other supporting documentation can be found under agenda item H.7. LASD was able to finance the purchase of the 10th site in Mountain View with Measure N and the sale of development rights that came with the property as approved by the City of Mountain View. This contract is with Sand Hill and is for 28,000 square feet of development rights for $3,540,000 ($130/square foot). The Board is asked to approve the agreement. Erik will then bring forth Amendment #2 to District Architect's Contract for 10th Site. This is an action item and the amendment can be found under agenda item H.8. This agreement adds architectural schematic designs for certain portions of the 10th site related to the fields, gymnasium and drainage to scope of work with Gelfand Partners Architects. The Board is asked to approve this amendment. Last, but not least, Erik will give a Nutrition Services Update and Provider Contract Renewal presentation. This is an action item and his presentation and the contract can be found under agenda item H.9. For the last school year LASD partnered with Revolution Foods to fulfill the underfunded state mandate of Universal Meals for All. Many districts across the county were left scrambling to outsource this requirement and re-outsource when their chosen vendor folded. Revolution Foods was able to meet all Federal and State requirements, stay in business, and has been working hard to improve based on student and parent feedback. LASD hopes to bring breakfast and lunch service in house in the future to have better control over the food choices when there is funding and facilities to do so. The Board is asked to approve a renewal contract with Revolution Foods. Please note, this is just the highlights of what is on the agenda for the 6/5/2022 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 Board will start its day early with a 10am Study Session on May 15th covering all things 10th site, construction, and school modernization. You can participate by joining us in the LASD Boardroom from 10am to 2pm or you can follow along with us at home on zoom by registering here. As usual, all public comment must be made in person in the boardroom. The entire agenda for this special meeting can be found here.
The Board returns for its regular meeting at 7:00pm and contemporaneous public comments may only be made in person in the LASD Boardroom. If you plan to participate in person, follow county guidelines as they relate to masking. We will continue to use the Zoom webinar platform for community members to follow our meetings at home, but public comment will not be allowed on it. 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] by 5pm on Saturday, 5/13/23. 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, representatives from from Egan Junior High will give the Board a presentation on elective offerings and the transition from 6th grade to junior high. First up on the agenda, Superintendent McGonagle will present Non-Represented Employee Compensation. This is an action item and the supporting documentation can be found under agenda item I.1. Non represented employees include everyone from principal and director level positions to executive secretaries. The Board is asked to approve salary increases in line with what the teachers and staff unions received (6% this year, and 6% next year). Next, Erik Walukiewicz will present the Budget Review Committee's recommendations. This is a discussion item and the Budget Review Committee's (BRC) report can be found under agenda item I.2. The BRC found that the drying up of one time COVID monies means that the District needs to right size the staffing (made larger during COVID with the extra money) and cut costs to restore reserves while also maintaining LASD's strong programs and services. The BRC recommended $2.8 million in reductions and efficiencies to right size our staffing and cost cut. It includes staff reductions done almost entirely from attrition (not layoffs) and other non-staff related cost reductions such as reducing the frequency of tech refreshing. You can see all the reductions in the supporting documentation under agenda item I.2. Then, Dr. Carrie Bosco will present Grades 6-8 Science Curriculum for adoption. This is an action item and Carrie's presentation can be found under agenda item I.3. The Board approved Twig as our TK-5th Science Curriculum and withheld on approving the same for our 6-8th graders as our Curriculum Committee found it not sufficient for those grade levels. Starting this past fall, LASD piloted 2 more curricula (after piloting others in the school year prior). 6 out of the 8 teachers on the Curriculum Committee ranked Elevate as their first choice science curriculum for our 6-8th graders. The district recommends the Board approve Elevate as the 6-8th grade curriculum. I will then next be presenting a list of Heritage Months to Recognize by the District and the Board. I have also crafted 2 resolutions recognizing May as Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian Pacific Heritage Month, respectively. This a combination of discussion and action items. The list of heritage months to recognize over the school year can be found under agenda item I.5. The resolutions can be found under agenda items I.6 and I.7. Considering the commemoration of these heritage months are in line with LASD's commitment to anti-bias and work in recognizing and uplifting often marginalized communities. Last, but definitely not least, the Board has another round of Board Policy Updates to discuss. The Board Policies can be found under agenda item I.8. As stated in prior updates, 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 Federal and California state law and regulations. Please note, this is just the highlights of what is on the agenda for the 5/15/23 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. |
Jessica SpeiserThanks to your support, I joined the Los Altos School District (LASD) Board of Trustees in December 2016. I finished my tenure as Board President after serving as such from December 2018 to December 2019. I am currently Board Vice President. As usual, I will use this blog to continue updating you on upcoming Board meetings and make you aware of upcoming office hours and community events. Archives
May 2024
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