Retirements, LCAP, and Budget, Oh My!

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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.