TK, DEI, Demographics, and Lighting, Oh My?

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The Monday, October 3, 2022, 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, wearing a mask is recommended in accordance with CDPH guidelines. 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, 10/1/22.  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, Laura Wiley, the new Categorial Programs Coordinator will give a Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Update.  This is a discussion item and her presentation can be found using the link above under agenda item H.1.  Per state mandate, all public schools in CA must phase in TK for all 4 year olds over the next couple years with full implementation in the 25/26 school year.  In this school year, TK was expanded to children who turn 5 as of February 2nd, next school year (23/24) it will expand to those children who turn 5 as April 2nd, with full implementation set for the 25/26 school year accepting all children that turn 4 by September 1, 2025.  This year LASD has a grand total of 81 TK students at 4 campuses, Almond, Loyola, Oak, and Santa Rita. The purpose of TK is to set a foundation for students to succeed in Kinder, elementary school, and beyond.  

Next, Dr. Carrie Bosco will give a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Update.  This is a discussion item and her presentation can be found under agenda H.2.  In the Spring of 2021, LASD approved an Anti-bias Framework.  Carrie will give the Board an update on its implementation across the district.  Since the last update to the Board, teachers and staff across the district participated DEI training conducted by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) during their professional development day on 9/23.  Separately, LASD is working on curating Social Studies lessons that are culturally responsive and fit within our anti-bias framework.  

Then, Erik Walukiewicz will present a Contract with Davis Demographics to the Board for approval.  This is an action item and Erik's memo in support of approving the contract and the contract can be found under agenda H.3.  The district's prior demographer is retiring and LASD had to look elsewhere for such services.  It has been years since a comprehensive demographer's report has been done for the district and it will be useful information in the Board's decision making involving facilities going forward.  

Erik will next give a Classroom Lighting Project Update. This is an action item and Erik's memo in support of approving the contract and the contract with Best Electrical can be found under agenda item H.4. In the Spring, the Board directed Randy (the old Erik) to go out to bid for lighting replacement at Almond, Blach, and Springer Schools.  These schools have failing fixtures that are beyond repair.  Recently the District advertised for bids, had walk throughs by bidders, and received 3 bids for the work.  Best Electrical came out on top in terms of price and has done good work for LASD in the past.  The Board is asked to approve a contract with Best Electrical, the contract is for $854,311 and the funds will come from the Lease Revenue Fund (lease payments from the commercial tenants on the 10th site).  

Last, but not least, a Joint Use Agreement with Stepping Stones Preschool will be brought before the Board.  This is an action item, and the agreement can be found under agenda item H.5.  This is a Lease with Stepping Stones Preschool, located on the Covington/District Office Campus.  The lease runs from 11/1/22 to 6/30/27 for $26,610/month.  

Please note, this is just the highlights of what is on the agenda for the 10/3/22 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. ​