Governing Board Meeting - DOC 18
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FAIRFIELD-SUISUN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
FAIRFIELD, CALIFORNIA
November 17, 2005
REGULAR MEETING A regular meeting of the Governing Board of the Fairfield-Suisun Unified
School District was held in the Council Chambers of the Fairfield City
Hall, 1000 Webster Street, Fairfield, California, on Thursday, November
17, 2005.
OPEN SESSION The Governing Board convened in Open Session at 6:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION The Governing Board convened in Closed Session at 6:01 p.m. to discuss
personnel items, labor negotiations, student discipline, real property
negotiations, and conference with legal counsel.
CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Mr. Wood, Vice President.
ROLL CALL Members in Attendance: Abraham “Abe” Bautista, Gary Falati, Barbara
Mallon, Kathy Marianno, Ivan Meadows, Beverly Taylor, Charles B.
Wood, and A. Woodrow Carter, Superintendent.
Members Absent: None.
PLEDGE OF Gretchen Shilts, City of Fairfield resident, led those in attendance in the
ALLEGIANCE TO THE Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
FLAG OF THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA
REPORT OF ACTION There was no action was taken in Closed Session.
TAKEN DURING
CLOSED SESSION
ADOPTION OF AGENDA ** Motion was made by Mr. Falati, seconded by Dr. Meadows, and carried to
approve adoption of the agenda with the following changes: remove items
IV-B-1 and IV-B-2 from the Consent Calendar and move agenda item
VI-A-1 to III-B-4.
APPROVAL OF ** Motion was made by Dr. Meadows, seconded by Mr. Falati, and carried to
CONSENT CALENDAR approve the following Consent Calendar items:
1. approval of minutes of regular meeting held September 22, 2005 and
special meeting held October 19, 2005
2. approval of student expulsion case nos. 14-0506 through 27-0506
3. approval for out-of-state travel for the Fairfield High School Cheer
Coaches and Cheerleaders to attend and perform in the Capital One
Bowl in Orlando, Florida on December 30, 2005 - January 3, 2006
4. approval of out-of-state travel for the Fairfield High Scarlet Brigade
Band to perform at Disney World in Orlando, Florida and to visit the
Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral December 17-21, 2005
Fairfield-Suisun Unified Board Minutes
School District November 17, 2005
APPROVAL OF 5. approval of out-of-state travel for five district administrators to attend
CONSENT CALENDAR the 2006 Summit on Common Ground conference in Scottsdale,
(continued) Arizona, February 22-25, 2006
6. acceptance of gifts to the district
7. approval of vendor warrants for October 2005
8. approval of district payroll expenditures for October 2005
9. declaration of district obsolete and surplus equipment and
authorization to sell at public auction by Nationwide Auction, Internet
sale, or disposal
10. Resolution No. 24-0506 - Authorization to Submit an Application and
Sign Associated Documents for the California Integrated Waste
Management Board Tire Derived Product Grant Program
11. personnel action report 0506-7a (certificated hires, leaves, retirements,
and resignations)
12. personnel action report 0506-7b (classified hires, leaves, retirements,
and resignations)
13. approval of certificated substitute salary schedule.
STUDENT Reports regarding various activities at two high schools were presented by
REPRESENTATIVES Nishi Trewn (Armijo High) and A.J. DelosSantos (Rodriguez High).
Mr. Bautista arrived at 7:08 p.m.
INTRODUCTION OF Leticia Lopez (Anna Kyle Elementary), Mark Bryan (Tolenas Elementary),
FAIRFIELD-SUISUN and Michael Lavell (B. Gale Wilson School) were introduced as the
UNIFIED SCHOOL Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District Students of the Month for
DISTRICT STUDENTS November 2005.
OF THE MONTH FOR
NOVEMBER 2005 Mrs. Marianno presented medallions and certificates of honor to the
students on behalf of the Governing Board. Principals Diane Ferrucci,
Judi Honeychurch, and Louise Bevilaqua shared some of their student’s
accomplishments. Leticia, Mark, and Michael all praised their teachers
and administrators for their guidance, and each student singled out his/her
parents for their constant support and encouragement.
ADOPT-A-SCHOOL Mr. Carter presented a proclamation of appreciation to It’s a Grind Coffee
PRESENTATION TO House manager Erin Sherblon, recognizing the business for formally
IT’S A GRIND COFFEE adopting Crystal Middle School for the next three years. Ms. Sherblon and
HOUSE her staff work closely with the school in promoting high achievement and
perfect attendance. Mr. Carter reported that It’s a Grind Coffee House has
supported both staff and student appreciation days, and is very supportive
of students, parents, and staff.
SUPERINTENDENT’S Mr. Carter reported that awareness of student attendance has been raised
REPORT throughout the district and the community. He stated that the district is
still recruiting for numerous positions, including teachers, substitutes,
instructional assistants, noon duty supervisors, and bus drivers. Mr. Carter
congratulated the two newly elected Board members Anne Griffin and
Dave Gaut.
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School District November 17, 2005
RECOGNITION OF OUT- Mr. Wood presented plaques on behalf of the Governing Board to Mr.
GOING BOARD Bautista and Ms. Mallon whose terms end in December 2005. He thanked
MEMBERS them for their years of service and their dedication to the students and the
community.
Mr. Bautista expressed his appreciation and congratulated the newly
elected Board members.
Ms. Mallon thanked staff for their dedication to students and for their
assistance during her four years on the Board.
BOARD Finance Subcommittee – Mr. Wood reported that the committee met on
SUBCOMMITTEE November 2 and discussed rising gas prices and the transportation budget,
REPORTS and deferred compensation for employees investment purposes.
Communication Subcommittee - Mr. Bautista reported that the committee
met on November 15 and discussed district video presentations and recent
input from Key Communicators.
DISCUSSION Rich Christensen, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources,
REGARDING presented information on eliminating multi-track calendars and adopting a
ADJUSTMENT OF traditional or single-track year-round calendar. He stated that this action
MULTI-TRACK YEAR- would facilitate learning and be more cost effective.
ROUND CALENDAR
FOR 2006-2007, Mr. Christensen reported that in order to comply with the teachers’
NOTIFICATION TO contract, it was necessary to give teachers seven months advance notice of
BARGAINING UNITS any adjustment to the multi-track year-round calendar.
REGARDING
ADJUSTMENT OF Kari Sousa, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, reported that
MULTI-TRACK YEAR- the District would save money on utilities and transportation by adopting a
ROUND CALENDARS single-track year-round calendar.
FOR 2006-2007
** Motion was made by Dr. Meadows, seconded by Mr. Falati, and carried to
approve notification to the bargaining units regarding adjustment of multi-
track year-round calendars for 2006-2007.
REQUESTS TO SPEAK Jim Moore, Fairview Elementary School parent, stated that a modified blue
track year-round calendar would help student attendance at Fairview
Elementary.
Mary Kaduk, Crescent Elementary School teacher, stated it was her
experience that student achievement was higher on a year-round calendar
and asked that the modified blue track year-round calendar be
implemented.
Gina Braida, Dan O. Root II Elementary School parent, noted that the
modified blue track year-round calendar start date is consistent with nine
surrounding school districts and correlates to the grading period.
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School District November 17, 2005
REQUEST TO SPEAK Mike Oxley, Fairfield-Suisun Unified Teachers’ Association President,
(continued) stated that the traditional calendar and the modified blue track year-round
calendar share many vacation breaks, which would be helpful to families
and staff.
Teresa Deschaine, Fairview Elementary School teacher, reported that after
polling Fairview teachers, 90% of them were in favor of a modified blue
track year-round calendar, as was the principal.
Karen Harshman, Fairview Elementary School parent, asked that a
modified blue track year-round calendar be given serious consideration.
Cathy Pierce, Dan O. Root II Elementary School teacher, stated she has
taught for 20 years in the District. During her 16 of years on a traditional
calendar, she spent the first month of school reviewing material from the
previous year, and that students retain more information over short breaks
throughout the year.
Tori Carroll, Bransford Elementary School teacher, reported that the
majority of Bransford teachers prefer a modified blue or yellow track year-
round calendar.
Claudia Wilde, Amy Blanc Elementary School teacher, invited Board
members to the Calendar Committee meeting scheduled for November 22.
She stated that students should be placed in the least restrictive
environment.
Dayna Rigot, Amy Blanc Elementary School teacher, stated the modified
blue track year-round schedule has been very successful at Amy Blanc
Elementary.
APPROVAL OF ** Motion was made by Ms. Mallon, seconded by Mrs. Marianno, and carried
STUDENT EXPULSION to approve Student Expulsion Case No. 12-0506 with placement at Mary
CASE NO. 12-0506 Bird Community Day School.
REQUEST TO SPEAK Gabrielle Nassy, parent, expressed concern regarding her student’s
academic progress, and asked that support be provided.
APPROVAL OF ** Motion was made by Mr. Wood, seconded by Dr. Meadows, and carried to
STUDENT EXPULSION approve Student Expulsion Case No. 13-0506 as recommended by staff.
CASE NO. 13-0506
PUBLIC HEARING FOR Araceli Cantú-Tong, Director of Instructional Support Services, stated that
GENERAL WAIVER a public hearing is required.
REQUEST FOR AB 75
PRINCIPAL TRAINING The public hearing was opened at 8:43 p.m.
PROGRAM
There being no speakers, the public hearing closed at 8:44 p.m.
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Fairfield-Suisun Unified Board Minutes
School District November 17, 2005
APPROVAL OF ** Motion was made by Mrs. Marianno, seconded by Mr. Falati, and carried
GENERAL WAIVER to approve submission of a general waiver request for AB 75 regarding the
REQUEST FOR AB 75 Principal Training Program.
PRINCIPAL TRAINING
PROGRAM
RESOLUTION NO. 29- Mr. Wood reported that this item was discussed and approved by the
0506 - RESOLUTION Finance Subcommittee.
APPROVING ADOPTION
OF CALIFORNIA ** Motion was made by Mr. Falati, seconded by Mrs. Marianno, and carried
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES’ to approve Resolution No. 29-0506, Resolution Approving Adoption of
DEFERRED California Public Employees’ Deferred Compensation Plan.
COMPENSATION PLAN
APPROVAL OF Mr. Christensen stated that to be in compliance with Education Code
RESOLUTION NO. 27- Section 44263, Resolution No. 27-0506 was necessary to allow Lawrence
0506 AUTHORIZING Trigg and Vanessa Walling-Sisi to teach outside their credential area.
INSTRUCTOR TO
TEACH OUTSIDE OF ** Motion was made by Dr. Meadows, seconded by Mr. Falati, and carried to
CREDENTIAL approve Resolution No. 27-0506, Authorizing Instructor to Teach Outside
AUTHORIZATION of Credential Authorization.
PROPOSED William Luna, Director of Administrative Services, presented information
ATTENDANCE on three proposed boundary revisions affecting Bransford, Fairview, and
BOUNDARY Weir Elementary Schools. He stated that two conditions of Measure C
CONFIGUATIONS FOR were: 1) to convert the current District Office building back to an
BRANSFORD, elementary school, and 2) to eliminate the multi-track year-round calendar.
FAIRVIEW, AND WEIR Mr. Luna reported the proposed boundary changes would take effect in the
ELEMENTARY fall of 2006.
SCHOOLS FOR 2006-07
Mr. Luna explained that a Boundary Attendance Committee consisting of
parent representatives from all schools was formed in the spring, and he
introduced those members in attendance. He stated that Angie Goakey,
Director of Transportation; Rob Pierce, Assistant Superintendent of
Facilities and Operations; Ken Reynolds and Brett Merrick, representatives
for School Works; along with himself, were also on the Committee.
Mr. Pierce reviewed the historic boundaries of Bransford, Fairview, and
Weir Elementary Schools, along with traffic safety and projected
enrollments. He stated that committee members had studied nine different
boundary options, and were presenting their top three choices for the
Board’s consideration.
Mr. Luna reviewed the pros and cons for the three options, stating that
much consideration had been given to student safety in crossing busy
streets, the neighborhood school concept, and transportation issues.
This item will be brought back for action at the next regular meeting.
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School District November 17, 2005
ADOPTION OF NEW Bruce Chmieleski, Director of Information Services, presented information
INSTRUCTIONAL on the textbook selection process. He stated that proposed instructional
MATERIALS FOR 2005- materials are on display at the Adult School and that a complete list is also
2006 on the District web page. Mr. Chmieleski noted that parents have an
opportunity every year to review materials used for family life instruction.
This item will be brought back for action at the next regular meeting.
INFORMATION ON THE Pamela Watson, Director of Secondary Education, reported there are
ADVANCED currently 924 students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) classes,
PLACEMENT AUDIT covering six subject areas. She stated the AP Audit was developed to help
FOR THE 2005-2006 teachers, provide feedback, and preserve the rigor of AP coursework.
SCHOOL YEAR
Mrs. Watson reviewed the audit timeline, procedures, and future plans.
Dr. Meadows stated that International Baccalaureate students can be
encouraged to take Advanced Placement classes.
NO CHILD LEFT Mrs. Sousa gave a report on the financial aspects of No Child Left Behind
BEHIND FISCAL (NCLB) legislation, including federal education funding received, how the
REPORT funds are spent, and Title I allocations to the schools. She reviewed 2004-
2005 expenditures and stated the largest percentage was spent on
personnel, both certificated and classified, and benefits. Ms. Sousa stated
that the District’s requirements under NCLB include testing students,
employing highly qualified teachers, and collecting disaggregate data to
meet State reporting requirements.
Mrs. Sousa stated the District did have the option to opt out, but there
would be financial ramifications including loss of funding for Title I,
Enhancing Education Through Technology, and 60% of Safe and Drug
Free School funding. This would amount to approximately $3.5 million.
Mrs. Sousa gave a brief overview of the effects of opting out, which would
include neither the District nor schools would be required to issue report
cards or meet other parental notification requirements of NCLB and not
being subject to Title I sanctions if AYP is not met.
ENERGY Mr. Pierce reported that Rodney Nelson was hired at the beginning of the
MANAGEMENT energy management program, which is entering its fourth year. He stated
PRESENATION that it is one of the most successful programs in the District and has saved
the District a significant amount of money. Mr. Pierce displayed a plaque
from PG&E presented to the District for participating in the Critical Peak
Pricing program, and stated the District also received a check for $20,000
which was used to purchase swimming pool covers.
Rodney Nelson, Energy Education Manager, gave a report on energy
management throughout the District. He stated the main goals are to
reduce energy consumption during peak hours (12:00 - 6:00 p.m.),
eliminate energy waste, and maintaining a safe and comfortable
environment in all occupied areas.
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School District November 17, 2005
ENERGY Mr. Nelson reported that beginning this year, he will provide teacher
MANAGEMENT education packets, student participation programs, and school participation
PRESENATION in the energy star certification program.
(continued)
Mr. Falati inquired if Mr. Nelson could oversee the recycling program in
the District. Mr. Pierce responded that Mr. Nelson was involved to a
certain extent, but that monitoring energy conservation throughout the
District was very time consuming.
Dr. Meadows commended Mr. Nelson on a job well done.
REVIEW OF BOARD Mr. Wood stated there would be a special Governing Board meeting in
AGENDA TIMELINE December, as well as a regular meeting on December 8, 2005.
Dr. Meadows stated he would like to review UC/CSU high school
graduation requirements at the December 8 Board meeting and at the
December 13 Curriculum Subcommittee meeting.
Ms. Mallon asked for a status report on plans to honor the late Anne
Ceballos, long-time teacher in the District, by naming a building after her.
Mr. Luna reported that he is in contact with the Ceballos family and is
working on a dedication in memory of Mrs. Ceballos. He stated he was
also in contact with Dr. Sam Tracas, retired District administrator, and
plans were underway for a dedication in his honor in the spring.
BOARD MEMBER Mr. Bautista thanked those that supported him during his eight years on the
INFORMATION Board, especially his wife and children.
Ms. Mallon thanked staff for their support during her four years on the
Board.
Mr. Falati expressed concern about the use of District vehicles with no
identifying emblem. He asked staff to investigate this, as well as who uses
the vehicles and when they are used. Mr. Falati also asked that a policy for
vehicle use be developed. He asked that staff check on several issues,
including teachers’ dress code and cell phone usage, scheduling high
school dances on game nights, an all-night graduation party for Rodriguez
High School seniors, and teachers not being in the classroom during
instructional time. Mr. Falati noted there was a letter to the editor in the
local newspaper from Fairfield-Suisun Unified Teachers’ Association
president Mike Oxley. Mr. Falati reported he attended the District Office
luncheon on October 31, the Anna Kyle Preschool Grand Opening, the
public hearing at Bransford Elementary regarding attendance boundary
changes, the Rodriguez/ Fairfield High football game, and the Veterans’
Day parade and activities.
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Fairfield-Suisun Unified Board Minutes
School District November 17, 2005
BOARD MEMBER Ms. Taylor reported she attended the Sem Yeto High Open House and was
INFORMATION impressed by the woodshop class, childcare for the Young Parents
(continued) program, and the school radio station. She also attended the
Rodriguez/Fairfield High football game.
Mr. Wood stated he attended Crescent Elementary School’s Harvest
Festival and the Veterans’ Day parade, where the District was well
represented with three high school bands and bands from Fairview and
Sheldon Elementary Schools. He visited Armijo High School and an
AVID classroom, and also visited Fairview Elementary, where he observed
the Kiwanis Key Club tutoring program. Mr. Wood stated he was
considering running for the California School Boards Association Delegate
Assembly since Ms. Mallon would no longer be representing the District.
ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:42 p.m.
in honor of Barbara Mallon and Abe Bautista.
Approved: ___________________________________
Beverly Taylor, Clerk
Attest: ___________________________________
Charles B. Wood, Vice President
sh
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