SRCS Board Meeting Agenda Analysis – 6/22/2022

BOARD MEETING

Santa Rosa City Schools

June 22, 2022

4:45 p.m. – Closed Session 

6:00 p.m. – Open Session

Hybrid: Zoom /  Santa Rosa High School Auditorium (1235 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95401)

*** streamed ***

A live link will be posted on the SRCS website (link).

Please take time to review the following abbreviated version of the agenda. Click here to see the entire agenda. It has live links on many items with more information. If you want to comment to the board about any upcoming items, email agendacomments@srcs.k12.ca.us. Please CC wearesrta@gmail.com on your comments.

Closed Session Items: 

A.1. Public Comment On Closed Session Agenda Items. To comment, email Adina Flores at ayflores@srcs.k12.ca.us.

B.1 Public Employee Appointment/Employment (Position to be filled:  Assist Supt Ed Services, Assist Supt Tech & Info Services, Director Secondary Ed, Communications Coord/PIO, Principal)

B.2 Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Title of employee being reviewed: Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principals, Vice Principals, Assistant Principals, Directors, Coordinators)

B.3 Conference with Labor Negotiator (Designated Rep: Michael Shepherd, SRTA/CSEA)

B.4 Conference With Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Case name: OAH Case no. 202230919)

B.5 Conference With Property Negotiator (APN: 173-620-030 – Fir Ridge, Negotiators: Rick Edson, SRCS; James Traber, Legal Counsel, Price and Terms of Payment)

B.6 Student Readmissions (Case Nos: 21/22-12, 21/22-03)

C. RECONVENE TO REGULAR OPEN SESSION (6:00 p.m.)

C.7. Public Comment on Non Agenda Items

SRTA members are invited to raise their hands and provide voice only comments during the meeting. Please observe the standard three minute time limit (and be prepared for a last minute change to a two minute limit). Only items not on the agenda are addressed at this time. 

Comments are requested at the board meeting to bring a member’s perspective to the messages contained in this analysis and share real experiences of the impact of district policies and practices. There is an invitation for comments on specific items during each item. 

Please commit to watching or attending at least one board meeting this year, and speaking to an agenda item that impacts you or your students. Speakers are most impactful when they are well spoken, composed and reasonable.

E. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS

E.1. (Action) Public Board Meetings Via Teleconference per AB 361

E.2.  (Action) Adoption of Santa Rosa City Schools Budget

Once the final Budget Act is signed into law, any changes to this revenue assumption will be addressed with the 45-day Budget Update.

2022-2023 Budget Presentation

2022-23 Proposed Budget Report

Multi-Year Detailed Projection

The budgeting process remains confusing. The most recently completed actuals compared to the three year projection (2018-2019) show a cumulative projection of a $5.6 million deficit while the cumulative actuals were a $3.1 million surplus. January’s Financial Stabilization Plan laid out the need for $21.3 million in cuts for 2023-2024. This current budget requires $6.4 million in ongoing cuts for 2023-2024. 

In 2020-2021 SRCS budgeted $175 million in expenses. The actual expenses were $199 million. There is no identified process for budgeting the additional $24 million in expenses, while the Budget Advisory Committee simultaneously assembled to locate $7.4 million in reductions (which were mostly accomplished by shifting expenses from Fund 01.)

E.3. (Action) SRCS LCAP

Summary
The Board will conduct a public hearing on the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP).

2022 LCAP Federal Addendum (English)

2022 LCAP Addendum (Español)

SRCS Revised LCAP Plan 2022-2023

Presentation (repost from last month)

It would be very helpful if the funds that are subject to “Local Control” and included in the LCAP could be identified. 

What does “collaborating across district departments to ensure deep understanding of the goals, actions, and metrics” look like in practice?

SRTA requests an addendum to this plan that includes user friendly explanations for each of the action items. Including transparency around systems for accessing funds and programs would assist with increasing the desired implementation of these plans.

The document asks for a summary of the feedback provided by specific educational partners. This is not actually addressed in the document with any specificity. The agenda says feedback was incorporated. There is no identification of any changes made to the document after the last board meeting, although the verbage says that updates were made.

The summary of the feedback provided by specific educational partners in the actual document includes every meeting at every site which is disingenuous. The summary of meetings provided in the board agenda appropriately lists collaborative efforts for creating this update. 

SRTA reiterates the need for a specified district system for reviewing, reflecting and revising this work at both the district and the site level (beyond utilizing Site Councils to approve completed documents.) The creation of such systems would serve our students well. 

The A-G completion goal remains an overly positive improvement of 15% over three years.

A general implementation plan is desperately needed for the success of efforts. 

E.4-7. (Action) Charter LCAPs

2022-2023 CCLA LCAP

2022-2023 SRACS LCAP

2022-2023 SRCSArts LCAP

2022-2023 SRFACS LCAP

SRTA calls out the need for a specified district system for reviewing, reflecting and revising LCAP work at our Charter Schools. The creation of such systems would serve our students and stakeholders well. 

E.8. (Action) Approval of the Reorganization of District Level Administration

This org chart redistributes Executive Directors between TK-6 and 7-12. It is also much more specific in listing positions. These updates are appreciated.

This reorganization is stated to save $20,000 with the reduction of the Associate Superintendent of Educational Services to an Assistant Superintendent. The Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Information Services was part of last year’s plan, but has not been implemented until this board meeting. That amounts to an actual additional cost of $172,000, or net increase of $152,000. 

Last year’s plan:

E.9 – 11. (Action) Oral Recommendation Regarding Assistant Superintendent of Fringe Benefits

The HR contract amount is unchanged from last year. All contracts are for $172,706. 

2022-2023 Asst Sup HR Contract

2022-2023 Asst Sup Tech & Info Contract

2022-2023 Asst Sup Ed Services Contract

E.12.  (Action) Approval of Governing Board Elections November 2022

The three board seats coming up for election are currently occupied by Omar Medina, Stephanie Manieri and Jill McCormick.

The district will cover the cost beyond $200 for each 200 word candidate statement ensuring it is in English and Spanish. 

Any tie will be resolved by drawing lots.

2022 Resolution: Specifications of Elections

SRTA reminds our readers that in the case of an uncontested election there is no election. 

F. CONSENT ITEMS 

F.2. Approval of Personnel Transactions

Personnel Transactions

EdJoin shows a total of 176 current postings for 290 job vacancies for SRCS. There are 103 certificated openings (5 less than last meeting), and 10 certificated management openings (6 more than last meeting). There are 175 current classified openings (5 more than last meeting), and 2 classified management positions (the same as last meeting.) 

SRTA welcomes these folks to their new administrative positions:

Roderick Castro – Asst. Superintendent, Ed Services

Samuel Martinez – Director, Ed Services

Vanessa Wedderburn – Communications Coordinator/PIO

Randolph Burbank – Asst. Principal MCHS

Andrea Correia – Principal PHS

April Santos – Asst. Principal MHS

Rand Van Dyke – Asst. Superintendent, Technology and Information Services

Aida Diaz – Principal CCLA

SRTA bids a fond farewell to the resigning Mercedes Castro (LBES) and the retiring Scott Beiswanger (EAHS).  We are losing 24 years of wisdom and experience with your departure. Thank you for your service to our students! 

This month there is one supervisory retirement, after 27 years of service. We are grateful for their service to our students and staff.

F.5. Approval of Contracts 

Summary

#ProviderCostDescription
District-wide
2ClassLink$38,302ClassLink enables SRCS to manage student and staff access to online instructional resources via Single Sign On. This service is purchased for all students. What percentage of our students actually use this service? (Many staff and students report preferring to individually sign on the various platforms directly.)
4Rafael Vazquez Guzman$2,400For 8 presentations/workshops to Latinx immigrant/refugee families on how to best acculturate to the culture of the United States. What outreach exists to invite parents to these workshops?
5Simmons University$0Internship agreement for education, administrative services, or counseling credentials.
6Let’s Go Learn$76,896This platform provides elementary English and Math LCAP metric data ($65,870) as well as being used as a reclassification metric for secondary students ($11,026).
7Newsela$183,100This contract provides services to ALES, PHS, SRMS, ABES, BHES, CCLA, EAHS, HLES, HSMS, HVES, HCMS, JMES, LBES, MCHS, MHS, PTES, RHS, RVMS, SRCSA, SRHS and SLES.
10SSU Teacher Credential Program$0SSU Student Teachers – Master teachers receive $150 stipend.
11SSU Student Intern Program$0SSU Credential Interns – DES receives $1,500 stipend.
12CSBA Membership$20,589CSBA and ELA Annual Membership including board policy updates
13CSBA GAMUT Online$15,615Online school board policy platform
15WeVideo$28,500WeVideo is the only movie editing software that is made for schools that works easily on chromebooks. This contract is for 16,500 licenses.
16Notable Inc. (Kami)$29,000Notable allows students to easily access, engage with and complete PDF assignments in Google Classroom. This contract is for 14,500 licenses.
18North Coast School of Education (NCSOE)$265,000SCOE provides teacher induction, administrative programs and intern credential services at a cost of $3,500 per candidate. Stipends for candidate Mentors ($1250) and a District Coordinator ($100 per candidate) are to be credited to the district.
19CBRE, Inc. Real Estate Services5% of property sale ($150,000)Contract is extended to November 15, 2022.
20Pacific Union College$0Credential Intern agreement
21Chico State University$0Credential Student placement agreement
24Maxim Healthcare Staffing$450,000$48/hr. for Personnel, and $54/hr. for a designated team lead role to provide safe and efficient COVID-19 testing.
Elementary
8Orton Gillingham International$23,500This contract states 30 teachers will be paid extended pay for 5 days of training, Aug 22 through August 26.Paid time must also be provided for daily homework assignments. This is for 15 SpEd Teachers, and 15 TOSAs, and K-2 teachers. The district cost for implementing this is not included.
9Momentum In Teaching$71,547Writing workshops for teachers at CSI identified sites (ABES $17,205, SLES $27,171 and BHES $27,171)
17Explorelearning$3,995BHES will use the Reflex and Frax online math system to support students in mastering basic facts in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions through fun and engaging math games.
Secondary
1Cyber High$65,139HS Credit recovery program
3Albert.io / Learn by Doing$11,359This platform is focused on AP/IB students but can be used in all classrooms. How is the availability of the 835 users for this platform shared with teachers?
14International Academy of Science (Acellus)$75,000Licenses for 500 students at $150 each.
22NWEA / Professional Development$14,400Increase to original contract for PD training on MAP.
23SCOE: Behavioral Health Department$0A teacm of Mental Health, Counseling and Secondary Site Administrators will attend 6 sessions to meet, collaborate, discuss how we can improve how students are served with the use of consistent trauma-informed, anti-racist, and culturally humble response to mental health crises in schools. Up to 12 volunteer paraprofessionals will complete 20 hours of paid training. The district cost for implementing this is not included.

Total value of contracts = $1,299,342.25

Summary of Contracts

Contracts

There is no evidence for renewal contracts of the metrics used to evaluate them. 

Licensing is being done in a blanket way, with fees paid for every student to access. There is no data to confirm this level of use is a reasonable expectation.

F.6. Approval of Contract Services for Ed Weber, Consultant for CPR/First Aid Certification of Athletic Coaches

Summary

Provide licensed First Aid, Adult & Child CPR/AED training for certification of athletic coaches. Fees for course records and supplies will be additional. $5322

Contract

When can SRCS make CPR and First Aid training available to all staff? Most staff do not have up to date certification.

F.7. Approval of Resolution 2020/21-65 for the Sale or Disposal of Obsolete/Surplus Equipment

List

Resolution

F.8. Approval of the Use of Piggyback Bids/Contracts (CMAS, NASPO, Co-Ops) for the 2022-23 School Year

Summary

When it is in the best interest the district may piggyback onto the contract of another public agency or corporation for the lease or purchase of furniture, equipment or supplies to the extent authorized by law to save cost and time. 

F.9. Approval of 2022-2023 Certificated Salary Schedules for 2022-2023

Summary

AGRICULTURE TEACHER CONTRACT SALARY SCHEDULE (221.5 days)

DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSON INDEX SALARY SCHEDULE

ELEMENTARY COUNSELOR SALARY SCHEDULE (190 days)

EXTENDED-DAY HOURLY SALARY SCHEDULE

EXTRA DUTY HOURLY/MISCELLANEOUS SALARY SCHEDULE

EXTRA DUTY TITLE AND CLASSES

INTERNATIONAL/OUT OF COUNTRY SALARY SCHEDULE (185 days)

PSYCHOLOGIST – SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST – NURSE  (195 days, Level 2: 200 days)

SECONDARY COUNSELOR SALARY SCHEDULE (195 days)

SRTA CERTIFICATED SALARY SCHEDULE (185 days)

The fiscal impact for the 4% increase to the 2022-2023 certificated salary schedules will be $3,869,717.

This is easily covered by the 9.85% Statutory COLA & Augmentation provided by the state.

F.10. Approval of the Sonday Reading Intervention Program

Summary

Tier 3 reading intervention curriculum including 16 classroom sets of Let’s Play learn and 20 sets each of system 1 and 2 as well as 20 sets of readers. Includes 2 days of training for elementary SpEd teachers on Aug 8 and 9. Cost $110,336

Contract

The practice of utilizing the Principal’s day at the beginning of the year for district training is worth reconsidering. This eliminates the teacher’s ability to participate in a unique opportunity of site staff unification and team building.

F.11. Approval of the 2022-2023 Elementary, Charter and Secondary Instructional Minutes

Elementary 

Middle

High

Charter

F.12. Approval of Lexia for LETRS Contract

Summary

Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) PD for educators (48 hours) and administrators (2 days) to support strengthening the fundamentals of reading instruction. Cost $49,055

Contract

F.13. Approval of Spanish for Spanish Speakers Courses Textbook

Summary

According to the documentation the World Language Steering Committee reached consensus on the Vista Higher Learning curriculum Galeria de lengua y cultura (Secondary). Cost $457,476.

Contract

SRTA reiterates that according to the textbook adoption policy, it is not necessary for all sites to reach a consensus on ordering curriculum.  

The adoption process is ready to be reviewed and revised and has proven difficult to implement with integrity.

F.14. Approval of Proposed Job Description for Transitional Kindergarten Instructional Assistant

Summary

Implementing these positions as this program grows is anticipated to cost:

2022-2023Increase 7 Instructional Assistants$315,000
2023-2024Increase 6 Instructional Assistants$270,000
2024-2025Increase 5 Instructional Assistants$225,000
2025-2026Increase 6 Instructional Assistants$270,000

Job Description

For success with this program it is imperative that we attract and retain these positions. 

F.15. Approval of Agricultural Career Technical Education Incentive Grant

Summary

An application for $42,608 in grant funding for Elsie Allen and Santa Rosa High School Agriculture Programs is attached. There is a matching funds requirement. Historically these have come from unrestricted funds.

EAHS Application

SRHS Application 

F.16. Approval of Contract Agreement with Nelli Nikova PC, Legal Representation for Visa Petition

Summary

This contract is for an experienced counsel to assist one of our current SRFACS teachers with their petition for a non-immigrant visa. Costs to be covered by the FAC Parent Association Foundation. Cost $9,460.

Contract

G Approval of Minutes 

06/08/2022

I1. Future Board Discussion Items

SRTA Members are encouraged to prepare for the upcoming agenda items.

  • Board Meetings Via Teleconference (7/27)
  • BB 9250 Board Remuneration, annual consideration of increase each July (7/27)
  • Bond Update: Facilities and Technology (7/27)
  • Bond Feasibility Report (7/27)
  • CNS Update: End of Year (7/27)
  • Deferred Maintenance Update and Future Planning (7/27)
  • West County Transportation Update (7/27)
  • Elsie Allen High School/CCLA Update (6/22 7/27)
  • Solar PPA Agreement (6/22 7/27)

SRTA looks to the future scheduling of the following items:

  • Update on Covid Spending
  • Schools Plus Presentation (6/22/22)
  • Parcel Tax Survey Results
  • District Data (from canceled 3/18/22 Special Meeting) 
  • Approval of Board Policies (from 3/9/22)
  • Review of Math grades and progress including demographic data
  • SCOE Unification/Redistricting Report
  • Open Enrollment Policy Update 
  • Granting a permanent easement to City of SR at MHS
  • Lease / Leaseback Montgomery High School 
  • Student Voice Policy
  • Dress Code Policy
  • BEST Plus Update
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