BOARD MEETING
Santa Rosa City Schools
September 13, 2023
4:30 p.m. – Closed Session
6:00 p.m. – Open Session
Hybrid: Zoom/Santa Rosa City Hall Council Chambers (100 Santa Rosa Ave.)
Director Flores will be remote from Washington DC
*** 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 Melanie Martin at mmartinsrcs.k12.ca.us.
B.1. Public Employee Appointment/Employment (Position to be Filled: Coordinator; Director)
B.2. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Title of employee being reviewed: Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principals, Vice Principals, Assistant Principals, Directors, Coordinators)
B.3. Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release
B.4. Conference With Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Number of potential cases: 4)
B.5. Student Readmissions (Case No: 2022/23-02)
C. RECONVENE TO REGULAR OPEN SESSION (6:00 p.m.)
C.7. Special Presentations for Student and Employees of the Month (Albert F. Biella Elementary School and Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts)
Congratulations to all those being recognized this month.
Albert F. Biella
- Mateo Arreguin, Student of the Month
- Ken DeSanto, Classified Employee of the Month
- Jen Uken, Certificated Employee of the Month
Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts
- Maggie Balitbit, Student of the Month
- Cynthia Parkhill, Classified Employee of the Month
- Sandy Pawek, Certificated Employee of the Month
SRTA encourages members from Biella and Arts Charter to come out to the board meeting to celebrate their award winners.
C.8. School Site Parent Organization Updates (Albert F. Biella Elementary School and Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts)
C.9. Public Comment on Non Agenda Items
SRTA members are invited to complete ‘blue cards’ in person or raise their hands and provide voice only comments if attending online. Please put SRTA at the start of your online name. Please be prepared to observe the recent practice of a two minute limit. Only items not on the agenda are addressed at this time, so safety items would be addressed here.
Comments are requested at the board meeting to bring a member’s perspective and share real experiences of the impact of district policies and practices. There is an invitation for comments on specific items during each item, so they need to be held until then.
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.
GANG CONCERNS
Members are concerned about student affiliations with gangs. BP 5136 (from 2017) said steps would be taken to deter gang intimidation of students and staff, and confrontations between members of different gangs.The policy went on to state that in-service training would be provided to help staff identify gangs and gang symbols, recognize early manifestations of disruptive activities, and respond appropriately to gang behavior. It said staff would be informed about conflict management techniques and alerted to intervention measures and community resources. This policy is NOT currently included on GAMUT. What are our current policies? What training are we providing to which staff to combat gang activity?
MAP TESTING
Secondary English and math teachers have been asked to give this test again this year. Not everyone was asked, and the word used was ‘expected.’ This is different from being ‘directed’ or ‘required.’ These tests take hours, and are to be administered three times a year. Teachers who have already shared pacing and assignment calendars with their students at the beginning of the semester did not include MAP. There had been no timely communication about it. The longitudinal CAASPP data has clearly identified concerns about student performance. Current efforts could be better spent addressing those concerns, instead of collecting more data. This is especially frustrating when this assessment isn’t helpful for students or teachers. Thank you to Directors Medina and De La Cruz for requesting more information on this assessment. We look forward to the staff presentation.
E. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
E.1. (Action) Approval of Resolution to Recognize September 15 to October 15 as Latinx Heritage Month
Summary
Latinx have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service. They have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community.
Santa Rosa City Schools has 15,500 students and 58% of our students are Latinx.
Hispanic Heritage Month (they have teacher resources)
SRTA encourages members to celebrate the impact of Latinx influence this month.
E.2. (Discussion) Summer School 2023 Update
Summary
The SRCS Board of Education will be provided with a summary of the Expanded Learning Programs provided to students and families in Summer 2023.
Expanded Learning Plans – Summer 2023 The number of offerings has diminished as has the number of students served.
Student & Family Voice Summer 2023 Feedback from 143 participants/families was positive.
Technical Analysis – Summer 2023 This report compares actual participation with what would have been expected based on the distribution of the student population. This data shows that overall, more males, more SED and more ELs participated in summer school than would be expected by random chance. Springboard Summer 2023 Impact Report – 8.10.23 K-4 student reading growth expectations were exceeded.
A year ago the discussion on this item included changing the timeline for hiring and improving communication with staff and families about all things summer school. What changes have been put in place since last summer? What new systems are anticipated to be in place for next summer?
At the high school level, there are many concerns about summer school. Summer school used to rotate between all campuses. That doesn’t seem to be a current practice. This year at some sites many students got the message that summer school was only available to rising seniors and non-graduating seniors. Other sites encouraged all students to sign up, knowing first priority would go to upperclassmen. Many of those students who signed up were accepted. How is the opportunity for summer school communicated? Does the target audience shift depending on staffing? The difference between teaching and learning in a teacher directed course as opposed to a Cyber High course is dramatic. How is it being decided which course is taught which way, and what part does staffing have in deciding which they will teach, or for students, how they will learn? Is the number of earned units the most important part of monitoring the effectiveness of summer school? If a student gets credit for a class, is there monitoring to see if they are able to be successful in the next school year course?
The data on high school credit completion is not clear. How many students were enrolled in classes compared to a cyber high class with no direct teacher instruction? Nearly half of the earned credits were in a cyber high course. The cyber high system allows the principal to adjust the requirements of the course. Were students required to do all the assignments, take all the quizzes, and take credit unit exams or were they allowed to take exams?
E.3. (Action) 2022-23 Unaudited Actuals
Summary
The Board will consider approving the 2022-23 report of unaudited revenues, expenditures, and ending balances, known as the Unaudited Actuals.
A historical comparison was included about Fund 01 Estimated vs Unaudited Actual.
| Year | Actual-EstimatedIncome (million $) | Actual-Estimated Expenses (million $) | Actual-Estimated Total (million $) |
| 2018-19 | $17 | $1 | $18 |
| 2019-20 | $1 | $1 | $2 |
| 2020-21 | $14 | $1 | $15 |
| 2021-22 | $3 | -$2 | $1 |
| 2022-23 | $7 | $3 | $10 |
- In classroom compensation is right at 55% of the budget, meeting the minimum requirement. Comparison percentages from other districts are not provided.
Detailed Comparison Summary of expected and actual budgets for the prior four years.
An update on the remaining COVID funds was expected with the unaudited actuals. The Budget Advisory Committee was led to believe that there would be end of year decisions made to utilize these funds for expenses from the 2022-23 year. Did that happen? How much of the unspent $8.5 million still remains?
A recent review by the Associated Press of comprehensive data, covering 7,000 districts nationwide, found the following allocation of funds:
Academic Intervention/Learning Loss 30.6%
Staffing and Retention 22.5%
Facilities and Operations 22.4%
Mental and Physical Health 7.4%
Technology 9.1%
Miscellaneous Financials and Other 8.0%
How does SRCS’s spending of COVID funds compare? What is the intention for any remaining funds that expire in September of 2024?
E.4. (Action) Resolution for Exemption to the Separation From Service for Molly Holberg
Summary
The Board will consider the approval of Resolution 2023/24-14 for the Exemption to the Separation From Service for Molly Holberg.
SRTA appreciates Ms. Holberg coming out of retirement to teach.
E.5. – E.7. (Action) Approval of Variable Term Waivers
VTW Kyla BradyLong (AP MCHS)
VTW Christine Roeschlau (ESN at BHES)
VTW Darren Brookshire (AP EAHS)
A Variable Term Waiver (VTW) gives the waiver holder additional time to complete credential requirements.
A Provisional Internship Permit (PIP) allows the district to fill an immediate staffing need by hiring an individual who has not yet met the subject matter competence requirement needed to enter an intern program.
F. CONSENT ITEMS
F.2. Approval of Personnel Transactions
EdJoin shows a total of 158 current postings for 269 job vacancies for SRCS. There are 41 certificated openings (two less than last month), and 3 certificated management openings (two less than last month.) There are 225 current classified openings (thirty-three more than last month), and no classified management positions (the same as last month.) There are 99 open positions listed under “Teacher Assistant / Aide / Paraprof.” with pay rates starting at $18.79 per hour. There is still no mention of the sign on and longevity bonuses on the main screen people peruse on EdJoin.
SRTA bids farewell to Alexander Duerr (EAHS), Shehade Fakhoury (RHS), Kristen Duerr (EAHS), Melissa Shaw (SRHS) and Jessica Selinger (RVMS.) We thank you for your 45 years of combined service to the students of SRCS. We wish you well with your future endeavors. To date there are a total of 73 certificated resignations from last year to this school year.
Fourteen teachers have agreed to teach on their preps. In most jobs, overtime is paid at time and a half. These folks have agreed to work for their straight per-diem amount because they think students deserve the best.
SRTA welcomes five more folks aboard: Brian Peppard (HCMS), Taylor Chandler (MCHS), Margaret Scherfee (ALES), John Weis (EAHS), and Simran Jorgensen (HCMS). There are also two rehires which we warmly welcome back; Michelle Garcia (BHES) and Mayra Cuevas Figueroa (MHS.) This brings this year’s certificated hires to 108. That is more than 11% of our workforce.
Administrative moves of note include hiring of Monica Fong who appears to be the new Multi-Lingual Services Director (new position), Jesse Olson (HR Director of Classified), the promotion of Eric Lofchie from Mental Health Clinical Supervisor to Director of Mental Health and Community Schools Development (temporary position) and Yessica Santana Peralta appears to be the replacement for Rene Jackson as Administrative Assistant for HR.
SRTA members are appreciative of the additional approved Leave of Absence.
This month’s changes to classified staff include one promotion, ten new hires and three resignations. They take one and a half years of wisdom and service with them. There is a net gain of seven folks, while advertising for an additional two hundred twenty-five positions.
F.5. Approval of Contracts
Summary
| # | Provider | Cost | Description |
| Charter | |||
| 10 | Document Tracking Services | $5,500 | Charter school document tracking platform |
| 14 | Community Matters | No Direct Cost | Provide Safe School Ambassadors (SSA) at FACS. |
| District | |||
| 2 | Dr. Jo Boaler | $30,000 | One half day of PD Sept 28 ($10,000) for Math Leads and Admin and 1 full day Jan 26 ($20,000) for 4-8th grade math teachers, Math 1 teachers and math TOSAs. This is in addition to Math leads and Admin working with Ms. Boaler for several days through SCOE. Last year SRCS paid $11,600 per full day of PD. This is at least a 29% increase to the cost. |
| 7 | Notable Inc. (Kami) | $20,250 | This service allows students to annotate PDFs. |
| 11 | Development Group Incorporated (DGI) | $20,000 | Support for moving the network to the temporary district location. |
| Secondary | |||
| 1 | California Agricultural Teachers’ Induction Program (CATIP) | $2,550 | Induction support to CTE teacher |
| 3 | School Garden Network | No Direct Cost | Revitalize the PHS Garden |
| 5 | Leadership Associates | $13,500 | Recruitment for a new principal for SRHS. |
| 8 | Sonoma State University | No Direct Cost | STEM Teacher Residency program |
| 9 | Construction Testing Services | $11,000 | Special inspection for DeSoto Hall at SRHS for HVAC project. |
| 12 | Honey Bucket | $3,637 | Five days of portable restrooms at MHS. |
| 13 | Sonoma County of Education | No Direct Cost | SCOE will help pay for a secondary math TOSA. |
| Elementary | |||
| 4 | Orton Gillingham International | $65,000 | Three sets of five day PD trainings for a total of 30 teachers. |
| 6 | Community Matters | No Direct Cost | Provide Safe School Ambassadors (SSA) at BHES. |
Total value of contracts = $171,437
Some questions members are asking:
- How come the cost of the portable restrooms for MHS aren’t being covered by the contractor?
- Abigale Gates has been hired to do 5 days of PD based on Jo Boaler’s work for 7-8th grade math teachers and Math 1 teachers. Is there an expectation that these teachers will be out of the classroom for five days of PD plus the two non-student PD Days?
- While appreciating the re-upping of Kami, how were other learning programs chosen for renewal or elimination? Were teachers consulted? How was this list communicated with teachers?
- This brings the current cost for district office relocation to at least $1,793,184. What is the budgeted cost for this move?
F.6 . Approval of Resolution No. 2023-24-13 Approving the 2022-23 Appropriations Limitation Recalculation and 2023-24 Estimated Appropriations Limitation Calculation (Gann Limit)
Summary
The Board will consider adopting the revised appropriations limit (GANN Limit) for 2022-23 and the projected appropriations limit for the 2023-24 year.
F.7 . Approval of Proposal for Special Inspection and Testing Services on the Elsie Allen High School and James Monroe Elementary School Solar Arrays Project
Summary
The Elsie Allen HS and James Monroe ES Solar Arrays project requires testing and special inspections for portions of the work and materials to verify conformity to the contract documents, applicable laws, regulations, and codes.
Service Agreement (JMES) (EAHS)
F.8. Approval of MOU with SCOE to Provide Funding for Alternative Education Coordinator
Summary
The Board of Education will be presented with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) and Santa Rosa City Schools (SRCS) to support an Alternative Education Coordinator in SRCS for the 2023-2024 school year.
F.9 . Approval of Job Description for Director of Mental Health and Community Schools Development
Summary
The Board will consider approval of the Job Description for the Director of Mental Health and Community Schools Development. This is a grant funded temporary position.
The salary shift from a starting Mental Health Supervisor to a Director of Mental Health is a 150% shift in salary, from $96,708 to $146,672 per year.
How long is temporary? Who will oversee the community school programs after they are established?
G.1. Approval of Minutes
I1. Future Board Discussion Items
SRTA Members are encouraged to prepare for the upcoming agenda items.
- Sufficiency of Textbooks or Instructional Materials (9/27)
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day Resolution (9/27)
- Week of the School Administrator Resolution (9/27)
- LGBTQIA+ History Month (9/27)
- District and School Site Safety Plans (9/27)
SRTA recommends members review their Site Safety Plans, with special attention to policies around discipline, gang affiliation, and dress code. Each Site Council approves these, and certificated representatives on Site Councils should be serving as liaisons with site staff ensuring these policies are appropriate.
SRTA looks to the future scheduling of the following items:
- MAP Testing (Board request 8/23/23)
- Parcel Tax
- COVID Updates (
6/14/23 8/9/23)
Students deserve to continue to have masks, hand sanitizer, and facial tissue available, as well as having serviced HEPA fans in classrooms to filter air.
- Safety (board statement on 3/8/23 that this will be a future item)
The California Constitution states, “All students and staff of public … schools have the inalienable right to attend campuses which are safe, secure, and peaceful.” (Article 1, Section 28(f).
What are the steps for intervening when a student creates a disruptive and/or unsafe situation for other students and staff?
Current practices seem to protect bullies and tolerate intimidation without intervention, leaving the remaining students feeling unsafe and vulnerable. This also sends a clear message to students that this type of alarming behavior is acceptable and will not have consequences.
What is the current discipline policy and process? When are police contacted? How is SRCS keeping track of contacts with the police in order to be able to address the underlying issues?
What are the consequences for cutting a class? Students not experiencing any repercussions are wandering our campuses instead of attending classes. This can lead to unsafe conditions for other students as well as serious learning loss.
An audit of the programs for students with special needs is called for. Have we been able to attract and retain the necessary employees to run these programs effectively?
What anti-bullying efforts are we implementing?
How many students are not coming to campus because they don’t feel safe? It is a hardship on teachers to provide independent study.
- A-G Program Review (board request 8/10/22, and again on 6/14/23)
What does the data look like about A-G Completion since this policy was adopted? Where is data on students that are not on track to graduate? How helpful were prior IGPs in allowing students to earn diplomas? How many current students are not on track to graduate? How many of these students are meeting the state requirements for a diploma but not the extra requirements of our district?
What systemic measures are in place to offer academic support K-12 to increase A-G success? What metrics are being used to evaluate these efforts?
- Results of Developer Fee exploration
- SRACS Accelerated Charter Material Revision Request (delayed)
- Deferred Maintenance Update and Future Planning (
7/27/22 8/24/22) - Review of Math grades and progress including demographic data (board request)
- SCOE Unification/Redistricting Report (on option #1)
- Staff Housing support program from the proceeds of Fir Ridge
When is the deadline to have plans for this program up so these funds are not
forfeited?
- Open Enrollment Policy Update
- Student Voice Policy
- Dress Code Policy
- BEST Plus Update
I.4. School Site Reports