BOARD MEETING
Santa Rosa City Schools
February 14, 2024
4:00 p.m. – Closed Session
6:00 p.m. – Open Session
Hybrid: Zoom / Santa Rosa City Hall Council Chambers (100 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95404)
*** streamed ***
A live link will be posted on the SRCS website (link).
Board of Education / Video Board Meetings
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 email.
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 Performance Evaluation (Title of employee being reviewed: Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principals, Vice Principals, Assistant Principals, Directors, Coordinators)
B.2. Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release
B. 3. Conference with Labor Negotiator (Name of designated rep attending: Dr. Vicki Zands (SRCS); name of organization: SRTA/CSEA)
B.4. Conference With Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Case: 24CV-00520; 23CV-00397; #2024010111)
B.5. Student Expulsions (Case No.: 2023/24-15)
C. RECONVENE TO REGULAR OPEN SESSION (6:00 p.m.)
C.7. Special Presentations for Student of the Month and Certificated/Classified Employees of the Month (Rincon Valley Middle School)
- Ryan Louton, Student of the Month
- Ana Martinez, Classified Employee of the Month
- Chris Woodbury, Certificated Employee of the Month
A special invite goes out to the staff of SRACS and RVMS to attend this meeting to honor your own.
D.6. Safety Report
The last Safety Report was given over to a collaboration between the SRHS Youth Activism club from and the NAACP in opposition to School Resource Officers.
E. Public Comment on Non Agenda Items
SRTA members are invited to complete ‘blue cards.’ Online comments have been suspended. Please be prepared to observe the three minute time limit or the imposition of a possible two or even one 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 and share real experiences of the impact of district policies and practices.
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 limited to those in person. Comments are most impactful when they are well spoken, composed and reasonable.
F. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
F.1. (Action) Resolution Celebrating March as Women’s History Month
F.2. (Action) Resolution Recognizing March as Arts Education Month
F.3. (Discussion) LCAP Mid-Year Report
Goal 1 has a Total Funds Budget of $12,912,119 and an actual expenditure through January 31, 2024, of $7,889,203.
Goal 1: SRCS will provide student-centered teaching and learning opportunities by increasing programs and services that maximize student growth toward meeting or exceeding standards, with an emphasis in the areas of English Language Arts and Math.
Goal 1 Includes 23 Expected Annual Measurable Objectives. Six of these metrics are showing movement in the wrong direction. Two are improving, but not at the expected pace. Three have been maintained, which meets the goal. Four have yet to be updated. Five are missing a goal for comparisons. Two have been met with growth. One item is hard to evaluate because a number is provided but the goal is a percent.
Goal 1 includes 37 Actions & Measuring and Reporting Results including budget to date. There are a few lines which raise concerns about funding for the second half of the year. 1.11 Extended Learning Opportunities was budgeted at $1.96 million and has already spent $2.25 million. 1.34 Multi-Language Learner Classroom Support was budgeted at $0.65 million and has already spent $0.49 million. 1.37 Co-Teaching was budgeted at $0.250 million and has already spent $0.249 million.
Goal 1 has a Total Funds Budget of $12,912,119 and an actual expenditure through January 31, 2024, of $7,889,203.
Goal 2
SRCS, in partnership with our community, commits to developing safe, inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments to promote social-emotional wellness and address the physical needs of students, families, and staff.
Goal 2 Includes 10 Expected Annual Measurable Objectives. Three of these metrics are showing movement in the wrong direction. Two are improving, but not at the expected pace. One has been maintained, which meets the goal. Three have yet to be updated. One is missing a goal for comparisons. Goal 2 includes 20 Actions & Measuring and Reporting Results.
Goal 2 includes 19 Actions & Measuring and Reporting Results including budget to date. There are a few items that are currently under budget. 2.14 Restorative Specialists are budgeted at $2.11 million but have only spent $0.85 million. 2.15 Elementary Student Engagement Workers are budgeted at $0.599 million but have only spent $0.199 million. 2.16 Promote positive School Attendance budgeted at $0.245 million but have only spent $0.079 million. 2.19 Campus Supervisors are budgeted at $0.804 million but have only spent $0.121 million.
Goal 2 has a Total Funds Budget of $7,962,161 and an actual expenditure through January 31, 2024, of $3,625,463.
Goal 3
SRCS commits to providing high quality relevant staff development that promotes professional growth and collaboration to increase student achievement.
Goal 3 Includes 5 Expected Annual Measurable Objectives. Four are missing a goal for comparisons. One item is hard to evaluate because a number is provided but the goal is a percent.
Goal 3 includes 21 Actions & Measuring and Reporting Results. 3.4 Maintain Two Directors is budgeted at $0.414 million and has spent $0.250 million. 3.12 Ethnic Studies PD budgeted at $0.250 million and has already spent $0.194 million. Secondary Collaboration budgeted at $0.132 million but have not spent anything. (Do sites know this is available, and how to access it?) 3.19 Elementary Grade Level Collaboration budgeted at $0.127 million but have only spent $0.029 million. 3.20 Effective Strategies for Differentiating Instruction budgeted at $0.150 million but have only spent $0.029 million. 3.21 PD for Tech and district Tech Committee budgeted at $0.100 million but have not spent anything.
Goal 3 has a Total Funds Budget of $2,661,056 and an actual expenditure through January 31, 2024, of $1,947,699.
Monitoring Reports for Charters: (SRFACS) (CCLA) (SRCSA) (SRAC)
It is difficult to create and oversee a three year plan with actions, metrics and expenses. The turnover in district office personnel adds to this challenge. Establishing a system for creating, monitoring, and including stakeholders is done without guidance from the state.
SRTA has asked numerous times to be included in the LCAP writing and evaluation process. There have often been promises that, ‘Next year we’ll start meeting around this in October.” That didn’t happen. Last year we were told that this year, with the new 3-year plan there would be time to really include us, because they know last year’s consultation wasn’t adequate. The bargaining units are included at the last possible minute. They are invited to the table after the decisions have already been made and there is a last minute rush to get the LCAP into the agenda for the upcoming board meeting.
Each action is judged on its effectiveness. What criteria was used? Who was part of that decision?
The stakeholder meetings do not include any review of action items. They pose general questions and collect group feedback. How helpful is this?
There was talk about a PD Committee to work on district PD days. Is that happening to plan next years’ PD days?
Many folks are exhausted and in need of mental health days. Creating sub plans can be daunting. When the PD offerings aren’t seen as highly impacting it is reasonable to take a mental health day when it is not at the expense of our students. Personal Necessity days are to be used as needed, without question.
F.4. (Action) Resolution No. 2023/24-32 Criteria to Determine Certificated Personnel Who Shall be Exempt From the Order of Layoff by Virtue of Their Credentials, Assignment, or Certification (“Skipping Criteria”)
High needs teachers (see attached resolution for list) shall be exempt from the order of layoff.
F.5. (Action) Resolution No. 2023/24-42 to Adopt Seniority Date Tiebreaking Criteria to Determine the Order of Termination Among Certificated Employees with the Same Date of Paid Service
On a seniority list, there will be certificated employees with the same seniority date, which is described as the first day of paid service in a probationary status. In determining the order of termination, should a reduction in workforce become necessary this item establishes criteria based on the needs of the District and the students. The attached listing provides items that earn points to determine tie breaking decisions. It is the same order established in 2022-2023.
F.6. (Action) Resolution No. 2023/24-42 Reduction or Discontinuation of Certain Particular Kinds of Services (PKS) for the 2024-25 School Year
This resolution eliminates 32.1 elementary FTE, 40.6 Secondary FTE, 8 other certificated FTE, 1 site administrator and 3 district administrators. This list includes an unknown quantity of positions with vacancies and announced retirements, and resignations.
The item does not include the fiscal effect of eliminating these 84.7 certificated positions.
Resolution (list of eliminated positions)
SRTA implores the district to make cuts as far away from the classroom as possible. Of these 84.7 FTE being reduced, 29 FTE are district based. The other 66% are classroom and site based.
These dramatic cuts have not been included in the Budget Advisory Committees work.
How is it decided which of these positions should be reinstated if conditions change? In the past there were positions eliminated, and then when money was available the positions were NOT reinstated, with new programs absorbing the funding. Those decisions were not explicitly shared, explained or justified.
Will additional classified positions also be eliminated?
F.7.& 8. Public Hearing and Action) Approval to Establish/Increase SRCS Developer Fee Rates
The elementary district will charge $2.74 per square foot for residential construction and the secondary district will charge $2.43 per square foot for residential construction (which is the remaining balance available between the elementary fee and up to the current total State Allocation Boards $5.17.
For commercial/industrial construction projects, the two districts will charge the allowable fees, the Santa Rosa Elementary School District of $0.59 per square foot and the Santa Rosa High School District, of $0.25 per square foot for the maximum allowed $0.84 per square foot for commercial/industrial construction.
Level I Developer Fee Study (Elementary) (High)
Resolution (Elementary) (High)
F.9. (Action) Second Read, with Amendments, of Board Policy 6163.2-Animals at School
The Board will review and potentially approve the Second Reading of the revised Board Policy 6163.2, Animals at School. If no changes are required, the Board may take action to approve the policy
Option 1 (Clean AR) (Revised BP) (Clean BP)
Option 2 (Clean AR) (Revised BP) (Clean BP)
F.10. (Action) Election of 2024 CSBA Delegate Assembly
The Board will vote on the election for the 2024 CSBA’s Delegate Assembly. Jeremy Bratt and Stephanie Maneri are running.
G. CONSENT ITEMS
G.2. Approval of Personnel Transactions
EdJoin shows a total of 96 current postings for 157 job vacancies for SRCS. There are 16 certificated openings (one more than the last meeting), and 1 certificated management openings (one less than the last meeting.) There are 79 current classified postings (nine less than the last meeting), and no classified management positions (the same as the last meeting.)
SRTA welcomes four new certificated hires: Robin Prince (MHS), Tina Huang (SRHS), Adrienne Mead-Juarez (SPSV), and Maleni Carrillo Gomez (LBES). We also welcome back two rehires Michelle Vargas and Christian Hernandez Carlino (CCLA.) This brings this year’s certificated hires to 138. That is nearly 15% of our certificated workforce.
SRTA bids farewell to Eugenia Aguirre (BHES), Brian Peppard (HCMS), and Jacqueline Buzel (RVMS) who leave us with a combined four years of service.
SRTA congratulates Kathleen Shanklin (HCMS), John Cortopassi (SRHS), and Christine Woodbury (RVMS) who have announced their retirements at the end of this year. They have a combined eighty-four years of service to our students. We wish you a splendid time in retirement!
Of note: Summer School Positions are open. Director Mizera is retiring at the end of the year.
This month’s changes to classified staff include one new hire and two rehires.
G.5. Approval of Contracts
Summary
| # | Provider | Cost | Description |
| District | |||
| 2 | Sonoma County Office of Education | No Direct Cost | SCOE will reimburse $25,000 for transportation, tutoring, mentoring, counseling, and direct interventions addressing reengagement and other services for Foster Youth. |
| 4 | Wayne Bossier | $4,000 | Architectural and permitting services for tenant improvements at 110 Stony Point Suite 105. |
| Secondary | |||
| 1 | Northern California Center for Well-Being | No Direct Cost | 4-weekly Youth Vaping Cessation meetings to approximately 5-10 students at HCMS |
| 3 | Grassetti Environmental Consulting | $1,080 | Provide CEQA Documentation as required for the installation of the SRHS Softball Scoreboard. This appears to be a duplicate of a contract from the last meeting. |
Total value of contracts = $5,080
What is the system to get Foster Youth lined up with the resources available?
If the vaping cessation course is successful, can it be expanded to other sites?
G.6. Approval of Form J-13A Request for Allowance of Attendance in 2022-23 Due To Emergency Conditions at Montgomery High School
Due to Emergency Conditions for School Closure for Montgomery High School as a result of incidents on March 1, 2023 and May 12, 2023 is seeking waiver of minutes.
G.7. Approval of Resolution 2023/24-34 for the Declaration of Obsolete Items/Equipment and Authorization to Sell and/or Dispose
Declares 2,240 chromebooks obsolete. Those that have been identified to have a potential resale value will be sold. The M&O vehicles will be picked up by a local salvage yard at no cost.
G.8. Approval of Santa Rosa High School’s Journalism and Yearbook group to travel to Kansas City, Missouri
The Board will consider approving the field trip request for Santa Rosa High School’s Journalism and Yearbook group to travel to Kansas City, Missouri for the Journalism Education association Conference.
G.9. Approval of Inspector of Record Services for the Summer 2024 Roofing and HVAC Projects
The Rincon Valley MS, Helen Lehman ES & Luther Burbank ES Roofing and HVAC Projects fall under DSA jurisdiction and, as required by law, all project inspectors must be DSA-approved for work on each individual project.
Rincon Valley MS – $42,800 – Fund 21
Helen Lehman ES – $42,800 – Fund 21
Luther Burbank ES -$42,800 – Fund 21
G.10. Brelje and Race proposal to provide engineering consultant services for the Rincon Valley MS and Herber Slater MS Wells Project
The Board will consider approval of the proposal from Brelje and Race to provide engineering consultant services for the Rincon Valley MS (RVMS) and Herbert Slater MS (HSMS) Wells Project.
G.11. Approval of Counselor Job Descriptions
Elementary School Counselor Job Description
Middle School Counselor Job Description
High School Counselor Job Description
College and Career Counselor Job Description
G.12. Approval of Left Coast Scanning Proposal
The current physical storage of these 4 million sensitive files is not effective or efficient, and there is a need to digitize these files in order to preserve them and, in the long run, save physical space and staff time.
Fund 21 $540,998
G.13. Approval of Proposal and Contract with CPI for Furniture Storage
The Board will consider approval of the proposal and contract to move and inventory furnishings donated by Medtronic for suites 105 and 150 at the Stony Point Road Campus
Fund 21-$7,920.00
CPI Professional Service Agreement
G.14. Approval of the Amendment to Exhibit A of the Approved Facilities Lease for the Montgomery HS (MHS) New Classroom Building Project
The estimated cost for this new classroom building was $34 million dollars. The new classroom building is more than 26,000 square feet containing fifteen classrooms, two science labs, an art display, an elevator, and all-access restrooms on both floors. At this time, we are bringing forth the amendment to Exhibit A of the approved Facilities Lease for this project approving the GMP.
Fund 21- $28,190,603
First Amendment to Ex A to Facilities Lease (MHS Classroom Bldg Project)
G.15. Approval of Proposal for Special Testing & Inspection Services for Solar Array Projects
As mandated by DSA, portions of work in the project require testing and special inspections by a certified testing and special inspection engineering consultant to ensure conformity to the contract documents. The District has received proposals from Crawford & Associates for special inspections of concrete, rebar, shop material identification for new solar arrays, laboratory testing, project management and reporting throughout construction of the project.
Measure C – Time and Materials not to exceed $156,889
Measure G – Time and Materials not to exceed $120,000
Crawford Special Inspection Agreement SRCS Elementary Solar Sites
Crawford Special Inspection Agreement SRCS Secondary Solar Sites
H.1. Approval of Minutes
Regular Meeting – February 14, 2024 Minutes
Special Meeting – February 21, 2024 Minutes
J1. Future Board Discussion Items
SRTA Members are encouraged to prepare for the upcoming agenda items.
- Second Interim Fiscal Report (3/13/24)
- CSEA Sunshine Openers (3/13/24)
- 22/23 Audit Report (3/13/24)
- Communications Strategic Plan (3/27/24)
- Resolution Designating April as School Library Month (3/27/24)
SRTA looks to the future scheduling of the following items:
- Schools Plus Report (
10/11/23) - Officially Closing Learning House
- MAP Testing (Board request 8/23/23)
At one meeting, the fact that a certain percentage of math and English teachers had given this test last year was presented by SRCS as evidence that the test is good, and teachers supported giving it. This is not logical nor accurate. The legitimate concerns teachers have shared about this assessment have been dismissed. The meeting teachers had with a district representative last year about alternative assessment possibilities appears to have been to no effect.
The longitudinal CAASPP data has clearly identified concerns about student performance. Current efforts could be better spent addressing those academic concerns, instead of collecting more data. This is especially frustrating when the MAP assessment isn’t seen as helpful for students or teachers.
Thank you to Directors Medina and De La Cruz for requesting more information on this assessment. SRTA members look forward to this agenda item.
- Parcel Tax
With a flier going out, will the board officially decide to proceed with a Parcel Tax?
- A-G Program Decision
- SRACS Accelerated Charter Material Revision Request (delayed)
- Review of Math grades and progress including demographic data (board request)
- Unification/Redistricting Decision
- Plan for Staff Housing support program from the proceeds of Fir Ridge
Until the district makes a decision, the proceeds from the sale are just sitting. Getting a program started could help SRCS attract and retain staff.
- Student Voice Policy
- BEST Plus Update
- Many staff members have not been trained, and are not aware of what this looks like in practice.
J.4. School Site Reports
J.5. Facilities Projects Update