BOARD MEETING
Santa Rosa City Schools
April 24, 2024
4:00 p.m. – Closed Session
6:00 p.m. – Open Session
Hybrid: Zom / 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 Appointment/Employment (Position to be filled: Superintendent)
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 Labor Negotiator (Dr. Vicki Zands ; SRTA/CSEA)
B.5. Conference With Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Case name: SPSV – Parker/Phillips; 24CV-00520; 23CV-00397 )
B.4. Student Expulsions (Case No.: 2023/24-14 and 20)
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 Santa Rosa Middle School and Hilliard Comstock Middle School)
Santa Rosa Middle School
- Evelyn Ortiz Dominguez, Student of the Month
- Roya Moslem, Classified Employee of the Month
- Katie-Lauren Dunbar, Certificated Employee of the Month
Hilliard Comstock Middle School
- Karen Flores, Student of the Month
- Cristina Arteaga Gutierrez, Classified Employee of the Month
- Kwici Khamthee, Certificated Employee of the Month
A special invite goes out to the staff of SRMS and HCMS to attend this meeting to honor your own.
D.6. Safety Report
Recently, public comments have been welcome during this item.
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.
Members are encouraged to share personal understandings of how these pillars are essential to improving the student experience with SRCS. There is appreciation that the last round of negotiations was productive. SRTA members expect to end this school year with a ratified new contract. This requires prompt resolution to remaining outstanding items.
SRTA is standing firm on our Four Pillars:
Safe Schools for All
Our schools must be safe for all students and staff.
- Provide adequate trained security personnel at secondary sites.
- Create a District Safety Committee. to adopt a comprehensive “School Safety Plan” and an “Injury and Illness Prevention Plan.”
- Arrest and expel students that have weapons on our campuses.
- Provide First aid equipment and walkie talkies to all staff
- The District will provide a procedure for reporting alleged unsafe and unhealthy conditions to management.
- Upon notification, the District shall eliminate or correct unsafe or hazardous working conditions
Mental Health Support
The mental health and social-emotional needs of students and staff must be cared for.
- Decrease school counselors ratio
- Limit School Psych caseload
- The District shall offer mental health and trauma support services to students who experience assault, battery, or who are witness to a traumatic event
Prevent Violence
Preventing violence before it occurs must be a focus for all schools.
- The District shall provide professional development on a voluntary basis to unit members wishing training on how to subdue assaultive students, break up fights between students, and to use conflict intervention skills
- Create and maintain a Site safety plan at each site to address the prevention of school and worksite crime and violence and that promotes safety, a positive school and worksite climate, has high standards of student conduct, contains school-wide expectations, and contains progressive discipline plans for student behavior.
- The district will follow ed-code regarding discipline and suspension.
Relevant and Engaging Schools
Schools must be relevant and engaging. We must be able to attract and retain the best teachers to connect with students.
- Reduce K classes to 26
- Cap combo classes at 20 K-3 and 26 4th -6th
- Increase salary to $6000 per cell in 24/25 with 4% increases in 25/26 and 27/28
- Increase health care contribution to 100% for individuals, 65% for employee plus one and 55% for families with additional increases the following years.
- Increase pay for elementary Lead Teachers who keep students safe while site admin is absent
F. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
There is a clear system for honoring special days and months with resolutions. There is no system for encouraging action to back up these resolutions. Only a fraction of stakeholders tune into board meetings, and their hearing a resolution has little impact.
It is time to hone our focus and energies to establish systems for implementing identified essential actions for the district.
F.1. (Action) Resolution for May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
There is a rich history and struggles of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in the U.S. with significant contributions. There is acknowledgment of discriminatory laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act and the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII and ongoing challenges of racism. Despite adversity, this resolution celebrates AAPI Heritage Month, focusing on the theme of “Advancing Leaders Through Innovation” and the importance of recognizing and empowering AAPI contributions.
F.2. (Action) Resolution for Teacher Appreciation Week May 6-10, 2024
Teachers shape the future by educating and inspiring students across various fields. Their role is crucial in molding young minds and fostering growth in our community. As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, it’s essential to recognize their dedication and the profound impact they have on individuals and society. Teachers serve as role models, imparting knowledge, guidance, and encouragement to students, ultimately shaping their paths and instilling a sense of dedication and possibility. Their influence extends far beyond the classroom, making them invaluable contributors to our collective future.
F.3. (Action) Resolution for Classified School Employee Week May 19-25, 2024
These individuals play essential roles in the daily functioning of Santa Rosa City Schools, ensuring operations run smoothly and students receive necessary support. Amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, they have shown exceptional dedication in maintaining school safety, providing services, and supporting the educational community. Let’s express our gratitude to these dedicated employees for their commitment to our schools’ success.
F.4. (Action) Resolution Recognizing Guest Teacher Appreciation in May 2024
Among our 329 Guest Teachers, many have served Santa Rosa City Schools for more than 25 years. Approximately 11% of them have been with us for over a decade. Some are retired teachers who return to support us. These educational heroes have covered nearly 12,000 classroom assignments, ensuring productive learning even on short notice. Despite the challenges of their role, they prioritize the educational needs of our students. Thank you to our Guest Teachers for being invaluable members of our educational team.
F.5. (Discussion) Panorama Survey/YouthTruth Survey/Attendance/Discipline
SRCS utilizes two surveys to assess student and staff well-being: the Panorama Education Survey for social-emotional learning (SEL) and the YouthTruth Culture and Climate Survey for students, families, and staff.
The Panorama Survey, implemented since fall 2021, assesses student SEL and guides interventions through a strengths-based approach. It supports SRCS’s Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) by identifying students in need and informing Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions.
The YouthTruth survey, sponsored by Sonoma County Office of Education and community organizations, gathers anonymous feedback on engagement, relationships, and academic challenges. Since spring 2019, SRCS has used this data to enhance school experiences, inform the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), and measure the efficacy of various actions.
Additionally, SRCS analyzes discipline and attendance data to inform decision-making on policies, programs, services, and budgets. This holistic approach aims to foster a deeper understanding of district-wide trends and support ongoing improvement efforts.
Panorama data shows student self assessment of social-emotional health drops as age increases. Students identifying as American Indian and Alaska Native as well as EL and at risk for long term EL are far below other groups.
Youth Truth data shows a consistent decrease in perception of feeling safe at school.
Suspension data shows 6% of students have been suspended this year. 73% of those were only suspended once. One in seven American Indian and Alaska Native students (14%) has been suspended. The most common reasons for suspensions are physical injury and intoxication. In general, last year’s numbers were much higher, and this year’s rates are similar to the year before that.
27% of students are Chronically Absent, meaning they miss more than 10% of school days. American Indian and Alaska Native students are the most likely to miss more than 20% of school days.
The presentation of this data is appreciated. Without the context of programs and systems in place, it all leads to questions of “Now what?”
F.5. & 6. Public Hearing/(Action) Approval of Resolution No. 2023/24-35 Elementary District and No. 2023/24-36 High District to Establish/Increase SRCS Developer Fee Rates
Fee rate maximums are set by the state. The district can only charge what is justified by a study. Total fees are split 70% elementary and 30% secondary. Generally speaking, the State “matches” (roughly doubles) each dollar of developer fee money the District receives. To achieve the same “match” without developer fees, the District would need to rely on finding additional funding from other local sources, such as bonds. Developer fees for the last 3 years:
FY 2020-21 $ 2,188,961.32
FY 2021-22 $ 2,473,566.62
FY 2022-23 $ 2,517,819.05
(FY 2016-17 $ 870,382)
Proposed change to fees:
| fee | Residential | Commercial | ||||
| /SF | 2017 | 2024 | Change | 2017 | 2024 | Change |
| ES | $2.44 | $2.74 | $0.30 | $0.39 | $0.59 | $0.20 |
| HS | $1.04 | $1.55 | $0.51 | $0.17 | $0.25 | $0.08 |
G. CONSENT ITEMS
G.2. Approval of Personnel Transactions
EdJoin shows a total of 101 current postings for 165 job vacancies for SRCS. There are 25 certificated openings (two more than the last meeting.) There are three certificated management openings (three less than the last meeting.) There are 80 current classified postings (sixty-four less than the last meeting), and no classified management positions (the same as the last meeting.) Eighty of these positions are for assistants and paraprofessionals.
There is still an issue with EdJoin showing Santa Rosa Catholic Diocese openings within the SRCS search this month that are actually for St. Vincent DePaul School.
SRTA bids farewell to two folks who are resigning at the end of this year. Morgan Vermeulen (RVMS) and Fan Wang (RVMS) leave us with a combined three years of service. Thank you for all you did for our students, and know you will be missed.
SRTA congratulates Duane Johnston who has retired after eleven years of service to our students. We wish you a splendid retirement!
Administrative resignations include John Kennedy (PHS), Katheryn McLaughlin (SRMS), and Tim Zalunardo (Director Ed Services.) They take thirty-six and a half years of institutional knowledge with them.
This month’s changes to classified staff include two hires, and two resignations. Thank you for your four years, eight months and fifteen days of service.
G.5. Approval of Contracts
Summary
SS = Summer School program
| # | Provider | Cost | Description |
| District | |||
| 1 | Sunbelt Staffing | $41,000 | Replace contract for another provider to meet student SLP needs for unstaffed position |
| 3 | Santa Rosa Plaza | $2,100 | Posters for summer school in Santa Rosa Mall (ELOP funded) |
| Elementary | |||
| 6 | Santa Rosa Junior College | $1,633 | HVES to have SRJC staff member provide ASL tp students and families (SELPA funded) |
| 7 | City of Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks | $27,203 | Summer services for 400 students |
| Secondary | |||
| 2 | SDI Innovations | $44,287 | SRHS for student planners for next year. (Title I funded) |
| 4 | Jubilee Jumps | $3,899 | PHS rental for Senior Day (ASB funded) |
| 5 | Edia | $3,000 | PHS end of year pilot for software for math practice and assessment – (district LCAP funded) |
| 8 | 4Paws Inc. | No Direct Cost | SRHS for Mental Health Day. |
Total value of contracts = $123,122.22
There appears to be a change in reported contracts with the inclusion of ASB funded contracts, including the four contracts below.
What is the process for approving site specific contracts with district wide LCAP funds?
G.6. Approval of Contracts – Bond
| # | Contractor | Project | Amount | Cost |
| District | ||||
| 2 | NorBay Consulting | pre-demolition services | DO | $8,825 |
| 4 | Golden State Electricity | Electric work | DO | $2,975 |
| 5 | South Bay Communications | Door Controls | DO | $52,725 |
| 6 | FRC Inc | waterproofing | DO | $10,013 |
| 8 | HY Architects | Warehouse and IT design | DO | $308,248 |
| 9 | Brelje & Race | assess property lines | DO | $18,460 |
| Elementary | ||||
| 10 | Ross Recreation | purchase and install new play structure | ABES | $346,984 |
| Secondary | ||||
| 1 | Carducci Assoc. | well design | HSMS | $64,000 |
| 3 | Incompli | QSD/QSP Inspection | MHS | $20,700 |
| 7 | STRATA a/p | design roof and exterior paint | EAHS | $1,040,142 |
Measure C = $1,429,818.90
Measure G = $443,252.18
Total = $1,873,071.08
The $1,040,142 contract with STRATA for EAHS is 27% of the projected construction contract cost of $3.8 million.
G.7. Approval of the Santa Rosa Golf and Country Contract for Elsie Allen Prom
May 17, 2024
Prom Tickets: $100.00 each (price includes meal, refreshments and venue rental)
200 students
ASB Funds: $17,472.84
G.8. Approval of the Blue Ridge Kitchen Contract for Montgomery High School Prom
May 4, 2024
Prom Tickets: $120.00 each (price includes meal, refreshments and venue rental)
400 students
ASB Funds: $22,952.50
G.9. Approval of the Events To The ‘T’ Inc. Contract for Maria Carrillo High School Prom
May 11, 2024
Prom Tickets: $117.00 each (price includes meal, refreshments and venue rental) $25 Bus Ticket
600 students
ASB Funds: $75,900
G.10. Approval of The Backdrop Contract for Santa Rosa High School Prom
May 4, 2024
Prom Tickets: $75.00 each
Unstated number of students
ASB Funds: $8,400 (venue only)
G.11. Approval of Hyatt Regency Contract for Piner High School Prom
May 4, 2024
Prom Tickets: $75.00 each (price includes meal, refreshments and venue rental) plus $5 parking per car
Unstated number of students
ASB Funds: $8,000
G.12. Approval of Resolution No. 2023/24-59, Lease-Leaseback Agreements for District Office & Education Center Central Receiving Warehouse
This Resolution approves the award of a contract to Arntz Builders, Inc. as the lease-leaseback contractor for the Project. At this time, the contracts authorize $5,000 for preconstruction services. Once GMP pricing is finalized, an amendment will be brought back for Board approval and/or ratification for construction costs.
Measure C: $3,800
Measure G: $1,200
H.1. Approval of Minutes
April 10, 2024 Minutes and Supporting Documents
April 17, 2024 Minutes and Supporting Documents
J1. Future Board Discussion Items
SRTA Members are encouraged to prepare for the upcoming agenda items.
- Resolution recognizing May as Speech and Language Pathologists Month (5/8/24)
- Resolution recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month (5/8/24)
- Resolution for School Nurse Day (5/8/24)
- Safe Routes to Schools Update (5/8/24)
- Parcel Tax (5/8/24)
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.
- SRACS Accelerated Charter Material Revision Request (delayed)
- 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 and losing value as the cost of housing continues to rise. Getting a program started could help SRCS attract and retain staff. The potential of the funds diminishes as time passes.
- 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. Facilities Projects Update
J.5. School Site Reports
- SRMS
- HCMS
J.6. Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) Approval Letter: 2023-24 Second Interim
SCOE clarifies the need for a third interim report and the need for specified reductions in the budget.