C.7. Special Presentations for FACS Student of the Month and Certificated/Classified Employees of the Month
Pepper Budlong, Student of the Month
Benat Habtom, Classified Employee of the Month
Berengere Demailly, Certificated Employee of the Month
SRTA members at FACS are extended a special invitation to attend this board meeting to celebrate their own.
D. REPORTS
D.6. Indian Education Report
SRTA celebrates our members who offer supportive services to our native students, particularly Elizabeth Billy, Donna Fernandez, and MaDonna FeatherCruz.
D.7. Safety Report
From the prior report from Superintendent Trunnell, it is expected that the report will touch on:
A Safety Advisory Round Table (SART) update
Mental Health and Counseling
Safety and Security – including updates on hiring
Facilities
Communication & Transparency
To anyone reading the Santa Rosa Police Department facebook page, it is obvious that MHS and HSMS are being hard hit with publicized incidents of students with weapons and gang affiliations. It is clear that there are not that many students needing to be corralled- but the failure to do that is threatening our system. Members are glad that students are using StopIt! to share information, and that SRCS and SRPD are working together to identify students and search for weapons. But there is a concern that the lack of discipline for lower level incidents feels like it is creating a breeding ground for more serious behaviors.
D.8. Schools Plus Report
SRTA welcomes the dependable support Schools Plus offers our students.
E. Public Comment on Non Agenda Items
SRTA members are invited to complete ‘blue cards’ in person. Online comments have been suspended. Please be prepared to observe the recent practice of 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 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.
F. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
F.1. (Action) Approval of Resolution Recognizing the Week of the School Administrator October 8 through 14, 2023
SRTA appreciated the work of our school administrators. We acknowledge how often that job requires more than is doable by a single person or team. SRTA members can only imagine how it feels to have no job protection like the contract and due process our union supports.
Our observations suggest that these positions require heroic actions on their part for our system to function. That concerns us. A sign seen in a Google restroom recently suggests that heroics can actually harm organizations. (SRTA members think this particularly applies to schools.) The problems with heroics are summarized as:
Individuals solving problems with heroics suffer from burnout.
Systems remain broken if heroes are providing temporary fixes.
Organizations develop a pattern that requires heroics in order to function. This causes high attrition.
SRTA supports the Superintendent’s Friday email request for members to acknowledge their site administration this week.
F.2. (Action) Approval of Resolution Proclaiming October as LGBTQIA+ History Month
Gay Pioneers chronicles the start of the LGBT civil rights movement.
SRTA particularly appreciates our members who host safe spaces for LGBTQIA+students to gather and form clubs on campuses.
F.3. (Action) Approval of Resolution Proclaiming October as Filipino American History Month
This is in recognition of the contribution, culture and heritage that Filipino Americans brought to the United States from the Philippines since they first arrived in October of 1587. California is home to over half of the Filipino population in the USA. As of the 2022-23 school year, SRCS had 149 students identified as Filipino.
SRTA encourages members to celebrate Filipino American History Month. Filipino American National Historical Society has a wealth of resources, including a section on education that members may find helpful.
F.4. (Action) Approval of First Read, and Potential Waive of Second Read for Board Policy 6174 – Education for English Learners
Summary
The Board of Education will be presented with recommendations for revising and updating Board Policy 6174: Education for English Learners.
The creation of the Multi-Lingual Services department and the Update of the EL Master Plan are celebrated accomplishments. Having district wide Language Acquisition and Re-designation Committee (LARC) meetings, and site based LARC committees has started to address some long standing difficulties.
The ARs require a student assessment which demonstrates that the student is sufficiently proficient in English, in order to participate effectively in an English class, with a curriculum designed for students of the same age, whose native language is English. Students are put into other A-G core courses from day one, even if they have not yet acquired the academic language to be successful. There is not yet a systemic support system for these students in place. Teachers depend on the kindness of other students in our classes to help translate into native languages.
The district shall respond to parents representing thirty students at a school, or twenty students in a single grade level requesting the same or a substantially similar type of language acquisition program. Does this mean we can offer dual immersion (sheltered) courses with data that supports the offering and when there are certificated teachers to teach?
Where do the Re-Designation requirements reside?
When will the new EL Master Plan be posted on the SRCS website?
F.5. (Discussion) Facilities Master Plan Updates
Summary
Site FMP meetings, Threat Assessments and Capacity Analysis of sites are completed,
Community Input meetings are being planned Oct 30th to Nov 9th with the Board presentation of the draft FMP on Nov. 8
Site priorities include fencing, building modernization, expansion of space for support staff, new TK and K classrooms, portable replacement, as well as expansion of spaces for CTE and other specialized programs.
Indicators of Quality are being updated and projects are being assessed.
SRTA members have appreciated the care of the team leading the site meetings.
SRTA members remain confused about the process that will be utilized to choose which projects will be completed when.
F.6. (Discussion) West County Transportation Agency Update
Summary
August 2023 marks the start of the eighth year of service with WCTA. WCTA will provide an update on current ridership, as well as progress related to driver shortages, route changes, driver training, and planning for more environmentally conscious practices.
Historical costs provided in prior updates to the board:
What is the current cost for WCTA? How does that breakdown per student?
What is the on time rate for the 33 general education buses?
Have systems been put into place to alert families of riders to inform them when a route is delayed?
A SRCS position was rearranged to include the title Transportation Manager. What is the update on the impact of this position?
Extending the experience of our students outside the classroom has been recognized as incredibly important. What is the current WCTA capacity for supporting field trips?
How is funding handled for charter school transportation?
How is the Home to School Transportation Plan reimbursement working out?
Are there legal issues when student transportation needs are not met? What happens to the students riding the 19 uncovered routes? Are students on uncovered routes left to wait hours until drivers can pick up a second route after completing a covered route? If so, is it the same students/routes every day?
How much time is required between site start times to be able to obtain multiple tiered runs? How early would students be required to catch their bus, and how early would they arrive on campus to facilitate this? How long after release would students need to wait for transportation?
G. CONSENT ITEMS
G.2. Approval of Personnel Transactions
EdJoin shows a total of 149 current postings for 256 job vacancies for SRCS. Most jobs have been posted since the prior meeting. There are 36 certificated openings (three less than the last meeting), and 2 certificated management openings (one less than the last meeting.) There are 218 current classified openings (three less than the last meeting), and no classified management positions (the same as last month.) There are 96 open positions listed under “Teacher Assistant / Aide / Paraprof.” with pay rates starting at $18.79 per hour. There is still no mention of the $500 sign on and $500 longevity bonuses on the screen where people view open positions on EdJoin. How are we ensuring prospective employees know the bonuses exist?
SRTA welcomes three new certificated hires: Anna Keller (HVES), Fan Wang (RVMS) and Michael Hughes (PHS). We hope you have a long and fruitful career with SRCS. This brings this year’s certificated hires to 114. That is more than 11% of our workforce.
Welcome to Coordinator of Wellness and Engagement Gustavo Mendoza.
Three more teachers have agreed to teach on their preps, bringing this number to twenty-seven. These folks have agreed to work for their straight per-diem amount, not the time and a half that most professions pay for overtime. How do we build a more sustainable system that does not rely on the heroics of staff to function?
This month’s changes to classified staff include two promotions, five new hires and one resignation. They take one year of wisdom and service with them. There is a net gain of four classified folks, while advertising for an additional two hundred eighteen classified positions.
G.5. Approval of Contracts
Summary
#
Provider
Cost
Description
District
1
Matrix Building Solutions
$6,922
Preventive maintenance for 18 AC units in network closets
3
Schultz Brothers Van and Storage
$2,420
Move furniture from Ridgway to other sites
6
Trope Group
$5,407
Cubicle installation overtime due to malfunctioning elevator.
7
TLCD Architecture
$58,890
Addition of One Workplace vendor for sample furniture
8
Santa Rosa Violence Prevention Partnership
$0
Replacing SRCS team member from SAFE Coordinator to Coordinator of Wellness and Engagement.
Secondary
2
Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (KQA)
$2,347
reimburse DSA fees to KQA for theSanta Rosa High School (SRHS) SoftballScoreboard project.
Charter
4
Brain Pop
$6,370
Subscriptions for PTES and CCLA
Elementary
5
Community Matters
$100,800
Expanding 2 day Safe School Ambassador training to 30-40 4-6th graders at 14 sites @ $7,200 per site. 1 staff member for each 7 students is required.
Safe School Ambassadors has a strong program. Implementation requires 1 adult to at least every seven students. How is SRCS going to support the weekly meetings this requires? Where does this timefit in? How are adults compensated for their time?
Is a credit to the rent of Stony Point being explored to cover the $5,400 in additional costs due to the malfunctioning elevator?
Recent amendments to district contracts show a practice of the district covering all related costs to changing conditions. SRTA members would appreciate feeling that level of financial support at the site and classroom level.
Are we paying One Work Place $48,000 to be their client for the future purchase of furniture? Does committing to purchasing their furniture not include their consulting services?
G.6 . Approval of the 2023-24 Consolidated Application for Funding
G.7 . Adjustments to the already approved 2022-23 Unaudited Actuals Fiscal Report
Summary
The Board will consider approving revisions to the approved 2022-23 report of unaudited revenues, expenditures, and ending balances, known as the Unaudited Actuals per direction from SCOE. Six funds are being adjusted. These revisions do not result in any material changes to the district or charter fiscal conditions.
G.8, 9 and 10 Approval of Lease/LeaseBack (LLB) Contracts for Preconstruction Services for Rincon Valley Middle School Roofing/HVAC, Luther Burbank Elementary School Roofing/HVAC and Helen Lehman Elementary School Roofing/HVAC
Summary
Approving Lease-Leaseback Contracts with FRC, Inc. for theses site Roofing & HVAC Replacement Project and Making Related Findings
A prior board agenda item to explain the benefits of a Lease-LeaseBack was never actualized. It would be helpful to understand why the district is utilizing the LLB process.
G.11 . Approval of Trope Group Cubicle Extenders
Summary
To approve a proposal to furnish and install cubicle extenders for the open spaces in suite 210 at the Stony Point Road Campus. Cost $16,335.26
This brings the current contractual cost for the district office relocation to at least $1,822,927. What is the total budgeted cost for this temporary relocation?
G.12. Proposal from TLCD for Pilot Classroom Furniture Budget
Summary
The Board will consider the approval of the proposal from TLCD to establish the budget amount to procure five pilot classroom furniture for Santa Rosa City Schools. Cost $140,536.
When will the plan for replacing furniture be shared? Is the intention to replace the entire district in phases over a short period? What will happen with the furniture that is not yet to the end of its lifespan?
If replacing the entire district in a short period is the plan, how will future furniture replacement be financed? The current system seems to deflect this need back to site budgets which are often unable to handle this.
G.13 . Proposal from T&R to move the Fiber Cables at 211 Ridgway
Summary
To approve the proposal under a CMAS contract from T&R Communications to relocate data pathways and maintain network connectivity due to pending demolition of the vacated portables at 211 Ridgway Avenue.
This brings the current contractual cost for the district office relocation to at least $1,874,061. What is the total budgeted cost for this temporary relocation?
G.14. Proposal for Architectural Services for Removal of the Portable Buildings at 211 Ridgway Ave.
Summary
To approve the proposal from Strata AP to perform architectural and engineering services for the demolition of the vacated portables at the District Office.
This brings the current contractual cost for the district office relocation to at least $1,889,561. What is the total budgeted cost for this temporary relocation?
SRTA Members are encouraged to prepare for the upcoming agenda items.
Week of the School Psychologist (10/25)
Restorative Practices (10/25)
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day (11/8/23)
Deferred Maintenance Plan (11/8/23)
Draft Facilities Master Plan (11/8/23)
SRTA looks to the future scheduling of the following items:
Alternative Education options for students
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 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
COVID Updates (6/14/23 8/9/23)
Many students and staff are currently out with COVID. This round has been very unpleasant, in multiple ways. Many staff feel certain they were infected at school. However RESIG is has denied some staff workman’s comp to cover their days off of school. Staff is being forced to use personal days to cover the minimum 5 day quarantine, after getting infected at work. There has been a lack of clear communication about who is requiring the need for staff to take a PCR test.
Students and staff deserve to continue to have masks, hand sanitizer, and facial tissue available, as well as having serviced HEPA fans in classrooms to filter air. There has not been a clear and consistent message that the district will provide these necessities.
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)
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 retaining staff.
The attached document provides an explanation of the material differences in Fund 25 between the 2022/23 Unaudited Actuals and 2022/23 Estimated Actuals.
The lease for WCTA was $143,000 more than anticipated.
Santa Rosa City Schools holds four scholarships in trust that it administers in accordance with formal trust agreements and as required by Procedure 305 for Fund Classification within the California School Accounting Manual (CSAM). The value of the scholarships awarded is based on the accrued interest.
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. Conference With Labor Negotiator (Name of designated rep attending: Dr. Vicki Zands (SRCS); name of organization: SRTA/CSEA
B.3. Conference With Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Number of potential cases: 3)
B.4. Student Expulsions (Case No: 2023/24-01)
C. RECONVENE TO REGULAR OPEN SESSION (6:00 p.m.)
C.9. Public Comment on Non Agenda Items
SRTA members are invited to complete ‘blue cards’ in person. Online comments have been suspended. Please be prepared to observe the recent practice of 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 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.
D. REPORTS
D.6. Safety Report
GENERAL SAFETY CONCERN
The staff of Herbert Slater Middle School eloquently shared concerns with the board during public comments at the last meeting. There are a handful of students on many sites that need more resources and assistance than our comprehensive sites are able to provide. The result negatively impacts the entire student body. There is a need for alternative student placements where students can have staff dedicated to help them with their physical, mental, emotional and academic needs, restoring them so they can return to achieve success at our comprehensive sites.
ADDITIONAL ADULTS ON CAMPUS
SRCS attempted to address the need for more adults on campus. EdJoin currently has 10 openings for Campus Supervisors at $18.79 per hour, 9 Restorative Response Specialists at $25.27 per hour, 11 Family Engagement Facilitators, 1 Student Advisor at $21.25 and 2 Student Engagement Activity Workers at $21.78 per hour. While these 33 open positions show positive intention, sites are still short of necessary adults. Having a visiting district or SCOE administrator on site is a nice gesture, but it is far short of having someone on campus who can become part of the culture and build relationships with students to help impact change. As these positions remain open, what else can be done to get more adults on campus?
GANG CONCERNS
Members are concerned about student affiliations with gangs and their negative influence on the level of safety on our campuses.
BP 5136 which addresses Gangs, has been returned to GAMUT. It is included below. Members might want to also review BP 5132 Dressing and Grooming. (AR 5132 is limited to common dress agreements.)
What is the plan to implement training to help staff to identify gangs and gang symbols, recognize early manifestations of disruptive activities, and respond appropriately to gang behavior? Staff also wants to know the plan for becoming informed about conflict management techniques and alerted to intervention measures and community resources per BP 5136.
Sites are reporting students wearing accessories to signal gang affiliation, and using whistling to intimidate students and staff. Did the recent administrator training include steps to deter this, as called for in the Board Policy?
Board Policy 5136:
The Board of Education desires to keep district schools free from the threats or harmful influence of any groups or gangs which exhibit drug use, violence, or disruptive behavior. The Superintendent or designee shall take steps to deter gang intimidation of students and staff and confrontations between members of different gangs. He/she shall exchange information and establish mutually supportive efforts with local law enforcement authorities, including notifying the Santa Rosa Police Department of any gang-related activities on or adjacent to school campuses. In addition, he/she shall participate in developing and implementing interagency coordination strategies to deter gang-related activities.
The Superintendent or designee shall provide inservice training which helps staff to identify gangs and gang symbols, recognize early manifestations of disruptive activities, and respond appropriately to gang behavior. Staff shall be informed about conflict management techniques and alerted to intervention measures and community resources.
Pursuant to Education Code 35183(b), the Board hereby prohibits district students from wearing gang-related apparel, based on its determination that this policy is necessary for the health and safety of the school environment.
To further discourage the influence of gangs, the Superintendent or designee shall ensure that school rules of conduct and any school dress code prohibiting gang-related apparel are enforced consistently. If a student exhibits signs of gang affiliation, including wearing, carrying, or displaying gang regalia or making gang-related gestures, staff shall so inform the parent/guardian and the student may be subject to disciplinary action.
Administrative Regulation 5136:
1. Definition of a Gang
For purposes of this policy, a gang is defined as two or more people who form an allegiance for a common purpose and engage, individually or collectively, in acts which may be threatening or criminal, and which may include such behaviors as intimidation, threats, and violence.
2. Gang-Related Material and Behavior Which is Prohibited – Grades 4-12
a. Any article of clothing, paraphernalia, accessories, and graffiti which violates the school dress code and/or school safety plan is prohibited. When developing these plans and/or dress codes, school officials shall implement gang-related restrictions only after determining that there is evidence of gang presence at the specific school site, and a threat of disruption from that presence and must take into consideration information obtained from appropriate community agencies and resources, as well as parent groups and school site councils.
b. Any gang-related gesture, posturing, speech or other behavior which intimidates, poses a threat to others, causes, attempts to cause, or threatens to cause physical harm to others, or which may disrupt the educational process is prohibited.
c. Any student in violation of 2.a. or 2.b. above, shall be referred to the principal or designee for appropriate action as follows:
(1) When violations of 2.a. involving clothing, paraphernalia, accessories, and/or graffiti occur, the specific items will be removed or covered as appropriate. The student and parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be informed of the reasons for such action and of the provisions of this regulation, and warned that the violation should not reoccur. This does not preclude the school official’s prerogative to suspend the student, arrange a parent conference or to take other appropriate disciplinary action, which may include reporting to the police.
(2) When violations of 2.b. involving related gestures, posturing, speech, or other behavior which is intimidating, threatening, or which causes, attempts to cause, or threatens to cause physical harm to others, or which may disrupt the educational process occur, the principal or designee shall take appropriate disciplinary action which may include application of the provisions of Education Code 48900.
(3) Repeated violators shall be considered to be a violation of Education Code 48900 and may be dealt with by suspension, referral to an appropriate district hearing and/or expulsion. The school principal or designee shall use his/her discretion in determining the appropriate discipline of repeat offenders, using the discipline guidelines established by the school and district.
d. The principal at each school site shall provide his/her staff training in current gang-related graffiti, signals, apparel, paraphernalia and any other significant gang-related material or information. The District Office shall provide the necessary in-service and resources to site principals and/or their designees to enable them to implement this training. The district and school sites shall also use the resources provided by the Santa Rosa Police Department concerning gangs within the surrounding community, to ensure up-to-date information on gang activity is available and to promote ongoing interagency cooperation to deter gang-related activities.
e. Students and parents/guardians shall be notified and informed at the beginning of each school year of the prohibitions set forth in the school site dress-code and safety plan, and of the consequences and procedures related to violations of same. Any student or parent/guardian who has questions related to any particular clothing, paraphernalia, accessory or a particular type of conduct prohibited by the school site dress-code and safety plan is encouraged to discuss the matter with the site principal or designee.
E. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
E.1. (Action) Approval of Resolution Proclaiming October 12, 2023, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day
E.2. (Discussion) Elsie Allen New School Model Update
Summary
This discussion item is on the New School Model, which is focused on operationalizing our Graduate Profile by expanding a K-12 dual immersion pathway from Cesar Chavez Language Academy to Elsie Allen High School and expanding the Career Technical Education offerings at Elsie Allen High School.
It is great to have a chance to hear what is happening with the evolution of EAHS and CCLA. Here are some highlights gleaned from the prior and current New School board reports and associated questions that may be answered during the presentation.
Survey CCLA students to further guide the development of CTE program offerings
What were the results of this survey? How did that guide action?
Establish CTE Advisory Committees for the Public and Community Health and Education CTE programs
What are the difficulties in establishing these? What support can help with the creation of these?
Develop course proposals for Public Safety, Agriculture and new Public and Community Health CTE
Ag and Healthcare courses were approved by the district for Fall 2023 implementation. How are enrollments in these courses?
The Public and Community Health course looks to be created this year for implementation in Fall 2024.
Katie Barr was hired for over 400 hours of planning, marketing, PD, master scheduling, pathway alignment and stakeholder engagement.
How did this go? Is there evidence that can be shared from this?
Develop additional systems to increase WBL experiences for all students including a Career Conference and industry partner orientation.
Was there a Career Conference? How many community partners have been established? Further expansion of WBL opportunities remains on the list for this year.
Support staff with BCLAD and CTE credentialing
How many staff have these additional credentials? How many staff are interested in adding credentials?
Attending Bilingual Education Conferences in Portland (Feb.), Long Beach (Mar.) and Sacramento (June), and visiting SF International High School
Did these site visits happen? What was gained from these sites? What additional sites are visits planned for?
Master Scheduling support for Multilingual Learners and DLI expansion
How has the master schedule changed? What effect does this have on students?
Hired DLI TOSA
This person is reported as working on curriculum development and teacher support.
Funding
How much are these grants for? Where is the evaluation of progress on the metrics for these?
The DLI grant has indicators of
Increasing Seal of Biliteracy recipients.
What was the baseline? How many students earned their seal last year?
Completion of TK-12 dual language immersion pathway for students
What does this entail? How many students are on track for completing this?
The American Rescue Plan Act Grant listed indicators of
Students attending school daily
Dataquest shows a chronic absenteeism rate for 2021-22 as 56.4%. What is being found as an effective way to curb truancy?
Students participating in school or postsecondary programs
Dataquest shows a 49.4% college going rate for 2020-21. 77% of those enrolled are in a community college program. What is being done to increase this rate?
Students on track for graduation
Dataquestshows a five year graduation rate for 2021-22 as 71.2%. Did that improve last year?
College and Career Access Pathways Grant is to establish a College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) dual enrollment partnership.
Will this partnership be with SRJC or SSU? What are the plans for this?
District LCAP funding for EAHS is reported to have increased from $625,000 to $800,000 from last year to this year.
What is the additional $175,000 expected to fund? How is the impact of these district funds and programs being monitored?
Additionally, Career Technical Education Foundation Sonoma County has granted EAHS $377,383 for professional development, meeting materials, supplies, work-based learning activities, and to hire a full-time, site-based CTE TOSA to support work-based learning activities and expansion of business and community partners.
How is it decided which action items are assigned to which of these separate funding sources?
E.3.- 6. Public Hearings and Board Resolutions Regarding Sufficiency of Textbooks or Instructional Materials
Summary
Staff is presenting for public hearing a resolution (Education Code 60119) for textbooks or instructional materials sufficiency. The Williams vs. State of California settlement (August 13, 2004) requires that the public hearing and certification of textbooks or instructional materials occur within the first eight weeks of each school year.
ABES, BHES, JMES, SLES, RVMS, EAHS, MHS and SRHS were all visited by SCOE. Materials were found to be sufficient and facilities were found to be good (except EAHS facilities were rated ‘fair.’)
SRTA members are not satisfied with a facilities rating of ‘Good’ for Montgomery High School. Half of the sites’ facilities evaluations are nine months out of date. How does SRCS evaluate the sites’ facilities conditions to decide on their ratings?
With the adoption of one-to-one chromebooks for students, many classes make use of online resources. A systemic system for checking out, assisting students with logging in, providing loans when a student doesn’t bring their device, replacing, and holding families accountable for the damage or return of devices is wanting.
E.7. (Action) Approval of District and School Site Safety Plans
Summary
The Board will consider approval of elementary, middle, high school, and district Comprehensive School Safety Plans for the 2023-2024 school year.
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.
Some safety plans reference student handbooks which are said to be posted on school websites. With the recent website migration, these are not all currently uploaded.
Much of the safety plans appear based on a SRCS template. Is this something a District Safety Committee could review?
E.8. (Action) Approval of a Variable Term Waiver (VTW) for Administrative Services Credential for Amy M. Fuller
Summary
The Board will consider approval of a Variable Term Waiver request for an Administrative Services Credential for Amy M. Fuller to fill an open Program Manager position.
EdJoin shows a total of 154 current postings for 263 job vacancies for SRCS. Most jobs have been posted since the prior meeting. There are 39 certificated openings (two less than the last meeting), and 3 certificated management openings (the same as the last meeting.) There are 221 current classified openings (four less than the last meeting), and no classified management positions (the same as last month.) There are 100 open positions listed under “Teacher Assistant / Aide / Paraprof.” with pay rates starting at $18.79 per hour. There is still no mention of the $500 sign on and $500 longevity bonuses on the main screen people peruse on EdJoin. How are we utilizing these to attract applications if prospective employees don’t even know they exist?
SRTA welcomes three new certificated hires: Manon Czuckermand (FACS), Joseph Reynolds (SRHS) and George Somers (MHS). We hope you have a long and fruitful career with SRCS. This brings this year’s certificated hires to 111. That is more than 11% of our workforce.
SRTA bids farewell to Christine Roeschlau (BHES). After just one month, we are sorry to see you go. We hope that Diane Spieth (PHS) is able to be rehired in short order.
Ten more teachers have agreed to teach on their preps, bringing this number to twenty-four. These folks have agreed to work for their straight per-diem amount, not the time and a half that most professions pay for overtime.
This month’s changes to classified staff include five promotions, seven new hires and three resignations. They take nine years of wisdom and service with them. There is a net gain of four folks, while advertising for an additional two hundred twenty-five positions.
F.5. Approval of Contracts
Summary
#
Provider
Cost
Description
District
2
TLCD Architecture
$70,000
To develop and pilot new classroom and office furniture that will become the furniture standard for the District. Original Proposal. The process will be extended from $65,000 when the standards were to be complete by September 1 to $183,890 (including $49K to One Workplace) plus $10K in reimbursable expenses. The furniture standards will now be done in June.
3
Special Olympics Northern California
No Direct Cost
Provide three programs for students in both elementary and secondary.
This is a platform used to aid users with information on technology and data access issues, prior to submitting a help ticket.
10
City of Santa Rosa
No Direct Cost
This is an agreement around cooperating to provide Emergency Response services to our community.
11
Inspire Behavior Services
$3,800,000
This provides about 62 Special Education Assistants to our district at $47 per hour, for 7 hours each school day, for this entire school year. Plus the cost for a weekly one hour administrative meeting.
Secondary
4
Community Matters (Montgomery High School)
No Direct Cost
Provide Safe Schools Ambassadors program to MHS.
9
Humanidad Therapy and Education Services
No Direct Cost
To provide eight 1.5 hour group Convivencias for up to 15 Spanish speaking students at MHS.
Elementary
1
Springboard Collaborative
$190,200
This program was successfully used this summer. This is for professional development, training & support to SRCS teachers for this after school intervention. The contract includes materials, and online platform access to support the TK-3 early literacy pilot program at 5 elementary schools. Cost: $130+ per student.
The Summary of Contracts in the board agenda includes more metric information than in the past. SRTA members notice and appreciate this shift.
The Safe School Ambassador program empowers students to prevent and stop bullying. At the secondary level, when does this program happen? Does this require staff to work during duty free time? If so, how are they compensated?
SRTA members are concerned about the $3.8 million dollar contract for INSPIRE. EdJoin currently shows 100 vacancies for “Assistant / Aide / Paraprof.” There is no difficulty understanding that SRCS can not attract and retain these crucial positions. The recent Press Democrat article covered this, but they quoted far fewer open positions than are currently posted on EdJoin. In this contract SRCS has agreed to pay $47 per hour for 63 Special Education Assistants to work 7 hours per day. INSPIRE is currently advertising these positions at $20-$25 per hour. SRCS currently offers $19.74 – $20.74 for these positions for 6 hour days. This is slated to come from fund 6500, which appears to be Special Ed Funding. This raises fiscal questions about our Special Education department. Doesn’t the cost of what we provide these students go beyond our special funding, and require general funds?
The 8% raise across the board for CSEA had a total cost of $3,258,730 (CSEA 75 Public Disclosure 8% Cost.pdf), significantly less than this contract. Another 8% raise across the board to our classified staff would bring these positions to $21.32 – $22.40 per hour. Instead we are paying nearly $2 million in overhead for someone else to provide staffing services. Is this the best SRCS can do?
F.6 . Approval of SRHS FFA Members to travel to Indianapolis, IN for the 2023 FFA Convention
Summary
The Board will consider approving the field trip request for Santa Rosa High School FFA Chapters to travel to Indianapolis, IN for the National FFA Convention.
F.7 . Approval of Bilingual NBBTRP Expansion Residency Grant with Napa Unified School District and Sonoma State University (SSU)
Summary
The Board will consider approval of the contract MOU between Napa Valley Unified School District (NVUSD) and Santa Rosa City Schools (SRCS) to execute the actions outlined in the North Bay Bilingual Teacher Residency Program (NBBTRP).
F.8. Approval of Panaptic Marijuana Prevention Program Agreement for MCHS
Summary
The Board will consider the approval of a contract with Panaptic to support restorative intervention for an offense of possession of tobacco or THC products. This online resource will be facilitated by school staff during reentry after school consequences to support student learning about safe decision making and healthy life options. The $75 per student cost is funded by the Sonoma County Department of Health.
F.10 . Approval of the Professional Services Proposal from TLCD Architects for the Tenant Improvements at 110 Stony Point Suite 105 A/B
Summary
The Board will consider the approval of the project assignment for design services for the tenant improvements at the temporary District Offices in suite 105 of the Stony Point campus.
SRTA Members are encouraged to prepare for the upcoming agenda items.
Week of the School Administrator Resolution (10/11)
LGBTQIA+ History Month Resolution (10/11)
Filipino American History Month Resolution (10/11)
West County Transportation Agency Update (10/11)
Week of the School Psychologist (10/25)
SRTA looks to the future scheduling of the following items:
Alternative Education options for students
Officially closing Learning House
Facilities Master Plan (FMP) Presentation (11/8)
Week of the School Administrator Resolution (9/27)
SRTA appreciated the work of our school administrators. We acknowledge how often that job requires more than is doable by a single person or team. SRTA members can only imagine how it feels to have no job protection like the contract and due process our union supports.
LGBTQIA+ History Month (9/27)
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 as evidence that the test is good, and teachers supported giving it. This is not logical. 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 a waste of time and energy.
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 this assessment isn’t valued 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
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
BEST Plus Update
I.4. SCOE Approval Letter for 2023/2024 Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP)
FMP meetings continue through the end of the month. Community Input meetings are the week of Oct. 30. Board presentation tentatively on Nov. 8
RHS portables have been emptied in preparation for demolition. Useable items were repurposed.
Summer HVAC projects planned for HLES, RVMS, and LBES.
MCHS theater lighting should be finished by Oct. 2
SRHS DeSoto Hall had some rooftop HVAC equipment installed on 9/22. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
ABES MPR roofing installed. Job should be completed during November.
Solar Array projects are underway. ABES is nearly complete. HCMS, JMESand EAHS are in process.
High School bathrooms are nearly done.
A restroom stall divider at a site was installed in such a way as to prohibit use of a floor drain for removing a blocked sewer line. Are we holding the contractor accountable and having these sorts of things fixed?
Board members receive a stipend of $510.51 per month, $13,595 in medical benefits, $72 per month for dental and $8.28 per month for vision. The district also provides a $50,000 life insurance policy. This totals more than $20,648 annually.
The handbook includes the metrics the board uses to evaluate the Superintendent.
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.
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 Loss30.6%
Staffing and Retention22.5%
Facilities and Operations22.4%
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?
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.
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.
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.
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
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 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 Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Number of potential cases: 2) C. RECONVENE TO REGULAR OPEN SESSION (6:00 p.m.) C.7. Special Presentation and “Thank You” to Community Partner Organizations C.8. Public Comment on Non Agenda ItemsSRTA 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.
MAP TESTING Some secondary teachers have been told they are ‘expected’ to give MAP testing three times this year. SRCS Statement on the Purpose of MAP:SRCS has not had common shared assessments across the secondary 7-12 levels in English and math over the past few years, leading to a lack of broadly shared informative data across the district. Shared assessment information will allow our district to be more data informed and enables:
Teachers to understand where students are and adjust instruction to better help students meet learning outcomes. Overwhelmingly, teachers have not found the information from MAP testing useful for adjusting their teaching.
Site administrators to set site goals and areas of focus. Teachers have not seen evidence of this happening.
District administrators to evaluate quality of programs and to build summative understandings of student learning trends. Teachers have not seen evidence of this happening.
MAP should be assessed against these metrics, and the results shared with stakeholders before continuing with these assessments. Stated metrics should receive a positive evaluation before contracts are renewed. There was a meeting with teachers interested in creating a more helpful district-wide assessment to meet these objectives, including discussion about using interim assessment questions from CAASPP. There has been no follow up to this. These assessments take significant class time three times a year, losing valuable time for connecting with and helping students succeed. Teachers don’t just find these tests unhelpful, they find them harmful to students. If we care about student mental health, the decision to force students to take this test should be reconsidered.
SCHOOL RESCUE FUNDS Can an update on these funds be provided with the unaudited actuals? A recent review by the Associated Press of comprehensive data covering 7,000 districts nation wide found the following allocation of funds:Academic Intervention/Learning Loss30.6%Staffing and Retention22.5%Facilities and Operations22.4%Mental and Physical Health 7.4%Technology 9.1%Miscellaneous Financials and Other 8.0% How does SRCS spending of those funds compare? What is the intention for the $8.5 million that expires in September of 2024?SRCS Covid Funds.pdf
E. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
E.1. (Action) Approval of Resolution for September Suicide Prevention Month
SummarySuicide is a leading cause of death among young people, and we can all contribute to reducing its likelihood. Suicide prevention month raises awareness of suicide as a problem and reminds us that it is more important than ever that we are there for each other and that there are steps we can take to prevent suicide. NAMI of Sonoma County is a partner in suicide prevention. If In Crisis – NAMI Sonoma County988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineDial or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org ResolutionSRTA recognizes the importance of preventing suicide. Staff undergo a mandatory training in suicide prevention. E.2. (Action) Approval of Resolution to Recognize September Attendance Awareness MonthSummaryAttendance matters for success in school and life, and absences can easily result in a loss of very important teaching and learning time. Attendance and truancy interventions will continue under the leadership of the Wellness and Engagement department with two positions dedicated to these efforts. Site-based interventions, such as Student Attendance Review Team meetings, will continue under site administrative leadership. Along with the above, procedures for addressing absenteeism with students enrolled in Independent Study will be implemented. Resolution
We know alot about the importance of attendance. Our district’s state funding is tied to ADA or average daily attendance. Even more important than that, student success is tied to attendance.
By ninth grade, attendance was shown to be a key indicator significantly correlated with high school graduation.
Allensworth, E., and Easton, J.Q. (2005). The On-Track Indicator as a Predictor of High School Graduation. Chicago: Consortium on Chicago School Research.
High school dropouts have been shown to have high levels of absenteeism.
Hickman, G.P., Bartholomew, M., and Mathwig, J. (2007). The Differential Development Trajectories of Rural High School Dropouts and Graduates: Executive Summary. Phoenix, AZ: The College of Teacher Education and Leadership at the Arizona State University at the West Campus.
Kindergarten absenteeism leads to greater absences in subsequent years and lower achievement in reading, math and general knowledge.
Romero, M., and Lee, Y. (2007). A National Portrait of Chronic Absenteeism in the Early Grades. New York, NY: The National Center for Children in Poverty.
Attendance rates are something SRTA members have continuously raised concerns about. Our students deserve a robust response to absenteeism early in the year that helps address whatever it is that is keeping students away from school. What is currently being done is not enough. The California Dashboard tracks chronic absenteeism for K-8th grade. Missing 10% or more of the school year counts as chronic. SRCS has “very high” student chronic absenteeism at 39.8%. This is across all student groups. E.3. (Action) Approval of Provisional Internship Permit Application (PIP) for Riley BurkeSummaryThe Preliminary Internship Permit (PIP) will allow the district to fill an SDC Teacher position at Steele Lane Elementary School (1.00 FTE) for the 2023-2024 school year. Pip Riley Burke
F. CONSENT ITEMS F.2. Approval of Personnel Transactions
EdJoin shows a total of 149 current postings for 240 job vacancies for SRCS. There are 43 certificated openings (five less than last month), and 5 certificated management openings (the same as last month.) There are 192 current classified openings (two more than last month), and no classified management positions (one less than last month.) There are 100 open positions listed under “Teacher Assistant / Aide / Paraprof.” with pay rates starting at $17.40 per hour. There is no mention of the sign on and longevity bonuses on the main screen people peruse on EdJoin. SRTA bids farewell to Meryl Blomseth (JMES) who is resigning after eleven years of service to SRCS students. We wish you well with your future endeavors. To date there are a total of 68 certificated resignations from last year to this school year.
Congratulations to Jamie Poore (PHS) who is retiring after twenty-four years of service to our students. To date there are 37 certificated retirements from last year to this school year.
SRTA welcomes thirty-five more folks aboard: Heidi Alvarez (SRMS), Holly Aviles (CCLA), Taylor Barstow (ALES), Jordan Brown (RVMS), Lovinia Cager Gayowski (HLES), Juana Carlos (HLES), Tori Denna (LBES), Mathias Devaux (FACS), Ana Flores Tindall (CCLA), Irania Guerrero Diaz (MCHS), Lucero Guerrero Sanchez (SRHS), Kenneth Hamilton (SLES), Angelica Herrera (RHS), Kerah Hilkey (SRACS), Yeremia Iman (HLES), Susan LaMacchia (CCLA), Isabelle Lee (HLES), Antoine Machillot (FACS), Nada Martin (LBES), Marcos Martinez (MHS), Abigail Miller (SLES), Michael Montoya (HSMS), Nathan Murray (HVES), Justine Neybon (FACS), Christopher Nicolaou (MCHS), Katelyn Peakes (MHS), Stephanie Pellegrino (MCHS), Samuel Prohoroff (ALES), Meredith Reed (HLES), Gabriele Sanchez (CCLA), Dylan Santiago (HCMS), Brenda Smith (LBES), Stacey Smith (MHS), Beartiz Vera Mejia (CCLA), and Celia Wynn-Gould (HLES). There are also eight rehires which we warmly welcome back. Sara Legesse (MHS), John Mahlstedt (MCHS), Casey Moore (SRMS), Nora Parajon (ABES), Daniel Swedenborg (ABES), Todd Byers (MHS), Dante DePaola (PHS) and Alice Jobson (HLES). There is deep appreciation for folks coming out of retirement to help out! This brings this year’s certificated hires to 101. That is more than 11% of our workforce.
Administrative moves of note include newly hired Davy Dijoux MHS Assistant Principal, four supervisory hires, one resignation and one rehire.
SRTA members are appreciative of the additional approved Leave of Absence.
This month’s changes to classified staff include one promotion, fifteen new hires, three resignations and one retirement. They take twelve years of wisdom and service with them. There is a net gain of eleven folks while advertising for an additional one hundred ninety-two positions.
F.4. Approval of Contracts Summary
#
Provider
Cost
Description
District
5
Bluebeam
$600
For PDF markups, measurements, collaboration, and project management software.
8
Tovi C. Scruggs-Hussein
$15,000
Trustee De La Torre will participate in a 10-month Emotionally Intelligent Equity & Inclusion ( EI²) Facilitator Certificate Program with Tovi C Scruggs-Hussein.
9
FinalSite
$1,600
4 two hour virtual instructor webmaster trainings.
Secondary
2
Acosta Latino Educational Partnership
$32,000
Adds to their contract to provide instructional rounds for district and site administrators to support Ethnic Studies implementation. No details are provided on number of visits or number of sites.
3
2Teach
$4,000
One day of co-teacher training and coaching on Aug 7th.
6
Adobe
$4,956
Provides Creative Cloud bundle of more than 20 software applications to produce visual content for 500 users on 100 devices.
7
Steve Smith
$10,200
Continue with development and implementation of the SPARQ Observatory and SRG (SPARQ Research Group) at a 33% increase over last year ($9,000.)
Elementary
1
Guided Language Acquisition Design (GLAD)
$45,000
Train a cohort of 20 elementary teachers for $5,000 less than last year.
4
Luther Burbank Center of the Arts
$1,500
Provide a total of 50 teachers PD around Art over two PD days.
F.5 . Approval of 2023-2024 for Confidential, Supervisory and Unrepresented Employees and Working Professionals Salary SchedulesSummaryConfidential, Supervisory and Unrepresented Employees and Working Professionals Salary Schedules follow a ‘me too’ based on the classified salary schedule increase of 8% effective July 1, 2023. This item provides this 8% to these employees. The financial impact for increasing the 2023-2024 Confidential, Supervisory and Unrepresented Employees and Working Professionals Salary Schedules by 8% will be $586,088 New Working Professional Salary ScheduleNew Confidential Salary ScheduleNew Supervisory and Unrepresented Salary Schedule There is no public disclosure attached with the details of these additional costs.
F.6 . Approval of Resolution No. 2023/24-03 Requesting To Borrow Funds From The Sonoma County Treasury As Needed During The 2023-24 Fiscal YearSummaryThis is an annual item providing a low cost loan (1%) to the district in case it is needed to meet expenses until revenues arrive. Resolution
F.7. Approval of Resolution No. 2023/24-04 to Establish Temporary Inter-fund TransfersSummaryThis is an annual item. All accounts must be positive at the end of the fiscal year. This resolution will allow SRCS to transfer funds to cover any negative cash flow needed for the fiscal year to cover costs until revenues are received. Resolution
F.8 . Approval of Amended California Interscholastic Federation RepresentativesSummaryRepresentatives have been listed by title instead of name to allow for more flexibility. Resolution
F.9 . Approval of Stem Teacher Residency Implementation Grant MOUSummaryResidency models for teacher preparation provide intensive support to new math and science teachers as well as the opportunity for residents to become teachers in the district in which they are a resident. Residents are limited to CCLA, HCMS, EAHS and PHS, although they can be placed at any site the following year. Costs covered from grant: Year 1: $225,00; Year 2 $225,000; Year 3 $225,00; Year 4 $225,000 for a Total not to exceed $900,000. RevisionsGrantBudgetResidence Agreement SRTA members are not happy that sites for resident placement are so limited.
F.10. Approval of Mandated Block Grant Applications for 2023-24 SRCS, FACS, CCLA, SRArts, and SRAC. SummaryThis is an annual item. This provides for continued participation in the Mandated Block Grant program for the district and charter schools. This releases the district from filing individual claims. The funding rates for the 2023-24 MBG are $37.81 per ADA for Grades K-8, $72.84 per ADA for Grades 9-12, and $19.85 per ADA for Charter School Grades K-8. ApplicationPrograms and Activities (list of all 49)
F.11. Approval of Resolution 2023/24-07 for the use of 2022/23 Education Protection Account (EPA) fundsSummaryThis is an annual item. These funds are not additional funds to the District. Proposition 30 transfers tax revenues to an EPA and requires that each local agency determine how the funds are spent and approve the spending during a public meeting. All funds will be spent on instruction. Resolution
F.12. Approval of the Professional Services Proposal from Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) for Data Room RelocationSummaryTo approve Quattrocchi Kwok Architects’ proposal for design services to relocate the District IT equipment from the existing portable building, which will need to be demolished.Bond Funds – $40,000.00 Contract
What is the expected total cost for relocating the District Office for four years?
F.13. Approval of the Professional Services Proposal from Axia Architects for Architectural and Engineering Services for the Rincon Valley Middle School Roofing and HVACSummaryFor design services for the roofing and HVAC project at Rincon Valley Middle School. Bond Funds – $1,160,713 Contract
F.14. Designation and Confirmation of Authorized Signers for the State Allocation Board/Office of Public School ConstructionSummaryAssociate Superintendent Business Services Lisa August Cavin will replace Richard Edson as a District Representative. Superintendent Anna Trunnell remains an active signatory. Resolution
F.15. Approval of Proposal with Trope Group to Furnish and Install Cubicles at Stony Point Rd.SummaryThe District will own the cubicle furniture and it will be moved to the future permanent location of the District Office or repurposed as appropriate. Cost: $44,702 Proposal Suite 225Proposal Suite 210
This brings the current cost for district office relocation to at least $1,764,700.
F.16. Approval of Proposal with South Bay Communications for Brivo access control system at 110 Stony Point new temporary District Office location.SummaryThe system meets the SRCS needs at this location as it provides 6 additional doors with flexible, programmable access control to all the entry points in suite 210 via fobs and it integrates with the entire building access control system. Five doors costs the same as one extra door. Cost: $8,484 5 Door Quote1 Door Quote
This brings the current cost for district office relocation to at least $1,773,184.
F.17. Approval ofEAHS FFA member to travel to Louisville, KY, and Indianapolis, IN, for the 2023 National FFA Convention RequestScheduleItineraryLetter of Intent
F.18. Approval of Job Description for Coordinator of Wellness and EngagementSummaryThe Coordinator, Wellness and Engagement will provide leadership for the coordination of, and be responsible for providing supportive prevention and intervention services to assist staff, students, and families in the development and implementation of comprehensive behavior support for students. The employee in this position trains, collaborates with and supports Campus Supervisors, Restorative Response Specialists, Student Engagement Activity Workers, Family Engagement Facilitators, and Student Advisors. This position replaces the former Coordinator of Student and Family Engagement position. Job Description
This position used to require someone with an administrative credential. It will now be a classified position, only requiring a high school diploma plus some college coursework. The position is on the Scheduled Management Salary Schedule and is equivalent to the Communication Coordinator and the Safety and Risk Management Coordinator, with a starting salary of $114,728. A beginning teacher, with a degree and certificate starts at $69,401. A teacher in the district for twenty-five years with 85 additional units has a salary of $112,061.
F.19. Approval of Contract for Sounding Board Marketing and CommunicationsSummaryFor district communication strategy development, ongoing communication support services, and incident response communication resources and capacity building. Cost: $37,250 Contract
SRCS will benefit from a robust communication plan.
F.20. Approval of Contract with WATZA Marketing ProjectSummaryTo develop and assist with implementation of the “Minds & Hearts” campaign, which is rooted in the message, “We see you, we value you, and you belong here” specifically targeted for bilingual families. The campaign objectives are:
Build a strong, inclusive community within SRCS, particularly focusing on bilingual families and students who may not be English speakers,
Foster a sense of acceptance and belonging, and
Making every member feel a vital part of the school community.
SRTA members hope SRCS is prepared to have an action plan that accompanies this communication blitz, allowing the realization of the campaign objectives. We hope that SRCS will remember that paper communications have a larger impact than digital in a significant segment of our community.
I1. Future Board Discussion Items SRTA Members are encouraged to prepare for the upcoming agenda items.
Summer School Report 2023 (9/13)
Latinx Heritage Month Resolution (9/13)
Unaudited Actuals (9/13)
Sufficiency of Textbooks or Instructional Materials (9/27)
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Resolution (9/27)
Week of the School Administrator Resolution (5/10/23 9/27)
LGBTQIA+ History Month (9/27)
SRTA looks to the future scheduling of the following items:
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.
Site Safety Plans
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
Is there a deadline to set this program up so these funds are not forfeited?
Open Enrollment Policy Update
Student Voice Policy
Dress Code Policy
BEST Plus Update
I.4. Facilities Projects UpdateSummary
FMP site meetings through 9/28 SRTA Members are encouraged to attend their site meetings.
One Workplace chosen as furniture vendor. SRTA members would like to know what the plan is for replacing furniture. Folks are not comfortable with the idea of tossing all existing furniture and replacing it all with new items, and then not having any systemic way to address replacing broken furniture for the next twenty years.
SRHS, DeSoto Hall, Brookhill, and some CCLA areas have been prepped, but HVAC unit replacement won’t occur until the spring.
Some CCLA unit installation is complete.
HS bathrooms are expected to be complete by the board meeting. SRTA members are disappointed that some remodels were completed on restrooms that are best situated to be reworked as gender neutral. Some new stall dividers have been installed blocking sewage drains that have required removal for drain clearing.
Carrillo Theater lighting replacement is underway.
MCHS sewer manhole and bathroom windows are installed.
Solar installation is underway at ABES and HCMS. MCHS has been delayed to avoid impacting on site parking. The removal of mature trees has caused grief on campuses.
RVMS Boiler and HVAC equipment has been ordered.
ABES roofing materials were delayed. Work is expected to progress, with architectural metal to follow later.
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 Performance Evaluation (Title of employee being reviewed: Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principals, Vice Principals, Assistant Principals, Directors, Coordinators)
B.2. Conference With Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Case name: OAH: 2023-051074, OAH: 2023-060006) The Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) has a division for Special Education.SRCS has three cases on the current schedule.70379 Pre-Hearing Conference 8/14, Hearing 8/22-24 70721 Pre-Hearing Conference 8/25 Hearing 9/6-7 51074 Pre-Hearing Conference 8/28, Hearing 9/6-7Case 60006 had mediation, pre-hearing conference and hearings scheduled for July, but they were all canceled.
B.3. Conference With Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Number of potential cases: 2) B.4. Student Expulsions (Case No: 22/23-45) C. RECONVENE TO REGULAR OPEN SESSION (6:00 p.m.) C.7. Special Guest Presentation by Student Marimba Performers C.8. 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.
SRTA has the right to bargain the impact of changes to our working conditions. It is not okay to keep adding items to our job, without removing other tasks. When additional training requirements began, SRTA and SRCS resolved to provide paid time to complete these five trainings for Child Abuse Reporting, Bloodborne Pathogens, Suicide Prevention (every 2 years), Pest Management and Sexual Harassment (every 2 years) which took about four hours, according to a prior SRCS communication.
With the constant turnover in administration, this has become an annual item of contention. SRCS has moved to a third platform for these trainings. Each platform shift has created chaos in clarifying which trainings are actually required for each staff member because some trainings are only required every two years. A recent email to staff states: This online training system allows you to complete training at your own pace at a convenient time. We recommend that you wait until after your start date to begin your training. The Child Abuse Identification and Reporting training MUST by completed by the end of the day on August 14, 2023. All other assigned trainings should be completed no later than Saturday, September 30, 2023 or as soon as possible after that date.
It appears that members are expected to complete the other trainings on their own time. SRTA is advising members to utilize provided time to complete as many trainings as possible. Members are asked to NOT work for free beyond this time. Prior resolutions included time during PD days, additional individual timecarded time, and across the board additional paid hours. SRTA has been notified that site administrators have been directed to provide at least 1 hour on Aug. 14 for the Child Abuse training and to provide additional time for trainings, but that is not included in the communication to staff.
The LCAP delineated several new positions from the SART recommendations:
1.22 Increased FTE for Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) Intervention Counselors to include .50 FTE at each middle school (+$174,000 to $448,000)
2.3 Increased FTE for Family Engagement Facilitators to staff each school (+$140,000 to $1,364,000)
2.7 Increased FTE for school based therapists to staff each secondary school (+$60,000 to $1,000,000 from COVID funds)
2.14 Increased FTE for Restorative Response Specialists to 1.0 FTE at each school, and an additional 1.0 FTE for comprehensive high schools (+$600,000 to $2,112,000)
2.19 Increased FTE by two additional Campus Supervisors on each high school, one new campus supervisor position at each middle school, and one additional campus supervisor at Ridgway (+$840,856 – new)
Some of these positions were posted on EdJoin between 7/31 and 8/7, but not all. SRTA members are concerned that actions to improve safety at our sites will not be in place when school opens next week.
E. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
E.1. (Action) Approval of 2023-24 45 Day Budget Update
SummaryLocal Control Funding Formula (LCFF): 8.22% cost-of-living adjustment – largest COLA in the history of LCFF is maintained.Arts, Music, and Instructional Materials Discretionary Block Grant The final reduction was ~6%. The final allocation is ~94.4% of the original allocation. (~49% of the original allocation was budgeted for)Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant received a reduction /delay with the 2023-24 Budget Act. This grant is reduced by ~15% in 2022-23, which is thereby delayed to 2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28 fiscal years. The final allocation is ~85.6% of the original allocation. (~68% of the original allocation was budgeted for)Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) Entitlement is unchanged:Base Grant per ADA (with 8.22% COLA)
TK-3 = $9,919 (+$8/+$753)*
4-6 = $10,068 (+$8/+$765)
7-8 = $10,368 (+$8/+$787)
9-12 = $12,014 (+$10/+$913)
Grade Span Adjustments:
10.4% = $1,032 (+$1/+$78) per K-3 ADA
2.6% = $312 (same/+$24) per 9-12 ADA
Supplemental Grant = 20% of Adjusted Base GrantConcentration Grant = 65% of Adjusted Base GrantTK add-on for staff = $3,044 per TK ADA An LCAP midyear update must be presented on or before February 28 at a regularly scheduled governing board meeting. Presentation
There is no indication of how these additional funds will be spent. SRTA expects progress in the LCAP process, specifically that the midyear update due by February 28 will demonstrate collaborative evaluative work done that could serve as groundwork for creating next year’s LCAP. At last SRCS report, there were no plans for utilizing $8.8 million in Covid Funds which expire in September of 2024 (next month). There is no mention of these funds in this presentation.
E.2. (Discussion) Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Program HighlightsSummaryVisual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Framework, with the subsequent goal of crafting a Strategic Arts Plan with measurable goals and outcomes aligned with our Framework. In addition, we have begun planning for the receipt of Proposition 28 Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) funding while learning about guidelines for usage. All non-charter elementary students have one hour of Music a week. Nearly 40% of middle school students and 51% of high school students participate in VAPA courses. (Specifics by site are missing on the presentation. ) There are proposals to address ALD through VAPA courses. Presentation
SRTA members await an opportunity to review and provide input to a draft of the Strategic Arts Plan. The district has delayed planning for Prop. 28 funds until details are worked out at the state level. VAPA teachers would like to be part of the process to establish the vision of how these funds can be used to best impact our students. Systemically, can we commit to using these funds to provide Elementary teachers, who currently have only two hours of weekly prep, more time to prepare the plethora of courses they teach?
E.3.(Action) Approval of California School Employees Association, Chapter 75 22-23 #10 MOU Regarding Recruitment and Retention Signing BonusSummaryA signing bonus MOU for newly hired classified employees through June 30, 2024 of $500 will be paid after the new employee’s initial start date on the next available supplemental pay date, and $500 will be paid at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. Pending ratification of the CSEA 75 membership. MOU
SRTA supports efforts to attract and retain our vital classified staff. This bonus was not very helpful last year in increasing hires. The postings on EdJoin and all other advertising efforts should make this offer obvious at first glance to attract more applicants. EdJoin postings could have this added to the Salary Info!
E.4.(Action) Approval of CSEA Chapter 75 Tentative Agreement regarding Salary Schedule Increase and Schematic List of ClassificationsSummaryThe salary and medical contribution will both rise by 8%. The old Chapter 367 (Maintenance, warehouse, locksmith, grounds and custodians) salary ranges are being replaced with Chapter 75 ranges.There are no other items for negotiating this year.The fiscal impact is $3,258,730 for all funds in 2023-24. TA 23-24 #1Redline Schematic Classification List Redline Salary SchedulePublic Disclosure
SRTA appreciates that this agreement was reached prior to the expiration of the former agreement. Our students deserve fully staffed schools. Our classified staff deserve this 8% and more! Positions that start at $17.46 will likely remain unfilled. $17.46 is $0.01 over the city minimum wage beginning January 1, 2024. Many prominent retail and food service companies including Target and In-N-Out have a starting wage for entry level positions that is anywhere from $1.00-3.00 more than this already.It is expected that after this passes the classified administrative positions will be approved for a matching raise at the next meeting.
E.5?. (Action) Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified EducatorsSummarySRCS can not fill many positions with highly qualified teachers. This declaration allows vacancies to be filled with Limited Term Assignments, Emergency Permits, Intern Permits and Emergency CLAD permits. High School Need 10 CLAD, 10 Bilingual, 10 Resource Specialists, 50 Single Subject (Ag 1, Art 2, English 4, Math 8, Science 10, CTE 4, PE 1, Social Science 7 and WOLA 1.) Expecting 25 interns from NCSOE, SSU, SFSU, Dominican U, UMass Global and National U. Elementary Need 10 CLAD, 10 Bilingual, 10 Resource Specialists (5 Music and 5 PE) and 5 TK, 20 multiple subject, 10 single subject and 15 SpEd. Expecting 20 interns from NCSOE, SSU, SFSU and Dominican U.
There are currently 48 certificated positions on EdJoin. Starting the year with substitute teachers is less than ideal for our students. A solid support system that does not put an undue burden on colleagues is required for the success of these candidates.
E.7.-E.11. (Action) Approval of Provisional Internship Permit Applications SummaryPIP’s are not renewable and are issued on a one-time basis per applicant in any credential subject area. 7. PIP Anna Flores currently enrolled in a multiple subject credential program, placement as an Elementary Teacher at Cesar Chavez Language Academy.8. (PIP) Kerah Hilkey currently enrolled in a multiple subject credential program, placement as an Elementary Teacher at Santa Rosa Accelerated Charter School .9. (PIP) Taylor Chandler currently enrolled in a special ed credential program, placement as an Educational Specialist (Mild/Moderate) at Maria Carrillo High School.10. PIP) Lucero Guerrero Sanchez currently enrolled in a single subject credential program, placement as a Spanish Teacher at Santa Rosa High School.11. (PIP) Juana Carlos currently enrolled in a multiple subject credential program, placement as a Elementary Teacher at Helen Lehman Elementary School.SRTA welcomes these new teachers.
F. CONSENT ITEMS
F.2. Approval of Personnel Transactions
EdJoin shows a total of 148 current postings for 241 job vacancies for SRCS. There are 48 certificated openings, and 5 certificated management openings. There are 190 current classified openings, and one classified management position.
Congratulations to Michelle McKay (JMES) who is retiring after eighteen years of service to our students. To date there are 36 certificated retirements.
SRTA welcomes forty-one more folks aboard for next year: Jorge Mata (SPSV), Elizabeth Parady (SPSV), Courtney Crakow (SRHS), Nicole Guest (EAHS), Guadalupe Nava Franco (EAHS), Richelle Stoufer (SRHS), Aaron Teagle (SRMS), Perla Marquez-Cervantes (PHS), Mark Briceno (SLES), Benjamin Ghitterman (MHS), Kyle Klinck (SRMS), Liliana Chavez Vigil (HVES), Molly Woods (RVMS), Jake Friske (MCHS), Stacey Olson (MCHS), Alexis Solari (JMES), Ashley Lovelace (HVES), Asher Belden (ABES), Celina Luna (ABES), Jasmine Mangabay (ALES), Maritsa Ramirez (EAHS), Seana Dooley McDonald (SRHS), Christine Roeschlau (BHES), Jacquelyn Yancey (MCHS), Julian Rooney (CCLA), Friedrich Duerr (CCLA), Sara Duckart (JMES), Erin Ramos (PHS), Gretchen Skalinder (BHES), Brett Bishop (Arts), Daniel Lonkevich (PHS), Andrea Hernandez Chavez (CCLA), Kayla Sierras (JMES), Samuel Wolffe (ALES), Eric Brockway (Arts), Jami Grafe (ABES), Pablo Robles (ALES), Deborah Beecher (FACS), Mitchell Johnson (MHS), Jennifer Cadden (HSMS), and Page Willson (PHS). This brings new hires to 58.
SRTA members bid a fond farewell to Renee Jackson, Coordinator Kaesa Enemark and Director Cindy Brennan. Twenty-three years of service and accumulated wisdom leave SRCS with these departures.
Administrative moves of note include Patricia Law Safe Coordinator, Kathryn (Kate) McLaughlin SRMS Asst. Principal, Jill Finnerty RVMS Asst. Principal, Tyler Ahlborn MHS Vice Principal, Alisa Haley Exec. Director Educational Services (TK-6), Sydney Smith Director-Human Resources and John Ortiz MHS Asst. Principal.
SRTA members are concerned about the continued incredibly high turnover rates of administrative staff. Several employees have moved to SCOE. Forward progress is diminished while new folks figure out the lay of the land. Onboarding new staff members takes loads of time, absorbing energy for forward progress.
SRTA members are appreciative of the four approved Leave of Absences.
This month’s changes to classified staff include one promotion, two new hires, and eleven resignations.There is a net loss of nine folks while advertising for an additional one hundred and ninety.
F.5. Approval of Contracts Summary
#
Provider
Cost
Description
District
2
La Sierra University
No Direct Cost
teaching/counseling interns
4
North Bay Organizing Project
No Direct Cost
Support and advocate for students by encouraging their engagement in student-led clubs and connection to the community.
6
Google (CDW Education)
$48,807
Google Workspace at $3.38 per student
7
Brightly Software Inc
$16,453
Formerly School Dude – platform for tracking maintenance requests
8
Brightly Software Inc (Single Sign On)
$811
Formerly School Dude
10
GoGuardian
$26,929
A Chromebook management solutions software, intended to try to keep students safer online and make teaching more efficient. Who has access to this? How are teachers informed of this? How can they learn how to access this?
11
Tovi C. Scruggs-Hussein
$15,000
Superintendent will receive tools, handouts, activities, and other resources for use in facilitation work.
13
King Consulting
$102,500
To assist SRCS in applying for modernization funding reimbursements from the state. They have previously identified $57 million.
15
Maxim Health Services
$850,000
to fill unfilled classified positions.
21
California School Board Association (CSBA) / Membership Dues
$21,728
CSBA has written or developed, and as necessary, updates, a reference policy manual, including sample policies, regulations, bylaws, and exhibits, based on applicable state and federal law.
22
California School Board Association (CSBA) / GAMUT Online
$16,185
CSBA Manual Maintenance Plus and GAMUT Online Membership.
550 Educational Licenses, 5 Webinar Licenses for 500 attendees, 1 Webinar License for 3000 Attendees.
25
San Francisco State University
$1,000
SFSU provides University Students who qualify for internships in administration. (one)
Secondary
1
Healthy Roster
$2,646
Used to keep track of athletic related injuries that happen on the field, at practice, or on the sidelines.
5
Project Wayfinder Inc.
$14,125
“Purposeful” leadership Licenses and Toolkits for 9th graders at MCHS.
9
QuickPermit+ (Touchline Software)
$2,520
Student work permit platform.
14
Career Technical Education Foundation Sonoma County
No Direct Cost
Grant funds for Phase I ($377,383) will be utilize by EAHS for professional development, meeting materials and supplies, work-based learning activities, and to hire a full-time, site-based CTE TOSA to support work-based learning activities and expansion of business and community partners.
19
NWEA
$143,595
assessments for grades 7-12 will provide three mes a year assessment data that will allow for clear analysis of student academic performance in math and English, even though the majority of teachers do not find value in this.
Elementary
3
Mystery Science by Discovery Education
$18,135
Supplemental Science curriculum for 3500 K-5 students
12
Lawrence Hall of Science
$810
Two 50 minute sessions, on October 12, of “Phenomenal Physics” to all Advances Learner students in grades 3-6 and their families
16
CAP Sonoma / Head Start
No Direct Cost
three (3) inclusive preschool seats in the Head Start community preschool classroom at Lewis Early Learning Academy (LELA).
17
Community Child Care Council of Sonoma County (4Cs)
No Direct Cost
Preschool students across the District. Sites at LELA, & Lincoln
18
North Bay Children’s Center
$75,355
Special Education Preschoolers across the District, Site at Monroe and Steele Lane
20
Sonoma County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA)
No Direct Cost
District Wide Referral Process for eligible children
23
National Academy of Athletics
$9,000
Biweekly National Academy of Athletics (NA of A) will offer two (2) hours of lunchtime activities to all students two (2) times a week at HLES.
F.6. Approval of Resolution of District for Capacity of Interdistrict Transfers for Various Grades, Special Classrooms, and Special Programs.SummaryEach year, in advance of the opening of the window for Interdistrict permits, the office of Student and Family Engagement determines the capacities of each school site to regulate available space for students requesting to transfer into Santa Rosa City Schools. Resolution
Students are only accepted if current students are less than 90% of capacity. Capacities are calculated based on allocated sections and enrollment. If SRCS wants to attract more students to combat declining enrollment, another strategy will need to be adopted.
F.7. Approval of Myers-Stevens & Toohey Co., Inc. to Offer Student Accident InsuranceSummary The District makes available insurance coverage for members of an athletic team (as defined by ED 32220(c)). Student accident insurance and health insurance programs are additionally made available to other members of the student body. Contract
F.8. Approval of Proposal from Advanced IPM for Pest ServicesSummaryThis proposal shall cover monthly monitoring for all District facilities for one year including the New Ag Barn at Alba Ln. Elementary schools are about $2,300, Middle Schools are about $3,000 and High Schools are about $4,300. Cost $74,700.00 Contract
F.9. Approval of Revised 2023-2024 Certificated Psychologist, Speech & Language Pathologist and Nurse Salary ScheduleSummaryThere was an error made to the 2023-2024 Certificated Psychologist, Speech & Language Pathologist and Nurse Salary Schedule which was approved by the Board on June 14, 2023. Step 1, Level 2 has been revised from $101,940.00 to $106,527.00 which reflects the 4.5% increase. The corrected salary schedule is attached.Revised Salary Schedule
F.10. Approval of the Proposal for Inspection Services for Solar Canopies at James Monroe and Elsie AllenCost of both contracts is $28,500.00 ContractContract
F.11. Approval of Contract of Dark Fiber for temporary District Location at 110 Stony Point, Santa Rosa 95401SummaryThe Board will consider approval of the contract for service and associated discounts to provide dark fiber services and access from Sonic to the temporary District Office location at 110 Stony Point, Santa Rosa, 95401 for a period of 4 years.
F.12. Approval of Revised Maria Carrillo High School 2023/2024 Instructional MinutesSummary
The schedule is currently on the MCHS student planners and it is the same as the MOU. It revises their first passing time, after the 1st / 2nd block period, from 5 minutes to 8 minutes. This additional 3 minutes that MCHS would like to add to the first passing time would not change the total number of minutes on their block schedule and does not subtract any minutes from the overall required 64,800 instructional minutes. Prior Approved ScheduleRevised Schedule
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
Open Enrollment Policy Update
Student Voice Policy
Dress Code Policy
BEST Plus Update
I.4. Williams Settlement Quarterly ReportSummary During the quarter of April 1 through June 30, 2023, the district did not receive any Williams Uniform Complaints.Report
Zoom Hybrid (Santa Rosa High School 1235 Mendocino Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95401)The last board meeting was in the large room on the northern end of the main building. It is accessible from the parking lot next to SRJC. For members joining online, please insert “SRTA” at the start of your screen name.
A.2. Public Comment On Open Session and Closed Session Agenda Items, Only
SRTA members are invited to complete ‘blue cards’ in person or raise their hands and provide voice only comments if attending online. Only items 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 be prepared to observe the recent practice of the three minute time limit being reduced to a two minute limit.
B.1. (Discussion) Santa Rosa City Schools Facilities Master Plan (FMP) UpdateSummaryThe board is being updated on progress and asked for input on decisions required for the FMP.
Declining projections for 2029-30 and capacity calculations have led to reducing capacity by 4,650 (1143 at elementary, 142 at charter, 1180 at middle and 2184 at high school)
District office redesign has three options which include Ridgway High School. All options include a new warehouse, a new multipurpose room at RHS, and a new Early Childhood Education building.
1: eliminate all current structures except Central Kitchen, create 5 new structures $108M2: eliminate all current structures except main district building and Central Kitchen, create 3 new structures and add 22 portables $60M3: eliminate all current structures except main district building and Central Kitchen, create 5 new structures $91M
SRFACS facilities are identified as not meeting program needs. A fault running through the site limits construction possibilities. Evaluating potential options for relocation are recommended.
Site meetings will continue in the fall before the plan is finalized
Presentation SRTA recognizes that some of the portables intended for district office use are uninhabitable, and others are on their last legs. Bungalows in similar condition are on sites. A consistent plan for dealing with these would be appreciated. The fall seems like a short timeline to inclusively make any decisions on reclocating SRFACS. Please review the historical debacles of locating charter schools in our district, to avoid any further chaos and ill will with future moves.
B.2. (Action) Approval of a Resolution 2023/24-01 for Declaring an Emergency and Authorizing Emergency Remediation Work at Piner High School (PHS)SummaryThe water damage at PHS has created mold issues. This resolution declares an emergency and approves emergency repairs at the Piner HS Performing Arts Center and Weight Room. See C.3. for the contract. Cost:$134,031.53 Resolution
SRTA appreciates the prompt resolution of this matter.This work is left over from prior issues. Are processes being improved that provide better inspection of current projects?
C. CONSENT ITEMS C.1. Approval of Award of Bid for the Rincon Valley MS HVACSummary This is for replacing two rooftop units and a boiler. Cost: $270,284RVMS HVACBack Up Docs C.2. Approval of the Change Orders for the Montgomery HS Restroom RemodelsSummary The proposed change orders are to move the plumbing in the Montgomery HS restrooms as part of the restroom remodeling project. Cost: $22,833.34Proposal 1Proposal 2 C.3. Approval of Contract for Emergency Repairs at Piner HighSummary This is to address penetrations in the exterior canopies outside the Performing Arts Center and the weight room that need to be remedied to avoid future water intrusion. Approval of this proposal will help to ensure that the work is completed in a timely manner to allow students and staff to use these areas for the start of the upcoming school year. Cost: $134,031.53RVMS HVAC D.1. Conference With Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Number of potential cases: 1 )Summary This is to address penetrations in the exterior canopies outside the Performing Arts Center and the weight room that need to be remedied to avoid future water intrusion. Approval of this proposal will help to ensure that the work is completed in a timely manner to allow students and staff to use these areas for the start of the upcoming school year. Cost: $134,031.53RVMS HVAC E.1. Report of Actions Taken in Closed Session
Correction to board agenda: Last June the board approved Asst Sup salaries of $172,706. In October a 4% increase was approved. (This was missed in the salary research done.) The current recommendation is for an additional 4.5%. These match the negotiated certificated raises.
BOARD MEETING
Santa Rosa City Schools
June 28, 2023
4:00 p.m. – Closed Session
6:00 p.m. – Open Session
Hybrid: Zoom/Santa Rosa City Hall Council Chambers (100 Santa Rosa Ave.)
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: Assistant Superintendent, Executive Director, Coordinator, Principal )
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 (Name of designated rep attending: Michael Shepherd (SRCS); name of organization: SRTA/CSEA)
B.5. Conference With Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Number of potential cases: 2 )
B.5. Conference With Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Number of potential cases: 2)
B.6. Conference With Property Negotiator (Temporary Location for District Office)
SRTA recognizes that some of the portables intended for district office use are uninhabitable, and others are on their last legs. There has been no prior discussion item about the intentions for improving the conditions of the district office. This seems to be a matter that should be addressed in the Facility Master Plan, or at the very least, in open session.
C.7. Special Presentation for Outgoing Board Member Laurie Fong
SRTA appreciates the service of Laurie Fong to our district as a board member. Our members look forward to her continued voice incorporating her recent experience as Interim Principal.
C.8. 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.
SRTA member responses to a recent survey show a strong sentiment toward taking collective action to demand safe sites.
The district’s A-G policy came up during the last board meeting. There were three main changes that have occurred.
Students are required to take college prep courses, so all ‘regular’ courses have been eliminated. These ‘regular’ courses focused on the same core content, but with more scaffolding and less rigor. Successful students were prepared for lower level courses like English 101 at SRJC. College prep courses have standards which are approved by the UC Office of the President. Passing these courses with a C or better means the student is well prepared to take a college level course like English 1A at SRJC.
Students must take Math 1, Math 2, and then a third year of math. This is a drastic change. The old policy allowed struggling students to take Pre-Algebra and Math 1 to meet the graduation requirements. Students that are not sufficiently prepared for Math 1 currently have no other placement option. (The Math 1A/1B pilot is not allowing Math 1A students this fall.)
Students must now pass two years of the same World language instead of one.
Students are being moved on to the next level with grades as low as a D-. These students often lack a sufficient foundation for the next level course, especially in math and world language. They are left in a quandary. They really need the skills from the prior class which they technically have passed, but are not being successful in the second year course. Teachers are encouraged not to fail any students, which exacerbates the problem.
Placing all students into on level a-g courses is equality, not equity.
When the board considered this change, there was an outcry from teachers that a robust academic MTSS was needed to ensure students were ready for these courses. This has still not happened.
Having a student feel overwhelmed with the content of a course, and not able to do well, dramatically impacts their social-emotional well being. When the shift was made, it was stated by the board president that a D in an a-g class was better than an A in a ‘reg’ class. Students and staff beg to differ. Students in a ‘reg’ class are met at their current academic level, allowing them the opportunity to experience success and have pride over their accomplishments. When they are enrolled in an a-g course for which they are not prepared, they feel run over, and hopeless which often leads to attendance and behavior issues.
Obtaining a diploma still matters. The state requirements are far less stringent, so SRCS students are currently being denied a diploma they could have qualified for if SRCS would have continued to offer the ‘reg’ courses. These courses that were available before this shift in policy began all met the state requirements.
It is time to review our results. When the switch was made the board president at that time promised that graduation rates and college attendance rates would increase. Is that what has happened? What are the current numbers of students on track to graduate for each current class? What has happened to the dropout rate? How has the attendance rate changed? How many students has this policy helped to qualify for admission to UC/CSU Colleges? How many students have not qualified for a diploma with these higher expectations? How were the results impacted by the IGPs? How many students utilized Cyber High or other alternatives to meet these requirements? Has the Panorama survey provided any information about how the stress of this requirement has affected our students’ emotional and mental well being?
E. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
E.1. (Action) Resolution Reaffirming Support for LGBTQIA+ Community
Summary
The District supports policies, practices, and curricula that honor and respect LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and their families, and ensures that our schools are safe and affirming spaces for all members of the community. Santa Rosa City Schools District shall engage in ongoing partnerships with LGBTQIA+ organizations and community leaders to provide educational workshops, resources, and mentoring opportunities for LGBTQIA+ students, fostering their personal growth and leadership skills.
How will campuses be made aware of the opportunities for our LGBTQIA+ students and allies springing forth from the ongoing partnerships the district will establish?
E.2. (Action) Approval of Santa Rosa City Schools LCAP
Summary
This is the tenth year of the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP).
Some Highlights of the revised LCAP including cost adjustments of more than $100,000.
1.19 TOSAs (+$155,000 to $1,300,000)
1.22 Increased FTE for Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) Intervention Counselors to include .50 FTE at each middle school (+$174,000 to $448,000)
1.27 Data and reporting systems and tools Grades 7-12 – Includes continuing secondary MAP Testing ($442,000)
1.30 New School Model/ Dual Immersion Program Expansion- 8 FTE to support EAHS and CCLA (+$175,000 to $800,000)
1.34 Multilingual Learners classroom support with new Multilingual Services Coordinator and continuing EL Specialists (+$150,000 to $651,000)
1.37 Supports for Increased Inclusive practices (maintaining ratios in Co-Taught classes (-$238,000 to $250,000)
2.3 Increased FTE for Family Engagement Facilitators to staff each school (+$140,000 to $1,364,000)
2.5 Maintain 9 Elementary Counselors (+$135,000 to $1,140,000)
2.7 Increased FTE for school based therapists to staff each secondary school (+$60,000 to $1,000,000 from COVID funds)
2.9 Social Emotional Learning supplies, curriculum and Professional Development (+$123,000 to $138,000)
2.10 Maintain two 0.80 + 1 new FTE SAFE Coordinators/Directors at District Office (+$200,000 to $343,000)
2.14 Increased FTE for Restorative Response Specialists to 1.0 FTE at each school, and an additional 1.0 FTE for comprehensive high schools (+$600,000 to $2,112,000)
2.16 Continuation of two Keeping Kids in School (KKIS) mentors and 2 family engagement facilitators to support continued improved student engagement, attendance and truancy concerns (+$145,000 to $245,000)
2.19 Increased FTE by two additional Campus Supervisors on each high school, one new campus supervisor position at each middle school, and one additional campus supervisor at Ridgway (+$840,856 – new)
2.20 Athletic/Sport Intervention – removed for 2022-2023
3.18 Alternative Education Leadership (-$259,000 to $108,000)
3.21 Provide training and professional development for Credentialed Staff includes a Tech Lead at each site with a $3,000 stipend. (+$100,000 – new)
Other funds are covering: summer programs, TOSAs, some data reporting systems, school-based therapists, Math redesign and early literacy PD.
Eliminated or reduced efforts include: Athletic Support/Intervention , Rooster Fellowship, PD, PreSAT, and 7-12 Collaborative Curriculum Design.
Key Metrics: ➢ expulsions and suspensions ➢ SEL survey data results ➢ ELA and math SBAC ➢ CTE pathway completion ➢ A-G criteria ➢ ELPAC ➢ Reclassification rates ➢ Ethnic Studies offerings and enrollment ➢ attendance rates ➢ family participation in district and site committees ➢ staff satisfaction with relevant and supportive professional development
SRTA members await an update to the missing metrics that can be provided in the fall.
The LCAP has 37 metrics and 77 actions which seems overwhelming to implement in a year.
Goal
1
2
3
Total
Metrics
23
10
4
37
Actions
37
20
20
77
Total
60
30
24
114
The hiring for a significant number of additional positions in time to train before the school year begins seems difficult given the high number of unfilled positions. What is the back up plan?
SRTA members await the unveiling of a new systemic approach to reviewing, rewriting and vetting the next LCAP.
E.3.- E.6. (Action) SRCS Charter LCAPS
CCLA 2023-24 LCAP Supplemental and Concentration Grant funding in the LCAP -$1,947,804.00
Title 1 funding-$168,150.86
Total = $2,115,954.80
SRACS 2023-24 LCAP Supplemental and Concentration Grant Funding in the LCAP year – $28,455.00
SRCSArts 2023-24 LCAP Supplemental and Concentration Grant Funding in the LCAP Year – $264,518
FACS 2022-23 LCAP Supplemental and Concentration Grant Funding in the LCAP year $256,322
SRTA members at these sites are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these plans.
E.7. (Action) Adoption of Santa Rosa City Schools Budget for 2023-24
SRTA supports the need for significant changes to the pay of our CSEA brothers. The upcoming negotiations must make meaningful movement towards liveable wages. This must be prioritized in our budget.
As always, the three year forecast is disastrous, requiring $20 million in ongoing cuts to have an ending balance of $20 million.
Since SRCS has not yet created a plan for spending the Arts, Music, and Instructional Materials Discretionary Block Grant, how have these funds been incorporated into the budget? What happens to the money allocated for 2022-2023 that was not spent?
How do unfilled positions impact the budget? How much is paid in overtime to perform these jobs? How much is spent on contracts to perform these duties? What is the net financial effect of not being able to attract and retain the needed workforce?
There is a need for transparency around Charter School funding. Are all charters treated the same way? How are the transfers of indirect costs calculated? The Charter Schools Reserve Fund summary appears to have under calculated the total of these contributions by $1,750,440. What are charters expected to self fund? How are the costs of Special Education funded for our charters? What qualifies a charter for funding from the district LCAP? Would it make sense for the Arts Charter to become a magnet school instead of a charter?
2023–2024
FACS
CCLA
Arts
Acc Charter
Total
Total Revenues
$5,204,000
$11,271,872
$4,349,996
$1,306,470
$22,132,338
Total Expenses
$5,399,128
$12,007,813
$4,636,838
$1,296,741
$23,340,520
Services +
$339,875
$840,163
$235,134
$117,374
$1,532,546
Transfer of Indirect Costs
$392,046
$1,190,427
$0
$167,967
$1,750,440
% of expenses forIndirect costs
7.3%
9.9%
0.0%
13.0%
7.5%
Net Change (2023-24)
-$195,128
-$735,941
-$286,842
$9,729
-$1,208,182
End balance (2025-26)
$209,689
$183,828
-$320,615
$62,120
$135,022
E.8. (Discussion) Parcel Tax Survey Results
Summary
A parcel tax is one tool that can help address funding shortfalls by providing financial resources to support programs and services such as academic programs and support, Career Technical Education (CTE), maintaining small class sizes, and offering competitive compensation to attract and retain the best teachers and staff. The presentation will be shared during the Board meeting and uploaded to the minutes.
SRTA understands that a Parcel Tax is considered ‘ongoing funds’ and can be used for ongoing expenses such as compensation. The survey is expected to guide the language of the measure, which is expected to be on a 2024 ballot.
An agreement about the impact of the Parcel Tax on SRCS salaries would go a long way to igniting a groundswell of support from the SRCS workforce. CSEA 75 negotiations are currently underway. The general expectation is that this will not result in liveable wages for these workers, and that our students will continue to suffer because of unfilled positions.
E.9. (Action) Revision of the English Learner Master Plan
Summary
This plan provides guidance and tools for educators, families, and community members to ensure a consistent and supportive educational experience for the academic success of all Multilingual Learners within the district.
SRTA celebrates that SRCS is finally ready to implement an EL Master Plan addressing the many needs of our MultiLanguage learners with dedicated funding and a department to support the efforts. The following points are included in this plan.
23-24 develop and submit an a-g ELD course for Long Term English Learners
Additional mental health services for Newcomers with trauma
World House Program for Newcomers housed at CCLA and EAHS
Students must meet district reclassification criteria as outlined in Administrative Regulations 6164.8 which is NOT posted on Simbli.
Site LARC teams will monitor RFEP student progress two (elementary) or three (secondary) times a year, addressing support needs for students though MTSS.
Site ELAC and district DELAC members will be trained.
Efforts will be made for increased parental communication.
ELD instructional schedules are due during the first three weeks of school.
PD is prioritized.
There will be annual program assessments.
The plan will be updated annually.
It appears that accepting this plan changes the reclassification requirements of the district.
E.10. (Action) Educator Effectiveness Block Grant for 2021-2026
Summary
The SRCS Educator Effectiveness Funds (EEF) Block Grant allocated $3,443,208 for the 2021-2026 school years. $260,833 of this is for SRCS Charter Schools.
The areas of focus for the remaining 3 years of the grant (2023-24 through 2025-26) are:
Teacher, counselor, and administrator support, including intern credential program and administrator induction
Professional learning through workshops, conferences, seminars, and district professional development days
Mathematics, TK-12
MTSS, Restorative Practices, PBIS, Social Emotional Learning & Well-Being
Literacy across content areas
English Language Acquisition and Development for Emergent Bilinguals
New items for 2023-24 include
explore Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics for enhanced learning, 4-12
Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE) training
provide training to staff in Restorative Practices and Positive Behavioral Interventions (PBIS)
SRTA is disappointed that SRCS is not utilizing part of these funds to re-establish the Peer Assistance and Review (PAR) program which is Article 10 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between SRTA and SRCS. With the difficulty attracting and retaining highly qualified staff, these funds could provide support to assist educator improvement instead of releasing them.
E.11. (Action) Acceptance of the Safety Advisory Round Table (SART) Strategic Plan
Summary
Some estimated costs of action recommendations from the Strategic Plan include, but are not limited to:
$138,075.00 – Social Emotional Learning Curriculum (Toolbox for elementary, Wayfinder for secondary), training, and extra duty compensation
$686,700.00 – Increased FTE by two additional Campus Supervisors at each high school, one new campus supervisor position at each middle school, and one additional campus supervisor at Ridgway
$190,894.00- Increased FTE for school-based therapists to staff each secondary school
$1,363,632.06 – Increased FTE for Family Engagement Facilitators to staff each school
$621,892.35 – Increased FTE for Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) Intervention Counselors to include .50 FTE at each middle school
$2,112,000.00 – Increased FTE for Restorative Response Specialists to 1.0 FTE at each school, and an additional 1.0 FTE for comprehensive high schools
$140,000.00 – Risk Assessment for Facilities
$1,300,000.00 – Remodel of some high school bathrooms
E.12. (Action) First Read, and Possible Waiver of Second Read, of Board Bylaw 9250
Summary
This annual item is to revise Board Bylaw 9250 increasing the stipend for board members by 5% to $510.51 per month for an annual total of $6,126.12 for each Board member. Combined total compensation for all Board members would be $42,882.84.
SRTA supports this annual improvement which makes running for Trustee a possibility for more people.
E.13. & 14. (Action) Oral Recommendation Regarding Assistant Superintendents of Educational Services and Human Resources Salary and Fringe Benefits
Summary
The salary for these Assistant Sups are being augmented from $172,706 to $187,697 representing an 8.68% raise, while the certificated staff negotiated a 4.5% raise.
This includes appointing Dr. Vicki Zands to Asst. Sup. of HR.
This percentage disparity does not show equity in practice. On the contrary, it represents SRCS supporting a growing wage gap.
When the top administrator salaries for SRCS were significantly raised a few years back the board promised significant gains for everyone else. Is a significant raise on the table to work towards righting the CSEA salary schedule so we can retain and attract these folks crucial to serving our students?
EdJoin shows a total of 133 current postings for 258 job vacancies for SRCS.
There are 59 certificated openings (ten less than the last meeting), and 5 certificated management openings (two less than the last meeting). There are 194 current classified openings (fifty-two more than the last meeting), and no classified management positions (the same as the last meeting.)
SRTA bids farewell to these additional nine members resigning taking thirty-eight years of service and experience between them: Laura Aramendia (SLES), Kelsey Krehbiel (EAHS), Kristen O’Connor (CCLA), Nikki Hernandez (ABES), Lana McNamara (RHS), Diane Chira (HLES), Alysia Utroske (HLES), Tom Gutsch (SRHS) and Athena Karavolos (MCHS). We wish you well with your future endeavors. To date there are 63 certificated resignations.
Congratulations to Michelle McKay (JMES) who is retiring after eighteen years of service to our students. To date there are 36 certificated retirements.
SRTA welcomes eighteen folks aboard for next year: Danielle Griffin (PHS), Sharon Whisman (SPSV), Guillaume Burel (SPSV), Erin Burleson (SPSV), Constance Freeman (SPSV), Benjamin Saxe (SPSV), Damien Mason (EDSERV), Racheel Spector (EDSERV), Elizabeth Turner (SLES), Dora-Aldina Chavarria Valdivia(CCLA), Matthew Bowker (MCHS), Tara Hochstadt (EDSERV), Sarah Scrivano (MCHS), Meryl Blomseth (JMES), Megan Hulett (ALES), Susan Linder (ALES), Katherine Turtle (SPSV) and Gretchen Werner (RVMS).
SRTA members bid a fond farewell to Executive Director Kelley Dillon. We also acknowledge the resignations of Dr. Principal Kimberly Clissold (SRHS), Asst. Principal Randy Burbank (MCHS), and Asst. Principal Patricia Delzell (HCMS). Sixty-eight years of service and accumulated wisdom leave SRCS with these departures.
Administrative moves of note include the promotions of Dr. Vicki Zands to Asst. Sup of HR and Donna Candelaria to Principal (RHS). Welcome to Facilities Project Manager Catherine Gotfrid and AP Lindsey Apkarian (MCHS). Nicolas Ruiz is a new supervisory hire (SBTherapist/Social Worker.)
SRTA members are concerned about the continued turnover rates of administrative staff. Forward progress is diminished while new folks figure out the lay of the land.
This month’s changes to classified staff include three promotions, one new hire, five resignations, and one retirement. There is a net loss of five folks while advertising for an additional fifty-two, bringing the number of open classified positions to 194. This exemplifies the problem we have in attracting and retaining our classified workers.
Our Special Ed Aides are paid $19.20 per hour to start. We are unable to attract applicants to this crucial job. However, an interested party can go to a subcontractor hired by SRCS and fill that same position for $28 per hour. The expense for outside contractors is far greater than that. How many such inefficiencies are systemic to SRCS practices?
F.5. Approval of Contracts
Summary
#
Provider
Cost
Description
District
16
Fagen, Friedman & Fulfrost (F3)
$780,000
Legal Services provided for general SRCS business and Bond related issues for about $400/ hour.
17
Raizes Collective
No Direct Cost
Provides artists to work with Restorative Specialists to build a bridge with students via artisc, cultural and environmentally focused workshops
18
School Services of California
$7,584
Provides legislative services.
20
Mooiman Consulting
$10,000
Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports and Restorative Practices through $500 2-hour webinar training and $250/hour coaching for new and veteran staff.
21
Restorative Resources
$8,000
Includes training on restorative practices and providing restorative services to staff.
22
Laco and Associates
$45,000
HCMS, ABES and MCHS Solar Array Inspections. Contracts contain hourly rates without summative project amounts.
23
Informed K12
$38,078
For the creation of 5 online forms per 2 month period with unlimited access to all forms is included. It is time for automation of the process for collecting overages when there are too many students enrolled in a class. Expecting an overworked teacher to submit detailed paperwork to get paid when all the information is in the SIS is absurd.
28
Support Our Students
$29,000
Provide up to 12 Therapy sessions for up to 25 staff at $100 per session. Staff will also pay a sliding scale fee. Provider will support outreach efforts through attending two staff meeting presentations about services, providing program flyers with contact information. (When should sites expect this outreach?)
29
Nelson Staffing
$185,000
Temp to hire workers for CNS. 6 of nine workers were hired last year. There is a 65% mark-up above the employee rate for this service, and 25% of the annual salary in a conversion fee for employees that are hired. If someone is hired after 6 months SRCS pays Nelson $24,000. Is this the most efficient way to attract and retain a CNS workforce?
Secondary
3
Cyber High
$65,139
Based on last years numbers, this online Cyber High curriculum costs about $53 per course completed by a student. The budget for this credit recovery program also includes something in the neighborhood of 500 hours of extended day pay for facilitators at each site. Students appreciate the chance to get credits on their transcripts, but do not report learning curriculum with this platform.
10
Petaluma City Schools – North Bay STEM Teacher Residency Program
$16,111
This program operates under a $247,000 grant to increase the number of STEM teachers. A system of evaluation and transparent communication is necessary to reduce systemic hiccups in the hiring process for sites.
11
Sonoma State University – North Bay STEM Teacher Residency Program
$19,988
see above
19
Albert.io/Learn by Doing
$12,034
Provides 852 student licenses for AP support materials @ $14.12 per student. This is for 153 students more than used the program last year.
24
Vista Higher Learning
$21,080
6 year license for AP Spanish curriculum for 80 students at $251 each.
26
Recycle Change
No Direct Cost
Provides a pilot clothing collection bin
27
Rosetta Stone LLC
$23,000
Provides 230 student licenses at $100 each for online platform to support language acquisition for Newcomer students
Elementary
1
Code to the Future
$33,000
Provide 16 days of support to Biella at $2,063 per day for this contract from 2018.
4
Lexia
$128,200
Each of 9 site licenses are $13,800 for this reading instruction platform, plus a $4,000 district partnership fee. Can teachers have the option of using this as a singular monitor for student improvement in reading?
5
McGraw Hill
$87,307
One year of Everyday Math online access is $22.50 per K-5 student, and $114 per teacher.
8
Play Marimba!
$42,200
Instrument rental and curriculum for adding marimba to the music blitz.
9
Community Action Partnership Sonoma
$150,000
For Abriendo Puertos and Pasitos Parent-Child Education Programs which 160 families are reported to have attended last year. Those families have been shown to increase the number of times they read to their children per week. This is at a cost of over $900 per family.
14
Learning A – Z
$79,034
Raz and Science A-Z licenses for 230 classrooms @ $318 each. 2 PD sessions are included.
25
Lexia Learning Systems LLC
$136,200
It is unclear how this contract overlaps with #4 above. This appears to provide 8 site licenses for $14,900 and 130 student licenses at $100, plus a $4,000 district partnership fee for emergent learners language acquisition.
F.6. Approval of Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) Plans
Summary
Provide access for all TK-6 unduplicated students (English Learners, those who qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch and Foster Youth) including migrant students whose parents request comprehensive after-school and intersessional opportunities. This includes inhouse SRCS childcare, Boys and Girls Club, the SRCS Migrant Ed Department, and others.
This does not include a definitive list of what is offered where and by whom. See item F-8 for more site specific details.
F.7. Approval of School Plan for Student Achievement
Summary
School Site Councils (SSC) develops the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) along with any applicable school advisory committee. They are expected to evaluate the effectiveness of the planned activities at least annually.
SRTA members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with their site plan, linked above.
F.8. Approval of The Boys and Girls Club of Sonoma – Marin For Expanded Learning Programs
Summary
This is to provide after-school, expanded learning programs to approximately 1,475 students at 11 sites (9 elementary, 1 K-8 and 1 middle) for the 2023-2024 instructional school year.
F.9. Approval of Abigail Bates Math Consultant Contract on Building Thinking Classrooms
Summary
Abigail Bates will provide 5 professional learning sessions to middle school and Math 1 teachers and leaders on the 14 Teaching Strategies outlined in Peter Liljehdahl’s research on Building Thinking Classrooms, make connections to the growth mindset work on complex instruction by Dr. Boaler and support them with leadership moves to support implementation of the practices in their classrooms. Cost $9,000
F.10. Approval of Health Sex Ed Advocates for Youth 3Rs Curriculum
Summary
3 Rs: Rights, Respect, Responsibility curriculum for use in delivering the California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA) for middle school science courses and high school PE courses. There is not a contract attached, just an Addendum.
Estimated costs for ongoing teacher training, materials, and printing is $11,000 for the first year and $3,000 yearly for each subsequent year.
This appears to be in addition to the $17,150 spent this last year on teacher training.
F.11. Approval of Job Description and Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Reclassification to New Position of Lead Technology Assistant
Summary
This new position and job description are because this employee was performing work beyond the scope of their current assignment as Technology Assistant. The district and CSEA 75 membership negotiated and agreed to CSEA 75 22-23 #9 MOU Lead Technology Assistant.
SRTA members support this change, and attest that site library techs deserve similar recognition for the impact that dealing with one-to-one technology has made to their workload.
F.12. Approval of Job Description for Production Chef, Child Nutrition Services
Summary
This is a 12-month, Classified Scheduled Management position with 242 workdays.
The Production Chef will oversee, supervise and review the Central Production Kitchen’s daily operations.
Teamtailor will enable SRCS to set up a robust career site, customized by Job Category, that will also push out our recruitment advertisements to many platforms frequented by Classified jobseekers. This is an initial 14 months contract at $15,000.
F.17. Approval of Paradigm Healthcare Contract for Medi-Cal Reimbursement
Summary
School districts bill state Medi-Cal for medical treatments provided to students. The current contract reflects administrative fees not to exceed 7% of the interim approved claim value with an annual fee of $7,021.50 for basic EHR features, allowing providers to document screenings, assessments, treatments, and consultations.
F.18. Approval of California Indian Museum and Cultural Center Contract to Help with Professional Development and Curriculum Writing for Teachers in Connection to Ethnic Studies
Summary
The CIMCC will support both elementary and secondary teachers in building a decolonized curriculum. The CIMCC will work 3 days with elementary teachers and 4 days with secondary teachers. This $8,000 to support 7 days of professional development and curriculum writing
Education Code requires districts to provide an instructional year of 180 days. It further stipulates the minimum number of instructional minutes required each year.
SRTA members are advised to peruse their site info for bell schedule and minute information.
F.20. Approval of Multiple Site Memorandum of Understandings with Santa Rosa City Schools and Santa Rosa Teachers Association Regarding Bell Schedules, Instructional Minutes and Prep Periods
SRTA members are advised to be aware of any current MOU for their site.
F.21. Approval of Agricultural Career Technical Education Incentive Grants
Summary
The District has Agriculture programs at Elsie Allen High School and Santa Rosa High School. The Agricultural Career Technical Education Incentive Grant supplies a major source of funding for the two programs. Grant funding has been used to support student participation in Career Technical Student Organization (FFA) leadership activities, professional development for the Agriculture Science teachers and the purchasing of instructional materials.
F.22. Approval of Proposal for Construction Services on the Montgomery HS Sanitary Sewer Project
Summary
This will temporarily fix areas where the sewer line has sunk. If the proposed two-story building moves forward as part of the Facility Master Plan, the permanent repairs to the sewer will be included in plan updates. Cost: $29,588.
F.23. Approval of Proposal for Construction Services on the Montgomery HS Restroom Window Replacement Project
Summary
Four restrooms at Montgomery HS contain old aluminum windows, which the District desires to replace with new windows with obscure glass. Cost: $32,000.
F.24. Approval of Rincon Valley Middle School Architectural Drawings Through Schematic Design
Summary
Approving designs for this project now allow for the completion of the remaining design phases, followed by project construction in the summer of 2024. The scope of work includes schematic design drawings for re-roofing, skylight, and HVAC unit replacement. Portable classrooms are not included in the scope of work. Cost: $254,791.00
How much re-roofing of this site is covered by this contract? Past roofing contracts have actually been very limited, mostly covering the replacement of roof jacks for the new HVAC units.
F.25. Approval of Quattrocchi Kwok Architects proposal for the Burbank Roofing and HVAC Project
F.26. Amendment to the Quattrocchi Kwok Master Planning Contract for the Addition of a Security and Threat Assessment for All Campuses
Summary
Guidepost Solutions will perform the additional work as a consultant to QKA, and their work will be incorporated into our Facilities Master Plan. This includes a physical security site assessment of the schools to provide a baseline for recommendations. At each facility, the assessment will include an environmental review of the neighborhood, a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) assessment, and an on-site physical security assessment of existing infrastructure, including access control, security procedures, video surveillance, communication systems, and other factors. This will include on-site observation of each school from drop-off through pick-up as well as after dark.
F.27. Approval of the Proposal from Facility Advisors for the FIT Reports
Summary
Purchasing this software will allow SRCS Staff to prepare this report in-house rather than have a third party come in and complete this report. Initial Cost: $15,491
SRTA appreciates that this will save money. SRCS will benefit from annually evaluating facilities with integrity. All district facilities should be included to keep abreast of any areas of concern.
F.28. Award bid for the Albert Biella ES Multi-Purpose Roofing Project
Summary
This roof was not a part of the roofing and HVAC work that was performed in 2017. The scope includes removal and reinstallation of existing HVAC units, and roofing of the MPR and Classroom 3, to occur in Summer 2024.
F.29. Approval of the Proposal for Design Services for the Districts Furniture Standards
Summary
This is to establish Furniture Standards for implementation across the district preparing for a contract for furniture in August of 2023. Cost: $67,750
SRTA members appreciate the addressing of furniture needs. To date the district has expected sites to pick up the cost for replacing items, and there isn’t sufficient funds to meet the needs.
Is the intention that all furniture in the district will be replaced at once? How will SRCS handle replacing items that are damaged in the future?
F.30. Approval of Resolution 2022/23-79 for the Declaration of Obsolete Items/Equipment and Authorization to Sell, Dispose, and/or Donate
Summary
This is to declare approximately 3,850 non-operable/unsupported electronics and miscellaneous items/equipment as obsolete and of insufficient value and authorize staff to sell, dispose, and/or donate the equipment. 2314 Chromebooks are included.
F.36. Authorization for the Superintendent or Designee to Award the Contract for the Rincon Valley MS HVAC Project Prior to the August 9, 2023 Board Meeting in Order to Maintain Schedule
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
Open Enrollment Policy Update
Student Voice Policy
Dress Code Policy
BEST Plus Update
I.4. Facilities Master Plan (FMP) Update
Summary
This update contains the results of an enrollment projection study showing SRCS losing 2000 students during this decade.
SRTA is concerned with the projection of losing 80 students at Ridgway High School. The need for alternative placements to a comprehensive site has consistently surpassed the capacity of the site.
C.7. Special Presentation for 2022 – 2023 Santa Rosa City Schools Retirees
This year’s retirees represent classified, certificated, and administrative staff. Altogether, our 55 retirees represent over 1058 years of service to our students, staff, and community. There are two administrators, 18 classified and 35 certificated retirees. SRCS thanks each of them for their dedication, passion, and service.
SRTA recognizes the incredible contribution of our members to our community throughout their careers.
First Name
Last Name
Current position
Site/Dept
Cheryl
Allen-Ruhl
Teacher, Elementary
Hidden Valley Elementary
Tamara
Baganz
Speech Language Pathologist
Special Services
Beverly
Barron-Stolcz
Teacher, Elementary
Steele Lane Elementary
Stephen
Beebout
Teacher, High School
Montgomery High
Scott
Beiswanger
Teacher, High School
Elsie Allen High
Tina
Boaz
Speech Language Pathologist
Special Services
Kevin
Costello
Teacher, High School
Santa Rosa High
Karen
Coster
Teacher, High School
Piner High
Paul
Drake
Teacher, Elementary
Hidden Valley Elementary
Alison
Duke
Teacher, High School
Montgomery High
Lynn
Duri
Teacher, Elementary
Albert Biella Elementary
Kenneth
Emery
Teacher, High School
Maria Carrillo High
Sally
Fogg
Teacher, Middle School
Santa Rosa Middle
Susan
Gallegos
Teacher, Secondary
Santa Rosa High
Robert
Harbaugh
Teacher, High School
Maria Carrillo High
Mary Susan
Hoberg
Teacher, High School
Santa Rosa High
James
Holland
Teacher, High School
Montgomery High
Christine
Knight
Teacher, Middle School
Rincon Valley Middle
Rosy
Laden
Teacher, High School RSP
Montgomery High
Lori
Lapham
Teacher, Elementary
Luther Burbank Elementary
Robert
Lipman
Teacher, Elementary
Hidden Valley Elementary
Leslie
Loopstra
Teacher, Elementary
SR Accelerated Charter
Vilia
Mangelsdorf
Teacher, High School
Santa Rosa High
Suzanne
Martin
Teacher, Elementary
Hidden Valley Elementary
Robert
Oliver
Teacher, Elementary
Helen Lehman Elementary
Roger
Page
Teacher, Elementary
James Monroe Elementary
Steven
Salkovics
Teacher, High School
Montgomery High
Lori
Schoffstall
Teacher, Middle School
Santa Rosa Middle
Robert
Spillane
Teacher, Elementary
Hidden Valley Elementary
Cynthia
Stallard
Teacher, Middle School
Santa Rosa Middle
Amy
Stevens
Teacher, High School
Montgomery High
Elaine
Stone
Teacher, High School SH
Special Services
Annette
Thomason
Teacher, High School
Montgomery High
Kathryn
Vyenielo
Secondary Counselor 195
Ridgway High
Steven
Williams
Teacher, Elementary
SR Accelerated Charter
C.8. 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.
Recent teacher comments:
We need to implement meaningful, immediate consequences to students who are holding our classrooms and campuses hostage. Restorative practices should be a component of this, but removing site privileges and school suspensions are paramount.
I am looking for other districts that take all years of experience. I have to take care of myself as I near the end of my career. I still like teaching. I just don’t like who I work for now.
SRTA is currently working to survey our members on their level of concern regarding SAFETY on our campuses. Early results show a strong sentiment toward taking collective action.
C.9. Audry Rauh, Student Board Member Loyalty Oath of Office
D.3. The Superintendent’s report will include an update on the Safety Advisory Round Table (SART)
E. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
E.1. (Discussion) A-G Completion Improvement Grant Plan Update
Summary
SRCS A-G Improvement Grant Plan was allocated $1,409,215 in funding for expenditure for the 2021-26 fiscal years to expand opportunities for students to graduate from high school with A-G eligibility requirements completed for admission to the CSU and UC system, which requires a C or better in courses. SRCS is focusing on helping students complete A-G course requirements by providing comprehensive math supports and interventions through staffing allocations across our comprehensive high schools.
In 2022, 22% of SRCS graduates met a-g criteria. CDE Data for SRCS a-g Completion shows students in the combined four- and five-year graduation rate by student group who met the University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) a-g criteria with a grade of C or better (or Pass).ersity (CSU) a-g criteria with a grade of C or better (or Pass).
Grant recipients must report to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction by December 31, 2023, detailing how they are measuring the impact on the A-G completion rate.
A-G Completion and Improvement Grant plans for 2023-24:
1. MHS, MCHS, EAHS will utilize funding to enact site-based direct support and intervention to students.
2. Additional support will be provided to SRHS and PHS in the form of a Math Intervention TOSA, Teacher on Special Assignment, to provide direct support to students.
3. Additional funding will be used to identify systemic improvements to further increase A-G completion.
The Math Steering Committee expressed concern about hiring enough full time math teachers for our campuses. It does not make sense to have a full time Math Intervention TOSA if there is an unfilled position at one of our sites.
E.2. (Discussion) Educator Effectiveness Funds (EEF) Block Grant Plan Update
Summary
The SRCS Educator Effectiveness Funds (EEF) Block Grant allocated $3,443,208 for the 2021-2026 school years. $260,833 of this is for SRCS Charter Schools.
The areas of focus for the remaining 3 years of the grant (2023-24 through 2025-26) are:
Teacher, counselor, and administrator support, including intern credential program and administrator induction
Professional learning through workshops, conferences, seminars, and district professional development days
Mathematics, TK-12
MTSS, Restorative Practices, PBIS, Social Emotional Learning & Well-Being
Literacy across content areas
English Language Acquisition and Development for Emergent Bilinguals
New items for 2023-24 include
explore Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics for enhanced learning, 4-12
Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE) training
provide training to staff in Restorative Practices and Positive Behavioral Interventions (PBIS)
SRTA is disappointed that SRCS is not utilizing part of these funds to re-establish the Peer Assistance and Review (PAR) program. With the difficulty attracting and retaining highly qualified staff, these funds could provide support to assist educator improvement instead of releasing them.
Note: The following several items are Public Hearings. They will each be agendized for action at the next board meeting.
E.3. Public Hearing for Santa Rosa City Schools LCAP
Summary
This is the tenth year of the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP).
Some Highlights of the revised LCAP including cost adjustments of more than $100,000.
1.19 TOSAs (+$155,000 to $1,300,000)
1.22 Increased FTE for Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) Intervention Counselors to include .50 FTE at each middle school (+$174,000 to $448,000)
1.27 Data and reporting systems and tools Grades 7-12 – Includes continuing secondary MAP Testing ($442,000)
1.30 New School Model/ Dual Immersion Program Expansion- 8 FTE to support EAHS and CCLA (+$175,000 to $800,000)
1.34 Multilingual Learners classroom support with new Multilingual Services Coordinator and continuing EL Specialists (+$150,000 to $651,000)
1.37 Supports for Increased Inclusive practices (maintaining ratios in Co-Taught classes (-$238,000 to $250,000)
2.3 Increased FTE for Family Engagement Facilitators to staff each school (+$140,000 to $1,364,000)
2.5 Maintain 9 Elementary Counselors (+$135,000 to $1,140,000)
2.7 Increased FTE for school based therapists to staff each secondary school (+$60,000 to $1,000,000 from COVID funds)
2.9 Social Emotional Learning supplies, curriculum and Professional Development (+$123,000 to $138,000)
2.10 Maintain two 0.80 + 1 new FTE SAFE Coordinators/Directors at District Office (+$200,000 to $343,000)
2.14 Increased FTE for Restorative Response Specialists to 1.0 FTE at each school, and an additional 1.0 FTE for comprehensive high schools (+$600,000 to $2,112,000)
2.16 Continuation of two Keeping Kids in School (KKIS) mentors and 2 family engagement facilitators to support continued improved student engagement, attendance and truancy concerns (+$145,000 to $245,000)
2.19 Increased FTE by two additional Campus Supervisors on each high school, one new campus supervisor position at each middle school, and one additional campus supervisor at Ridgway (+$840,856 – new)
2.20 Athletic/Sport Intervention – removed for 2022-2023
3.18 Alternative Education Leadership (-$259,000 to $108,000)
3.21 Provide training and professional development for Credentialed Staff includes a Tech Lead at each site with a $3,000 stipend. (+$100,000 – new)
Other funds are covering: summer programs, TOSAs, some data reporting systems, school-based therapists, Math redesign and early literacy PD.
Eliminated or reduced efforts include: Athletic Support/Intervention , Rooster Fellowship, PD, PreSAT, and 7-12 Collaborative Curriculum Design.
Key Metrics: ➢ expulsions and suspensions ➢ SEL survey data results ➢ ELA and math SBAC ➢ CTE pathway completion ➢ A-G criteria ➢ ELPAC ➢ Reclassification rates ➢ Ethnic Studies offerings and enrollment ➢ attendance rates ➢ family participation in district and site committees ➢ staff satisfaction with relevant and supportive professional development
SRTA acknowledges that the turnover in district office staff has continued to add complexity to the LCAP process.
The call for additional adults on campuses has been heard for secondary schools. There are concerns about being able to hire for these additional positions. Elementary sites would appreciate additional adult support as well.
SRTA members are disappointed with the continuation of MAP testing as it has not met expectations.
Members are encouraged to review areas of focus in the written report that are of special interest to them. Topics in both the Successes and Needs write ups include: CCD, ELA, ELD, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Ethnic Studies, CTE, CCC, Learning Platforms, ALPS, AVID, VAPA, MTSS, SEL, Restorative, UPK/UTK, Libraries and Expanded Learning.
A special section includes plans for CSI Sites (CCLA, HCMS and SRMS) that members at these sites may wish to review.
The Engaging Partners section includes a listing of every site staff, ELAC, SSC and parent organization meeting, as if the LCAP or SPSA was part of each of those meetings.
In general, many metrics depend on data that is not available at this time of the year or “The analysis of baseline data will inform the outcome goal.” As a result, the plan is lacking these metrics. For consistency, one wonders if the plan can include the most recent data available, even if it is a year old.
It seems pertinent to have clear metrics and data on student numbers for reclassification, growth on the ELPAC, college and career ready, attendance and middle school drop out rate, to allow for adequate monitoring.
The Facilities Inspection Tool rated 100% of schools exemplary. It seems our colleagues at MHS might wonder what that assessment was based upon.
These plans do not appear to utilize COVID Relief One Time Funding which shows an unencumbered $8,857,117 that needs to be spent by September 2024.
Quotes of interest from text:
“This year a team of these MTSS counselors did a deep dive to uncover over 1,000 current juniors (the class of 2024), who in January 2023, were not on track to graduate.”
“SRCS will continue to reduce discretionary expulsion referrals and will no longer implement involuntary transfers for disciplinary reasons.”
“We will ensure all staff members understand the basics of MTSS.”
“Our district plans to offer in-person, high school evening school sessions in 23-24.”
Site level supplemental, concentration and Title 1 funding and the SPSA plans for using those funds are not included in this agenda.
E.4.- E.7. Public Hearings for SRCS Charter LCAPS
CCLA 2023-24 LCAP Supplemental and Concentration Grant funding in the LCAP -$1,947,804.00
Title 1 funding-$168,150.86
Total = $2,115,954.80
SRACS 2023-24 LCAP Supplemental and Concentration Grant Funding in the LCAP year – $28,455.00
SRCArts 2023-24 LCAP Supplemental and Concentration Grant Funding in the LCAP Year – $264,518
FACS 2022-23 LCAP Supplemental and Concentration Grant Funding in the LCAP year $256,322
SRTA members at these sites are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these plans.
E.8. Public Hearing: 2023-24 Budget
Summary
For next year P-2 ADA is estimated to increase by 102 students while funding shrinks by 557 students. Enrollment is projected to decrease by 65 students per year after next year.
SRTA stands up for the need for significant changes to the pay of our CSEA brothers. The upcoming negotiations must make meaningful movement towards liveable wages. This must be prioritized in our budget.
As always, the three year forecast is disastrous, requiring $20 million in ongoing cuts to have an ending balance of $18 million. Next fall the Budget Advisory Committee is scheduled to look at structural ways to provide a stronger ongoing financial situation.
Since SRCS has not yet created a plan for spending the Arts, Music, and Instructional Materials Discretionary Block Grant, how have these funds been incorporated into the budget? What happens to the money allocated for 2022-2023 that was not spent?
The addition of multiple positions at the district office (agenda item E.12.) is concerning.
How do unfilled positions impact the budget? How much is paid in overtime to perform these jobs? How much is spent on contracts to perform these duties? What is the net effect of not being able to attract and retain the needed workforce?
There is a need for transparency around Charter School funding. Are all charters treated the same way? How are the transfers of indirect costs calculated? The Charter Schools Reserve Fund summary appears to have under calculated the total of these contributions by $1,750,440. What are charters expected to self fund? How are the costs of Special Education funded for our charters?
2023–2024
FACS
CCLA
Arts
Acc Charter
Total
Total Revenues
$5,204,000
$11,271,872
$4,349,996
$1,306,470
$22,132,338
Total Expenses
$5,399,128
$12,007,813
$4,636,838
$1,296,741
$23,340,520
Services +
$339,875
$840,163
$235,134
$117,374
$1,532,546
Transfer of Indirect Costs
$392,046
$1,190,427
$0
$167,967
$1,750,440
% of expenses forIndirect costs
7.3%
9.9%
0.0%
13.0%
7.5%
Net Change (2023-24)
-$195,128
-$735,941
-$286,842
$9,729
-$1,208,182
End balance (2025-26)
$209,689
$183,828
-$320,615
$62,120
$135,022
E.9. (Action) Second Reading of Updated Board Policy 6146.1 – High School Graduation Requirements: Special Education
Summary
This policy makes it clear that students with IEPs have the right to earn a diploma.
E.10. (Action) Secondary Co-Teaching MOU reached with SRCS and SRTA
Summary
General Education teachers who Co-teach agree to collaborate with their assigned Education Specialist partner(s) shall receive an annual stipend of $4,000 irrespective of the number of Co-teaching partners.
E.12. (Action) Updated Santa Rosa City Schools (SRCS) Organizational Chart
Summary
Comparing the September org chart to the current proposal shows the elimination of an Assistant Superintendent position, and a Director of Facilities, saving $340,478. Three Directors are becoming Executive Directors, and one Director position is becoming a Coordinator saving a combined $31,492. There is one new director and three new coordinators costing an additional $543,550. There are also two new Administrators on Special Assignment projected to cost $304,161. This represents an annual total additional cost of $475,741.
It is impossible to support this expansion of positions at the district office at the added expense of half a million dollars. It is the sincere hope that focus can now be on genuine action as opposed to managerial reorganization that produces little outcome.
EdJoin shows a total of 129 current postings for 218 job vacancies for SRCS.
There are 69 certificated openings (twenty-one less than the last meeting), and 7 certificated management openings (one more than the last meeting). There are 142 current classified openings (the same as the last meeting), and no classified management positions (the same as the last meeting.)
SRTA bids farewell to those four members resigning at the end of the year taking eighteen years of service and experience between them: Danielle Bookholt (BHES), Wendy Aroche Manzano (BHES), Elise Benton (SRCA), Chris Langland (MCHS) and Julia Embry (MCHS). We wish you well with your future endeavors. To date there are 54 certificated resignations.
Congratulations to those retiring in June after seventy-eight years of combined service to our students: Robert Spillane (HVES), Lynn Duri (ABES) and
Cynthia Stallard (SRMS). To date there are 35 certificated retirements.
Welcome aboard to the following new principals: Ryan Partika (HSMS),
Anna Moore (PTES), Allegra-Anne Buschman (HCMS), Christina Cena (HLES) andApril Santos(MHS).
There are more open positions coming as administrators continue to accept positions elsewhere.
This month changes to classified staff include one new hire, four resignations and two terminations.
There are two supervisory resignations, leaving with ten years of service.
F.5. Approval of Contracts
Summary
#
Provider
Cost
Description
District
1
Curriculum Associates: Ellevation
$238,334
EL Platform at $27 per EL student
2
California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO)
$5,250
membership
3
Santa Rosa Junior College District
No Direct Cost
Provide weekly parent education courses in basic computer skills, ESL and GED at JMES and CCLA.
5
Burke, Williams, & Sorenson
$13,000
General labor, personnel, business, educational, governance and legal services at $310/hour
10
Restorative Justice on the Rise
$4,999
This is for a 1 month planning contract for a needs assessment and creation of a roadmap.
12
Project Wayfinder
$108,950
provides mental health and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum for 10,000 middle school and high school students, including unlimited teacher accounts and a kickoff training.
13
Solar Power Purchase Agreement (Addendum)
No Direct Cost
This amends the PPA to cover DSA inspection service costs.
Secondary
14
Arntz Builders (Addendum)
$5,549
For metal dedication plaque at new Ag Barn
Elementary
9
Kathleen Farrell
$11,000
Physical Therapist Independent contractor for students at Lewis at $124 per hour (an increase of $24/hour from this year)
11
All City Management
$553,921
Crossing guard services for the 2022/23 S/Y at fifteen (15) elementary and middle school sites (the contract shows 26 sites.) This is an increase of $67K over last year. Jobs are currently posted for $15.79/hour (55.28/3.5 hour day) which is the same rate they paid two years ago. SRCS pays them $32.53 per hour.
Charter
4
National Academy of Athletics
$18,000
2 hours of lunchtime activities to all students two 2 times per week at CCLA for the same cost as this year
6
Colors of Spanish
$31,730
This is for music and movement classes for TK – 2nd grade at CCLA
7
Humanidad Therapy & Education Services
$142,000
Mindful Therapeutic Approach Counselors for Tier 3 students at CCLA.
8
Portuguese Futbol Academy
$7,245
1.5 hours of lunchtime social emotional support to students twice a week at CCLA
F.6. Approval of Development Group, Inc. (DGI) CMAS and PEPPM contracts supporting Classroom Technology Upgrades – Phase II Rollout
Summary
This project will equip classrooms and select specialized instructional areas with 75” Wireless Interactive Flat Panels on carts and voice amplification systems at SRHS, EAHS, MCHS, MHS, PHS, HSMS, RVMS, CCLA, FACS, SRACS, JMES and HVES (Supplemental.)
A future phase three will complete the distribution district wide. Please see board agenda for attachments of all specs.Total: $2,239,708
F.7. Approval of an Ethnic Studies Course (Ethnic Studies English 11/12 HP)
Summary
This new course builds on the existing Ethnic Studies English 11-12 P class to give students the opportunity to earn honors credits in English as they meet both an Ethnic Studies requirement and an ELA requirement in the same academic year.
SRTA members appreciate the collaborative efforts of our members to create this course option for our students.
What is the system for follow up notification to communicate when courses have been approved as A-G by the UC Office of the President?
F.8. Approval of Piner High School’s FCCLA to travel to Denver, Colorado, for Leadership Conference
Summary
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is intending to send three students and one advisor to attend the 2023 National Leadership Conference (NLC) in Denver, Colorado, from July 1 to 7, 2023.
F.9. Approval of Contract between SRCS and Pyramid Educational Consultants for PECS Level 1 Training
Summary
This contract will provide one day of training for to up to 40 staff in the scope, sequence, and strategies for teaching and implementing Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) with appropriate students in the Preschool, Extensive Service Needs, and Autism Spectrum programs. Cost $7,500
F.10. Approval of Architectural/Engineering Proposal for the Santa Rosa High School Softball Score Board
QKA will provide the District with the necessary site plans and documentation to obtain DSA approval for the scoreboard as well as provide construction administration services for this project. Cost: $24,400 from routine restricted maintenance funds.
SRTA celebrates the implementation of our negotiated raise of 4.5%.
F.12. Approval of Revisions for the 2023-2024 Scheduled Management Salary Schedule
Based on the change of Range 39 to 41 and the addition of 10 work days, the fiscal impact for the changes to the Coordinator’s positions will be approximately $10,500
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)
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
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: Michael Shepherd (SRCS); name of organization: SRTA/CSEA
B.4. Conference With Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Number of potential cases: 1)
B.5. Student Expulsions (Case Nos: 22/23-29)
C. RECONVENE TO REGULAR OPEN SESSION (6:00 p.m.)
C.8. Special Presentations for Outgoing Student Board Member Julie Bui
SRTA extends gratitude to Julie Bui for her service this year.
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.
Article IX of the California State Constitution says, “All public-school students shall have the right to a high-quality public education that provides them with the skills necessary to fully participate in the economy, our democracy, and our society.”What policies can SRCS enact to protect the rights of all students to not have their learning environment destroyed by bad choices and behaviors of a few fellow classmates?
How do we maintain the 1:1 Chromebook Program? Is 1:1 the best way to ensure students have technology access when needed? If students do not bring a device to class, is there a system to ensure they are not penalized from learning that day?
When creating and practicing our implementation plans, is there a pause to evaluate metrics and ensure expectations are being met as intended, allowing for adjustments as needed?
SRTA members request equity. Not all classrooms have the same needs. Our technology policies should have flexibility to meet the needs of all. Placing the same equipment in the same place in each room doesn’t account for the variability of the sun impacting visibility. Providing the same equipment in each room, disallowing the replacement of equipment that meets the functional needs of a class and forcing the change to other technology is not an effective implementation plan.
E.2. (Discussion) Update on Child Nutrition Services (CNS) Department
Summary
The attached additional information contains the takeaways of this presentation.
Goals 1. Hire and retain excellent staff. 2. Prepare and serve from scratch food that meets students’ needs and reflects the community we serve. 3. Invest in infrastructure to prepare and serve meals that meet students’ needs. Heavily packaged food can not be replaced with food from scratch until more staff is hired and equipment and preparation facility is updated. 4. Nutrition Education and taste testing The goal is to have students taste test items to assist in the development process. 5. Local procurement The goal is to increase the use of local items.
SRTA members appreciate the efforts to feed all of our students.
There are widespread concerns about the quality of food being offered to our students, indicated by parent feedback at the recent district LCAP meetings.
E.3. (Action) Form a Board Subcommittee in Relationship with the City of Santa Rosa
Summary
The Board will consider forming a Board subcommittee with the City of Santa Rosa, focused on relationship building, and safety and security.
SRTA supports bringing back SROs to school campuses possibly with modifications
E.4. (Action) Approval of First Read, and Potential Waive of Second Read for CSBA Updated Policy 6146.1 – High School Graduation Requirements: Ethnic Studies
Summary
Old language: Beginning with the class of 2025, a single two-semester course or two semesters (10 credits) of any a-g offerings in Ethnic Studies developed pursuant to Education Code 51226.7. Any Ethnic Studies course taken must meet a UC/CSU a-g course requirement and shall also accrue credit for coursework in the subject that course is offered.
New language: Beginning with the class of 2025, successful completion of a single two-semester course or two semesters (10 credits) of any a-g offerings in Ethnic Studies, including courses offered through dual or concurrent enrollment. Any Ethnic Studies course taken shall meet a UC/CSU a-g course requirement and shall also accrue credit for coursework in the subject that course is offered. Completion of the middle school Ethnic Studies elective course with a grade of ‘C’ or better prior to grade 9 shall satisfy the graduation requirement, though high school credits will not be awarded.
SRTA honors the intent of this requirement and the effort put into implementing it.
The last presentation asked for more time. The response from board members was, “What do you need?”
Students can be negatively impacted by the use of a waiver as identifying as “A current senior who cannot meet the Ethnic Studies requirement.” This can be interpreted that the fault is with the student, not that our system hasn’t had the time to provide the needed smorgasbord of choices for 100 percent implementation.
Current plans will require some students to take Ethnic Studies courses outside the district to fulfill district requirements, even for the class of 2027.
E.5. (Discussion) First Reading of Updated Board Policy 6146.1 – High School Graduation Requirements: Special Education
Summary
Every student with a disability should have an opportunity to earn a high school diploma that allows them to pursue any postsecondary college, training, or employment options, and meaningfully and fully participate in their community. The expectation under the IDEA is that every student receives the support and services they need in order to access the same opportunities as their peers without disabilities. This includes a high school diploma.
Based on the student’s experiences and input from the family, student, and school staff, the IEP team may consider other pathway options. This regulation expects IEP teams to consider the most rigorous and general education compatible graduation pathway that is appropriate for the individual student. The decision to allow an alternative pathway for graduation is made by the Administrative Designee at the meeting as in any IEP.
Is this intended for students with mild to moderate, and moderate to severe learning disabilities, students who have Extensive Support Needs, and students who formerly were served in Special Day Classes?
What additional support and services will be available to assist students with these additional requirements?
Will this shift deny these students the services current 18-21 years old get with job training and placement?
Is the intention to say, “We offered the opportunity,” or are there plans in place to evaluate the success of these requirements, and make necessary adjustments?
E.6. (Action) Governor’s May Revision Update to the Proposed 2023-24 State Budget
Summary
The Governor’s May Revise for the 2023-24 California State Budget includes a 8.22% COLA, as well as cuts to other current block grant funds. The overall result is an improvement to the bottom line.
Next fall the Budget Advisory Committee is scheduled to look at structural ways to provide a stronger ongoing financial situation.
E.7. (Action) Approval of Proposed Revisions to the Certificated Guest Teacher and Classified Substitute Salary Schedule Rates
Summary
This extends the sub pay structure from this year to next year. Subs will get $200/day short term and $300/day if they are in a long term (more than 6 days) placement. If someone completes 40 days of full-time subbing there is a $1,500 bonus payable in June.
SRTA is grateful for those that sub in our classes.
Beginning intern teachers start at $311 per day, $11 more than long term subs. They do not qualify for the bonus which equals $8 per day if applied over the entire year.
SRCS has a difficult time attracting and retaining highly qualified staff, as evidenced by the next four agenda items. There are several classes of students who currently have no assigned teacher. When a substitute takes one of these jobs, there is no structure for support. Who is providing lesson plans? Who is copying or posting to Google Classroom? Who is grading? Who is entering grades into Aeries? What does it take to create a system to support these substitutes and students?
There will be shifts to implementation of the Frontline system for next year so that teachers will select pre-slugged half days or full days, depending on their site schedules. Sub half days will be up to four hours.
If a teacher’s pay is docked to cover the expense of a sub, that teacher should be able to have the sub work ‘for them’ the entire day, without the sub being required to cover another absence during a prep time.
When a substitute does not accept a job, other teachers can volunteer to cover for pay. There is not a good system allowing for this volunteering if the absent teacher provides instruction while the teacher has prep time, such as an elementary music or PE teacher.
E.8, 9, & 11. (Action) Approval of Provisional Internship Permit Application (PIP) for Taylor Barstow, Celina Luna, & Dylan Santiago
Summary
The Board will consider approval of a Provisional Internship Permit Application (PIP) for Taylor Barstow, Celina Luna, and Dylan Santiago. Applicants agree to “complete core academic area subject matter to enroll in an intern program for the Education Specialist Instruction Preliminary Credential (academic areas include art, English, foreign language, mathematics, music, science, social science, and multiple subjects.)”
E.9. (Action) Approval of Short-Term Staff Permit (STSP) for Kurt Chapman
Summary
The Board will consider approval of a Short-Term Staff permit (STSP) with the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for Kurt Chapman to be placed as a moderate/severe education specialist. “This individual is unable to enroll in a Commission-approved intern program due to timelines, lack of space in the program, or needs to complete core area subject matter (for education specialist permit.)”
EdJoin shows a total of 138 current postings for 238 job vacancies for SRCS.
There are 90 certificated openings (two more the last meeting), and 6 certificated management openings (three less than the last meeting). There are 142 current classified openings (nine more than the last meeting), and no classified management positions (the same as the last meeting.)
Credentialed positions have completed the internal posting window and are now available for public applications. This late posting date has eliminated several worthy candidates from consideration, as they have already completed the hiring process for other districts.
SRTA bids farewell to those two members resigning at the end of the year taking nineteen years of service and experience between them: PhilipNymark (HLES), James Harrington (ABES), Carrie Bray(SRCAS), Jeffrey Brazie (HLES), Sandra Hernandez (EAHS) and Marisa Gonzales (SPSV). We wish you well with your future endeavors. To date there are 50 certificated resignations.
Congratulations to those retiring in June after eighty-six years of combined service to our students: Robert Oliver (HLES), Stephen Beebout (MHS), Vilia Mangelsdorf (SRHS) and Lori Lapham(LBES.) To date there are 32 certificated retirements.
Administrators with more than three years in our district are provided the right to continue employment in a classroom position. Administrative reassignments include Albert Ettedgui (MCHS) to teacher at RHS, Adam Paulson (MHS) to teacher at MCHS, Victoria Nelson (LBES) to CSI Teacher on Special Assignment at HCMS, Laura Hendrickson (HCMS) to Administrator on Special Assignment and Patricia Delzell (HCMS) to teacher at HSMS. Administrative resignations include Mark Cimolino (EAHS) and Stephen Coyle (RVMS.)
SRTA extends a fond farewell to Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Michael Shepherd as he moves on from our district.
This month changes to classified staff include seven new hires, eight resignations and two retirements.
There is one supervisory resignation.
F.5. Approval of Contracts
Summary
#
Provider
Cost
Description
District
1
Sonoma State University (SSU): Counseling Field Experience Agreement
$0
Addendum to require fingerprinting through SRCS.
2
Sonoma State University (SSU): Student Teaching Agreement
$0
Addendum to require fingerprinting through SRCS.
3
Sonoma State University (SSU): Credential Programs Intern Agreement
$0
Addendum to require fingerprinting through SRCS.
4
Western Governors University: Nursing Field Placement Agreement
$0
There is no remuneration mentioned for supervision of these students.
5
Aeries Student Information System
$126,179
For $8.40 per student this SIS platform provides attendance tracking, class scheduling, maintenance of grade data, electronic portal access and state test results.
7
Restorative Resources
$3,900
Staff members seeking resolutions to conflicts and healing of harms may make use of these resources to precircle, have restorative dialogue, a formal conference and debrief.
Secondary
6
Home Builders Instute (HBI)
$0
Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) at Piner funded through a teacher secured grant
F.7. Approval of Proposal for In-Wall Lunch Tables for Proctor Terrace, Steele Lane, Hidden Valley Elementary Schools, and Santa Rosa French-American Charter School
Summary
The Board will consider the approval of four (4) piggyback proposals for MPR lunch tables for four elementary schools.
SRTA members appreciate the safety improvement provided by these new tables.
How much money is left in these bond funds? What else will be able to be covered with this money?
F.8. Approval of Proposal for Special Inspection and Testing Services on the Cesar Chavez Language Academy Roof and HVAC Replacement Project
Summary
These projects require testing and special inspections for portions of the work and materials to verify conformity to the contract documents, applicable laws, regulations, and codes at a cost of $17,405.25. These are summer 2023 projects.
F.9. Approval of Proposal for Special Inspection and Testing Services on the SRHS Phase 3 and DeSoto Hall Roof and HVAC Replacement Projects
Summary
These projects require testing and special inspections for portions of the work and materials to verify conformity to the contract documents, applicable laws, regulations, and codes at a cost of $15,985. These are summer 2023 projects.
F.10. Approval of New Course Proposal: Small Group Instruction
The Board will consider adding a new course title “Small Group Instruction” for Special Education classes to provide small class structures for core academic classes to replace existing “tracked” special education courses listed as Level 3 and Level 2.
Is this the new name and plan for previous Directed Study classes? How does this change impact class size and caseload limits? All current documentation uses RSP, SDC and ESN notations. The spirit of these agreements must be maintained.
F.11. Approval of Job Description for Operations Manager, Child Nutrition Services
The Board will consider approval of the Job Description for Operations Supervisor, Child Nutrition Services.
It is clear from the earlier agenda item that staffing at CNS is an issue. This appears to be a new administrative position with the responsibility of overseeing CNS operations on sites. Much of the job description seems to overlap the Director of CNS, whom this position will report to.
F.12. Approval of Job Description for Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)
The Board will consider approval of the Job Description for Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA).
This appears to be an additional position at the district office. SRTA appreciates having a coordinator do administrative duties instead of a TOSA. Will this position include the elimination of a TOSA position?
Can a document be created that specifies the difference between a TOSA, a Coordinator and a Director at the district office?
F.14. Approval of Job Description for Coordinator, Alternative Education
The Board will consider approval of the Job Description for Coordinator, Alternative Education.
SRTA appreciates that our Alternative Education offerings require attention and development. This person will lead the District’s Alternative Education Steering Committee.
F.15. Approval of Proposal from Van Pelt Construction Services for Program Management for Bond Measures C & G
This contract is for $114,537 per month for five years for a total of $6,872,220. This will include a part time Principal in Charge (Program Manager) and a full time team consisting of a Program Operations Manager ( Manages Budgets and Program Activities), a Program Administrative Assistant (Supports Program Activities) a Sr. Project Manager (Design Management & CM Supervision During Construction), a Project Engineer (Design Management & CM Support During Construction) a Cost Estimator, and a part time Scheduler and a part time Quality Control Review (Technical Review of documents at design milestones) as well as a Finance Manager.
This contract is charged at 1.46% of the total bond funds. It appears this is for construction services. If an allotment of bond funds are spent on technology and technology infrastructure, will this contract cover that also?
Is this contract instead of hiring a district bond Project Manager and Senior Secretary or in addition to?
Will this service include post construction follow up for warranty items?
F.16. Approval for Professional Services Proposal for Axia Architects for the Architectural and Engineering of the Helen Lehman Roofing and HVAC Project (Measure L)
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?
Some current practices seem to protect bullies and tolerate intimidation without intervention.
What changes to discipline practices have been put into place since March 1?
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.
What are the staffing ratios of adult supervisors expected to be on our campuses?
What are the MTSS staffing ratios expected to be on our campuses, including Restorative Specialists, Family Facilitators, Student Facilitators, Counselors, Psychologists, Therapists, Behavioral Specialists, and others?
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)
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 seniors (even with the IGP), juniors and sophomores 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 are the systemic measures in place to offer academic support K-12 to increase A-G success? What metrics are being used to evaluate these efforts?
Parcel Tax survey results
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
Open Enrollment Policy Update
Student Voice Policy
Dress Code Policy
BEST Plus Update
I.4. Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
This Annex of the SCOE Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) details the hazard mitigation planning elements specific to the Santa Rosa City Schools, as a participating jurisdiction to the 2023 Sonoma County Office of Education MJHMP. This Annex provides additional information specific to Santa Rosa City Schools, focusing on the planning process, risk assessment, and mitigation strategy. It appears that SRCS was not represented in the formation of this plan.
C.7. Special Presentations for Student of the Month and Certificated/Classified Employees of the Month for Steele Lane Elementary School and Ridgway High School
Steele Lane Elementary School
Linda Vasquez Udave, Student of the Month
Reggie Misa, Classified Employee of the Month
Matt Mensch, Certificated Employee of the Month
Ridgway High School
Gladys Vasquez Jimenez, Student of the Month
Lucero Garcia Martinez, Classified Employee of the Month
Kathy Vyenielo, Certificated Employee of the Month
SRTA extends a special invitation to SLES and RHS to come out and support their honorees!
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.
Article IX of the California State Constitution says, “All public-school students shall have the right to a high-quality public education that provides them with the skills necessary to fully participate in the economy, our democracy, and our society.”What policies can SRCS enact to protect the rights of all students to not have their learning environment destroyed by bad choices and behaviors of a fellow classmate?
Steele Lane Elementary’s staff held a listening session where concerns were airedabout many topics around school safety and learning loss and how current district policies and decisions are impacting safety and learning at our schools. Examples of concerns raised are
Learning is regularly disrupted for multiple classrooms due to extreme behaviors of one student. That current district policies and discipline decisions are accidentally teaching students that it is normal and ok to stay in an abusive relationship as students with extreme behaviors such as throwing furniture and injuring adults are not given appropriate consequences. Other students are forced to remain in a class with students who frequently exhibit extreme behaviors while no observable consequences are given to the student for their behavior.
Parents are not being informed when extreme, violent behaviors require their child to be evacuated from class in order to protect them from harm caused by these behaviors. Sometimes evacuations are required multiple times in the same week, or even the same day. Parents are also not informed when their child witnesses acts of violence in their classroom so that they can help deal with the trauma inflicted by these incidents. Students don’t inform their parents because they are worried about getting in trouble.
Restorative practices are ineffective because they are not implemented with boundaries and logical consequences which are a normal part of implementation. These consequences are part of how an individual repairs the damage they caused to others. The lack of sufficient staffing such as a full time restorative specialist also severely limits RP effectiveness. Having a restorative specialist Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday means that any issues that they could help resolve starting at around 11am on Thursday have to wait 4+ days until the following Tuesday to be addressed.
Unsafe conditions in classrooms because support staff are not available to help address them. This regularly happens due to six or more people being tasked with supporting one student when extreme behaviors are exhibited.
Behaviorists being assaulted by a student multiple times and being told to “be ready to be hit [by students], it is part of the job”.
The process for getting students through the SST/IEP process to move them to an appropriate placement is broken as it regularly takes more than six months during which the student is not learning as much as they could because they are not receiving appropriate supports, and the learning environment for all other students is disrupted.
Massive class sizes and combo classes having severe negative impact on behaviors, student learning, and the ability to implement restorative practices.
This year SL has two 4th grades, one 5th grade, one 5th/6th combo, and one 6th grade. Next year we are scheduled to have the same allotment of teachers.
Class sizes:
4th – 19 and 22
5th – 32
5th/6th combo – 31
6th – 32
One additional teacher to remove the combo brings all class sizes below 24 students per class.
From a staff member, “This is my school of residence and I am going to have a hell of a time convincing my [spouse] to let my kids come here. I want the diversity and inclusion and our staff for my child. But they want safety and it is going to be a fight to walk our daughter [the short distance] to this school. She deserves having the resources and the kids here right now deserve the resources right now.”
From a different staff member, “Why can’t we be a staff focused district as well as a student focused district?… I am tired… due to all the other worries I have about our students, our staff, our school. As we say with our kids, ‘my cup is empty’ [and I don’t have anything left to give].”
From our middle school members: Only 1-day suspensions are being implemented. There are no consequences for cutting, dress code violation or cell phones. The tardy bell is a suggestion. Discipline needs to be a collective effort from parents, admin, and teachers.
From our high school members: Substitutes are necessary for Administrator and Campus Supervisor Absences for site safety. Montgomery reports a positive impact from extra administration on campus.
D.3. The Superintendent’s report will include an update on the Safety Advisory Round Table (SART)
This item is intended to include the first concrete steps that are suggested by the committee.
E. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
E.1. (Action) Resolution for Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental wellness is essential to learning, overall health, and well-being. This school year we also appreciate our Tier 1 mental health supports: our school staff. We thank our staff for their awareness, empathy, and willingness to meet students “where they are” so we can support students in their education: classroom teachers, Restorative Specialists, Student Advisors, Campus Supervisors, and all the staff in our system that support positive, humanizing, engaging, and safe environments every day.
SRTA members are appreciated for the work they do to support our students’ mental health. Please acknowledge those on your campus who provide this support.
E.2. (Action) Resolution Recognizing National School Nurse Day (May 10)
Summary
School Nurses work with students with chronic and acute health conditions and health needs met at school, school nurses are also strong advocates on behalf of school and children at the district and state policy levels.
SRTA appreciates our nurses: Nicholo Atup, Amanda Arend, Cheryl Closser, Heather Ginnever, Elizabeth Munns, Alison O’Herlihy, Jennifer Rodriguez, and Sangmo Witzman .
Members are encouraged to share their appreciation!
E.3. (Action) Resolution Recognizing May as the Month of Better Hearing and Speech
Summary
Students are better able to access their education and their lives are changed for the better as a result of what Speech-Language Pathologists in the public-school system do. Better Hearing and Speech Month highlights the tremendous impact that Speech-Language Pathologists can have in helping students achieve improved communication for school success and life.
SRTA extends appreciation to all our SLPs: Tamara Baganz, Sarena Bailey, Tina Boaz, Tessa Bonner, Kate Connor, Amanda Call, Peter Lounibos, Anna Lundborg, Jamie Mariscal, Mark McLay, Koa Morgan, Jennifer Nevolo-Alwood, Jill Pettit, Nora Pike, Patrick Pike, Macey Roehrick, Steve Schultz, Angie Thompson, Danielle Ullyott, and Taylor Van Bebber.
E.4. (Action) Trustee Area 7 Candidate Interviews to Select a Board Member Due to Vacancy
Summary
The Board will conduct interviews of two candidates and vote for the person to fill the Trustee Area 7 vacancy created by the resignation of Laurie Fong. The two candidates who will participate in the interviews are as follows:
E.5. (Discussion) Update on Facilities Master Plan
Summary
The District has awarded Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) the update and revision of the 2016 Facilities Master Plan. TOp impact items include covered eating areas, upgrade and reconfigure restrooms, perimeter fencing and access control, Kinder and TK classrooms, maintenance items, address portables, support staff spaces and outdoor learning spaces.
Indicators of Quality values will be assigned to all projects to inform board.
SRTA members are encouraged to participate in the Facilities Master Plan meetings at their site. The best outcomes are possible with engaged participation.
The site meetings that have taken place so far have gone well. There are plans for each site committee to reconvene in the fall to review the summative work of the architects, and provide input on prioritization.
We still await the process for choosing projects for the bond funds. The new Superintendent’s Advisory Network is expected to play a role in this.
E.6. Action) Approval of Memorandum of Understanding Regarding 2023-2024 Classified Employee Calendar
Summary
The classified work year calendar for 2023-2024 includes a total of 242 workdays divided as follows (based on 260 days):
12-month, 11-month, 10-month and School Year employees beginning and end work year dates.
Two (2) Professional Development Days on:
Classified Professional Development Days/Collaborative (non-student) – November 1, 2023, and January 26, 2024.
10 Legal Holidays, 4 Local Holidays, 3 Paid Holidays as part of the CSEA 75 contract, and 1 additional Paid Holiday due to Leap Year.
Two (2) Emergency Closure Days (non-workday, non-student if not used) – Friday, April 12, 2024, and Friday, May 17, 2024.
SRTA supports this MOU which aligns with the certificated calendar agreed to in December.
E.7. (Action) Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators
Summary
Staff is requesting approval of the applications for the Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators for the Santa Rosa City Schools Elementary and High School Districts which will be submitted to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. These declarations allow the district to hire up to 100 interns because of the expected inability to attract and hire fully qualified candidates. Last meeting SRCS contracted with NSCOE for 107 interns which would seem to include new hires as well as those continuing in the program.
Declaration of secondary need for 30 single subject (15 math and 5 each Spanish, Science and PE) and 25 Special Ed teachers
Attracting new candidates to the profession while not working to improve our ability to retain folks is a zero sum game at best.
How to Increase Teacher Retention in 2023 – Qualtrics states that retention saves money, benefits less privileged students, enables policy development and keeps valuable knowledge. Teachers are leaving because of testing initiatives, lack of support, challenging conditions and feeling undervalued.
Can we work to reduce overly large class sizes where students do not get the attention they need? Can we hire enough campus adult support such as Campus Supervisors, Student Advisors, Restorative Specialists and Family and Student Engagement Facilitators? Can we lower caseloads for our counselors and SPED teachers, and address unsafe environments for both students and staff, which increases mental health stability for everyone on campus?
E.8. (Action) Approval of First Read, and Potential Waive of Second Read, of Board Bylaw 9320
Summary
The Board will consider approval of the revised Board Bylaw 9320 Meeting and Notices adopting the provisions within Assembly Bill 2449 will allow for more flexibility of Board member attendance.
E.9. (Action) Form a Board Subcommittee in Relationship with the City of Santa Rosa
Summary
The purpose of the subcommittee will be to build a relationship between Santa Rosa City Schools (3 board members) and the City of Santa Rosa (3 council members), including a focus on safety and security. The term of the subcommittee will be for up to two (2) years, and a report schedule from the subcommittee will be determined once the subcommittee convenes.
President Manieri will select the School Board members to participate in the Subcommittee, as well as the chair or facilitator. Together with Superintendent Trunnell, any additional members will be selected in consultation with the City of Santa Rosa.
EdJoin shows a total of 125 current postings for 230 job vacancies for SRCS.
There are 88 certificated openings (thirty eight more the last meeting), and 9 certificated management openings (four more than the last meeting). There are 133 current classified openings (six less than the last meeting), and no classified management positions (one less than the last meeting.)
Credentialed positions have completed the internal posting window and are now available for public applications. This late posting date has eliminated several worthy candidates from consideration, as they have already completed the hiring process for other districts.
SRTA bids farewell to those two members resigning at the end of the year taking four years of service and experience between them: Sandra Cortes and Karyna Gomez-Guevara both from CCLA. We wish you well with your future endeavors. To date there are 44 certificated resignations.
Congratulations to those retiring in June after 45 years of combined service to our students: Elaine Stone (SRHS) and Beverly Barron-Stolcz (SLES). To date there are 28 certificated retirements.
Covid Coordinator Jonathon Jones is being reassigned as Coordinator of Safety and Risk Management. Patty Turner is being reassigned from Director-Risk Mgmt and Safety to Administrator on Special Assignment.
Administrative resignations include HLES Principal Amy Wegener-Taganashi and PTES Principal Amanda Davis.
This month changes to classified staff include one new hire.
Fall Admin Launch speaker who is about professional spirituality and leading by BE-ing instead of DO-ing.
3
SCOE: Behavioral Health Department
$0
Continue optional Classified employee PD with SCOE behavioral health department via a Behavior Health & Justice grant to learn to respond to students behaviors in ways that reduce calls to SRPD.
4
Curriculum Associates, LLC (Ellevation)
$238,334
Three year extension of this English Learner management platform that organizes data, supports critical meeting and monitoring processes, enables accurate reporting, and supports instructional planning for multilingual students.
Secondary
1
SportsNet
$11,500
Online platform for managing eligibility of secondary Athletes and Coaches
F.6. Approval of New Ethnic Studies Courses (Ethnic Studies English 11/12 HP; Ethnic Studies U.S. History; Ethnic Studies Drama; Ethnic Studies Mariachi; Ethnic Studies Spanish for Spanish Speakers)
Summary
These courses will continue to support the implementation of Ethnic Studies across SRCS and facilitate the successful completion of the Ethnic Studies graduation requirement. The courses were written as a collaboration between Ethnic Studies trained teachers and Ethnic Studies trained Educational Services personnel. They were reviewed, critiqued, revised and approved by the Ethnic Studies Steering Committee to ensure the courses have integrity and fidelity to the discipline of Ethnic Studies. These courses have been approved by the appropriate department chairs and by site principals. The estimated total cost for all Ethnic Study courses is $14,375, to be paid out of LCAP and Lottery funding.
These courses will need A-G approval by the UC Office of the President.
SRTA honors the member work involved in creating these course descriptions. The acceptance and implementation of these courses provide for dramatic growth of options for students to explore Ethnic Studies in SRCS.
F.7. Approval Refrigerated Delivery Vehicles for CNS
Summary
The current aging fleet of delivery trucks will be replaced with new delivery trucks. The current CNS fleet of delivery vehicles has exceeded their useful life, requires excessive repairs and, due to vehicle breakdowns, presents safety risks to staff. Five trucks at $150,774 = $753,870. The delivery trucks will be purchased using Fund 13 (Cafeteria Fund) Reserves from the 2021-22 school year.
F.8. Approval of Code Rev Kids, Inc. Contract for SRFACS
Summary
Code Rev Kids provides an Adventures in Coding course and a Rev Robotics course giving students an opportunity that will support their academic growth in mathematics and begin building abilities that could become valuable career technical skills. The cost of the summer computer sciences program is for 120 students is $57,000 to be paid by the SRFACS Extended Learning Opportunity funds in support of the growth of SRFACS students.
F.9. Approval of Revised Job Description for Coordinator of State and Federal Programs
Summary
This revised job description better ensures that there is coordinated development, implementation, monitoring and assessment of state and federal programs that demonstrate improved learning and achievement for all students. The revised job description also clearly calls out the skills, knowledge, and disposition required of this position to be a knowledgeable instructional leader who demonstrates a belief and commitment to equity, and not just as a “compliance coordinator”. The position is being moved from SAFE to Ed Services and will include coordination of the Superintendent’s Advisory Network.
F.10. Approval of a CMAS Proposal with KYA for the Remodel of Main Restrooms (one male and one female) at PHS, EAHS, SRHS, and MCHS
The facilities team has been working diligently to find the best solutions for the restrooms at our high schools. The team has partnered with KYA Group, as they have a proven track record of remodeling high school restrooms and locker rooms. This CMAS contract uses our project stabilization agreement for its labor.
This project will include a completely new epoxy surface on the floors, walls, and ceiling. This product is beautiful, extremely tough, and easy to keep clean. KYA will also be installing all new plumbing fixtures, including toilets, urinals, and sinks. New hand dryers and soap dispensers will be recessed in the interior walls to help deter vandalism. Finally, KYA will install new beautiful yet durable privacy stalls and urinal dividers.
With limited funds available for great facility needs, SRTA members wonder how this million dollars of work meshes with item E5 Facilities Master Plan? While SRTA members appreciate the student call for upgrading restrooms, what will be the impact of these upgrades? It seems reasonable for a dedicated effort to redesign high school restrooms to be gender neutral as part of our long term FMP. If these restroom upgrades are performed now, will the IOQ score of bathrooms be lowered, as they have been made more suitable, and then the redesigns be delayed? Or will we be committed to the restroom redesigns and replace the upgrades in these contracts long before their lifetime expires?
F.11. Approval of Legal Services – Retainer Representation Agreement
Hires HARBOTTLE LAW GROUP to advise Board of Education and administrative panel regarding student expulsion hearings and perform related legal services at $275 per hour for the period April 1 to June 30, 2023.
The special board meeting on Feb. 15 included Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost, LLP presenting on suspensions and expulsions. This appears to provide additional legal resources around expulsions for the panel and board.
SRTA members are concerned about the impact to the learning environment that disruptive students are causing for non disruptive students and staff. Current disciplinary practices are in need of revision to effective plans that can be embedded into Site Safety Plans and be applied with integrity district wide.
Presentation by Child Nutrition Services (5/10/23 5/24/23)
A recent LCAP survey of parents requested improvement to the quality of food. Are there any plans underway to meet this request?
Technology Updates for Classrooms (4/26/23 5/24/23)
SRTA members request equity. Not all classrooms have the same needs. Our technology policies should have flexibility to meet the needs of all. Placing the same equipment in the same place in each room doesn’t account for the variability of the sun impacting visibility. Providing the same equipment in each room, disallowing the replacement of equipment that meets the functional needs of a class and forcing the change to other technology is not an effective implementation plan.
Can an update on the spending of special Covid monies be included in this report?
Public Hearing for LCAPs (6/14/23)
Public Hearing for 2023-24 Budget (6/14/23)
Site Single Plans for Student Achievement (6/14/23)
COVID Updates (6/14/23)
SRTA looks to the future scheduling of the following items:
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?
Some current practices seem to protect bullies and tolerate intimidation without intervention.
What changes to discipline practices have been put into place since March 1?
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.
What are the staffing ratios of adult supervisors expected to be on our campuses?
What are the MTSS staffing ratios expected to be on our campuses, including Restorative Specialists, Family Facilitators, Student Facilitators, Counselors, Psychologists, Therapists, Behavioral Specialists, and others ?
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)
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 seniors (even with the IGP), juniors and sophomores 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 are the systemic measures in place to offer academic support K-12 to increase A-G success? What metrics are being used to evaluate these efforts?
Parcel Tax survey results
Results of Developer Fee exploration
SRACS Accelerated Charter Material Revision Request (delayed)
Deferred Maintenance Update and Future Planning (7/27/22 8/24/22)
Approval of Board Policies (3/9/22)
Review of Math grades and progress including demographic data (board request)
SCOE Unification/Redistricting Report (on option #1)
Open Enrollment Policy Update
Student Voice Policy
Dress Code Policy
BEST Plus Update
I.4. Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
This Annex of the SCOE Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) details the hazard mitigation planning elements specific to the Santa Rosa City Schools, as a participating jurisdiction to the 2023 Sonoma County Office of Education MJHMP. This Annex provides additional information specific to Santa Rosa City Schools, focusing on the planning process, risk assessment, and mitigation strategy. It appears that SRCS was not represented in the formation of this plan.
