Pacific Grove Unified School
District
Note: This web page is a copy of the minutes from the Board of
Education Meeting.
Minutes are NOT OFFICIAL until approved by the Board.
The official Minutes are available at the Board Office.
Address any questions to the Superintendent, Dr. Ralph Porras, or call the District Office at 831-646-6510.
PACIFIC GROVE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Minutes of the Meeting of May 6, 2004
The Board of Education of the Pacific Grove Unified School District held a meeting on May 6 at the Pacific Grove High School.
I. OPENING BUSINESS
A. Call to Order: 6:31 PM
B. Roll Call: Members Present: Beth Shammas
Jessie Bray
Mark Cameron
Richard Schramm
Mike Niccum
Student Representative
Present: Bonnie Kwon (absent)
Administrators Present: Patrick Perry, Superintendent
Robin Blakley, Assistant Superintendent
Adoption of Agenda: MOTION (Bray/Schramm) to adopt agenda. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
Identified Closed Session Topics:
Negotiations – Conference with Labor Negotiators Patrick Perry and Robin Blakley regarding PGTA contract.
Negotiations – Conference with Labor Negotiators Patrick Perry and Robin Blakley regarding CSEA contract.
Public Comment on Closed Session Items: None
II. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION 6:32 PM
III. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION 7:13 PM
A. Report action taken in closed session
Negotiations – Conference with Labor Negotiators Patrick Perry and Robin Blakley regarding PGTA contract. No action taken.
Negotiations – Conference with Labor Negotiators Patrick Perry and Robin Blakley regarding CSEA contract. No action taken. Return after open session.
B. Pledge of Allegiance. Recited.
IV. COMMUNICATIONS
Written Communications:
Cameron: Received letter from Barbara Dickinson inviting members of the Board to visit Community High School.
Bray: Received letters and invitations regarding CSBA programs plus Adult School and Community High School graduations.
Shammas: Received a notice from MCOE regarding the 2003-04 second interim report, which is positive. She also received some letters regarding 4/5th grade class size reduction
Board Member Comment:
Schramm: He attended the Music Festival last night at the middle school and thought is was fabulous, with some amazingly talented students. He mentioned the Jazz Benefit concert on May 19 at 7:00, which will benefit the PGMS Big Band.
Bray: She was pleased to be able to attend the PG Pride Thank You Party and thanked Cathie McAweeney for hosting the wonderful event.
Superintendent Report:
Perry attended an awards presentation last week. Both Katie Anderson and Diana Rookstool received the Lori Flag Award. Adrian Schuneman received the Griffin award. They all received a plaque and check for $750. The Open Houses have been exciting and teachers have had tremendous success with the students this year. He also received several calls from the community regarding the wonderful Music Festival concert.
V. PUBLIC COMMENT:
Linda Goulet handed out a newsletter from PGTA to the School Board. She congratulated Robin Blakley for keeping the District in such good financial shape, especially in view of the problem MPUSD and North Monterey County School District are facing. She is happy the Board is looking at ways to decrease over-crowded classes and considering reinstatement of library hours.
Terry Schaefer, parent of 5th grader at Forrest Grove Site Council, reiterated consensus that 4th/5th grade should be given class size reduction. She felt it is critical for staff and students to keep 4th/5th grade at 23/24 students per class.
Jan Lindenthal also expressed an opinion that it is a critical priority for 4th/5th grade class size reduction.
Robert Kerschner mentioned an event organized by Parent’s Place that will be held at the Robert Down Auditorium on June 5. The presentation is “Celebrate the Human Mind”, which involves 2-3rd graders.
VI. CONSENT:
Approval of High School Summer School ROP Mill Working and Cabinetry Class
Certificated Assignment Order No. 13
Classified Assignment Order No. 13
Minutes of April 22, 2004 Regular Meeting*
Warrant Schedule No. 431
Revolving Cash Report No. 9
Cash Receipts Report No. 9
Approval of Revised 2001/02 High School Expenditure Plan for Use of Site API Bonus Allocation
Approval of the State 2000-01 High School State Block Grant Expenditure Plan
Approval of High School Governor’s Performance Award Plan
MOTION (Bray /Schramm) for approval of consent agenda. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
Public comment: None
VII. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION:
Sub Committee Reports:
City/District (Bray/Niccum): Nothing to report
Negotiations (Bray/Shammas): PGTA meetings are scheduled for May 11 and 25. CSEA meeting will be May 12.
ROP (Schramm/Shammas): Executive Board meeting took place last night in King City. They approved curriculum for Carmel USD, which is open to PGUSD students. 1.84% COLA for ROP is proposed in the State budget. There is a luncheon on May 21 in Salinas (Business & Employment Luncheon). Legislation for Block grant of ROP has lost it’s steam, but will stay open for next year. The Governor’s representatives have meet with ROP, and ROP is seeing more attention than in the past. Next meeting will be June 16 in Salinas.
Library (Bray): Meeting on May 18 at 3 PM.
Public Comment: None
Approval of Board Policy #7230, Administrative Regulations #7230 – Improvements to District Facilities by Outside Organizations – First Reading and Revision of Related Regulation 1240
Robin Blakley discussed the proposed policy and regulations. We need to refine the guidelines for help we receive from outside organizations. We have had problems in the past with misunderstandings. This item will be brought back with suggested edits at next meeting.
Public Comment: Robert Kerschner noted that Section I on 7230 seems to be in conflict with Regulation 1240. Blakley noted that liability insurance is distinctly different than worker’s compensation.
Linda Goulet asked if this item applies only to organizations and not individuals. Blakley replied that it applies to both.
Board of Education 2004-05 School Year Calendar
Patrick Perry discussed the draft year-long calendar, which was requested by the Board. This calendar encompasses major events for the year. Schramm commented that he would like to see it be a living document so that important dates don’t get missed. It was also suggested to add another column which brings in the budget calendar for the year. Shammas noted that the calendar should be addressed on a continuing basis, maybe at the back of the agenda after future agenda items. Schramm suggested putting this calendar on the PGUSD website so the public can view it.
Public Comment: Cynthia Saxon apologized for Board members not having a current copy of the Personnel Directory. She will make sure they receive one next week.
VIII. ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS
Resolution No. 737 California Day of the Teacher
Patrick Perry noted that each of the segments of the District work together as a team and their cooperation makes our District successful. He suggested different Board members each read one of the resolutions. Bray wanted to point out that we should do anything we can to encourage students to go into teaching; it is a good profession. Bray next read the resolution, Day of the Teacher.
Public Comment: Enthusiastic approval by Linda Goulet and Susan Nine
MOTION (Cameron/Niccum). Motion CARRIED 5 to 0 .
Resolution No. 736 Classified School Employee Week
Niccum read the resolution honoring classified staff and noting their importance to the District.
Public Comment: None
MOTION (Niccum/Bray). Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
Resolution No. 738 Day of the School Administrator
Cameron read the resolution and noted the importance of school administrators to the District.
Public Comment: Linda Goulet thinks it is wonderful that teachers, classified staff, and administrators get acknowledged. She feels education is one of the most noble professions.
MOTION (Cameron/Schramm). Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
Resolution No. 739 Adult School Day
Schramm read the resolution, noting the positive contribution adult education gives to the District.
Public Comment: Linda Goulet made the comment, “right on, life long learning”.
MOTION (Bray/Schramm). Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
Board Policy 6146.1 Community High School Graduation Requirements
Patrick Perry noted that we do not have a policy that gave Community High School permission to graduate students with fewer units than the regular high school students. The main difference between CHS and high school graduation requirements are in the number of electives required. Electives are very difficult to earn for a small high school. Bray asked how this compares with requirements for HS diploma or GED from Adult School. Perry commented that this meets the base state education code requirements. Schramm noted that it is impressive that CHS students meet the core academic credits. It takes a tremendous amount of motivation on the part of the students.
Public Comment: None
Bring back for approval at another time.
2004/05 Budget Revenue, Expenditure Projections and Budget Assumptions
Robin Blakley highlighted the changes to the Budget since the last Board meeting. We are still uncertain regarding the charter school revenue transfer. At a 30% rate, we would have a deficit of $359K, 70% would be a $559K deficit, and 100% would carry a deficit of $759K. We haven’t yet budgeted all of the Parcel Tax. We have set aside $132K for reduction in categorical funding and may want to do the same thing for next year in case the state does it again next year. We have to have the proposed budget document ready for public review by June 7. He presented three possible budget scenarios and recommended that the Board direct that the budget be developed using “Scenario 2”. The Board concurred. He then reviewed recommended adjustments to address the resulting projected deficit. Niccum mentioned that 28 extra students showed up this year. He would like to allocate as much of the Parcel Tax as possible and address the $65K for an additional teacher.
Perry gave a presentation regarding different scenarios to address 04-05 elementary enrollment projections and current numbers. We may have to establish a number of combo classes if our class sizes grow, especially in K-3. We are tight on projected numbers for primary grades; there is no room for growth. The proposal included establishing a combination 4th/5th grade class. Shammas felt the key is to find a teacher that wants to teach 4/5 combo, but also have a plan to make it work. Cameron asked how we decide which students to put in combo class. Tim Culbertson said it would start with teacher recommendations as to which children would benefit, independent students, and parent buy-in. Schramm asked if we wanted to hold the $65K required for the new class and take a “wait and see” approach to see what enrollment is, or are we willing to “bite the bullet” now and do the planning. Perry feels there is a benefit to do it now and give teachers time to plan. Cameron asked if we would have one or two combo classes. Perry noted that if a teacher is added, it is better to have two, one at each school to balance the classes. Schramm would like to see scenario 2 modified and move the $65K for the new teacher over. Shammas expressed concern about reducing the capital improvement fund and is worried about maintenance. The Board directed staff to incorporate the recommended adjustments with the exception of the $65,000 reserve, which is to be removed and a portion of the Parcel Tax used to hire an elementary teacher. They also asked for a recommendation from Administration concerning the allocation of the remaining $99,000 of Parcel Tax funds, to be discussed at the May 20 Board meeting. Perry mentioned that we will know by the end of June from the State what the actual scenario is as regards to charter school funding. The consensus was to add another elementary teacher using Parcel Tax funding. The issue regarding the library will be brought up at the next meeting.
Public Comment: Susan Nine noted that at Robert Down, there are Special Day class students that are being mainstreamed for significant portions of the day, and their numbers were not included in the presentation. She would also love to see us use Parcel Tax funds for this. The Last time the District had a 4/5 combination class was 19 years ago. She feels there are significant issues with completely different math, history, and science curriculum. She also noted if principals honor parent requests, it may have an adverse affect of the overall success of class configuration.
April Woodin strongly encouraged the Board to not consider the idea of not replacing the high school counselor, that we are already below the standard.
Jan Lindenthal feels that the high school counselor is a high priority, but can’t think of a higher priority than making sure 4th/5th graders are better prepared to enter middle school.
Angela Holm noted that class size is one of the most visible indications that the District supports it’s education. Opportunities are diminished when class size grows beyond a reasonable amount.
Sue Erickson, 5th grade teacher at Robert Down, mentioned that we had not discussed mainstreaming of the MCOE students, SDC, etc.
MOTION (Schramm/Shammas) to extend the meeting to 10:30. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
Contract Employment, Sage Institute, Inc.
Patrick Perry introduced Irma Tucker, a representative from Sage Institute. Perry noted that this contract looks at asset management and has a special section related to water and voter restrictions. He also thanked Mark Cameron, Mike Niccum, and Robin Blakley for their assistance. Cameron and Niccum suggested we move forward. Schramm noted a few edits he passed on to Perry. Tucker noted that there are two very significant issues that we need to address and she envisions that Sage will be able to come back with a report in 30-45 days as to progress they are making. Shammas thinks this is worthwhile, and will provide an historical document for our District with valuable information that can serve us in the future.
Public Comment: None
Motion (Cameron/Bray) to approve contract with Sage Institute. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
MOTION to include allocation of $6500 (Bray/Cameron). Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
Board Calendar/Future Meetings
May 13 special meeting at 6:30 PM, District Office.
Public Comment: None
Future Agenda Items
Public Comment: None
IX. RETURN TO CLOSED SESSION: 10:08 PM
X. ADJOURNMENT: 10:30 PM
Submitted by,
Patrick Perry, Secretary Board of Education
Pacific Grove U.S.D.
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updated: 5/26/04
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