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 June 17, 2004
The Board of Education of the Pacific Grove Unified School District held a meeting on June 17 at the Pacific Grove High School.
I. OPENING BUSINESS
A. Call to Order: 6:30 PM
B. Roll Call: Members Present: Beth Shammas
Jessie Bray
Mark Cameron
Richard Schramm
Mike Niccum
Student Representative Creston Whiting-Casey (7:00 PM)
Present:
Administrators Present: Patrick Perry, Superintendent
Robin Blakley, Assistant Superintendent (6:45 PM)
Adoption of Agenda: MOTION (Schramm/Cameron) to adopt agenda. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
Identified Closed Session Topics:
Threatened/pending litigation
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
Negotiations – Conference with Labor Negotiators Patrick Perry and Robin Blakley regarding Confidential and Management contracts.
Public Comment on Closed Session Items: None
II. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION 6:31 PM
III. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION 7:02 PM
A. Report action taken in closed session
Threatened/Pending Litigation. No action taken.
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
Negotiations – Conference with Labor Negotiators Patrick Perry and Robin Blakley regarding Confidential and Management Contracts. No action taken
B. Pledge of Allegiance. Recited.
IV. COMMUNICATIONS
Written Communications:
Bray received a copy of a letter to Mr. Bell from Nan Johnston & Mark Murphy regarding the excellent teacher qualities and noted it was nice to get the positive feedback
Board Member Comment:
Creston Whiting: School is out and he is having a good relaxing time. He also hopes to have a good school year in 04-05. The ASB meeting on Wednesday went well.
Cameron: He was impressed with the middle and high school graduations, which included good speakers.
Schramm: He echoed remarks made by Cameron and also complemented the schools regarding Adult and Community High School graduations.
Superintendent Report:
Perry commented on the smooth closing of the school year. This was a very successful year, thanks to everyone that works in the District. Graduations and promotion exercises were great.
VI. PUBLIC COMMENT:
Ellen Coulter read a memo written by PGTA that was directed to the Board. PGTA and the high school teachers have a concern with replacing the high school counselor with a guidance technician. The middle school is concerned with discipline policies. They also feel that the salary schedules for staff are out of sync with other districts and due to the recent award and contract increase for the Superintendent, District employees are also expecting a fair settlement as well.
Susan Nine spoke on behalf of the high school faculty with regards to the high school guidance counselor. She noted that this issue goes back to the possible funding shortfall when we were facing cuts from Basic Aid. The average ratio of counselors to students in other districts is around 400 students per counselor. She also feels that 1.5 guidance technicians on top of the counselor secretary is excessive. The high school has a teacher that has completed some counselor training would like to add some hours as a counselor. She doesn’t think parents are aware of this change and over 90% of the staff, including retiring counselor Ron Morgan, were not in favor of this proposal.
Charlyce Estes, CSEA Co-President, does appreciate the fact that the District is in a good financial situation and believes the public is glad to have the quality of services they provide. CSEA also noted the increase to the Superintendent’s contract and is asking that the classified employees be award a comparable settlement.
Laurel Pfeiffer spoke regarding the confidential employees and their concern with the raise in employee benefit costs. She reiterated the message given by Ellen Coulter and Charlyce Estes and has also requested that the confidential employees be treated fairly in the negotiations. She would like to see the community of PGUSD see what happens to us with pride.
Ellen Coulter spoke about the counseling situation at the high school and the staff’s concern that there will be no savings to the District to replace the Counselor with 1.5 Guidance Technicians. The expertise that is needed to deal with students is a critical situation and there is no counselor in training or waiting “in the wings.”
V. PRESENTATIONS
Cindy Gallo updated the board on Special Education (Student Services) with accomplishments for the 2003-04 school year and goals for the 2004-05 school year.
VII. CONSENT:
Donations
Certificated Assignment Order No. 16
Classified Assignment Order No. 16
Minutes of June 3, 2004 Regular Meeting
Non-Public Agency Services from June Campbell, MA, CCC-SLP
Non-Public Agency Services from Lisa Abbott, Speech Pathologist
Non-Public Agency Services from the Easter Seals Society
Contract for Inclusion Aides
Non-Public Agency Services from Tucci Learning Solutions
Autism Services from Lisa deFaria for Floortime Program
Occupational Therapy Services
Non-Public Agency Services from New Found Therapies, Diane Sherman
Approval of Gate Plan
2004-2005 Consolidated Application for Funding Part I
Approval of Driver Training Agreement 2004-05
Approval of Contract with Visiting Nurse Association for Vision and Scoliosis Screening
Approval of Resolution #742 Authorizing Execution of State Preschool Contract – Program Expenses
Out of Counties Activities
Public Comment: None
MOTION (Bray/Schramm) to approve consent agenda as presented. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
VIII. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION:
Sub Committee Reports:
Community Human Services (Shammas): Walter Kraus has retired as our representative and we will have to notify CHS that we don’t have a representative now. The District will also need to replace him. Notify
City/District (Bray/Niccum): Nothing to report.
Negotiations (Bray/Shammas): Bray attended the PGTA sessions June 7 and 15 and CSEA on June 16. The next meetings are scheduled for August and she is looking forward to having some time of. Shammas also attended the PGTA negotiations on June 7.
ROP (Schramm/Shammas): Perry discussed ROP enrollment, which is down 8 ADA. Projected funds for next year will be $467,00. Tim Vanoli is leaving ROP to become Assistant Superintendent Curriculum and Instruction at Salinas High School District.
Library (Bray): Nothing to report.
Public Comment: None
Board of Education 2004-05 School Year Calendar
Bray noted we might want to start newsletter topics earlier than Nov 4. This was moved to Sept 16
Public Comment: None
IX. PUBLIC HEARING
Adoption of 2004/2005 Budget
No comments from the public regarding the budget.
X. ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS
Approval of 2004-2005 Pacific Grove Middle School SIP Plan and Related Budget
Jackie Tafoya was available to answer any questions that were raised regarding the SIP Plan.
MOTION (Cameron/Niccum) to approve. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
Public Comment: None
Approval of 2004-2005 Pacific Grove High School SIP Plan and Related Budget
Nina Russo noted that all of items except AVID are a continuation from last year. Shammas asked Creston Whiting for his opinion on what he feels are issues and positives at the high school. He replied that the school is doing a really good job with the drug and alcohol problems, but they have many bad computers. Russo noted that we will have another person on campus next year that will keep the computers up and running. There is also more money for computers next year.
Public Comment: None
MOTION (Bray/Schramm) to approve high school SIP and related budget. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
Approval of 2004-2005 Forest Grove SIP Plan and Related Budget
Tim Culbertson thanked Perry and the Board for giving him a new opportunity at the Adult School. He also expressed appreciation of the Forest Grove Site Council, especially Jan Lindenthal. The science program is now more hands-on and interesting for the students. There has been a significant increase in writing scores. Schramm noted that _ of the budget of SIP funds goes to tutors and asked whether this is paying off. Culbertson noted that this would be determined by next year’s site council. Teachers have seen the increased value of aides becoming tutors. However, they do need a more practical and formal way of assessment on whether this is working. Shammas thanked Culbertson for his help with Forest Grove.
Public Comment: None
MOTION (Niccum/Schramm) to approve. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
Adoption of Biology Text for Pacific Grove High School
Perry asked for approval of the text to use next year.
Public Comment: None
MOTION (Cameron/Schramm) to adopt textbook. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
Adoption of Psychology Text for New AP Psychology Course: Pacific Grove High School
Perry noted that the District had not yet received the book for review by the public. This item will be returned in August for approval. Schramm strongly supports AP Psychology and is happy to see it added to the schedule.
Public Comment: None
Adoption Athletic Training Text for R.O.P. Sports Medicine Course Pacific Grove High School
Perry presented the text for adoption and public review.
Public Comment: None
MOTION (Schramm/Bray) to adopt text. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
Second Reading Board Policy 6146.2, Community High School Graduation Requirements
Perry presented the policy and asked for approval. Bray asked if the only change to the policy is the addition of Community High School credits and inquired if the CHS students have been receiving diplomas without the difference being specified in the current policy. Perry replied that the revised policy is a clarification of difference in credits and that it gives CHS permission to graduate students with 195 credits.
Public Comment: None
MOTION (Schramm/Bray) to approve revised policy. Motion 5 to 0.
Adoption of 2004/05 Budget
Blakley noted that the budget reflects all of assumptions and decision the Board has made to date. The new budget includes $17.6M of revenue, $16.7M in current year expenses, and $500,000 for other funding such as retiree benefits. The District will start the year with $1.2M and would end with $1.5M based on current assumptions. There is still some uncertainty regarding amount of the payment that will be made to charter schools and the amount of property tax we will be receiving. He also noted that Bray had requested that the Board travel and conference allocation be divided between CSBA membership and conference expense to reflect actual planned expenditures. Niccum noted his concern regarding the Basic Aid State reserve and the fact that the budget is built on assumptions for enrollment that may change. He requested that the Board set aside money for a new teacher if we need one during the year and have a plan in place as to how we will spend the money if the District fares well with the State budget. Blakley replied that we still have an issue with charter schools situation and the fact that we may have to pay more than is in the budget reserve. He also noted that, in the past, Basic Aid school districts have been criticized for not setting money aside to offset the possible loss of property tax. Schramm suggested a study session to discuss budget procedures. Cameron stated that he is more conservative and likes the idea of having a reserve. The Board made the decision to schedule a study session on Sept 16.
Public Comment: None
MOTION (Niccum/Cameron) to adopt 2004/05 budget. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
Approval to Join Monterey Regional Storm Water Permit Participants Group
Blakley noted that there is a new Federal regulation that requires the District to take better care of our storm water run-off. The District has the option to hire a consultant to write a plan or join an existing group. The cost required to buy into the existing group is $1,717 and $2500/year to remain as a member. Niccum noted that he is involved with this issue in his job and feels this is a great value. Schramm asked if the District would incur recurring costs if we went with this on our own and knows that some districts do this as part of their classes. Blakley responded that we could opt out of the recurring cost if we feel it is in our best interest once the plan is in place.
Public Comment: None
MOTION (Niccum/Bray) to approve. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
Robert Down Modernization Project Work Contract Award
Blakley discussed the second bid opening, in which the project was modified slightly. Only four contractors took out packages. DMC submitted a bid on June 14th in the amount of $2.137M. We have the
option to award the base bid or just alternate 4 for the heating system. The architect feels that the State will allow us to drop the need for Alternates 2 and 3, involving wheel chair lifts in halls and the annex toilet room remodeling for access compliance. Administration recommendation is to award for a total of $2.69M. Additional funding is needed, however, including alternates 1, 2, 3, and 4. There has been a reduction of cost to remodel the adult school and we will not rebuild CHS. These modifications free $500,000 that can be allocated to the Robert Down project.
Public Comment: Robert Kershner asked about the timeline on this project. Blakley stated that all major work is to be done prior to start of school, but we also have to be flexible.
MOTION (Schramm/Bray) that the Board award the base bid in the amount of $2.69M plus alternates 1, 2, 3 and 4 to DMC with the stipulation that the District Assistant Superintendent or designee is authorized to delete alternates 1, 2 and/or 3 from the award if allowed by the State, and the Board directs that the Facility Improvement Plan be revised to reallocate $350,000 of capital Outlay Funds from the Community High School project and $150,000 of Deferred Maintenance Funds from the Adult School project to the Robert Down Modernization project. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
Approval of Division of the State Architect (DSA) Inspector Contract – Robert Down Modernization Project
Blakley recommended approval of contract with Cameron Edward as proposed.
Public Comment: None
MOTION (Cameron/Bray) to approve. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
Approval of Guidance Technician Job Description
Perry gave an update regarding discussions and creation of the job description with the high school administration. He believes this is a plan that should be piloted for next year and the District has an agreement with CSEA through a Memorandum of Understanding. The position has the potential of meeting the needs of the campus in a different way.
Cameron commented that the survey of the high school staff with 90% against the change in positions seems strong. Perry noted that the teachers are genuinely concerned. The people that are most closely associated with the change are the ones that said they are willing to try the guidance technician position and other high schools in California use this model.
Bray has a concern that the counselors have been used more as schedulers than counseling in the past. She feels the proposal has value for a pilot.
Schramm also supports as pilot. He noted that the Career Program is an identified need and hopefully this is a way to boost that. Maybe there is an opportunity to share counseling services between the middle and high schools.
Creston Whiting noted that he sees students waiting in big lines to see the counselor now so feels this position could be a problem.
Public Comment:
Ellen Coulter noted that she tried to explain to the faculty what is going on. Many of them were concerned about the educational level noted on the job description and stated that the retiring counselor
Ron Morgan, is not in support of this plan. The current arrangement offers the counselors more contact with the students and the teachers also need support from a counselor. She asked that the Board review this thoroughly next year and make sure it is working. She also requested that the faculty be kept in the loop.
MOTION (Schramm/Niccum) to approve guidance technician job description and employ 1.5 FTE for the 2004-05 school year. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
Board Calendar/Future Meetings
Next meeting August 19 at the high school. There will also be a study session on the Budget Sept 16.
Future Agenda Items
Elementary enrollment and high school closed campus will be discussed August 19. Creston Whiting asked if he could recommend someone else who will best represent the students to the meetings that he is unable to attend. Shammas responded that this is a good ideas, but Board policy needs to be edited.
XI. RETURN TO CLOSED SESSION: 9:40 PM
XII. ADJOURNMENT: 10:45 PM
Submitted by,
Patrick Perry, Secretary Board of Education
Pacific Grove U.S.D.
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updated: 8/23/04
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