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
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Minutes of the Meeting of January 20, 2005
The Board of Education of the Pacific Grove Unified School District held a meeting on November 18, 2004, at the Pacific Grove High School.
I. OPENING BUSINESS
A. Call to Order 6:30 pm
B. Roll Call Members Present: Richard Schramm
Mark Cameron
Mike Niccum
Jessie Bray
Beth Shammas
Student Representative: Creston Whiting-Casey (absent)
C. Adoption of Agenda Change to Consent Item O: Feb. 16 changed to Feb. 15.
MOTION (Niccum/Cameron) to adopt amended agenda. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
Public Comment: None
D. Identified Closed Session Topics
Negotiations - Conference with Labor Negotiators Patrick Perry and Robin Blakley regarding CSEA contract.
Public Comment: School District employee Rod Herndon told the Board that there are approximately 16 School District employees, members of CSEA who will not benefit from the proposed contract and asked that it be sent back to negotiations and revised to include all employees, regardless of hire date.
F. Adjourn to Closed Session 6:38 p.m.
II. CLOSED SESSION
III. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION 702 p.m.
A. Report action taken in closed session
Negotiations – Conference with Labor Negotiators Patrick Perry and Robin Blakley regarding CSEA contract. No action taken.
B. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Written Communication
Bray received an invitation to PG Pride, hopes many will attend, cannot attend herself but sending donation; received email regarding Essential Programs and inclusion, appreciates extra information.
Schramm received invitation to join “Growing Healthy Communities;” having a “Healthy Summit” at CSUMB; received letter from parents and staff at Robert Down School regarding combination classes; read the following statement: “The Board of Education has received an email asking a question regarding the reimbursement for CSBA Conference expenses for the Board and Superintendent. The conference reimbursement process that has been used by the District, including this instance, will be applied consistently as with all District employees. In relation to this topic, it should be noted that the Board has identified questions related to Board Policy and Regulation 4033, Travel and Conference Expense Reimbursement as it may affect all employees in the District. It is a primary responsibility of the Board of Education to review and revise, as needed, Board policies and regulations to assure compliance with California Education codes. The Board has directed the Superintendent to review Policy and Regulation 4033 for the First Reading at the regular Board meeting scheduled for February 3, 2005.”
Perry had no comment.
Shammas received letter from Carol Miller regarding nutrition program, will bring up at appropriate time.
B. Board Member Comments
none
C. Superintendent Report
None
V. INDIVIDUALS DESIRING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
Harvey Kuffner, MCOE Trustee Area Number One, presented a plaque to the School District in recognition of the Golden Bell Award.
Ellen Coulter, AP and Honors teacher at PG High School, stated that having only one counselor at the high school to conduct both psychological counseling and career counseling is ineffective for the students and overwhelming for Ms. Briscoe, the counselor.
Lillian Griffiths, government teacher at PG High School, feels that having a career component in the freshman and sophomore years is premature, and in particular not to shorten the geography component to accommodate the class; best time for career component would be in junior or senior year with focus on those who are unsure of what they will be doing following graduation.
Susan Nine, as PGTA co-president, said that results of the State of the District survey should be early February. Nine, as elementary teacher, addressing the results of the Essential Program Report, did not understand why more teachers weren’t involved as planners, understands that response to community survey was only 10%; what made out-of-district schools excel was 3.5 hrs of daily Aide assistance, huge impact at elementary level; PGUSD reduced Aide hours to 25 minutes and with drop in parent volunteerism, has had adverse effect on classroom teaching; hopes teachers can have opportunity for input before decisions are made; wants further studies of what will improve quality; items on list look admirable but luxurious while other needs aren’t being addressed. Regarding cleanliness of classrooms, schools promised they would receive a portion of custodial dollars from David Avenue; over one year ago Board reduced custodial time in anticipation of pending budgetary cuts, when crisis passed custodial services never reinstated, teachers now having to clean own classrooms.
Superintendent’s response: has had three meetings with high school principal Brian Morton and high school counselor Stefanie Briscoe, to review Counselor Program; asked Blakley to give update at future meeting on custodian question.
VI. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of December 9, 2004 Board of Education Regular Meeting
B. Minutes of December 11, 2004 Board of Education Study Session
C. Warrant Schedule No. 438
D. Revolving Cash Report No. 5
E. Cash Receipts Report No. 5
F. Certificated Assignment Order No. 6
G. Classified Assignment Order No. 6
H. 2004-2005 Consolidated Application
I. Acceptance of Donations
J. Approval of Resolution No 751 – All Weather Track
K. Approval of Contract for Liberty Transcription Services
L. Technology Committee Recommendations on Use of District/Parcel Tax Technology Funds
M. Funding of Unfunded Liability for Workers Compensation Claims
N. Approval of Revision I to Middle School Plan 2004/05 and Related Budget
O. High School Minimum Days – WASC Planning
MOTION (Shammas/Niccum) to approve item as presented. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
VII INFORMATION/DISCUSSION
A. Sub Committee Reports
Community Human Services – Perry attended CHS Board meeting this date, discussed plans for Elm Street property; applying for grant for 6-woman shelter home, informational meeting on Feb. 4th with Executive Director.
City/District – Bray pleased that School Resource Officer Agreement approved and in full force.
Negotiations – Bray to attend upcoming negotiation meeting.
ROP – Cameron attended meeting previous evening, interesting class schedule and offerings, next meeting March 16.
Library – Bray is waiting to hear about next meeting
B. 2005/06 Enrollment/Staffing Projections
Blakley stated budget process needs to start soon; cited importance of projecting enrollment at each grade level first to determine appropriate staffing and build school site budgets; recommended using modified, weighted cohort survival projection which indicates grades K-5 enrollment continuing to decline by approximately 10 students, middle school continuing to decline by approximately 41 students and high enrollment growing slightly by approximately 2 students, indicating that middle school staffing could theoretically be reduced by 1.8 FTE.
Perry gave presentation showing classroom enrollment trends, discussed enrollment across a ten-year period; most noticeable at K-5; could reduce staff at middle school but each time this occurs it has a ripple effect on who teaches and what programs are taught; master schedule must be taken into consideration; going to be talking with staff at 7-8 and 9-12; asking for a task group to develop various suggestions.
Niccum commented on disparity of combination class, uncomfortable with different size classes at the two elementary schools, not right that one school has all combo classes; does not want to reduce 1.8 teachers, keep existing staff size.
Perry noted that Blakley needs Board’s decision by end of meeting regarding 1.8 staff reduction.
Cameron stated he does not want to decrease staff
Schramm wants to leave in 1.8 bring back parcel tax dollars, has not had Board discussion this year and understands deadline is occurring.
Shammas concern is comprehensiveness of middle school and high school, questioned what ideal number is at the high school to run an effective program, an actual student body number; what of possibility of in-taking students from other districts; competing with the private high schools, middle school prefers smaller so not a problem, but a small high school could cause students to exodus; social atmosphere is important.
Bray supports Shammas’s remarks, although bringing in outside students could increase cost over revenue.
Blakley - consensus to leave things alone is critical piece in budget development.
Susan Nine smaller class size important rather than combo because it compromises quality, some combos like 3rd – 4th not a good one.
Lillian Griffiths recalled days at high school with 1200 students, more classes were offered but hard on teachers, not all had own classrooms, had to travel from room to room; feels everyone has adjusted to smaller enrollment, sports program is phenomenal, now a full service high school, most students can participate in events, kids are more active, can provide the village atmosphere.
Schramm noted that Board consensus is to not reduce certificated staff at middle school
C. Acceptance of Measure A Oversight Committee Report
Ruth Matthews presented committee report indicates balance of $167,000 remaining from original Measure A $12 million, interest is accruing; options for use include more construction, retire the bond earlier, keep some to pay off bond expenses; Blakley will be bringing for formal Board action at future meeting; committee to stay in existence until money is spent; further report decisions must be made by independent committee, Board cannot give direction.
Public comment: none
D. Pacific Oaks Children’s School Lease Agreement Revision
Director Nancy O’Neal has given 90-day notice to terminate rooms; District will not be receiving any rent while it refurbishes but project can now begin sooner to relocate Community High School; during refurbishment attention will be paid to minimizing noise so as not to disrupt ongoing school programs.
Public comment: none
VIII. ACTION/DISCUSSION
A. District Food Services Program
Shammas reviewed Board policies and procedures, policy calls for nutrition to be taught as part of health curriculum; has parent letter of concern, looking at nutrition side of what is being offered; her understanding is that committee will be looking at nutrition and delivery - menus, facilities; should be a general goal; Nancy Laiolo, Angela Holm, and Carol Miller want to be on committee.
Schramm to contact Whiting-Casey regarding results of student survey.
Perry – if including high school Food Service Manager Mike Sheffer, then allocation should be set aside to pay for his time, $500 – 800 initially.
Shammas - goal to review/improve food services program, then return to Board with findings, need a Board action to transfer General Funds to Cafeteria Fund to compensate Sheffer.
Niccum nominated Shammas as chair to organize food service meetings.
Robert Kershner Registered Dietician volunteered to be on committee, program can make money and be nutritious.
Diane Hobson –food services employee at Forest Grove, wants to be on committee, also a parent of high school student so could represent high school as well.
Nancy Laiolo – recommended Adam Ducker, who runs “Food on the Run” program, meets with populations of schools to form policies, and has volunteered to be a consultant or committee member.
MOTION (Bray/ Shammas) to form 10-member subcommittee chaired by Shammas.
Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
B. Approval of 2005/06 Budget Calendar/Process
Blakley reminded Board that 2005/06 District budget must be adopted by June 30th, holding public hearing on June 16th (check dates for accuracy) suggests presenting tentative budget in April, needs a month to get a final document together, needs assumptions to start flowing; formal action is asking Board to approve the process at this point.
MOTION (Bray/Shammas) to approve item as presented. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
C. 2004/05 General Fund Budget Revision #2
Still in good shape due to income reserve intentionally set aside. Board to receive update on ROP program.
MOTION (Bray/Shammas) to approve item as presented. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
D. 2003/2004 Audit Report
Audit report on website, needed adjustments taken in last budget revision, bond being paid with property tax, deficit spending will occur as to paying down previous debt; State and Federal programs in compliance with all their tests, Cafeteria and Child Development funds had cash deficits offset with existing receivables; audit did not require any budget adjustments.
MOTION (Cameron/Bray) to approve as presented. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
Public comment – Robert Kershner commended audit process and results.
E. Board Calendar/Future Meetings
Change location of February 17th meeting from Forest Grove to High School and May 5th meeting from High School to Forest Grove.
Schramm suggested Board have negotiation study session, invite Ruben Ingram.
Niccum strongly supports study session, wants closed session training. Board already holding January 29th for possible study session.
MOTION (Niccum/Shammas) to add meeting for January 29, 2005. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
F. Future Agenda Items Identified by Board
State pre-school; combination classes (as Information/Discussion)
Reconfiguration
Fund 40 report
Parcel tax discussion
IX. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
District ROP Program
Independent Study Program
Cell Phone Policy
X. ADJOURNMENT 10:00 p.m.
minutes/0304/012005min.html