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 March 3, 2005
The Board of Education of the Pacific Grove Unified School District held a meeting on March 3, 2005 at Pacific Grove Middle School.
I. OPENING BUSINESS
A. Call to Order 6:32 pm
B. Roll Call Members Present: Mark Cameron
Mike Niccum
Jessie Bray
Beth Shammas
Members Absent Richard Schramm
Administration Present: Robin Blakley
Patrick Perry
Student Representative Present: Creston Whiting-Casey
C. Adoption of Agenda
MOTION (Bray/Niccum) to adopt agenda as presented.
Public comment: None
Motion CARRIED 4 to 0
D. Identified Closed Session Topics
a. Negotiations - Conference with Labor Negotiator Patrick Perry regarding CSEA contract.
b. Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release Possible Action on Resolution #756
E. Public comment on Closed Session items
Christine Raybould, CSEA President, said that the following District employees wanted to speak about their out-of-pocket benefits costs. Loretta Urrizola, secretary at Adult School – pays $300 per month for herself; Larry Tyndall, pays for family – 30% of his gross; Christine Conneau, RSP aide for 20 years – pays $630.56 per month; Catherine Scully – delivery person and food service employee for 21 years, pays $550 per month for self and husband; Rachael Means – high school secretary for five years, pays $912 per month, 1/3 of gross; Wallace Nutley - custodian for 17 years, pays $291 per month, District assistance of $134.50 has not changed in 17 years, glad to see that Board is starting to see the importance of confronting rising health costs; Rick Carter – pays $300 month. Raybould said that out-of-pocket health care costs are a very serious matter, that in the past, when asked whether to increase salary or medical benefits, the answer was to increase salary as it could do the most good, now majority wants increase in health insurance allowance - $5,000 per year.
Perry spoke on behalf of Board, thanked everyone for coming, and thanked Christine for her comprehensive presentation. He knows how hard everyone works, and that what they do adds tremendously to our students.
F. Adjourn to Closed Session 6:46 p.m.
II. CLOSED SESSION
III. RECONVENED IN OPEN SESSION 7:10 p.m.
Reported action taken in closed session
a. Negotiations - Conference with Labor Negotiator Patrick Perry regarding CSEA contract.
No action taken
b. Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release Possible Action on Resolution #756
MOTION (Shammas/Niccum) to approve Resolution #756. Motion CARRIED 4 – 0
B. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Written Communication
None
B. Board Member Comments
None
C. Superintendent Report
None
V. INDIVIDUALS DESIRING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
Perry introduced State Assemblyman John Laird as a friend of the School District, who assisted with the high school’s technical/vocational plan, and he is an example of dedication and commitment. It was agreed that the amount of time allowed for Laird to speak and answer questions would be extended to 30 minutes.
As Chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee, Laird provided information regarding the state’s upcoming budget challenges. He cautioned that while we are not a revenue limit District, that it’s just a matter of time before Basic Aid schools are targeted. To Niccum’s comment about school districts being asked to deliver their budgets in advance of the state providing its budget – from which the districts draw information for income potential, Laird responded that the battle can be won when it’s possible to see where Prop. 98 will be. Bray offered that she and others worked hard to get Prop. 98 passed and appreciates his efforts in protecting the Proposition. Laird said that one of the Governor’s budget proposals is to shift 2% additional fiscal responsibility for the STRS pension to the school districts, and that many employee groups from districts throughout the state came to Sacramento to speak out against this at hearings. Shammas commented that perhaps the Governor is using reverse psychology to get people to beg for tax increases, and it is his philosophy that a dollar doesn’t equal a quality education. Laird said that with many teachers headed to retirement, that new ones won’t want to come onboard without a viable retirement plan in place. Cameron remarked how the Governor made a big issue of his handshake agreements from which he is now backing off, and how is that going to politically affect his future deal-making. Laird acknowledged that it’s a tough question to answer, that Schwarzenegger is going to have to demonstrate that he will make good. Privately the Governor acknowledges the error, and still has a chance to turn it around but it would require his returning to a bipartisan attitude. To Creston’s question about whether or not politicians are taking budget cuts, Laird answered that he and some others are and some are not.
Dee Brown, instructor at Chapman University, introduced the students from her class; and said she is a delegate from Region 9.
Jackie Tafoya, Middle School Principal, welcomed everyone to her school, and provided an update of all the improvements that have taken place: Rod Herndon, lead custodian, has recently completed grounds improvements; the multipurpose/gym was painted inside and out by Mickey Wilson and crew; fundraising is underway for a new floor, thanked PG Pride for $4000 toward the new floor; visual and performing arts programs coming along with many talented students, ACLU art winners, upcoming production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” many students also in honor band and choir; academics competition in basketball, soccer, volleyball and golf, county spelling bee, “Math Counts” and “Mathletics.” A student has been nominated for the President’s Award, Challenge Day is March 9th, the conflict-resolution program is coming along well, 70% of student body are on Honor Roll; commended the faculty who spend time attending conferences – such as the upcoming writing conference - and improving staff development; she is currently addressing ongoing safety issues to ensure the Middle School is a safe place for all the students, and concluded by thanking the Board for doing all that they do to keep the School District in such good shape.
Rod Herndon thanked Ms. Tafoya for her dedication to the staff and said that none of those accomplishments would have happened without her strong leadership, that she gives people room to improve.
VI. CONSENT AGENDA
Cameron asked that Item I be pulled for discussion.
A. Minutes of February 10, 2005 Board of Education Regular Meeting
B. Corrected Minutes of February 17, 2005 Board of Education Regular Meeting
C. Acceptance of Donations
D. Certificated Assignment Order No. 9
E. Classified Assignment Order No. 9
F. Warrant Schedule No. 440
G. Revolving Cash Report No. 7
H. Cash Receipts Report No. 7
I. 2004/05 Child Development Fund Budget Revision #1
J. 2004/05 Special Reserve - Capital Projects Fund 40 – Budget Revision #1
L. Revision of the 2003/04 Middle School State School Safety and Violence Prevention Block Grant Expenditure Plan
M. Out of State or Overnight Activities
N. Approval of Contract for Writing Poetry Program Services –Patrice Vecchione
O. Park Place Publications Contract for Services
P. Acceptance of Quarterly Treasury Reports
Q. Approval of Contract for Services – Piper Grove Music (Marylee Sunseri)
R. Ratification of Lease / Purchase of Maintenance Vans
MOTION (Bray/Niccum) to approve Consent Agenda items A-H, J-R as presented.
Public comment: Raybould noted error in Minutes of February 17, Section V, Public Comment – should read, “Classified” and not “teachers.”
Motion to approved Consent Agenda with correction, CARRIED 4 to 0.
Cameron questioned Item I, 9A regarding fiscal impact of operating expenses within current funds. Blakley responded that the total in 9A is a combined fund, that following pages show detail of deficit.
MOTION (Bray/Shammas) to approve Consent Agenda item I as presented.
Public comment: none
Motion to approved Consent Agenda item I, CARRIED 4 to 0.
VII. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION
A. Sub Committee Reports
Community Human Services – none
City/District - none
Negotiations
Bray reported that PGTA had a good meeting on February 23rd, CSEA on Feb. 24th, and everyone is looking forward to interest-based negotiations training with Annie Song-Hill to be held at District Office on March 9 and 10.
ROP - none
Library - none
Food Service Committee
Shammas reported that first meeting of February 28th was a success, had someone from Monterey County Health Department who provided good information about what the county is doing with their food service program. Next meeting March 14th at the District Office, plan is to have proposed recommendations available by June. To Cameron’s question regarding what the proposal will include, Shammas indicated group would need more meetings to clarify. Perry said he’d been told at Superintendent’s meeting about the new Health and Wellness Policy, scheduled to be in place by 2006, would disallow any junk food to be served or sold.
B. North Monterey County Unified School District Independent Study Program
Keith Condon gave a presentation on the current status of the Independent Study Program, noting it is a privilege, not a right, for a student to attend, that the program is a separate school registered with the State and fully accredited, that students can transition into college; they require all textbooks be state approved, have performance contracts to complete, and have some flexibility in enabling a student to prove their knowledge in a ways that are different from a classroom curriculum; students are required to take all standardized tests, offers PSAT, and must pass exit exams. To Shammas’s question about there being any needs of the Independent Study Program that the Board should be aware of, Condon responded that all needs are being met, that at present they are preparing for WASC visitation. To Bray’s inquiry about the primary difference between the Independent Study student and the traditional student, Condon offered that the Independent Study student has experienced a problem in school and is looking for a solution, many return to high school to graduate. To Cameron’s question about the total student load and is Condon satisfied with the facilities the School District provides, he responded that there are 116 students participating in the Independent Studies Program and that the facilities are quite adequate.
VIII. ACTION/DISCUSSION
A. Approval of Second Interim Report – 2004/05 Budget
Blakley recommended filing a positive certification.
MOTION (Niccum/Shammas) to approve as presented.
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED 4 to 0
B. Public Telecommunications Facility Program (PTFP) Grant Letter of Support
Perry requested the Board authorize participation in PTFP grant which would substantially improved communications, distance learning, videoconferencing, and offer programs not otherwise available to staff and students, and relieve District of rent currently being paid for T1 lines ($234 per line), in addition to addressing declining enrollment issue. Price should read $57,000, not $54,000; formal budgeting would take place in 2006/07 school year. To Shammas’s question about there needing to be a special classroom, Perry stated that everything is on a cart which can be moved throughout the campus. Niccum commented that the safety of microwave placement concerns be addressed. To Cameron’s question regarding grant process, Perry responded it’s a competitive grant, that County has already funded two sites, connectivity starting in south county school districts and progressing north – it is now our District’s opportunity to participate. Funding options are two or three years – looking at two years.
MOTION (Bray/Niccum) to direct Superintendent to deliver letter to MCOE for participation and allocate up to $57,000.
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED 4 to 0.
C. Approval of Professional Services Agreement – Peter Carton, Attorney at Law
At Board’s request for General Counsel, Perry recommended Peter Carton, has worked with him in the past, and he has a vast knowledge of Education Codes.
MOTION (Bray/Niccum) to approve Peter Carton contract, February 23 – June 30, 2005.
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED 4 to 0
D. Pacific Grove Unified School District Organizational Chart
Following discussion, it was agreed that organization chart would be modified to include definition of key roles and responsibilities of all personnel and brought back to Board at next meeting.
E. 2005/06 School Calendar
Blakley reported that of the three calendars presented, Classified staff wanted Draft #6 and Certified wanted Draft #7, difference was winter break. Susan Nine, PGTA co-president and Christine Raybould, CSEA president worked with Blakley to come up with Draft #8. Whiting-Casey stated high school students prefer dates on Draft #7. Blakley noted that while their contract says unions have input, final vote rests with Board. Concern is placements of breaks.
MOTION (Shammas/Niccum) to approve Draft #7 with clarification that August 18, 2005 be a Staff Development day and August 19, 2005 be a pre work-day.
Public comment: None
Motion CARRIED 4 to 0
F. Board Calendar/Future Meetings
Location of April 12th meeting changed to David Avenue
G. Future Agenda Items
Blakley to present Facility Improvement Plan at March 17th Board meeting
IX. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ROP Program – 3/17
Combination Classes – 3/17
Real property appraisal contract for services - tba
Parcel Tax Allocation, 2005/06 – 3/17
High School Graduation Requirements – 3/24
Cell Phone Policy – changed to 4/7 Shammas suggested sending draft policy in Board packet for review prior to placing on agenda
High school counselor agenda item - tba
Budget assumptions 3/17
X. ADJOURNMENT 9:05 p.m.
minutes/0304/030305min.html