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
Corrected Minutes of the Meeting of April 7, 2005
The Board of Education of the Pacific Grove Unified School District held a meeting on April 7, 2005 at Pacific Grove Adult School.
I. OPENED BUSINESS
A. Call to Order 6:05 pm
B. Roll Call Members Present: Richard Schramm
Mark Cameron
Mike Niccum
Jessie Bray
Beth Shammas
Administration Present: Patrick Perry
Robin Blakley – arrived 7:00 pm
Student Representative Present: Creston Whiting-Casey
C. Pledge of Allegiance – pledge recited
D. Adoption of Agenda
MOTION (Bray/Shammas) to adopt agenda as presented.
Public comment: None
Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
E. Identified Open Hearing Topic
Student Discipline/Expulsion – Student #4377
II. CONVENED TO OPEN HEARING
Public hearing related to student #4377 began at 6:10 pm
III. RECONVENED TO OPEN SESSION 7:15 pm
The matter of Student Discipline/Expulsion – Student #4377 was continued until Board concluded their regular meeting.
IV. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Written Communication
Shammas reported that she and other Board members are in receipt of letter from Linda Williams. Bray pleased to have received Williams’s letter; suggested Board look into her suggestion.
B. Board Member Comments
Bray read in this day’s Herald about the Community Foundation for Monterey County’s annual education awards. High School teacher Patricia Long received the Griffin Award, Middle School teacher Moira Mahr received the Lorri Flagg Award and Robert Down teacher Sue Erickson received the Lou Flagg Award. The recognition ceremony will on April 27th at 4:00 pm in the Monterey Plaza Hotel; should the Board give additional recognition? Shammas noted there was an article in Schools magazine regarding Proposition 63 that is of interest.
Whiting-Casey reported that students elections are “awesome” with many voting runoffs.
Schramm acknowledged that the Monterey Jazz Next Generation Festival is having a free concert at Monterey Conference Center. One-third of participants are students in Pacific Grove schools.
C. Superintendent Report
Perry reported that six candidates are scheduled to be interviewed on April 22nd for the High School Principal position; asked if any Board members would like to serve on interview committee. Cameron said he is available if his schedule permits, Niccum and Schramm need to check calendars¸ Bray said she will serve if others cannot.
V. INDIVIDUALS DESIRING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
Carolyn Hawes, Head Librarian, reminded the Board about her request to reinstate the Library Clerk position.
VI. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of March 17, 2005 Board of Education Regular Meeting
Shammas corrected the spelling of Mr. Duker’s name; Schramm said Minutes indicate he was absent when, in fact, he presided over the meeting.
B. Minutes of March 24, 2005 Board of Education Regular Meeting
C. Acceptance of Donations
D. Certificated Assignment Order # 10
E. Classified Assignment Order No. 10
F. Approval of ROP Program Joint Power Agreement for 2005-2006
G. Summer School Session Lunch Program Waiver
H. Park Place Publications Contract for Services
I. High School Minimum Days – WASC Planning
J. Warrant Schedule No. 441
MOTION (Bray/Cameron) to approve Consent Agenda with noted corrections.
Public Comment: none
MOTION CARRIED 5 - 0
VII. PRESENTATIONS
A. Survey conducted by PGTA/CSEA/Confidential employees
Linda Goulet, PGTA Co-President, reported on the March 15 “State of the District” survey. Questions were compiled from several sources. Two hundred Certificated, Confidential and Classified employees participated. Goulet said results should be viewed as a starting point for improvement. Board would receive copies of survey (“raw”) data. (The survey is available upon request at the District Office.)
Schramm said surveys can be a great tool for input; Board will receive the survey results but is limited in what dialogue it can participate in.
Tom Wortham High School teacher, felt survey questions could have been worded differently to better address the broader issues and not to focus on individuals; range of questions did not address participants’ knowledge of department or allow for comments.
Susan Nine, PGTA Co-President, commented that within a School District the size of Pacific Grove, everyone should know each other better and that communication should be better.
B. Welcome by Maria Nunez de Hovick, Principal of Adult School
In welcoming everyone Nunez de Hovick, gave brief presentation highlighting information contained in a booklet she distributed to Board members: multiple revenue sources, the 85 being one of only two schools in the County to receive WASC accreditation and increased collaboration with local community groups
Tim Culbertson, Assistant Principal, enjoys the entrepreneurial spirit at the Adult School by engaging the business community in multitude of ways; Monterey Bay Aquarium employees are taking “Survival Spanish” which has improved their customer service capabilities; currently looking a new law that will bring in needed dollars so they can become a development center for local businesses.
Nunez de Hovick introduced Gail Root, Coordinator of Parents’ Place, recipient of the Front Line Award by the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Monterey County. Ms. Root was given a standing ovation.
Ms. Root invited everyone to visit Parent’s Place anytime, parents reluctant to leave program when children reach maximum age of 3 years; read letter from parent who overcame many difficulties through program to better nurture her child. Root described the PAT Program (Parents as Teachers) which assists young at-risk couples in military to cope with new parenting responsibilities; her dream is to see PAT available to all families; current program has waiting lists; another dream is to accommodate all the families and to take the program to other communities. Ms. Root showed a 3-minute presentation created by parents as a donation to the Parents’ Place program.
Public comment: none
C. Melinda Pereira, Wells Fargo Bank; California Banking Group
Ms. Pereira presented the School District with a check for $10,000 towards the Lobby renovations of the Performing Arts project. She received a standing ovation. Perry informed the Board that Wells Fargo Bank donated $12,000 in 2002, $13,000 in 2003, $13,000 in 2004 and so far in 2005 has donated $16,000; they also gave $3,500 for Billy Breaker’s new outfit. Schramm asked that Wells Fargo Bank be sent a letter of appreciation.
Public comment: none
VIII. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION
Schramm asked that Items VIII, B. and IX, A be moved to end of agenda and discussed if time permitted. MOTION (Niccum/Cameron), no public comment, MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
A. Sub Committee Reports
Community Human Services - none
City/District - none
Negotiations - Bray reported on the excellent CSEA negotiation session held April 4th with Annie Song-Hill, next meetings are May 2,, 3, 16 and 17; PGTA negotiation on April 6th went well; next PGTA meetings are April 25 and 29, May 4, 18 and 23.
ROP - none
Library - none
Food Services - Shammas acknowledged dedication of committee members, asked student representative if he would appoint a designate another student to attend on his behalf; would like to have presentation of food service vendors to see what other programs are available; future meetings are April 18th and 25th.
B. Electronic Signaling Devices
(Moved to end of agenda, to be discussed as time permits.)
C. Review of High School Counseling Services
Brian Morton, High School Principal, gave presentation on the High School Counseling Program, recommending that the program return to the two-counselor model. (The report is on file at the District Office.)
Public comment:
Lillian Griffiths – High School teacher, highlighted difficulties students are experiencing in making appointments with counselors; wants another full-time counselor.
Ellen Coulter – High School Teacher, advocate for two counselors; polled her students, received responses from 25 out of 28 students who support two counselors; gave students’ letters to Board president
Adrian Schueneman – High School teacher, served on Educational Relevance Committee, supports two full-time counselors and one half-time guidance tech.
Stefanie Briscoe – High School Counselor, would like Board to revisit what District did last year; she surveyed students and gathered information from counselors; strongly recommends two full-time counselors.
Tom Wortham – Also served on Educational Relevance Committee, speaking on behalf of Teacher Representative to PTA, praised Ms. Briscoe’s work as Guidance Counselor, that she guides teachers as well as students school needs two full-time counselors.
Whiting-Casey stated that during both his freshman and sophomore years, he probably visited Counseling Office about thirty times each year; but this year has only been able to see the counselor three times due to her busy schedule; he needs help seeing the vision of his future because he can’t do it on his own.
Shammas said that of the 140 graduates from 2002, 30% went to a four-year college and 20% went to Monterey Peninsula College, but where is the focus on the other 50%, the non-college bound students who need guidance for what they will do after high school; while there is a strong parent push for college counseling, we are not hearing from the non-college parents, how can we serve both college bound and work-bound students?
Perry asked for Board’s direction in looking at a model with 2 counselors and 2.5 counselors; what can be done differently; Board approved his providing information at a future Board meeting.
The Board, after receiving information, indicated interest in considering changes to the program. It was noted that a report addressing a revised counseling service plan be brought to the Board later in this year.
IX. ACTION/DISCUSSION
A. Revision of Board Policy 4033, Fourth Reading
(Moved to end of agenda, to be discussed as time permits.)
B. 2005/06 Budget Revenue, Expenditure Projections and Budget Assumptions
Blakley reviewed areas of financial concern: ROP for next year, improving the food program without any subsidy; following discussion it was agreed to add two guidance counselors to assumptions, then consider adding a .5 career tech later. Will have more definitive revenue information after property tax adjustment later this year. Niccum asked for recommendation at next Board meeting to include state pre-school teacher.
No MOTION required, discussion only.
Public comment: None
C. 2004/05 General Fund Budget Revisions #3
Blakley said that there is money in the reserves to cover the recent expenditures but that we should proceed carefully.
MOTION (Cameron/Shammas) to approve Budget Revision #3 as presented
Public comment: None
Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
D. Approval of Revised Facilities Improvement Plan
Blakley acknowledged that the staff will initially assess the damage to the pool at the High School, and not proceed with extensive repairs without further Board review. The $100,000 is an initial estimate of repair cost only.
Shammas had serious concerns with putting so much money into a project that not everyone uses, that perhaps the cost could be generated through a bond measure.
MOTION (Niccum/Cameron) to approve Revised Improvement Plan as presented
Public comment: Todd Buller, High School Assistant Principal, said pool is an important part of athletic program at High School, that football and swimming are the most popular programs and that adults in the community also use the pool.
Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
E. Authorize Bidding of Community High School Remodel Contract
MOTION (Cameron/Niccum) to authorize bidding of Community High School Remodel Contract
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
F. Secondary Course Offerings
Perry highlighted course offerings for 2005/06 school year; ROP survey indicated students want Business Communication course, asked that Board approve, still needs approval of ROP Board.
Niccum concerned about students having to choose between Advanced Calculus and Statistics. Schramm will place on future Board agenda, would like to see information regarding a high-school based program.
MOTION (Niccum/Cameron) to approve Secondary Course Offerings with the addition in a new Business Communications ROP course.
Public comment: Wortham showed poster describing new business communication course, very excited about offering the opportunity to students as it will teach them skills they can use to promote themselves in the marketplace after graduation. Lemmon teaches an AP Stats class, 80% of college majors require statistics, class an essential.
Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
G. STAR Assessment Nutrition Services
Perry said that 3 of the 4 District schools offer nutrition to students during testing and that it’s provided by parent volunteers. Shammas asked if letters could be sent to PTA’s on behalf of the Food Services Committee requesting that they provide the nutrition; Perry said he would write letters to PTA Presidents.
No MOTION required for direction.
Public comment: Brian Morton said that several high school teachers are bringing in food for the students and it’s been arranged that PTA will provide nutritious snacks during math testing.
H. Board Calendar/Future Meetings
No additional meetings were added to calendar
I. Future Agenda Items
Shammas asked that Board consider reimbursing Board members for meeting times.
X. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Real property appraisal contract for services
Business Office Expenditures assignment process
Wellness Policy, SB 2507
Elementary reconfiguration -
High School graduation requirements
Sunshine joint list – 4/21
Algebra 1 support class
Safety Plan Scope of Work, 2005/06
Food Service Report
Schramm asked that Items VIII, B. and IX, A be continued to April 21 Board meeting.
MOTION (Cameron/Bray), no public comment, MOTION CARRIED 5-0.)
XI. ADJOURNMENT 10:30 pm
XII. CONVENE TO CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION
minutes/0304/040705min.html