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 April 21, 2005
The Board of Education of the Pacific Grove Unified School District held a meeting on April 21, 2005 at David Avenue School.
I. OPENED BUSINESS
A. Called to Order 6:30 pm
B. Roll Call Members Present: Richard Schramm
Mark Cameron
Mike Niccum
Jessie Bray
Beth Shammas
Administration Present: Patrick Perry
Robin Blakley (arrived 6:45 pm)
Student Representative Present: Creston Whiting-Casey (arrived 6:50 pm)
C. Adoption of Agenda
MOTION (Bray, Niccum) to adopt agenda as presented.
No public comment
Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
D. Identified Closed Session Topics
Meeting with Chief Negotiator Patrick Perry Regarding PGTA and CSEA Negotiations
E. Public comment on Closed Session item
No public comment
F. Adjourned to Closed Session 6:35 pm
II. CLOSED SESSION
III. RECONVENED IN OPEN SESSION 7:04 pm
A. Report action taken in Closed Session
Meeting with Chief Negotiator Patrick Perry Regarding PGTA and CSEA Negotiations
No action taken
B. Pledge of Allegiance – pledge recited
IV. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Written Communication
Cameron said Board received letter from Sidney Dacuyan, Middle School teacher (entered into record);
Bray said the Board received thank you letters from Maria Nunez de Hovick.
Schramm said he had received information about the California Consortium on Education Foundations meeting in Sacramento on May 12th regarding “Education Foundation Fundamentals.”
B. Board Member Comments
Bray said that when she attended Open House at Robert Down and Forest Grove it reminded her what her involvement on the Board is all about. She also brought newspaper articles acknowledging 1) the six high school seniors (Ms. Olivia Prior, Ms. Naomi Arnold, Ms. Sarah Hirst, Ms. Whitney Bridges, Ms. Alona Bolotnikov and Mr. Morgan Gibson) honored by the Monterey County Herald as “The Best of the Best” for 2005, 2) middle school and high school students involved in the “Dare to Care” project, and 3) a federal lawsuit against the Dept. of Education for “failing to provide adequate funding for the “No Child Left Behind” initiative.
Whiting-Casey said that the High School Open House was “great because it was the first one where students ran the program and we were completely involved.” Student elections will be finished by Friday (4/22) he was re-elected president and glad for the opportunity because now he knows what to do; new this year was electing two vice presidents whom he can call upon if needed to assist.
Schramm said that they were glad to have Brianna Green come to Food Services meeting, that she said she would be glad to “tag team” with Creston on those times when he can’t attend meetings
C. Superintendent Report
Perry reported that Open House nights were well attended, that he had the opportunity to talk with several people; District newsletter is at the printers and will be out soon.
Shammas wanted to be sure that copies of the newsletter are distributed at all the schools for those staff members who live outside the District and won’t get them in the mail.
D. Tour of David Avenue School Site
Brad Woodward, Teacher-in-Charge of the Community High School, gave a presentation on the future construction work that will take place at David Avenue (in rooms previous occupied by Pacific Oaks) in preparation of Community High moving into the site in the fall of 2005. Besides a walking tour of the facility, he gave a PowerPoint presentation created by the students highlighting their appreciation for having the Community High School to assist them in graduating. To Shammas’s question about the use of funding, Woodyard responded that funds are limited, and the students will be painting the interior, that they are excited about the move. Perry said that new science equipment is being ordered. To Shammas’s question regarding construction, Blakley said three contractors showed up for the walk-through, the bid opening will take place on May 10 and that he will bring the bid information to the Board. To Shammas’s question about Community High having a summer school program, Charlyce Estes said they do not, that students go to Independent Studies. Woodyard said they are in the process of organizing a District placement committee to assist in the transition of those students leaving Community High. To Bray’s question about there being any restrictions on the money designated for the construction at David Avenue to prepare the facilities for Community High, Blakley responded that the general obligation bond money can only be used for work done to real property and not for equipment and furnishings.
V. INDIVIDUALS DESIRING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
Christine Raybould, CSEA President, cited a newspaper article she’d read concerning the drop out problem in schools everywhere. She urged the Board not to dismantle the ROP program, that as a Guidance Technician she wants to encourage students who are not going to four-year colleges to enroll in ROP classes but there are not a lot of classes offered; she also reminded the Board about the necessity for second semester classes. Perry responded that graduation requirements are going to be a topic of the May 5th Board meeting.
VI. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of April 7, 2005 Board of Education Regular Meeting
Bray noted it was she who brought the article about the educational awards and Schramm asked for rephrasing of his comments regarding the math program. (Corrections are noted in bold-face type in the Corrected minutes.
B. Certificated Assignment Order # 11
C. Classified Assignment Order # 11
D. Board Certification of Athletic Coaches
E. 1:1 Teacher Instruction
F. Use of Safety Dollars
G. Park Place Publications
MOTION (Bray/Niccum) to approve the Consent Agenda as corrected.
Public Comment: None
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0.
VII. PUBLIC HEARING
A. 2005/06 School Year CSEA/District Negotiated Interests
Perry acknowledged Christine Raybould and Charlyce Estes for being present at the Board meeting. He said he is enjoying the opportunity for everyone to explore and agree upon the joint set of interests and praised everyone’s cooperation in the process. Raybould said she also appreciates the opportunity to negotiate at Canterbury Woods, to work in a different environment; it is good that all can lay everything out on the table to discuss; she looks forward to continuing the dialogue.
B. 2004/05 School Year Adult School Negotiated Interests
Perry said the items contained within the topic of information section are primarily Salary and Benefits, that their interests were brought forward by representatives of the Adult School, and management has no additional requirements. The Adult School revenue is separate from the School Fund. To Niccum’s question of how many employees are represented, Blakley responded that there are about sixty part-time teachers and that they are not organized as a union.
Public Comment: None
VIII. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION
A. Sub Committee Reports
Community Human Services – Schramm attended meeting this date; without a quorum no items could be acted upon; CHS received questionnaire from Monterey County Department of Behavioral Health asking how they can help; CHS has received a $1.5 million grant for their drug and alcohol program; second year funding in doubt for their program aimed at substance abuse prevention in grades 6 through 9.
City/District – Niccum said there has not been anything to report on in some time, that Board needs to have a dialogue with the City on some pending issues.
Negotiations – Bray said there are no changes since her last report; Schramm said he appreciates all the time she is spending on these committees.
ROP – nothing to report
Library – nothing to report
Food Services – Shammas said meetings are going well, that there is a core group of dedicated people who are working well together. Committee would like to know the history of when the District dropped the cafeteria services and started using vendors; if this is a cost-savings, then how much money is being saved. Blakley said he would get background information for the committee. Shammas said committee is on track to present their recommendations to the Board at their May 5th meeting. Next Food Service Committee meeting is April 25th.
Public comment: none
B. Cell Phones and Electronic Signaling Devices
Cameron stated there needs to be a strict policy at all grade levels regarding use of cell phones and electronic signaling devices due to the possible safety and liability issues with text messaging and photo cameras; teacher and parent involvement critical to success; only realistic way to enforce is to keep devices in lockers. Schramm noted inconsistencies in parent/student handbooks that will need to be addressed and reminded everyone that lower grades do not have lockers. Bray said the Board needs to be sensitive to those parents who are dependent on cell phones for reaching their children. Whiting-Casey said policy must be very specific for high school students, such as giving clear definition of what is meant by “emergency;” storing in lockers will be difficult to enforce; also what defines “end of day” – is it the official end of the school day – 3:30 pm or the end of each student’s day; some students may protest that their rights are being taken away. Perry said it will be a challenge to develop a policy that covers all devices and all grades; when written and adopted, policy can be included in next year’s handbook as a supplement.
IX. ACTION/DISCUSSION
A. Revision of Board Policy 4033, Fifth Reading
Bray said she likes idea of guidelines rather than limits; Perry read email he received that supported per diem and mentioned the inconvenience of finding affordable eating places while attending out-of-District meetings and conferences; Schramm said key is to adhere to the language in the Education Code regarding travel; suggested combining bulleted items in Alternative/New Policy and placing remainder of text into a regulation. Perry said the focus of the policy is the law.
Public comment:
Susan Nine, Co-President, PGTA said she did not see travel expense reimbursement as a perceived problem to staff, that biggest problem is rank and file perception that there would not be accountability, at risk are issues of public disclosure, people should be made aware of an even-handed fair policy for all.
Board response:
Niccum responded there is a public review of District expenditures: included in the Board packets of the first Board meeting of every month are reports on Warrants, Revolving Cash and Cash Receipts. Schramm said the existing policy and regulations are inconsistent with the Ed. Code and making them consistent should be the focus; the Board President should be trusted to use signature authority correctly. Cameron said the Ed. Code clearly implies that there be some discretion.
No MOTION required as item presented for discussion only.
B. Real Property Appraisals
To Cameron’s question of why appraisal includes demolition of buildings, Perry said it frees up water credits that could be used in the development process, that there cannot be any mixed use of water credits which would occur if dwellings remained intact. Blakley said figures based on the hypothetical situations will not be realistic and will create false expectations of value, that good asset management advises against selling properties, and appraisals should be looking at leasing potential. Niccum said knowing appraised value of property is required for understanding the risk factors for possible joint ventures, that by knowing an assessment of values provides the Board with information about our options for negotiating, that water credits are calculated by the square foot. Perry noted that appraisal would address possible lease or sale of property.
Public Comment
Susan Nine¸ PGTA Co-President is concerned that no one knows about this matter; she understands that Sage Institute is doing consulting at a minimum rate with the understanding of receiving a percentage of future profits; she has serious concerns with spending so much money on appraisals, would like to see the decision made by a group of people who perceive the necessity of property appraisals; there’s a real potential in this community regarding environmental issues; thinks it’s too early in the process to be considering the sale of property; Board should listen to business manager.
Board response:
Bray noted that this topic has been discussed at a number of Board meetings and a full report was made at a regular Board meeting by the Sage Institute in January 2005. She further noted that the origin of the asset management plan came from the community during the 2002/03 budget reduction study session. Perry noted that Sage completed a limited contract for $6,500 addressing water credits and voter initiated land use restrictions. He also stated that future payment to Sage would be similar to that of the consultants who have helped our District pass the Measure A Bond and the Parcel Tax. Niccum acknowledged Nine’s concerns, assured her Board is not looking to sell properties but rather finding affordable housing for teachers and School District employees. After discussion about which sites to have appraised Blakley said that if the Board is going to move forward with the appraisals, they should also have the selected sites appraised with restrictions in place in order to get a clear picture of the full range of property value.
MOTION (Shammas/Bray) for Board to request Superintendent contract with Keith Tadler Appraisals to appraise the David Avenue and Lighthouse (current site of the Adult School) sites at a cost not to exceed $8500. Following Board discussion, MOTION was amended.
AMENDED MOTION (Shammas/Bray) for Board to request Superintendent contract with Keith Tadler Appraisals to appraise the David Avenue and Lighthouse (current site of the Adult School) sites at a cost not to exceed $6000.
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED in favor of approving contract 5 – 0.
C. Board Policy 9250, Remuneration, Reimbursement and Other Benefits
Shammas said that she has been attending several all-day negotiation meetings as well as her involvement with the Food Services Committee, and that this is the one opportunity to receive some reimbursement for her time. Bray said she would prefer to have her time recognized rather than reimbursed; during the seven years that she has served on the Board, Board members have saved the District over $100,000 by not accepting remuneration. Schramm said that rather than accept the money, which is a small amount compared to the time involved, he would rather see it donated to a District-related cause.
No MOTION required as item presented for discussion only; will be returned at May 5 Board meeting as Action/Discussion
Public comment: Susan Nine said she is aware of how much time the Board spends on School District matters and that the time spent is valued.
D. Forest Grove and Robert Down Minimum Days, K-5 Staff Development for Open Court,
Language Arts Program for the 2005-06 School Year.
Perry said the Open Court program is a very comprehensive program and that staff will need the additional days to develop strategies to implement the new program.
MOTION (Bray/Cameron) to approve minimum days on May 25 and 26 at Robert Down and Forest Grove for staff development.
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED 5 to 0
E. Approval of Waiver of 90 Day Termination Provision for Monterey Bay Charter School
Lease Agreement
Blakley said he received information this date that Monterey Bay Charter School is not moving, so no action is needed.
F. 2005/06 Budget Revenue, Expenditure Projections and Budget Assumptions
Blakley highlighted additions and changes to the budget, and said there are still refinements that will need to be considered. Shammas said the Food Committee will be bringing back some recommendations that will need money to implement. Perry said Brian Morton, Interim Principal at the High School, has received updated financial information regarding their WASC accreditation and that the budgeted amount for this item should be increased by $2400 for a total of $8056; the cost for accreditation at Community High School is $5687.
MOTION (Cameron/Niccum) to add $5,000 to offset the costs for the HS and CHS WASC accreditation.
Public comment:
Susan Nine, PGTA Co-President said she is glad to see a response to the counseling situation at the High School; she reminded the Board of her earlier request to reinstate custodial time into the budget at the elementary schools, that keeping the classrooms and restrooms clean continues to be major concern; she does not feel teachers should be responsible for cleaning; regarding the District Psychologist, she understands there is to be a reduction in time spent at Forest Grove and this is a big concern since the time the psychologist spends there now is not enough.
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0
(At 10:00 pm, there was a MOTION to continue the meeting to complete the agenda. Motion CARRIED 5 - 0)
G. 2004/05 Cafeteria Program Budget Revision #1
Blakley stated the Cafeteria Program operates as a separate fund by the District and that this is the first revision for fiscal 2004/05.
MOTION (Niccum/Cameron) to approve the budget revision as presented.
Public comment: None
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0
H. 2004/05 Retiree Benefit Fund Budget Revision #1
Blakley stated the Retiree Benefit Fund operates as a separate fund by the District and that this is the first revision for fiscal 2004/05.
MOTION (Cameron/Bray) to approve the budget revision as presented.
Public comment: None
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0
I. Resolution #757 – Certifying Parcel Tax Compliance with State Law
Blakley said that the county requires annual certification that the School District is in compliance with the state laws regarding the parcel tax.
MOTION (Cameron/Bray) to approve the resolution as presented
Public comment: None
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0
J. Board Calendar/Future Meetings
Schramm asked that a study session be scheduled to inform the Board on expulsions and that staff be invited to attend.
K. Future Agenda Items
Whiting-Casey said he would like to bring back the matter of an open High School campus.
X. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Middle School/High School Handbook Updates – 5/19
Wellness Policy, SB 2507
High School graduation requirements – May 5th
High School Counseling Program – May 19th
Elementary grade level reconfiguration
Algebra 1 Instructional Program – May 19th
Elementary subject instructional time – June 2nd
ELL Master Plan - Sept. 1st
Business Office Expense Assignments Process – May 5th
Study Session on expulsions
XI. MEETING ADJOURNED 10:17 pm
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