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 May 5, 2005
The Board of Education of the Pacific Grove Unified School District held a meeting on May 5, 2005 at Forest Grove Elementary School.
I. OPENED BUSINESS
A. Called to Order 6:00 p.m.
B. Roll Call Members Present: Richard Schramm
Mark Cameron
Mike Niccum
Jessie Bray
Beth Shammas
Administration Present: Patrick Perry
Administration Absent: Robin Blakley
Student Representative Present: Creston Whiting-Casey (arrived 6:45 pm)
C. Adoption of Agenda
Perry asked that an item be added to the Consent Agenda regarding a High School field trip as an unanticipated circumstance; copies distributed to Board; needs 2/3 vote to be added, meets criteria for Brown Act. Also asked that Action/Discussion Item G be moved to beginning of Action/Discussion.
MOTION (Bray/Shammas) to adopt agenda, moving Item G to beginning of Action/Discussion.
Public comment: None
Motion CARRIED 5-0 to adopt agenda
MOTION (Niccum/Cameron) to add Consent item regarding a High School field trip
Public comment: None
Motion CARRIED 5 - 0
D. Identify Closed Session Topics
Schramm acknowledged everyone’s interest at last week’s meeting; Board is taking under consideration all communications; reminded audience of 3-minute limit.
a. Public employee appointment/employment (Asst. Supt. Business Services)
b. Public employee release
c. Meeting with Chief Negotiator Patrick Perry Regarding PGTA and CSEA Negotiation
E. Public comment on Closed Session items
Christy Miller, has four children in PG schools, worked with Robin as Councilman with Pacific Grove, asked Board why they were letting Robin go if he is doing his job.
Walt Notley, Custodian at High School, appreciates efforts of Board members who volunteer so much of their time; believes there has been some miscommunication; wished there were more guidelines for communication between Board and staff; would like Board to consider keeping Robin, give him another year and try to work things out with Robin.
Richard Stillwell feels Patrick has made a mistake; everyone as gone through a lot with Robin in rebuilding the School District, “he pulled us out of the hole;” if asked to choose between Robin and Pat, he would chose Robin.
Patty Long, works at High School, said this means a lot to everyone as community members and professional educators; feels strongly about this issue; does not want to see the District divided, hopes they can come out of this knowing they were heard.
Terry Piotrkowski said this decision is not about anything but the principles of basic workplace fairness; look at what Robin has accomplished in the twelve years he’s been with the District; always explained the facts and choices, always told the truth; what more can we ask of our fiscal officer; asked the Board to give them truth, honor and fairness.
Christine Raybould, CSEA President, wanted to respond to the email sent by Linda Goulet; CSEA participated willingly in survey; that everyone reflected carefully over the questions and carefully considered responses; she read several questions and responses regarding lines of communication; ultimately asking the question, “Are you listening?” and, unless they know another reason, the perception is that the Superintendent wants to control outcomes.
Sydney Dacuyan, Middle School teacher, thanked everyone for being here, thanked the Board for keeping an open mind; in talking about change, dismissing Robin is a big change, not afraid of change, but in the eight years she’s been with the District there has been a lot of change, issue comes down to senseless change; why is Board still considering the change when the community has spoken otherwise.
John Miller thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak, thank them for serving on the Board; very proud to have lived in Pacific Grove for fifty years; does not understand what is happening here, when he thinks of Robin he thinks of integrity; has the opportunity in November to put his trust in new Board members; asked what will be this Board’s legacy; “Look us in the eye and tell us Robin has not done his job.”
Pat Godfrey Middle School teacher, cited two scenarios involving the integrity of Board members in previous employment situations, one with a positive outcome and the other with a negative outcome; he hopes the Board chooses wisely.
Susan Nine represents several groups: a long-term employee in the District, a 2nd grade teacher, Co-President of Pacific Grove Teachers Association, has been on the opposite side of the negotiating team from Robin; has children in Pacific Grove schools, loves this School District. Teachers have overwhelming support for keeping Robin as long as he wants to stay here; she’s had lots of experience to see his gauge of honesty, and competence; relieved to know that Robin is at the helm of our $20 million budget that is public funds for children; wants an honest person handling school funds.
Nicole Chupka, teacher at High School, attended last week’s Board meeting, struck by the breadth and depth of support for Robin; heard from diverse groups with one chorus, how could so many have the same opinion; how can we comprehend his removal as Assistant Superintendent.
(At this time, the Board President informed everyone that the specified twenty minutes for public comments had lapsed. The Board agreed to allow for an additional twenty minutes for public comment.)
Mike Osborn, teacher at Middle School, a few years ago his job was on the line, he understood the process and felt fortunate that he was retained; at last week’s Board meeting he learned about the hierarchy and tonight, as a community member he is speaking to the Board as their boss; asked that the Board carefully consider their decision and weigh the input of the community and the staff, as they are all untied in this matter.
Elena Diebolt, teacher at Community High School and Pacific Grove High School, has enjoyed hearing people’s stories, she’s learned much from hearing others stories; what is missing is the Board’s stories; she is looking forward to widening and deepening the communication between the Board and the District employees.
Sara Weber, parent and District employee, recently sent the Board an email, parents are not as well represented at meeting as staff; as a parent she is concerned that the Board whom she wants to trust is making the right decision for her kids; if Robin is let go, where is the balance of all opinions; Robin pulled the District out of hole a long time ago and she feels that losing him will be losing the balance.
Ellen Coulter, High School teacher, describes incident of recently falling down a mountain and injuring herself and said that if the Board does not keep Robin, the District will also tumble down a mountain.
Rod Herndon, Middle School Custodian, said that in looking at the process there’s room to recognize someone who has done a good job by honoring them with a multi-year contract; we must recognize that the budget drives the School District, and when someone has the knowledge and history that Robin does with this District, then looking at offering him a multi-year contract would put an end to all of this.
David Conneau, parent, spoke about why he lives in Pacific Grove, that parents sacrifice to give their children a good life; they pay a lot of money in property taxes; letting an honest man go who would not bend to break the rules that the Board wanted to change, looks like a wrongful termination; is the Board willing to put the community in jeopardy; outstanding people should be kept; don’t fire the good people.
Sandy Jordan, teacher at Middle School, lived here since 1965, has communicated with the Board through emails and in person, agrees with everything she’s heard; behind her is a whole community who won’t come to the mike, asked them to show their support for Robin by standing (most of audience stood up).
Jane Leatham, teacher at Forest Grove, spoke at last week’s meeting from written notes, now speaking from her heart, seen good times and bad as District employee, only a few more years until she retires, it worries her when there are no checks and balances, without Robin there won’t be that check and balance, someone will spend all the money, and others will have to go through another hard time; we’ve all worked with people we don’t like, much depends on trust, if we trust we will do more, mistrust affects everything, we feel we can trust Robin.
Barbara Keiley, parent, knows Board members well and Robin, too; his financial background is quite remarkable; as a parent she’s concerned that most people don’t know what is going on; in conversations with other parents and School District employees, all are asking why, what happened; mentioned difficulties in Monterey and Salinas school districts; all of Pacific Grove School District’s success is because of Robin; the long range health of the District is at stake, we trust Robin with our money.
(With Board having only ten minutes remaining for Closed Session, Schramm suggested Board would go to Closed Session to discuss Item (c), then return for Open Session, and convene to Closed Session following Regular Meeting to discuss Items (a) and (b). Following a consultation with legal counsel it was decided that Board could extend Closed Session to one hour, after which they would report on their action.)
F. Adjourn to Closed Session 7:00 p.m.
II. CLOSED SESSION
III. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION 8:10 p.m.
A. Report action taken in Closed Session
MOTION (Cameron/Niccum) to renew contract
a. Public employee appointment/employment (Asst. Supt. Business Services)
The contract required us to meet tonight to consider renewing the Assistant Superintendent’s contract.
The Board appreciates and respects the opinions expressed on behalf of the Assistant Superintendent.
With the expectation that the concerns identified in the evaluation will be addressed and remedied, the Board has voted to renew the Assistant Superintendent’s contract for the next school year.
Roll Call Vote :
Niccum yes
Cameron yes
Shammas yes
Bray yes
Rich yes
b. Public employee release
(No action taken)
c. Meeting with Chief Negotiator Patrick Perry Regarding PGTA and CSEA Negotiation
(Moved to end of meeting)
B. Pledge of Allegiance – pledge recited
IV. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Written Communication
Cameron written communications were all emails concerning Closed Session issue.
Schramm received fiscal report from California State Lottery, letter from Monterey County Office of Education Certification of Second Interim Report, invitation to judge the Senior Project, letter from Jeanne Anton, newsletter from Community Human Services about drug and alcohol program.
Perry received letter from Laura Paxton asking the individual to whom it was directed to respond.
B. Board Member Comments
Creston Whiting-Casey read a speech he had written, the essence of which was, “The one thing that the Board, Staff and community must do is destroy petty lines of division that have been created within itself, not just to get business moving again, but to commit to making PGUSD the best District in California, one that will reach towards students with a[n] open heart and give them an opportunity to change their lives and maybe one day the world.” (Copies of the speech are available at the Superintendent’s office.)
Cameron said the number of emails he has received over the past two weeks was a good indication what others were thinking; majority of comments were professional, a few were unprofessional and insulting to the Board; he responds better to positive professional comments, strongly encourages everyone to continue to provide input, but to keep it professional.
Shammas thanked Whiting-Casey for his timely words of wisdom, wants to be trusted to make fair decisions and to make them with the best interest at heart; this is her eighth year on the Board and she has always been serious about the value of every person in the District; it’s time to move forward and mend fences.
Bray recalled in the past when it was mentioned that there was to be a student member coming to the Board meetings and how grateful she is for that presence, that Whiting-Casey lifted the bar. She took friends and family to see “Chicago” and everyone enjoyed the performance; reminded audience that the Board is about a quality educational program, and we cannot let things impede us from moving forward.
Schramm appreciated everyone’s positive remarks Music Festival at the Middle School was incredible, David Hoffman, Denise Hedlund, and Gary Stotz are doing a fantastic job; our music program is a good example of what can happen when everyone works together; special kudos to Hedlund for revitalizing the vocal program, and to all those who support them.
C. Superintendent Report
Perry thanked Whiting-Casey for his powerful remarks, appreciates how he brings forward initiatives and concerns of the students.
D. Welcome by Bobbie Infelise, Interim Principal at Forest Grove
Ms. Infelise presented information about Forest Grove Elementary School. She concluded her presentation by acknowledging Lori Rae Andersen for being the first PGUSD employee to receive an award for all that she’s done as a CSEA representative.
V. INDIVIDUALS DESIRING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
Susan Nine thanked Bobbie Infelise for stepping in as Interim Principal at a difficult time when the new principal needed to be out on leave; she appreciated the even-handed way Bobbie treated everyone.
Kathy Buller, High School teacher, acknowledged the very successful High School Open House that was organized and presented by students.
VI. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of April 21, 2005 Board of Education Regular Meeting
(Bray read into the Minutes a correction that it was the entire Board who had saved the District over $100,000 since she’s been a member, not just she and Shammas)
B. Acceptance of Donations
C. Certificated Assignment Order #12
D. Classified Assignment Order #12
E. Warrant Schedule #442
F. Revolving Cash Report #8
G. Cash Receipts Report #8
H. 2005/06 Designation of CIF Representative to League
I. Approval of Contract for Non-Public Agency Services from Tucci Learning Solutions
J. Authorized Execution of Mandated Claim Service Contract with Centration
Added Item: Out of State or Overnight Activities
MOTION (Bray/Cameron) to approve Consent Agenda as corrected and with added item.
Public Comment: None
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0
VII. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION
A. Sub Committee Reports
Community Human Services – nothing to report
City/District – nothing to report
Negotiations – Bray said it is a busy time for negotiations. She met on May 2 and 3 with CSEA, meetings were positive and productive, meeting again on May 16 and 17. PGTA met April 29 and May 4, enjoys hearing the fresh and helpful viewpoints from the new members, meeting again on May 18 and 23.
ROP – Cameron reported that the ROP Board approved the new course on Business Communications, funding is secure for next year.
Library – nothing to report
Food Services – Shammas said the committee is finalizing their recommendations which they will present to the Board on May 19. Student representative, Brianna Green said she appreciated the opportunity to work on the committee, that it was a good experience and she hopes to participate further. Schramm expressed thanks to District employees Diane Hobson and Nancy Laiolo who served on the committee on their own time. Public Comment – Diane Hobson thanked the Board for their interest and participation in the nutritional needs of the students.
B. Assignments of Expenses to Specific Program Accounts
Perry explained the procedure of assigning account codes and processing special allocations.
Item presented for information only, no action required.
VIII. ACTION/DISCUSSION
G. Request to Attend Authorization – Todd Bliss
(Noting a conflict of interest, Schramm asked Cameron to preside over this item.)
Todd Bliss, High School Biology teacher, said that Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute approached him with an offer to participate on research project they are conducting in the South Pacific. His role will be to funnel information from those researching the deep sea vents onto websites so that students in Pacific Grove, Monterey, and Carmel will be able to follow along; he is excited to be working with some of the world’s most renown scientists using cutting edge technology. He will write student exams before he leaves and will return the day before final exams are to begin; already discussed curriculum with substitute teacher. Shammas noted year of project was missing from documentation and asked that it be added.
MOTION (Shammas/Bray) to allocate funds for substitute teacher while Bliss is on special assignment.
Public Comment: None
Motion CARRIED 4 – 0, 1 abstention
A. 2005/06 Budget Revenue, Expenditure Projections and Budget Assumptions
Perry reviewed budget assumptions listed on page 12-B; Simidian Bill is moving forward, information indicates possible increase in State’s revenue, 2% proposed district increase in STRS may be removed in the upcoming budget revision. Shammas noted that Food Services budget will need to be increased, wants to recognize that Food Services Committee will need additional funds to carry out its recommendations.
No MOTION required as item presented for discussion only.
B. Resolution No. 758 November 8, 2005 School Election
Perry said item is being presented for Board signature and forwarded the County Office of Elections; all costs to be paid for by District.
MOTION (Niccum/Shammas ) to approve Resolution No. 758.
Public Comment - None
Board Comment
Schramm said District did not pick up costs when he ran for the Board; Bray commented that she didn’t like the idea of a candidate not caring enough to pay for their own 200-word statement; Shammas said it seems like a conflict of interest to have a public organization pay for eight candidates; Niccum said having the District pay encourages participation; Schramm said he thinks it’s a good idea to pick up the cost; Cameron more concerned with conflict of not wanting to pay, not wanting to discourage others.
Motion CARRIED 3 - 2 to sign Resolution No. 758 as presented.
C. Resolution No. 759 Proclaiming “Classified School Employee Week”
Following discussion it was agreed that the Resolution would be framed and presented to a representative of the District’s Classified Staff at the May 19 Board meeting.
MOTION (Cameron/Bray)
Public Comment - None
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0 to frame resolution and present at next Board meeting.
D. Resolution No. 760 Proclaiming “California Day of the Teacher”
Following discussion it was agreed that the Resolution would be framed and presented to a representative of the District’s Teachers at the May 19 Board meeting.
MOTION (Cameron/Bray)
Public Comment - None
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0 to frame resolution and present at next Board meeting.
E. Resolution No 761 Proclaiming “Adult School Day”
Following discussion it was agreed that the Resolution would be framed and presented to a representative of the District’s Adult School at the May 19 Board meeting.
MOTION (Cameron/Bray)
Public Comment - None
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0 to frame resolution and present at next Board meeting.
F. Resolution No 762 Proclaiming “Day of the School Administrator”
Following discussion it was agreed that the Resolution would be framed and presented to a representative of the District’s Administrators at the May 19 Board meeting.
MOTION (Cameron/Bray)
Public Comment - None
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0 to frame resolution and present at next Board meeting.
H. Resolution #763, Reduction of Classified School Services
Perry noted that the effective date on page 19-B – should read June 24th; he thanked Christine Raybould for her hard work and dedication to making the pilot program work and that next year the two counselor model will be reinstated, eliminating the 1.5 Guidance Technician.
MOTION (Cameron/Bray) to approve the resolution as presented.
Public Comment
Christine Raybould told the Board that this has been a very tough year for her trying to fill the role of secretary and Guidance Technician, that initiating the program on such short notice hindered it from ever succeeding; she feels it is unfair it to dismantle the program but she understands the reason. Shammas agreed with Raybould, that the Board never discussed preparing the High School students for the new arrangement; she hopes Raybould can offer recommendations for future planning, that she doesn’t want to do something for one group of students at the expense of another. Schramm acknowledged that in actuality the so-called student minority might actually be the majority; he does not feel the counselor/guidance technician model was properly planned, that it’s something the Board will re-examine at its self-evaluation. Perry said added difficulties were the result of the timeline difference and having both High School administrators leave; he commended everyone who helped.
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0
I. Board Policy 9250, Remuneration, Reimbursement and Other Benefits
Perry stated that the policy can be passed and implemented for one or more Board members, that it does not need to apply to everyone.
MOTION (Shammas/Niccum) to approve the policy as presented.
Public Comment - none
Motion DEFEATED 0 –5
MOTION (Shammas/Niccum) to approve the allocation of $240 per month from the General Fund for the purpose of implementing Policy 9250 if requested, effective July 1, 2005.
Motion CARRIED 4 – 1
Board members are to notify Perry if they want to participate.
J. High School Graduation Requirements
Perry explained that the topic of graduation requirements originated from a recommendation from the Essential Programs Report; two questions on the floor: 1) Is there a need for additional classes or graduation requirements, and if so, 2) how to assign them – add credits above 230 or reduce elective requirements. Cameron wants to raise graduation requirements to be in alignment with UC/CSU; does not like idea of students getting out early; realizes that increasing math requirements could impact drop-out rate. Shammas is not in favor of increasing graduation requirements to keep students on campus, time can be used to gain work experience through a vocational/educational program. Schramm wants to see more academic opportunity, develop programs that would offer a variety of classes; aware that many students looking for employment do not possess adequate math skills to succeed in the workplace. Niccum open to idea of increasing unit total rather than in specific areas; would like to see requirements of surrounding districts. Perry suggested in the future have a discussion of what a graduate should “look like,” then study the course curriculum as well as considering ESLRs.
Public Comment
Tom Wortham, High School teacher, provided information to Board’s inquiries by stating that upcoming WASC should provide answers of expected outcomes for students; ROP is looking at how they can help; many students are getting work credit through the Community Hospitality course; one proposition is to have every student and parent meet with either a counselor or homeroom teacher to review that student’s program for relevancy; IEP is most intense program that supports providing the skills students need to succeed in life after school. As PTA representative, Wortham said parents’ group would like to propose 20 – 30 educational hours (credits) identified as undesignated and six required classes everyday; the high school already offers an array of classes that are team-taught. Christine Raybould, Guidance Technician, said that while her initial thought was to add additional credits, she now understands how that would add stress to the already high achieving students and that it would not be productive to set the bar so high that everyone would not be able to graduate; math and science achievement is low all across the country, cautioned against raising math requirements; suggestion for keeping students on campus longer would be to have them start classes later in the morning; increasing graduation requirement by 20 – 30 credits is a lot of teaching time, students are already struggling to find courses to take, seriously consider semester courses. Debi Page said not to look at students getting out at noon as a bad thing; as a high school student, getting out early gave her a head start at MPC, early release has allowed her sons to participate in sports; encouraged Board to look at the High School’s Course Bulletin – her son is trying to find another elective and none of the courses in the bulletin that interest him are being offered.
(At 10:00 pm, MOTION (Niccum/Cameron) to continue meeting to 10:30 pm. Motion CARRIED 5 – 0)
K. Board Calendar/Future Meetings
(There was no discussion of this item.)
L. Future Agenda Items
Substitute Teacher Pay Scale
IX. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Middle School/High School Handbook Updates
Wellness Policy, SB2507
High School Counseling Program
Elementary grade level reconfiguration
Algebra 1 Instructional Program – May 19th
Elementary subject instructional time – June 2nd
ELL Master Plan – Sept. 1st
Master Schedule Update – May 19th
X. CONVENED TO CLOSED SESSION 10:20 p.m.
c. Meeting with Chief Negotiator Patrick Perry Regarding PGTA and CSEA Negotiation
XI. RECONVENED TO OPEN SESSION 10:28 p.m.
Report action taken in closed session
c. Meeting with Chief Negotiator Patrick Perry Regarding PGTA and CSEA Negotiation
No action taken
XII ADJOURNMENT 10:30 p.m.
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