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 February 2, 2006
The Board of Education of the Pacific Grove Unified School District held a meeting on February 2, 2006 at the Pacific Grove High School.
I. OPENED BUSINESS
A. Called to Order 6:30 p.m.
B. Roll Call Members Present: Richard Schramm
Bill Phillips
Mike Niccum
Jessie Bray
Beth Shammas
Administration Present: Patrick Perry
Robin Blakley
Student Board Member Present: Creston Whiting-Casey
C. Adoption of Agenda
Perry gave Board members replacements of pages 4A, 7 and 8 to their agenda packets.
MOTION (Schramm/Niccum) to adopt corrected agenda.
No public comment
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0.
D. Identify Closed Session Topics
a. Review of Student #9043 for possible readmission to PGUSD
b. Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent Goals (TPO Report)
c. Meeting with Chief Negotiator Patrick Perry regarding PGTA and CSEA negotiations
d. Meeting with Chief Negotiator Patrick Perry regarding Confidential employees negotiations
E. Public comment on Closed Session items
No public comment
F. Adjourned to Closed Session 6:33 p.m.
II. CLOSED SESSION
III. RECONVENED IN OPEN SESSION 7:04 p.m.
Report action taken in closed session
a. Review of Student #9043 for possible readmission to PGUSD
The Board agreed to readmit Student #9043 under certain conditions by a 5 – 0 vote.
b. Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent Goals (TPO Report)
No action taken
c. Meeting with Chief Negotiator Patrick Perry regarding PGTA and CSEA negotiations
No action taken
d. Meeting with Chief Negotiator Patrick Perry regarding Confidential employees negotiations
No action taken
IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE pledge recited
V. PRESENTATION TO MARK CAMERON
Shammas presented Cameron with a plaque honoring his dedication as a Board member.
VI. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Written Communication
Bray said she received information regarding evaluation training to take place March 2nd and suggested the Board may want to send a representative. Bray read the following letter from Jeanie Anton, Middle School teacher:
“At the Scott Purdy workshop in August, Mr. Purdy made a suggestion that teachers at different grade levels pair up for student projects. It seemed like a great idea and I asked Jeanie DeTomaso to join me, pairing her second graders with my 7th grade advanced English students. Our first project involved making books. Jeanie had her second graders write a story, and they were sent to me. We went into the computer lab and used them as the general outline to write a more “sophisticated” story. Students worked in groups of two or three, since Jeanie has a small class. Once the stories were typed and edited, my students found graphics to enhance the pages. They wrote a dedication page, and even wrote a page describing the 2nd grade author. We then bound them into small booklets, and one day we walked over to Forest Grove School. The 7th graders read their stories aloud to a captive 2nd grade audience, and then we presented them with their books. Our second project resulted in the puppet show. Jeanie’s students each wrote a paragraph describing a character …. “Bob the Monkey” and “Seth the Alien” were among the 17 characters that we received, along with drawings of each. I divided characters into six groups. My students, in groups of 4 and 5, then used the characters to write a story and create the paper bag puppets. Once the puppets were made and the stories perfected, we began practicing, using the wonderful puppet stage that was built by Mr. Iginacio Bongioanni, a middle and high school parent. We realized that we needed a microphone, so I borrowed one from Alex Schramm (son of Rich). We began daily practices, even at noontime, in order to be ready for “Showtime” on January 27. Yesterday we had a dress rehearsal so that some of their friends and parents could come. As you could see, more parents came today. All of the props, puppets, costumes, backdrops, sound effects, etc., were student–creations, I really did nothing except “manage” the six groups, giving them fabric, paper, lots of gluesticks, a little direction and coaching … but for the most part, the students did it all. I am so proud of them.”
B. Board Member Comments
Schramm said that he enjoyed his visit to the Washington Union School District K–3 and 4–5 elementary schools.
C. Superintendent Report
Perry said he attended a Conference on Food Services at Ft. Ord and learned a great deal.
VII. Individuals Desiring To Address The Board
Linda Jones, representing PG Pride, thanked everyone who participated in the very successful Taste of Pacific Grove.
Mark Cameron said that he is willing to serve from time to time on a Board subcommittee that could benefit from his knowledge.
VIII. High School Visitation
A. Stan Dodd thanked the Board for giving him the opportunity to work here, Robin Blakley for his wise counsel and Patrick Perry for being a task master and keeping him on his toes. Pride Place is nearly finished and he thanked everyone who worked on pulling the projects together.
Todd Buller – passed out an information sheet about the Breaker Athletic Program, which underscored the fact that more PGHS students are playing sports now than in the past 16 years. The enthusiasm is great – when students wanted to play Lacrosse, and funds were not available, they raised the money themselves for the new league. Coaching staff is just as dedicated and he hopes to secure more money for more sports. Well over 75% of students are involved in extra–curricular activities, and must be academically eligible to participate.
Carolyn Boggan, Breakers Club President, said this year the club has undertaken the challenge of raising $20,000 for the High School athletics program. Home games have helped with reaching this goal. They will have money for next year.
Michelle Maloney, PTA President, said they have an annual budget of $15,000 – $16,000, most of which comes from parents, the Butterfly Bazaar, Albertson’s Community Cards. PTA has paid for Freshman Orientation BBQ, snacks during tests, the Teacher Appreciation Lunch, the Graduation Reception, three scholarships, Honor Roll Bagel Break, the High Five Club and purchasing a yearbook or tickets to the Prom for those students who otherwise would not be able to participate. They also bought a lap top for a teacher and have provided other instructional supplies as needed. Their most recent big project was refurbishing the lockers and they are very proud of the result.
Dodd added that Washington Mutual recently donated $1100 to the PTA, money they collected from customers who have designated Pacific Grove High School through a donation program.
B. SIP Update, 2005–06
Dodd reviewed the five major goal components in the 2003 – 2006 action plan the progress to date in reaching the goals (copies of the hand out are available in the District Office)
Shammas asked if Community High School students were included in the data for the exit exam; Dodd said no, they are not included and one of his goals is to create more interaction between the High School and Community High School
Schramm said he appreciated the hard work and dedication of the PTA and said they should not be paying for instructional supplies, that the Board is working on a solution for purchasing supplies at all the school sites.
IX. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Warrant Schedule No. 449
B. Revolving Cash Report No. 6
C. Cash Receipts Report No. 6
D. Certificated Assignment Order #9
E. Classified Assignment Order #9
F. Clerk II DP – Additional hour – Temporary Increase
G. Adoption of Language Arts Textbooks Grades 6 – 8
H. Adoption of Health Occupations Textbook
I. Acceptance of Donations
J. Peer Assistance Review (PAR) Budget
K. Resolution #773 CSBA Cash Reserve Program
L. Approval of Temporary Forest Grove Bus Stop Supervision
M. Approval of Contract for Services – Julia Winslow
Phillips asked to pull item M
MOTION (Schramm/Bray) to approve Consent Agenda items A through L.
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0
Item M
Phillips said he wanted to give recognition to the wonderful job Ms. Winslow has done with the After School Enrichment Program.
MOTION (Phillips/Niccum) to approve Item M.
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0
X. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION
A. Sub Committee Reports
Community Human Services
Perry said he will be giving Board members the CHS meeting minutes in his weekly update. Bids for construction projects still coming in too high.
City/District
Niccum attended recent City Council meeting to support the City continuing to provide municipal services for school–related events without charging a fee. There will be no fees charged this year
Bray said this is a good time for the School District and the City to get together and discuss common interests and develop future collaborations.
Following discussion, the Board requested that the Superintendent to contact the Mayor and City Manager to set up a meeting with the subcommittee.
Negotiations
Bray said there was a PGTA negotiations meeting on Tuesday and she is optimistic.
Perry said the CSEA contract was ratified 46 – 0; he praised the interest–based process.
ROP – nothing to report
Wellness Committee
Shammas said the committee is meeting the following Monday and the policy and regulations are near completion.
B. High School Open Campus Update
Dodd commended the Mock Trial Team for advancing towards the championship, and the students who have worked on making open campus a reality. He reviewed the progress of the open campus proposal since it was last presented: Board’s concerns were expressed to the ASB and parents were contacted for their feedback. He introduced student speakers.
Whiting–Casey reviewed the survey results and said he is pleased with the responses. Removing the 3.0 GPA requirement would eliminate stickers on ASB cards; no one who has been suspended or ditched is eligible, ASB officers have agreed that if open campus is approved, they will go off campus at lunchtime to set the example. With lunch period being only 40 minutes, freshmen and sophomores not driving and the new driving restrictions regarding carrying passenger, there would not be cars packed with students leaving the campus. It is important that parents buy into the project. The desirability of going off campus is to go home to eat lunch or pick up stuff.
Issac Rubin cited the improvements to high school life by having open campus – shorter lines, students are as safe as off campus as on, local businesses are supportive, the only merchant who had concerns was Washington Mutual who did not want students loitering outside their business. The punishment for violating open campus rules would be detention and it would be strictly enforced.
Daphne Arena, ASB Secretary, stated that because many parents expressed concern over truancy, it was agreed that one truancy would revoke the off campus privilege for that student; she would like open campus to go into effect on a trial basis so that students can have the chance to demonstrate their maturity; fewer teachers needed to monitor during lunch period because there would be fewer students; lunchtime clubs are not popular, having opportunity to go off campus at lunchtime is more productive use of student time.
James Laughlin, regarding the concern of fast driving, there is the plan to notify the Police Department to patrol the area, drivers already leaving early, many parents like having their children confined to campus all day; requiring permission slips would assist in getting parents’ cooperation; the lunch period is too short to get into trouble; benefits of being able to go off campus are to go home, get food as you please, have a sense of freedom. The ASB leadership has worked hard to develop a viable response to all concerns, the issue is a popular cause that all students are united behind; students want an environment of trust; with the WASC study coming soon, open campus would demonstrate trust towards students and the good relationship with teachers and administrators.
Shammas commended the students speakers on the good job they have done in organizing the open campus project.
Phillips said enforcement issues are a concern; he would have a hard time letting a 14 year old freshman go off campus; what about older students leaving in cars and getting into an accident that resulted in injuries–who would be liable? Open campus would make it harder for administrators to run campus.
Schramm said he feels the 3.0 should remain as an incentive; asked about high school students trespassing on other campuses within the District.
Whiting–Casey said ASB leadership is willing to negotiate on all points, that a trial basis would be the best opportunity for students to prove they are trustworthy and mature.
Bray said she can see the positives and negatives on both sides and that she is willing to defer to those who have children in school right now, that they would have a more relevant view than she.
Shammas said she agrees that the campus is uncomfortable and that when the previous Board closed the campus for safety reasons, there was the intention to make it more comfortable and they did not, which is regrettable to her. Her major concern is that by removing a certain amount of the student body from such a small campus during lunch would create a “ghost town.” She said the Board owes the students an apology for the previous Board not following through with their commitment.
Laughlin said he did not think all the students would leave, thus destroying the sense of community, what creates the sense of community and making best friends at PGHS are the after school extra–curricular activities and those would not be jeopardized by the open campus.
Schramm said that if the 3.0 is not used as a criteria, then maybe something similar to what is used for sports eligibility.
Arena said the campus is already a ghost town on Wednesdays and Friday.
Rubin said that not everyone would leave the campus everyday as eating out all the time would get rather pricey.
Todd Buller said there would be different challenges, perhaps freshmen are too young to participate, administration wants to show the kids they trust them, as a Board and staff they need to show the trust; a community is not made at lunchtime, those relationships are started in the extra–curricular activities; 3.0 should be changed because there are many students who work hard and will never achieve a 3.0; car accidents should not be an issue, new driving and age restrictions will take care of that.
Dodd said his previous school had open campus and while there were some issues, they were not significant enough to close the campus; with his new set of eyes at PGHS he has observed that the kids are kind, polite, and well-mannered. In his six months as their principal, they have earned his trust and they are worthy of the Board’s trust.
Linda Williams, speaking as last year’s STAR-test coordinator, reminded the Board of the collective effort of the students to perform well on STAR tests as an incentive to have an open campus; that Creston succeeded in uniting the Student Body behind that goal and now these same students are the ones who are requesting the policy; she supports a trial period.
Julia Winslow would permit her daughter to go off campus now that she is a sophomore, but would not allow her to go off campus as a freshman; thinks STAR should remain as an incentive, with alternating open campus days; does not like using the 3.0 GPA as a criterion because there are different student achievement levels and everyone should have the opportunity to participate.
Robert Kershner praised the students for putting forth a good presentation; life on the high school campus is a microcosm of what happens in the world, he believes the open campus is going to happen and wants to see it set up so it is successful; let those who can set the example go first, do it in steps and stages.
Schramm wants to exclude freshmen.
Niccum said the liability issue should be addressed first.
Bray said it was important that the students not see the liability issues as a lack of trust in them.
Shammas asked Perry to get a legal opinion first from the District attorney before the Board asks the ASB to structure a response.
C. Facilities Improvement Plan – Implementation Update
The Board discussed those items on the plan; no action required.
D. 2006/07 Transportation Fee
Following discussion regarding increasing student ridership on the school buses for student safety, as well as a family discount for two or more children, it was agreed that having their children ride the bus should be promoted to parents from both the cost savings and safety factors. It was suggested to look at increased District contributions to fund athletic transportation for the 2006–07 school year.
Item will be presented at February 16 Regular Board meeting as Action/Discussion.
XI. ACTION/DISCUSSION
A. Real Estate Appraisal Report, David Avenue and Lighthouse Schools
Item moved to February 16 meeting.
B. Approval of Resolution #774 – Placing Bond Issue on June 6, 2006 Election
Following Board discussion, the Board asked for language changes to include options of installing and/or replacing certain structures.
No action taken; item will be on agenda for February 16 meeting.
(At 9:50 p.m., MOTION (Bray/Niccum) to extend the meeting to no later than 10:30 p.m.)
C. 2006–07 Budget Assumptions
Following Board discussion, Shammas closed the discussion.
No action taken; item will be on future agenda for further discussion.
D. Board Calendar/Future Meetings
No meetings were added to the Board calendar.
E. Future Agenda Items
Substitute Teacher Compensation
Athletic Transportation
XII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
New Board Policy on Instructional Minutes
Safety Plan Allocation
Information/Technology Ten Year Update
February 2006
CSEA negotiations approval
Food Services Update
Staffing recommendations
Pacific Grove Unified School District Library Improvement Plan, 2005–06
XIII. ADJOURNMENT 10:30 p.m.
minutes/0506/020206min.html