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 16, 2006
The Board of Education of the Pacific Grove Unified School District held a meeting on February 16, 2006 at the Pacific Grove Middle School.
I. OPENED BUSINESS
A. Called to Order 6:15 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. Adopted Agenda
Perry asked that Action/Discussion Items B. and I. be pulled from the agenda
MOTION (Phillips/Niccum) to adopt agenda as modified.
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED 5-0 to adopt agenda
D. Identified Closed Session Topics
a. Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent Goals (TPO Report)
b. Meeting with Chief Negotiator Patrick Perry regarding PGTA and CSEA negotiations
c. Meeting with Chief Negotiator Patrick Perry regarding Confidential employees negotiations
E. Public comment on Closed Session items – none
F. Adjourned to Closed Session 6:18 p.m.
II. CLOSED SESSION
III. RECONVENED IN OPEN SESSION 7:05 p.m.
Reported action taken in Closed Session
a. Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent Goals (TPO Report)
No action taken
b. Meeting with Chief Negotiator Patrick Perry regarding PGTA and CSEA negotiations
No action taken
c. Meeting with Chief Negotiator Patrick Perry regarding Confidential employees negotiations
No action taken
IV. . PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE pledge recited
Shammas asked that a moment of silence be observed for the passing of Richard Chamberlin.
V. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Written Communication
There were not written communications to report.
B. Board Member Comments
Whiting Casey praised classmates for winning the County Mock Trial competition and now going to the State competition in Southern California; 25 students have their photographic art on display at the Monterey Museum of Art, both girls and boys basketball teams have qualified for playoffs, Pride Place is nearly complete, and Mr. Dodd has informed the student body about the Memorial for Mr. Chamberlin.
Phillips, shared a story about Mr. Chamberlin.
Schramm commented on a recent well–written article in the Pacific Grove Hometown Bulletin’s High School page about the open campus proposal written by Whiting–Casey; his family recently received the Parents Guide to Emergency Procedures and found it to be a worthwhile booklet to have in every household.
Bray spoke of the recent passing of Ruth Young, a teacher whom Bray replaced at Lighthouse School. She acknowledged Mr. Chamberlin as the “genius” who was able to work out the Teachers Salary Schedule, that he was a man ahead of his time.
Shammas said she appreciated the nice articles in The Herald and Californian about Mr. Chamberlin.
C. Superintendent Report
Perry said there has been the suggestion to name the track after Mr. Chamberlin and that Todd Buller is coordinating the effort. Perry has contacted the City regarding a City/District meeting and asked Bray and Niccum about their availability to meet with the City; he is making progress with contacting food vendors, and all are interested in working with PGUSD.
Blakley said the fences are being moved on Wednesday so students can begin to access the concrete area of the new amphitheater.
VI. INDIVIDUALS DESIRING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
Lori Rae Andersen spoke of her son having Mr. Chamberlin as a coach and that many young men have lost a good role model.
VII. PUBLIC HEARING
Monterey Bay Charter School Petition
David Hill, Principal, discussed the success of teaching and learning using the Waldorf Educational Method at the Charter School. He would like Monterey Bay Charter School to partner with PGUSD in a more serious fashion. The Charter School must close their doors if they cannot find a local sponsor. He asked the Board to consider the impact of having several dozen students return to the District.
Ms. Lohman, 5th grade teacher, gave highlights of the educational program, how students are highly motivated; she provided a hands–on demonstration of teaching math to the lower grades, and had a preview book of classroom activities to show the Board.
Julie Garland Office Manager, spoke of the positive and nurturing environment for staff and students.
VIII. PRESENTATION
A. Pacific Grove Middle School and SIP Update
Matt Bell, Principal, spoke of his efforts to change the perception of the Middle School to a more positive environment through maintaining the many successful programs that are already in place, bringing about a more cohesive staff, and creating a positive climate similar to what occurs at the High School, especially having a stronger parent involvement. He wants to instill in students a sense of personal pride and responsibility, telling them it is their job to learn to be good students in dress and attitude.
Terri Schaeffer Site Council member spoke about getting funding for study hall and math labs, creating the mandatory lunch study hall, AVID tutoring, and after school activities.
Patty O’Dell, PTA President, spoke about the PTA’s efforts with the Promotion Dance, Conduct Clubs, lunch clubs, and special projects, that with such a long lunch hour the clubs provide something for the students to do. She questioned why PTA pays for outside counseling for some students.
Mary Riedel, Assistant Principal spoke about the mock drill scheduled for May 24th 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon that will have the Fire Department, Red Cross and Police Department all present. Safety committee meets monthly, there are several mock surprise drills, she and Bell are trying to be as visible as possible on campus during lunch to provide safety for the students; fewer tardies and suspensions this year; Honor Society has a 78% participation, 25% in conduct club, lunch clubs are very popular, Bell is providing good visibility through PG Hometown Bulletin, emails to parents, and his monthly bulletin.
IX. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of January 19, 2006 Board of Education Regular Meeting
B. Certificated Assignment Order #10
C. Classified Assignment Order #10
D. 2005–06 Special Reserve –– Capital Projects Fund (40) – Budget Revision #1
E. Acceptance of Quarterly Treasury Report
F. Approval of Revision 1 to Middle School Plan 2005/06 and Related Budget
G. Approval of Contract for Services – Marylee Sunseri
H. Contract for Consultation with Central Coast Language and Learning Center
I. Contract for Consultation with Behavioral Consultants International
J. Speech Therapy Services
K. Contract for Consultation with Jennifer Evans, MA, MS, Developmental Specialist
Good Samaritan Hospital
L. Contract for Consultation with Mary Gwaltney, Educational Psychologist
M. Contract for Consultation with Jodi Huber, M.A., OTR/L
Shammas said the Board Minutes should reflect Board’s reporting out for Closed Session following adjournment of regular meeting rather than in Section III–Reconvened in Open Session; Perry corrected “length of employment” on Page 3–B: should be 180 days, not 10 months; and the Minutes should state that Board member Niccum requested Substitute Teacher Compensation as a future agenda item, not Phillips.
MOTION (Schramm/Niccum) to approved Consent Agenda with edits.
Public Comment: none
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0.
X. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION
A. Sub Committee Reports
Community Human Services
nothing to report
City/District
waiting to hear back about meeting dates
Negotiations
no new meetings scheduled
ROP
nothing to report
Wellness Committee
Shammas thanked Angela Holm for all her help; draft policy and regulations have been submitted to the Superintendent; if there are no changes then the documents will be sent to the Management Team for review and then back to the Board, possibly on March 16.
B. (New) Board Policy 6112 Instructional Minutes First Reading
Perry said the document presented at this time is based on the State frameworks and the Educational Code guidelines, that no schools have policies or regulations; what is available is by year and grade level, but not by subject. Teachers are concerned that there is not enough time in a school day to teach everything being required.
Schramm was concerned about wording in policy, wanting to avoid having the minimum then becoming the maximum.
Bray said she is pleased to see this come forward, wants policy to become supportive of why teachers are teachers; it’s a good start, regulations must be usable, perhaps extend the day without extending the teacher work day by looking at flexible scheduling.
Phillips suggested getting staff involved early in the discussion.
Whiting–Casey thinks that a flex time schedule is a good thing since not everyone is ready to learn early in the morning.
Public comment:
Robert Kershner said the Robert Down Site Council has been discussing the idea of flex times, that it’s hard to develop a sense of family among the students with so many pull-outs.
Linda Williams said leadership, PTA and Site Council are going to meet and discuss this issues as guidelines are very much needed.
Shammas said the missing part in the policy is why we are establishing minimums for elementary students; shouldn’t the goal be to teach each student to become proficient in reading, writing, and math?
Schramm asked that science be included in the discussion as it is critical to capture their interest and develop their proficiency early in elementary school.
The Board directed the Superintendent to gather more information related to instructional minutes, to discuss the subject with staff and to report back to the Board.
XI. ACTION/DISCUSSION
A. Approval of CSEA Contract Compensation Proposal for 2005–06
Perry acknowledged Lori Rae Andersen and Jan Lippert for their efforts in the process of accomplishing improved communication, collaboration is reflected in joint interests, that through the interest–based process, negotiations proceeded successfully. .
MOTION (Bray/Niccum) to approve compensation adjustment retroactive to July 1, 2005 and changes in CSEA contract language to begin February 16, 2006.
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0.
B. Monterey Bay Charter School Petition, Resolution #775
(ITEM PULLED AND MOVED TO FUTURE AGENDA)
C. Approval of Extension to Monterey Bay Charter Lease
MOTION (Schramm/Bray) to authorize the extension of the Monterey Bay Charter School lease agreement on a month to month basis with all other existing provisions remaining as currently written except for the termination provision which shall be changed from 90 days to 30 days and exercised at District discretion at any time.
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0.
D. 2006/07 Budget Revenue, Expenditure Projections and Budget Assumptions
The Board discussed budget assumptions and provided suggestions for modification as appropriate in order to prepare a revised budget for further review and adoption at the June 15, 2006 Board meeting, in accordance with the adopted calendar.
Niccum said the rising rate of property tax revenue could flatten out in the future due to the effect of higher interest rates on local property values. Rather than assume a higher estimate for property tax revenue in the budget, he suggested that budget items exceeding the proposed budget revenue be prioritized and provided a contingent budget allocation with the understanding funds would be formally allocated when the actual property tax revenue is known in August.
Bray noted that the District is subsidizing several programs, including several Special Education programs.
Perry asked about the expiration date on the grant for the synthetic track at the High School and Blakley said that submitting a periodic report saying we are still trying to come up with the matching funds is keeping the grant open, that the project could be funded through the bond issue.
Schramm said start up money for the Career Center should remain as operating costs.
Phillips said he would like the additional funds tied to static items.
No action required.
E. Approval of Resolution #774 – Placing Bond Issue on June 6, 2006 Election
Blakley informed the Board that signing Resolution #774 would allow a June 2006 bond issue to proceed.
MOTION (Schramm/Niccum) to approve resolution with corrections.
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0
At 9:52 p.m., MOTION (Bray/Shammas) to extend the meeting no later than 10:30 p.m.
F. Real Estate Appraisal Report, David Avenue and Lighthouse Schools
Perry said he is waiting to hear back from the Pebble Beach Corporation regarding clearing deed restrictions on the Lighthouse School property.
Niccum suggested an affordable housing project might satisfy a need for District employees. There may be other more important issues in determining the best use of District property than maximizing revenue.
Bray said she would like to see a shared housing project between the City and the District; that laying out timelines would be helpful in understanding next steps.
Schramm agreed with Bray, that the Board should consider removing deed restrictions; he does not want the District to do anything that would create ill will within the community.
MOTION (Bray/Schramm) to accept the appraisal report.
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0.
G. 2006/07 Transportation Fee
(Phillips decided to refrain from participating in the discussion of this item due to a possible conflict of interest.)
Board discussed the best methods for promoting the pilot program for the 2006/07 school year so that families reap the benefits of safe transportation for their children at an affordable cost, that the success of the program depends on persuading parents to participate.
MOTION (Bray/Schramm) to approve pilot transportation fee reduction for the 2006/07 school year.
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED 4 – 0, 1 abstaining
H. District Food Service Program – Consultant Services
Perry said he is developing a proposal to Board on food services that will give them information to assist them in their decision regarding the food services program for the 2006/07 school year.
MOTION (Niccum/Bray) to employ FCMAT to complete a review of the District Food Services Program and allocate $4,000 for their services.
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0
I. Teacher Education Fieldwork and Student Teaching Agreement
ITEM PULLED
J. Board Calendar/Future Meetings
No new meetings were added to the Board calendar.
K. Future Agenda Items
Substitute teacher pay
Open Campus
Discussion of Board report format
XII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Safety Plan Allocation
PGUSD Website 10–Year Anniversary
PGUSD Library Improvement Plan
Staffing and Enrollment Projections, 2006–07
X1II. ADJOURNED 10:20 p.m.
minutes/0506/021606min.html