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.

Minutes of the Meeting of September 1, 2005

The Board of Education of the Pacific Grove Unified School District held a meeting on Thursday, September 1, 2005 at Pacific Grove High 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
Robin Blakley (arrived 6:55 p.m.)

Student Board Member Present: Creston Whiting-Casey (arrived 6:55 pm)

C. Adopted of Agenda

Schramm asked that Action/Discussion Item A. be discussed after Action/Discussion Item C.

MOTION (Cameron/Niccum) to adopt agenda with change to order of Action/Discussion items.
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED 5-0

D. Identified Closed Session Topics

Superintendent’s Evaluation and Goals, 2005-06 – TPO Human Resources

E. Public comment on Closed Session items - none

F. Adjourned to Closed Session 6:03 p.m.

II. CLOSED SESSION

III. RECONVENED IN OPEN SESSION 7:15 p.m.

A. Report action taken in Closed Session

Superintendent’s Evaluation and Goals, 2005-06 – TPO Human Resources
No action taken

B. Pledge of Allegiance pledge recited

IV. COMMUNICATIONS

A. Written Communication

Schramm received the following: a letter from California Elected Women’s Association, a letter from Monterey County Office of Education regarding approval of the District’s adopted budget, a newsletter regarding special education and California performing school initiatives, and a letter from parent Juanita Coleman.

B. Board Member Comments

Whiting-Casey reported that for Spirit Week, the student body members were told that if they purchased 300 ASB cards, admission to the Saturday night dance would be free – 330 cards were sold; thanked the Board for returning to two counselors; hopes to have fundraiser for the people of New Orleans as well as a BBQ to celebrate the STAR test results.

Schramm presented an article from the August 29 Monterey County Herald regarding the organic partnership between CSUMB and Earthbound Farms, he would like to see someone from the partnership speak to the Food Services Committee and asked that information to the Board be placed in the Superintendent’s Friday Update.

C. Superintendent Report

Assistant Superintendent Blakley informed the Board that tests of the swimming pool at the High School indicate the leakage problem is located in the return gutter or top 18” of the pool wall and that the leaks had stopped. It is possible that calcium build-up has filled the numerous perforations. A revised facility plan will include the possibility of shifting dollars previously allocated for pool repairs to other pressing needs.

Superintendent Perry reported that the elementary school principal interviews are scheduled for September 6th; Open Court adoption is moving forward; recent API scores reflect the focus and hard work of staff.

V. INDIVIDUALS DESIRING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD

David Hoffman thanked the District and Board for everyone’s assistance during his wife’s illness.

Tom Wortham thanked the Board, Perry and Blakley for providing the high school with people and programs to assist the students; thanked Whiting-Casey for energizing the student body and the student government, asked Board to consider adding more sections for Algebra to reduce class size.

VI. CONSENT AGENDA

A. Minutes of August 11, 2005 Board of Education Regular Meeting
B. Minutes of August 18, 2005 Board of Education Regular Meeting
C. Acceptance of Donation
D. Declaration of Surplus Property for 2005 Butterfly Parade Bazaar
E. Acceptance of High School Modernization Flooring Project
F. Non-Public Agency Services from New Found Therapies, Diane Sherman
G. High School Minimum Days – WASC Planning
H. Warrant Schedule No. 445
I. Revolving Cash Report No. 2
J. Cash Receipts Report No. 2

MOTION (Bray/Niccum) to accept Consent Agenda
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
Shammas said PGTA meeting on Sept. 9 and CSEA meets October 18 and 19

ROP
Executive meeting on Sept. 9th at 12:15 p.m. at Mission Trails.

Library meeting - nothing to report

B. PGUSD Master Plan for English Language Learners

Williams reported that the District has been out of compliance for five years, the plan will need to be in place for the 2005/06 Consolidated Review. The Master Plan originated with the English Language Learner learning community (members are Barbara Hirst, Susan Nine and Jeanie DeTomaso). Hirst spearheaded the program, majority of students are at Forest Grove, there needs to be two advisory committees with parents being the majority members; Williams suggested blending the ELAC and DLAC.

Hirst described the developmental process of first reviewing State requirements, then looking at similar districts, and examining ten relevant compliance issues.

Shammas suggested incorporating the Adult School ESL program with the K-12 plan as many of ESL students are parents of ELL students.

Bray appreciated the efforts of the committee and enjoyed reading the plan.

Schramm also impressed with the committee’s work. To his inquiry about PGUSD having a bilingual program, he was informed that students wishing to be placed in bilingual classes are given an interdistrict transfer to MPUSD. To his inquiry about schools communicating with parents who do not speak English, he was informed that notifications are sent home in Spanish and that interpreters are provided for parent-teacher conferences. To his inquiry regarding levels of fluency, he was informed that students are tested annually in listening, speaking, reading and writing, that all ELL students are mainstreamed with pull-outs for resource and that learning expectations and testing becomes more intense as students’ fluency advances.

To Niccum’s inquiry regarding student success through mainstream, he was informed that teachers are offered training that is not mandatory which the District pays for, including a substitute teacher. Training is provided by Kathy Kenfield and cost is shared with Carmel Unified School District.

Perry praised the Forest Grove staff for taking the initiative to attend staff development for their CLAD and in developing an outstanding ELL program.

To Shammas’s inquiry of why, with 21% ELL students, enrollment is not shared between the elementary schools, she was informed that Spanish is the main foreign language and that having all students and teachers on one campus is more beneficial.

Public comment

Susan Nine, 2nd grade teacher at Forest Grove does not feel concentration of ELL students is too high, a traveling teacher would be very inefficient; she praised those who created the program and its ongoing success with ELL students.

C. (New) Board Policy 5127 – Graduation Ceremonies and Activities, First Reading

Principal Stan Dodd endorsed the dress code standards; he would like to see attendance be a criterion for seniors walking in graduation procession.

Lillian Griffiths, high school teacher, meets with seniors as graduation liaison to ensure they are prepared for graduation: letter goes to parents regarding dress code, and requiring cap and gown to walk.

Shammas concerned about language regarding disciplinary procedures, that it does not say when infractions would occur.

Schramm noted discrepancies between policy language and student handbook that need to be aligned.

To Griffiths’s informing the Board of how the Principal begins talking with students at the beginning of the second semester regarding infractions and the possibility of losing privileges (moving down the list of events), Cameron asked if the list is exclusive, that he’d like to have a catch-all provision; that the way it’s currently written, it is less of a due-process than process that would apply for expulsion/suspension.

Griffiths offered that in her twenty years at the High School, there have not been any infractions that bordered on suspension/expulsion.

Schramm feels policy language is missing key points, would like to see valedictorian statement moved, something added that addresses participation as a privilege, not a right as the policy now reads.

Perry said that the right to graduate and the right to participate in graduation ceremony are separate issues.

VIII. ACTION/DISCUSSION

A. Superintendent’s Goals, 2005 – 06
(item moved following General Fund Budget Revision #1)

B. Guidance (Career Technician)

Perry noted that last spring the Board approved in concept the addition of a Career Center Technician pending budget review; best case scenario would be a full-time position due to extensive work load.

Shammas supports the 1.0 FTE position based on data presented to the Board.

Dodd said he has reviewed the counseling report and sees the Career Center Technician position as a much needed resource for all students; envisions a one-stop center that would augment other career focuses, streamline field trips, speaker bureaus resource; would facilitate counseling office by gathering information beforehand that could be used for each student’s four-year plan; should be high

priority as the High School heads into the accreditation process, a critical component to being in compliance for special education transition.

Schramm sees position as being a very full, full-time job with multiple benefits which he hopes would include the Middle School.

Whiting Casey said the student body would greatly benefit from the Career Center Technician as there are a wide variety of goals besides college and most students are not aware of the possibilities in their future.

Public Comment:

David Hoffman, High School music teacher, said he was initially skeptical about the position, until he understood that the technician would be working full-time with students, would manage the center and coordinate with staff across curriculum.

Cindy Gallo, School Psychologist said that the special education program at the High School needs a comprehensive plan for students transitioning out of high school and that the Career Center Technician would make this possible.

Linda Vrijenhoek, Special Education, supports the Career Center for its ability to provide skills assessment, speakers, job shadowing, exploring options, workability, that everyone is very excited about having a Career Technician as the position would provide greater access to life possibilities for students.

Robert Kershner, employer, said that he hires High School students to work in the dining room at Canterbury and he is surprised that they know little or nothing about being in a workplace; he sees a serious need for students to acquire career orientation if they are to succeed after high school.

Tom Wortham said faculty wants relative inclusions; Monterey County Office of Education has a “Career and College Planning” booklet ready for the Career Center to distribute to students.

Fred Rubin enthused about Career Center Technician, that now students will discover different pathways, how to interface with their community, and short-term learning opportunities leading to worthwhile jobs.

Susan Nine, PGTA co-president, expressed concerns on behalf of PGTA regarding the affordability of bringing on a new staff position considering the lengthy list of submissions for budget and this item is not on original list; wants Board to be aware that District spends more than the state average on counseling at the High School; could there be alternative teachers who could do the work; District should not bring up new items when there is still no settlement with the unions.

Christine Raybould, CSEA president, said that a half –time position is appropriate when considering the need for other jobs such as library aides; District should resolve negotiations first before adding new positions.

Schramm reiterated that the position and program would be evaluated each April.

Bray reminded everyone that the Career Center Technician was approved in concept last school year, that it is not a new position, the Board took action in May 2005 to put the Career Center Technician position on the agenda if the money was available.

MOTION (Cameron/Bray) to approve a 1.0 FTE Career Center Technician.
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0.

C. 2005/06 General Fund Budget Revision #1

Blakley reported that this was the first budget revision for the 2005/06 school year, that the largest item is the projected property tax which will be monitored during the year, it would add $502,000 to the revenue, there are minor adjustments to parcel tax, salary (the reduction in STRS contributions) cautioned that STRS issue is still on the table; other revisions included adjusted “Books and Supplies” to reflect carryover, deferred revenue items, non-discretionary carryovers, carryover in discretionary funds, suggested not to release all of unused facility utility funds but adjust budget to reflect carryover, that Board has discretion to make changes. He recommended approval of the revisions with the addition of a math section at the High School.

To Schramm’s questioning the large carryover of dollars for instructional materials, considering the comments he has heard from teachers at previous Board meetings about their instructional materials budgets being greatly under-funded, Blakley responded that the carryover is partly restricted funds that were allocated and not used, such as open purchase orders that were encumbered and not spent; some of these funds were allocated at the discretion of the site principal and each principal has a different practice.

Schramm asked that this item be added to the Superintendent’s goals: to balance funds distribution for school supplies; he was concerned that money should not be remaining in these accounts when there are classrooms and teachers that need supplies.

In discussion regarding the addition of math sections, Dodd said that adding one section would bring the High School into enrollment compliance, that these are at-risk students who need more classroom attention, there is a part-time teacher available to teach.

Shammas said that resolving the math class situation is necessary as it is one of the Superintendent’s goals and Niccum would like to see the allocation as it is a critical class.

Public Comment

Susan Nine, PGTA co-president, said the Board does not need to vote to bring a classroom into compliance; she appreciated the concern over instructional materials, but sees it as a management issue, a possible disconnect between school sites and the Business Office, that secretaries are acting autonomously.

Tom Wortham, High School teacher, congratulated the Board’s focus on classroom materials needs and said that he has been paying for his classroom materials out of SIP money.

Pat Godfrey PGTA co-president, said he was shocked to hear that there is money “just floating around,” and he’s concerned that programs won’t be continuously funded.

Shammas discussed reviewing the restoration items and Schramm asked that the items be brought up at the next Board meeting, September 15th.

Motion (Niccum/Bray) to approve first revision with the addition of two sections of High School Algebra.

Motion CARRIED 5 – 0

A. Superintendent’s Goals, 2005 – 06

Perry reported that he met with the Board for a study session to define the Superintendent goals for 2005-06; Board added instructional goals.

Shammas said that she would like to see Middle School Honors Program changed to all schools’ honors programs but Perry said that honor school issues are different at the High School.

MOTION (Cameron/Bray) to approve as listed with addition of Instructional Materials.
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0

(At 10:00 p.m. a MOTION was made (Bray/Niccum) to extend the meeting to 10:15 p.m., Motion CARRIED 5 – 0.)

D. David Avenue Lease Revenues

Blakley reported that Pacific Oaks School probably is proposing to pay off their back rent over several more years.

Cameron was concerned about how the District’s utilizing the gift of public funds; does not feel the District should continue to carry the debt; suggested giving 90-day notice; can the rooms be rented to another tenant?

Schramm noted that it is in the best interests of the District and the students to generate as much revenue as possible; suggested reducing rent for a period of time to allow them to catch up.

Blakley said that it would not be appropriate or fair to other tenants for Pacific Oaks to be paying a reduced rent because of failure to make payments.

Perry said that other tenants are also wanting to move to lower rent facilities.

Options discussed were giving a 90-day notice, accepting reduced rent and retiring the debt, accepting reduced rent with timely payments of debt, and that falling behind in current rent would constitute automatic 90-day notice.

Board agreed to have Blakley meet with Pacific Oaks representatives to review Business Plan and Income/Expenses, and present findings to Board at a later meeting.

Public comment

Susan Nine, PGTA co-president agreed to the public use of funds issues and questioned the fact that the school is a private entity and they could be paying themselves first in high salaries.

E. Board Calendar/Future Meetings
no new meetings

F. Future Agenda Items

April 26, 2006 – status of Career Center Technician
December – Code of Ethics

IX. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Update Food Services Report
Transportation allowance/increase
Safety Plan allocation
Elementary grade level reconfiguration
Update on High School WASC (ESLRs)
Wellness Policy, SB2507
(New) Board Policy on Instructional Minutes
Revision of Board Policy and Regulation 4033
Sage Management
Open Campus proposal
Expulsion Study Session

X. ADJOURNMENT 10:15 p.m.

minutes/0506/090105min.html