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
(Corrected) Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education
and Annual Organizational Meeting
The Board of Education of the Pacific Grove Unified School District held a meeting on December 8, 2005 at 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. Pledge of Allegiance pledge recited
D. Adopted of Agenda
MOTION (Bray/Niccum ) to adopt agenda with addition of Subcommittee Reports to Action/Discussion
Public comment: None
Motion CARRIED 5-0 to adopt agenda with addition
E. 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
F. Public Comment on Closed Session items
Mark Afifi – High School teacher, thanked the Board and Administration for their support of the Science Department. STAR test results exceeded Carmel High School (presented chart showing comparisons in physics and chemistry scores since 2002) – 46% scored advanced on physics. He has recently completed his Masters of Science and Education degree and is worried how he will pay for it given his current salary, that the Board is actually asking them to take a pay cut when the cost of living is factored in. Having an unsigned contract lowers everyone’s morale.
Buck Roggeman – High School teacher speaking to emotional and morale aspect of not having contract settled; a typical teacher day is 10+ hours, long hours are hard; biggest message is that morale of teaching staff will go up if the contract is fair; retention of talented teachers is critical to the success of the District.
Ellen Coulter – High School teacher, parent and taxpayer; School District needs good teachers because they are the greatest resource; she retires this year and understands that replacing teachers requires a good salary; Golden Handshake cannot hurt the District.
Terry Piotrkowski – Middle School librarian, concerned that things go well for everyone, especially the students; negotiations is a two-sided discussion, look at the numbers and see that you are compensating teaching, not just teachers. The bottom line is to keep everyone healthy.
Elizabeth Kostyshak – Forest Grove teacher, said it is reprehensible that negotiations have taken so long, District is offering less than it did in 1998.
Sarah Weber – parent and substitute teacher, has had no pay raise in five years, earns $95 per day; she wrote a letter to the District and received a reply from Cynthia Saxon; how the District handled the Kathy Hunter situation was abominable, asking her to do the work and not considering her for employment; thinks Business Manager should be involved in negotiations.
Jane Leatham – Forest Grove teacher– not feeling trust with top employees in the District.
Eloise Guidara – Robert Down teacher, staff are at the core of a good education,
Christine Gruber – parent of two children at Forest Grove; she does not want teachers worried about anything but her kids’ education.
Linda Goulet – Middle School teacher; the original District offer of 5.5% has not budged, in good faith, she is hoping that with interest-based bargaining, there will be progress; everyone should be working together.
Patty Long – High School teacher, said that well-qualified substitute teachers are important because the teachers rely on them.
Schramm thanked everyone for their comments and said that the Board will find an avenue through which to respond.
G. Adjourned to Closed Session 7:10 p.m.
II. CLOSED SESSION
III. RECONVENED IN OPEN SESSION 8:05 p.m.
Report 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. ANNUAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
.
A. Administered Oath of Office
The Superintendent administered the Oath of Office to Bray, Shammas, and Phillips, which they swore to uphold.
B. Election of President to Serve for One-Year Period
Shammas was elected President.
Public comment: none
C. Election of Vice-President/Clerk to Serve for One-Year Period
Bray was elected Vice–President
Public comment: none
D. Determination of Dates, Time and Location of Regular Meetings
Following discussion, the Board agreed to continue holding its Regular meetings on the first and third Thursdays of the month and begin the Open Meeting at 7 p.m.
Public comment: none
E. Approval of Resolution No. 771 Designating Authorized Agent to Sign School Orders
MOTION (Schramm/Bray) to approve Resolution 771.
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0
F. Designation of Committee Representatives:
1. Community Human Services – The times of these meetings are such that no Board member is available to attend the meetings. Perry said he would ask if a District staff member would want to attend.
2. City/District – Niccum and Bray
3. Negotiations – Bray, Phillips, and Shammas
4. ROP – Schramm and Perry
5. Library – discontinued as standing committee
6. Wellness – Shammas and Phillips
V. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Written Communications
Schramm received an email from the Middle School music teacher giving a positive progress report on the repairs to the auditorium; also received an announcement about attending CSBA policy update workshop on wellness; and a copy of a letter addressed to the Governor from a parent regarding a safety hazard at Robert Down.
B. Board Member Comments
Bray attended the CSBA Annual Conference in San Diego and said on balance it was a worthwhile experience. She welcomed Phillips as the new Board member and said she was pleased that he was able to attend CSBA as well.
Schramm welcomed Phillips to the Board; and congratulated Bray and Shammas on their new leadership roles.
Phillips said he had an opportunity to meet with each Board member and is very impressed with their passion for moving the District towards its goals; he attended CSBA and learned a great deal.
Whiting–Casey welcomed Mr. Phillips to the Board; the High School did a good job with their fall sports, but now it’s time to watch out for soccer, that the team is confident of moving into first, second or third seat this year. Many exciting activities taking place: Secret Santa is an opportunity to show teacher appreciation, capped off with staff breakfast when teachers meet their Secret Santas, a chance for everyone to feel appreciated. Regarding the open campus proposal, ASB is currently collecting all the data and survey of all students after break.
Shammas thanked Schramm for the good work he did as Board president; she is also pleased to have a student representative who is so enthusiastic; she welcomed Phillips as the new Board member, the upcoming year will be a good one where the Board can redefine where School District is going as we look at another 5-year District Plan.
C. Superintendent Report
Perry acknowledged that he is pleased with Phillips’s enthusiasm at familiarizing himself with Board matters; he congratulated all Board members who were sworn in and is looking forward to another good year.
VI. INDIVIDUALS DESIRING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
Pat Godfrey, PGTA Co–President, thanked Shammas for all her time in PGTA negotiations and welcomed Phillips to the Board.
(unidentified parent) – has two children in elementary school, he likes having them attend a neighborhood school and walking them to school.
Shammas – pleased to see kindergarten parents in attendance as they are the ones who will be most affected by changes.
Ellen Coulter – thanked Perry and the Board for hiring Stan Dodd as High School Principal, his commitment to the community is so appreciated. “The High School is in good hands.”
Bob Talbot – cited a recent Time magazine article that said a K–8, 9–12 grade split offered the most advantage to learning.
Susan Nine –two task forces have addressed reconfiguration; she thought there would be a balanced report in the Board materials, dismayed to see one-sided reporting; group did not decide to reconfigure, consensus was any configuration will work if there is buy-in from everyone, survey results indicate retaining neighborhood schools; best for students to remain at one school, another issue is transportation problems; she’d like to see a report that covers all sides; did not know it was an issue.
(unidentified parent) –community multi–grade schools have so much more to offer their students.
Nan Johnson – questioned comments about the abruptness of introducing reconfiguration, that it has been a constant topic with the Board for a long period of time.
VII. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of November 17, 2005 Board of Education Meeting
B. Warrant Schedule No. 448
C. Revolving Cash Report No. 5
D. Cash Receipts Report No. 5
E. Certificated Assignment Order #7
F. Classified Assignment Order #7
G. Out of State or Overnight Activities
H. Acceptance of Donations
I. Approval of AVID Advisor Contract – Middle School
J. Acceptance of Quarterly Treasury Report
K. TPO Human Resources, Additional Services
L. Approval of High School Amphitheater Project Bid Award
M. Approve Contract with Community Human Services for Middle School Counseling
Board members had changes to comments in the Minutes of November 17th. Perry distributed revisions to Consent Item K.
MOTION (Schramm/Niccum) to accept Consent Agenda as corrected and revised.
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED 5– 0
VIII. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION
Subcommittee Reports
Community Human Services – nothing to report
City/District – nothing to report
Negotiations – Bray said CSEA met on 12/10. PGTA met on 11/21 and will meet again on 12/12
ROP – nothing to report
Library – nothing to report
Wellness – met on 12/19
A. Food Service Report Update
Blakley reported that he had received responses from the four school site principals regarding items 5 and 9 of the Food Services Subcommittee recommendations. No action is needed at this time; information will be helpful in making decisions.
Schramm said he would like to see the recommendations included in the budget cycle and to move forward with contacting food service vendors
Shammas said she envisions the Board making a long range commitment to the schools, with an assigned priority every year.
Perry suggested that if the Board is considering a different food service model, they should direct staff to conduct vendor surveys and schedule a study session for vendor presentations. A key position needed in the District is a Food Service Manager.
Blakley said having a Food Service Manager and giving them the authority to research improvements would be of benefit to the District.
Bray said she appreciated input from four new principals and was a good indication of their involvement with the schools.
Whiting–Casey said he was glad when the High School discontinued selling soda; that the renovated amphitheater near the “multi” will provide a better eating environment.
The Board directed that:
1) presentations by food service vendors take place by the end of February 2006,
2) a review of current school facilities be conducted to determine how environment influences participation at lunch, and
3) get cost outlines for refurbishing eating areas at schools.
Public comment:
Robert Kershner suggested sending all twelve subcommittee recommendations to food service vendors and let them assist in the process by coming up with solutions. As someone who wants the business, they may even provide financial assistance in order to get the contract.
B. Measure A Parcel Tax Oversight Committee Report
Blakley stated that the oversight committee had completed their first report and were presenting it to the Board, no action is required other than the Board accepting the report as a formality.
Public Comment: none
Schramm asked that the committee report be formally accepted as a Consent item at the next Board meeting.
C. Elementary Grade Level Reconfiguration
Perry said that the information is presented to the Board of Education for review and consideration.
Public comment:
Jennifer Jansen, parent of 4, 7, and 10 year olds served on the last Reconfiguration Communications. The K-8 model was recommended by all studies as being the best but they could not find a site for that model. She feels there is no need for a new task force because results will probably be the same.
Jeanne deTomaso, teacher at Forest Grove would like to see more information regarding the financial concerns.
(Unidentified parent) concerned that the “Big Buddy” program would be eliminated with reconfiguration.
Nan Johnson, parent, felt that there will be better communication at K–2, 3-5, many parents would like to see 6th grade back at the elementary level.
Board comments:
Schramm commented there is a trade-off with any decision the Board makes, must look at what is the best way to use our resources to help the students, he would like to visit other schools to get ideas.
Bray said she liked having all the kindergarten students together at the Kindergarten Center; with reconfiguration SIP could have a sharper focus, as would PTA’s; the biggest challenge would be to get the all students on the same site, then make adjustments.
Niccum suggested doing outreach to the sites to determine their interest, and get the communication going, also attend Site Council meetings.
Shammas suggested forming a reconfiguration committee to coordinate with school sites.
ACTION: Phillips and Schramm to participate on school visitation committee and invite staff.
(At 9:50 p.m., MOTION (Bray/Schramm) to extend meeting to 10:30 p.m. Motion CARRIED 5 – 0.)
D. High School Western Association of Schools Accreditation (WASC) Update
Dodd updated the Board on WASC status to date. The focus groups have identified four areas of critical need that will guide the High School’s improvement for the next six years:
Improve academic expectations, relevancy and rigor that will enhance student success in post high school life and career.
Provide students the services and support that will enable them to be successful in High School and beyond.
Provide support for the use of technology as a teaching learning, and communication tool.
Provide increased opportunities for students to grow as well–rounded individuals and responsible citizens.
Public comment: none
IX. ACTION/DISCUSSION
A. First Interim Report
Blakley recommended that the Board approve the First Interim financial report and adopt a positive certification indicating that the District will be able to meet its financial obligations for the remainder of this fiscal year, and, based on current forecasts, meet its multi–year commitments.
MOTION (Niccum/Schramm) to approve recommendation and adopt a positive certification.
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0
B. 2005/06 General Fund Budget Revision #3
Blakley recommended approval of the proposed budget revisions as presented and asked the Board to provide direction on further revisions as appropriate.
Schramm wanted to acknowledge the generous contributions, in particular $18,000 from PG Pride
Shammas asked that formal thank you letters from the Board be sent to those making donations.
MOTION (Schramm/Bray) to approve budget revisions.
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0
C. CALSTRS Retirement Incentive Program
Blakley recommended Board adopt Resolution #770 to participate in the retirement incentive program.
Perry stated that presenting this as an agenda item was a request from the PGTA Negotiating Team which asked the Board to consider this item out of sequence. As a gesture of good faith, the Board agreed to consider taking action on this item.
MOTION (Schramm/Bray) to adopt the resolution.
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0
D. Approval of Reduced Categorical Program Funding
Blakley recommended that the Board identify the School Improvement Program as a categorical program for funding reduction and utilize available reserves to restore funding through the balance of the fiscal year. Three years ago, the State required Basic Aid school districts to reduce funding in an equalization effort with revenue limit school districts. The adjustment in categorical programs is an answer to this State directive. It is anticipated this would occur and we have backfilled our categorical program with General Fund reserves.
MOTION (Phillips/Niccum) to approve categorical program for funding reduction.
Public comment: none
Motion CARRIED 5 – 0
E. Board Calendar/Future Meetings
December 15, 2005 – Closed Session at District Office
January 5, 2006 – added as special meeting
January 26, 2006 – Study Session on expulsions.
F. Future Agenda Items
no new items were presented
X. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
New Board Policy on Instructional Minutes
Safety Plan Allocation
Sage Management
January 2006
Transportation Allowance/Increase
Wellness Policy, SB2507
Expulsion Study Session
Open Campus Proposal
XI. BOARD RECONVENED IN CLOSED SESSION
XII. ADJOURNED 10:30 p.m.
minutes/0506/120805min.html