Regular Meeting - SRCS Board of Education
San Rafael City Schools
September 26, 2016 6:00PM
District Office - Boardroom
310 Nova Albion Way
San Rafael, CA 94903
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Board President Rachel Kertz, Vice President Greg Knell, Trustee Linda M. Jackson, Trustee
Maika Llorens Gulati, Trustee Natu Tuatagaloa
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| President Kertz convened the meeting to Public Session at 5:05 PM. |
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| Pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6, the Board adjourned to Closed Session at 5:06 PM. |
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| President Kertz reconvened the meeting to Public Session at 6:02 PM. |
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| Jacquie Gribens led the Pledge of Allegiance. |
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President Kertz will administer the Oath of Office to Madrone HS student board representative Jesus Can. |
| President Kertz adminstered the Oath of Office to incoming student Board representative from Madrone High School, Jesus Can. |
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Jesus Can, Madrone High School:
- Madrone has the largest number of students it has had in years; started the year with 70 students.
- The senior class is working with Marin Theater Company's visiting performer Kelly Culaco on ten minutes themes for school wide projects.
- The annual Point Bonita school visit is once again being paid for through HeadsUp
- College and Career night for families will be a time for review of requirements and changes in filling out FAFSA; to be conducted in both English and Spanish
Keilani Burak, San Rafael High School:
- Summerfest was held at SRHS on Saturday
- Jackson's Car Show fundraiser was held for the ASB and auto program at SR
- Bite of Reality event is coming
- Student and parent tours are coming up
- College Week will be October 11 -14 |
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| Brett Goldman: regarding the marquee signs at SRHS and DMS that are not working and donations made for the signs; need to have a proactive stance and budget to repair. |
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| That the Board receives updates from district labor leaders:
1) CSEA
2) SRTA
3) SRFT |
CSEA:
Carmen Puga reported:
- She attended the first custodial meeting held last week; it was packed with participants; staff are very impressed with the new custodial manager; he has great ideas
- Classified staff feel SRCS is a great place to work; encourage a no vote on the charter petition
- Proud to have Deputy Superintendent Mayra Perez join the SRCS team
SRTA:
Katie O'Donnell:
- Expressed thanks to Amy Baer, new Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources for the smooth opening of the school year
- Looking forward to going back to the negotiations table
- Alan November was an amazing speaker. He had a positive influence on ESD teachers who truly appreciated what he had to say
- Representing SRTA, she is here in support of SRFT and HSD teachers
SRFT:
Chris Simenstad:
- First negotiations of the year will be tomorrow. State representatives will be providing training for interest-based bargaining next year.
- He expressed appreciation of the thoughtful review of the charter petition by staff; this petition would have a negative impact on educating the entire HSD; he has not heard of any district teachers in the bargaining group who are in support of the charter. |
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Per Education Code section 47605(b), the Board of Trustees must either grant or deny the charter petition for Ipso Charter School.
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BACKGROUND: On August 8, 2016, the Board formally received a petition for the establishment of Ipso Charter High School, which commenced a review process pursuant to the legal requirements of the Charter Schools Act. On August 22, a public hearing was held, providing an opportunity for members of the community to speak about their interest in a charter high school in our district. Charter petitions must meet a lengthy list of legal criteria laid out in the Education Code, including everything from the educational program, to school governance, budget, special education and beyond. The District convened a staff review team to review the petition and to critically evaluate whether the program proposed by the petitioners met legal requirements and offered a sustainable program to local students. After thorough evaluation, District staff determined that the Petition did not meet legal requirements in key areas, and should be denied. Legal findings to support the recommendation of petition denial were prepared in a Staff Report. If the Board determines that the Petition should be denied, it will adopt the Staff Report as its findings.
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The Superintendent recommends that the charter petition be denied.
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To amend the motion from: "The Superintendent recommends that the charter petition be denied.
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" Passed with a motion by Linda Jackson and a second by Greg Knell. |
Yes Linda Jackson.
Yes Rachel Kertz.
Yes Greg Knell.
Yes Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati.
Yes Natu Tuatagaloa.
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President Kertz explained the process that would be followed with this item: the Superintendent is to provide an introduction to the Staff Report; staff will then present the report; followed by Board questions of staff; public comment will follow, with each speaker given one opportunity to speak for two minutes; and the Board's final deliberation and vote. Copies of a Powerpoint with a staff presentation were handed out to the audience in English and Spanish.
Dr. Watenpaugh provided an introduction to the Staff Report. San Rafael City Schools (SRCS) has been educating students in the San Rafael community for 155 years, making decisions that are in the best interest of all students. He noted concern that this charter petition was not initiated or identified within the SRCS community, and there is not broad support from the SRCS community or its partners. He noted that Ipso co-founders contacted the District's community partners, seeking support, but none signed onto their petition. He expressed staff concerns over reports from some immigrant parents of Ipso's recruitment efforts which left them feeling pressured and confused about signing the petition. He reported on four initial meetings with Ipso to reach a collaborative alternative to a charter, which were unsuccessful.
Dr. Watenpaugh introduced District staff members who would be presenting the Staff Report findings: Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mayra Perez; Director of Student Services/Special Education Michael Gardner; Director of Teaching and Learning, Gr. 6-12 Kevin Kerr; Director of English Learner Programs Kathy Frye; and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Amy Baer.
Dr. Watenpaugh further reviewed the charter petition was submitted to the District on June 27 and needed to be formally received by the Board on August 8; a public hearing was held on August 22 and within 60 days needed to be approved, conditionally approved, or denied. He reported that the components of the petition were reviewed by District staff members; the basis of the review being the charter petition itself and the state identified fifteen criteria required to be met. After public testimony at Board meetings and several committee meetings, meetings with individual Board members to answer questions, and working with the District's attorney Janet Mueller, the Staff Report findings and recommendation were developed.
Dr. Watenpaugh noted that staff analysis and findings recommended denial of the petition based on the conclusions that: 1) The petition fails to provide a reasonably comprehensive description of seven of the fifteen required elements of a charter petition, and: 2) The petitioners are demonstrably unlikely to successfully implement the program presented.
Staff reviewed each element in detail.
ELEMENT 1: EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Dr. Perez reviewed findings regarding: Small Learning Community which is a core component of its educational program, SRHSD's current teacher to student ratio is 20.4 to 1, Ipso's is 33:1; concerns that the 132 students proposed in the first year would be utilizing the same teaching area space for 3 hours a day of core instruction ; a lack of description of a physical education program and how the state PE exam would be administered; regarding tutorials lack of information regarding which students will participate and how they need to demonstrate when they no longer need tutorial; foreign language is proposed to be taught online, not by a credentialed teacher; lack of a comprehensive professional development plan and concerns for serving EL and special needs students.
Mr. Gardner reviewed findings regarding: addressing needs of students with disabilities by promising a full inclusion program, which can be an attractive alternative to parents, but the detail of their actual plan stands in contrast to a full inclusion program creating a mixed message and recruitment of parents under false pretenses; concerns regarding petitioners misunderstanding of the legal requirement to provide alternative services and placements for special needs students who may need it; concerns over the charter's possible status as its own Special Education Local Educational Agency; funding budgeted for special needs students is not sufficient.
Kathy Frye reviewed findings regarding Ipso's primary targeted population of English Learners: the petition shows gaps in the EL program development with no mention of explicit instruction; ELD, a core subject which must be taught as a stand-alone, occurs at the same time as Innovate Lab, which makes it unclear who would be teaching these students; no mention of differentiated instruction for different levels of ELD such as that offered by the SRHSD; the amount of time for ELD instruction is not stated; plan does not include what curriculum materials would be used, such as the research based materials SRHSD uses; no mention of alignment with the State's new ELD standards; lack of a monitoring and reclassification plan; not a clear transitional plan defined for the move from CELDT testing to the new ELPAC assessment; no mention of how Ipso would support and provide specific resources to targeted population subgroups of home/hospital, limited/interrupted/no schooling students; undocumented students, pregnant/students who are parents; inadequate inclusion of a plan to form parent committees for equitable representation of all students, including targeted populations.
ELEMENT 4: GOVERNANCE
Mr. Gardner reviewed findings: inconsistencies in provisions for Board membership; no requirement stated for filing of a Conflict of Interest Form 700; compliance with the Brown Act and where Board meetings would be held is unclear; it appears the Board would plan through committees - the level of participation on committees of parents, staff and students is unclear; two senior administrators for a school of 132 students is excessive.
ELEMENT 6: HEALTH AND SAFETY
Ms. Baer reviewed findings: regarding mandated child abuse reporting training, Ipso says they will provide it using policies and procedures used by the SRHSD, but there is lack of information regarding the charter's knowledge of what is involved in mandated reporting, and contracting or paying for the training.
ELEMENT 7: MEANS TO ACHIEVE RACIAL AND ETHNIC BALANCE
Dr. Perez reviewed findings: lack of sufficient description of how charter will achieve racial and ethnic balance reflective of the District's demographics; no concrete actions are defined regarding recruitment of socioeconomically disadvantaged students; broad assumption in the plan that the Spanish sub-group is socioeconomically disadvantaged; concerns regarding method of recruitment to the petition with some parents reporting that petitioners came uninvited to a religious education class and provided confusing information for parents.
ELEMENT 8: ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENT
Mr. Gardner reviewed findings: a more robust residency verification plan is needed - a utility bill is inadequate verification; regarding admissions and lottery preference categories, if they are listed in the order of priority it appears they would be enrolling other groups before SRHSD students, which is unlawful under Charter law which states priority must be given to district students.
ELEMENT 10: STUDENT SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION PROCEDURES
Mr. Gardner reviewed findings: insufficient description of student expulsion/suspension procedures; parents must inquire to receive a copy of discipline procedures; petition authorizes changes to discipline policy without revision to the charter; not enough certificated employees to appropriately staff an administrative expulsion panel which is a violation of a student's right for due process; petitioners did not list the entire regulation section of Title 34 related to charter schools so how it now reads suggests that a parent of a student receiving disciplinary action could spark a manifestation determination by requesting their student be evaluated even if the child already was evaluated or the parent refused an evaluation in the past.
ELEMENT 15: CLOSURE PROCEDURES
Mr. Kerr reviewed findings: an insufficient description of school closure procedures; there is no designation of what entity/individual would be responsible under Title V for closure procedures; delegation of closure activities cannot be deferred to another time as noted in the petition.
CONCLUSION: THE PETITIONERS ARE DEMONSTRABLY UNLIKELY TO SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM
Mr. Kerr provided further information on several other areas where staff recommends denial:
- Communications from the SRCS community have been overwhelmingly negative; SRCS has no interest in the program
- From Ipso's collection of approximately 355 family signatures, only 67 have students of age to attend Ipso in the first year of operation; concerns whether they will have enough students for recruitment in Year 1 and out years; letters of support are not from parents but from organizations looking to partner with Ipso - they should not be the foundation of a charter's support
- Ipso's master calendar is not aligned with SRCS calendar; it should reflect it to the fullest extent possible; MCOE led a countywide effort to align all school calendars to support all families
- Indications that the Executive Director does not have experience in governance and law and would receive significant training; on the job training is not recommended for such a critical role
- Ipso proposes offering 9 more instructional days over SRCS, yet district staff cannot recreate Ipso's instructional minutes; district staff show them falling short by 5 minutes per day/375 minutes per year; TLHS and SRHS offer 315 and 555 instructional minutes over the minimum despite having a shorter school year
- Charter plans for early release days would not comply with state law instructional minutes rules
- Inconsistent terms about how food services will be provided; inconsistencies with food services budget; unclear whether they would offer a breakfast or supper program; not confident they will receive a 97% reimbursement rate across all programs as assumed in their budget
- Education Code contains specific timelines for LCAP, 1st and 2nd interim, and unaudited actual reports; Ipso provides its own timeline; failure to define reporting it will provide to the District
- Education Code requires charters to identify a single location and identify facilities it intends to use; the petition is not specific in identification of a location or facility
Assistant Superintendent Baer reviewed staff concerns regarding staffing and credentialing: overstaffed with administrators and understaffed with teachers; their proposal is to hire 4 teachers which would give a staffing ratio of 33:1 in contrast to SRHSD's 20.4:1; concerns regarding credentialing with the proposed staff in Year 1 and who would be teaching electives; unclear what teaching coaches would do.
Dr. Watenpaugh reviewed further concerns that petitioners are demonstrably unlikely to succeed in implementing the Ipso program:
- Budget relies on revenues that have not been obtained or promised after the current year
- The petition states that Ipso will use the District's LCFF funding rate for their per ADA funding rate; the amount they used is greater than the District's rate, resulting in a $100K overstatement of revenue
- Special education encroachment is underbudgeted by almost 50%
- Costs for instructional materials and equipment are underbudgeted
- Not enough information regarding professional development plan to verify whether budgeted amount is sufficient
- Underbudgeted for the BYU foreign language costs in Year 1 and not budgeted for years 2 and 4
Dr. Watenpaugh summarized that based on the District's analysis of the underbudgeting and overstated grants and LCFF funding, the District believes Ipso will be fiscally insolvent in Year 2, with a negative ending fund balance in Year 4. Even if potential grant funding is realized, Ipso would still not meet expenditure and reserve requirements.
At the conclusion of the Staff Report, President Kertz opened questions from trustees for staff.
In response to a question from Trustee Jackson regarding restorative justice being included in the LCAP, but did not appear to be anywhere else, Director Gardner noted he did not recall seeing it appear anywhere else in the petition.
In response to Trustee Jackson's question regarding 19% of the signatures from first year students coming from other places and what the policy would be regarding transfers into the charter, Dr. Watenpaugh noted that the charter school's attendance area is the State of California; any student can participate in the lottery, but state law requires SRHSD students should have priority.
President Kertz opened Public Comment:
- Janelle Ruley, attorney with Young, Minney & Corr, LLP, four offices in Sacramento, Walnut Creek, Los Angeles, and San Diego, in support of Ipso: the District reviewed the petition through a district lens and not a charter lens which is different; staff report contains numerous errors, noted discrepancies with Government Code section 1090 as it applies to charter law, district residency findings, daily minutes findings; reminded the Board that the standard is reasonably comprehensive asking that they set aside the Staff Report and approve the petition.
- Katy Foster, Ipso co-founder: thanked staff for the time they took to review the charter; after staff report was received on Thursday afternoon when the agenda was posted, wrote responses to the Report; citing staff misreadings of the petition; she noted she had different memories of the outcomes of the earlier meetings with Dr. Watenpaugh; the District has put the condition that if Ipso pulls their petition then talks would continue with Ipso; small personalized school is a great option for some kids in San Rafael
- Erin Ashley, Ipso co-founder: Ipso is an opportunity for students, a model for success in college and career; realize there are different students with different needs; confident they will make the demographic mark; Sequoia Union HSD in the South Bay hosts three charters in an environment that supports innovation; encouraged Board to disregard the staff report and approve the charter.
- Ann Waterman Roy, founding member of Ipso Board: she is with Innovate Public Schools, a non-profit serving low income and students of color; understands interest of the District; has been working with Katy and Erin and is impressed with their commitment to closing the achievement gap in Marin and SRCS; a need for additional options.
- Brooke Hansen, DMS and SRHS parent: supports Ipso; believes there is misinformation about them; they and the integrity of this proposal have been vilified; District has programs but they can only do so much with a seven period schedule; Ipso's flexible schedule and focus on individualized learning is a progressive option for the community; understands if the District can't afford it or if the petition is illegal
-David Hafner: supports Ipso; personalized learning; regarding financial concerns, there are many thriving charters in other communities; Ipso deserves an opportunity
- Michele Hansen, Marin parent: public school teacher who joined the Ipso Board; read a letter of support from the California Charter School Association asking the Board to overturn the recommendation for denial and approve; Ipso meets all requirements
- Yamileth Picardo: was not pushed to sign the petition; likes the idea of Ipso's innovative program for the future of students in a new era and new technology; love the San Diego charter school; love Ipso; there is nothing wrong with the petition, it is only new and different
- Flor Hernandez, Ipso supporter: was a teacher in Guatemala; this is not the same reality here but students learn with practice; San Rafael is full of people from Guatemala where the schools are similiar to the charters; lives in Canal where she sees teens who feel threatened by use of computers
- Alida Manziego, Ipso supporter: it is not true that they were obligated to sign the petition form; signed because they wanted something different for their children; approve Ipso; in her country there are schools that are similiar to Ipso; project based learning is not as much stress and confusion for the children
-Elizabeth Shaw, Marin county resident, family physician at Marin Community Clinics: supports Ipso; inequities in the achievement gap are unacceptable for a county that is so well resourced; disagree that what is happening in San Rafael is good enough; Ipso can focus on kids who are not thriving; she knows them because they are patients
- Jerry Smith, Ipso supporter: met with the co-founders; saw an inspiring movie about charter; try something new and innovative
- Claudia Garcia, long time resident of SRCS with three children; two who have already gone through SRHSD; daughter at CalPoly; witness to what this district is doing for students; teachers here give more time to their students than other high schools; she works hard for this District and does not want to see someone come in and take from the District; deny the charter
- Sara Benitez, President of San Pedro PTA; against Ipso; someone spoke to her about the charter and she did not understand it; has talked with other parents who are in the same situation; SRCS has good teachers; integrate into the schools we already have
- Glenn Dennis, San Rafael High School Principal: SRCS has challenges, but does not have an educational problem; it has a PR problem in that if the Ipso co-founders knew about the amazing things happening at every level, they would have not submitted a charter petition; he would have encouraged the co-founders to visit SRHS and collaborate on issues that they care about, but it is too late now; problems with the charter have been identified; deny the petition
- Katy Dunlap, Terra Linda High School Principal: thanked staff for thorough review of petition; our schools are doing what is best for kids every day; disagree with the co-founders that there is complacency in the schools; everyone comes to work every day to do their best for students; since the 22nd there has been a great expression of pride from parents, students and teachers as a part of SRCS
- Maya Bartolf, parent at Terra Linda HS and co-chair of Academic Excellence: has a student in the MSEL program; she advocates for enrichment of high schools and is co-founder of the new Innovation Lab; Ipso is ill-conceived and lacking in an understanding of the diverse needs of special needs and EL students; the underserved community has been exploited to undermine SRHSD; Academic Excellence will continue to support the District to stop Ipso
- Abigail Chrome, Spanish teacher at SRHS and Tamalpais district parent: SRHSD has fewer resources than Tam, but can do so much with extensive ELD and three series of Spanish classes, and other programs such as AVID and academies; SRCS is anything but traditional; we don't need a charter
- Marla Miles, parent of Terra Linda HS senior: agrees to deny the charter; it is flawed and not needed here; sounds like a dream school that was offered to parents , but there is a lack of understanding how to get it off the ground; stick with Terra Linda and San Rafael high schools
- Steve Temple, SRHS teacher: teachers involved in collaboration and involved in programs that use PBL as a centerpiece; Engineering Academy, Media Academy, Broadcast Journalism and a Computer Science program that has quadrupled since last year; it is hard work to do what SRCS teachers are doing; confused that the charter threatens success with teachers that do not have PBL experience; is the damage that would incur in our school system an acceptable cost?
- Jeaneen Thurston, original teacher for the Media Academy, a sustainable small learning community for 20 years; the academy worked within the system to support all students; nothing in the charter suggests they understand those needs; taking away from kids who can't afford to have anything taken away from them; apply for a job at SRHS
- Ashley Sanchez, SRHS teacher: this is a terrible idea; co-founders finally came to see the District programs; shared her personal story regarding being a first generation college student and the support she received attending SRCS schools to be where she is today; charter is an agenda from Tam district; catastropic, immoral and wrong
- Susan Truetel, French teacher at SRHS: speaking as a parent of Vallecito students who will be attending SRHSD, not Ipso; Dixie and SRCS districts work hard; stellar music and arts programs and opportunities for cultural enrichment; what will be left in four years when Ipso has drained the District; implored Ipso to think about what they would do to the SRCS community
-Jaquie Gribens: difficult to assume good intentions with Ipso; unwilling to work with the District
- Eric Schoengard, SRHSD teacher: care about students who walk in the door; not perfect, but striving to be for students; taking resources and dividing the district is heartbreaking
- Kate MacDonald, parent of Terra Linda HS and co-chair of Academic Excellence; cited studies done in Minneapolis regarding charter schools; no difference in child learning in a charter vs. public schools; charters are negative because they separate schools
- Nubia Barajas, parent leader of SELAC at Terra Linda HS: Ipso funding coming from underserved students; not happy that they will not employ an English learner coordinator; children are too important to lose resources
- Bobbie Brett, SRHS teacher: concerned for children in the care of Ipso should it prevail; SRCS has had programs to close the achievement gap for years, SADIE, professional development and curriculum development; this year a new innovative bilingual program; inclusion and project-based learning
- David Swain: thanks to SRHS teachers; sons graduated from SRHSD and are doing well; problems with petition; hasty, condescending and patronizing; generic and does not take SRHS population into account; when voters came out to support the parcel tax, nobody voted to support a charter school; do not get the same passion and commitment from the Ipso side
-Marcos Cortez, Banyan program teacher: process has felt short-sided from Ipso; culture of SRHS provides support for students with disabilities and students in need of counseling support
- Faye Padecki, teacher at SRHS: regarding her passion to work at SRHS; don’t see Ipso finding out about the school and the community and the students who go to the schools; lawyer referenced Ipso can make the judgement for who they serve; Ipso dream is not for here
- Daisy Gomez, Sun Valley parent: furious about the charter; works hard as a volunteer to support District schools; Ipso taking money and resources; why didn't Tam take your idea?; submitting a petition in the summertime when nobody can speak is frustrating as a parent; not going to give Ipso funds earned for District schools
- James Wong, parent of MSEL student: first thought Ipso was a good idea, but then came to the meeting and felt like he needed to speak against it; Ipso can’t do a better job of changing the achievement gap; their proposal is not as novel as they think; if access is limited then leverage what is here instead of creating a competing infrastructure; EL learners would be segregated from the rest of the school
President Kertz opened Board discussion.
Comments from Trustee Jackson:
"Thank you Board President. I want to begin by thanking everyone who has participated in this review –Ipso for bringing forth your ideas and your clarifications of your proposal based on our analysis, families who shared their opinions, teachers & principals & support staff and community partners who spoke up to share their understanding of what the Ipso school would mean for San Rafael, and the staff that provided this comprehensive analysis.
When I first opened the Charter proposal back in August, I was looking forward to learning about something new. Within the first few pages I was struck by the number of grammatical and factual errors in the document. Proofreading is an essential skill, and I began to worry that the English classes would not be as rigorous as in our schools.
And then I was struck by the first of many inconsistencies: Ipso describes how it follows the Common Core framework: the 4cs (critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, communication). This is a good thing.
But the next two times it’s mentioned, the “4cs” become 4cs + a, with an unclear “agency” added on.
And then, the last three times the 4cs are mentioned, it became 3cs and an a, with critical thinking inexplicably replaced by that undefined “agency.”
Which one of the three descriptions is the right one?
Here’s another example, about the important topic of parent involvement:
The Board bylaws state that there will be an Advisory Council with 6 parents and 3 employees.
But..
In three other places, there’s an Advisory Board with student, parent, community and English learner reps, but NO staff. AND, in the LCAP this group has 4 NOT 6 parents.
You have said that you’ll correct the name, but the substance is still a question: which one of the three descriptions is the right one?
These details matter.
At SRCS, we believe in ‘lifting student achievement, every student, every day.’
I read this through my lens of understanding equity and sustainability, to answer three questions:
Is it a sound educational program?
Does it expand school choice in San Rafael?
And
Can it be implemented successfully?
1) Is it a sound program?
In addition to these concerns outlined in the staff report about an unsound program, add my dismay about the lack of understanding of who lives in San Rafael. There is one group entirely ignored in the proposal.
The word “Immigrant” is not mentioned once in this document. Our educators, school staff and our community partners know that the journey of our immigrant families is at the heart of their lives and their education.
Our English language learners are not some educational “subgroup.” They need and deserve a cultural and educational sensitivity that says “I see you.” Without recognition of the immigration experience, in addition to the other experiences of our diverse students, this proposed program cannot begin to be a sound program for all our students.
2) Does this offer choice? - Ipso proposes to have a myriad of programs, but as I read, I wondered what was new. The program described things we already have in San Rafael schools.
At the public hearing, teachers and principals described how these proposed approaches are happening every day, with Banyan and MSEL and the physics academy and the media academy, with special education, with our newcomer, AVID and AP classes, and with a small individualized program at Madrone high. I have to conclude that as presented, Ipso does not offer a choice that is not already available.
3) Can this program be implemented? Is it sustainable?
In addition to the staff’s analysis about inadequate staffing and budgeting errors, I share the following comments about completeness and accuracy:
1) Restorative justice is promised in the LCAP, but not anywhere else, not even in the staff qualifications, in the disciplinary approach or in the budget assumptions.
2) The petition information is cloudy. The proposal doesn’t describe the meetings held in Mill Valley and elsewhere, and is describes meetings in Spanish that nobody attended. The pursuit of signatures is disturbing: Spanish-speaking parents shared with me being approached in their time off, at their doctor’s office and at their place of worship. And, despite having learned last spring that our high schools are basic aid funded, parents have told me that Ipso continued to say until now that there will be no funding impact on our high schools.
I note that 19% of the 1st year students will NOT even be from San Rafael – the signatures from other towns in Marin, SF, Santa Rosa, and Richmond. Will these long distance students really come?
3) The plan states that there will be four teachers for 132 students. And the ED and the principal with be teachers. The Executive Director will also be the community liaison in the first year, even though she doesn’t speak Spanish. This is an insufficient and confusing staffing promise for 132 students.
4) The budget inexplicably does not show Title 1 students enrolling in the 2nd year. There are Title 1 students projected to enroll in the 1st, 3rd and 4th year. This is an odd exclusion of our low-income students in the 2nd year. This is especially telling because this is unexplained in the BUDGET, which must explain discrepancies such as this.
5) Finally, the facilities. The concept is that there will be space for 132 students in central San Rafael the first year, with incremental additions over the years, in a location that won’t require transportation. As the staff report highlights, there is not one hint of where in San Rafael this kind of accessible, expandable space is available. This is a hopeful proposition, but hope is not a plan.
Conclusion
I was looking for something that would be innovative, equitable and sustainable. I did not find it.
In San Rafael, our excellence is grounded in the framework of equity. I was disappointed to find that equity is mentioned only three times in the charter proposal. Without equity explicitly embedded in the curriculum, teaching, assessments, evaluations and discipline, “equity” becomes lost in a mishmash of good intentions.
I recognize that this proposal was written with good intentions. I encourage Ipso to talk with us and see how you can be value-added to our students and families.
Good intentions alone do not create a sound implementable school. They become an experiment, which I cannot support.
I am not at all convinced that the 132 first year students will have the education they are being led to expect in what is essentially a one-room classroom. They will not have PE or enough teachers. They will have few electives and insufficient English language and special education. They will be in a place that doesn’t have the cultural sensitivity to understand the great multiplicity of assets each student brings.
I will vote no because of the findings in the staff report, and because of the inconsistencies I’ve described. This unsound and unsustainable proposal is not a wise use of our public education dollars."
Comments from Greg Knell:
As a four term trustee with statewide involvement, he has studied a lot of charter petitions and innovative programs. Ipso teachers were innovative teachers in Tam District and they struggled hard to get some of the things there that we do in SRCS. This is a boilerplate petition. The school plan is pieced together from different charter ideas; not well thought out or put together. There is no substance the Board would recommend to our parents and students. He cannot support the petition.
Comments from Maika Llorens Gulati:
"Thank you Katy and Erin for the time and effort you have put into their proposal.
Also I would like to express my gratitude to our amazing caring community: teachers, parents, staff, … everyone who has taking the time to write, meet and attend our meetings.
Based on their application, and after listening to our community of parents, teachers and staff members, I have the following concerns:
- Ipso mentions its belief is that all students can learn at high levels. With their proposal they will be supporting 132 children, about 500 by the end of 4 years.
Our unduplicated low income/EL population is nearly 50% of our high school district. How would they support all these children? Especially considering by definition a charter school can accept any student in California outside our district.
- Not enough experience with EL/low income students. Although I see they are successful in their past work history, they don’t know our San Rafael community. Until recently based on feedback from parents, they didn’t visit our schools or talk to teachers.
I am also puzzled why they applied for a charter school in San Rafael when their expertise is in the Tam District. Charter schools are open to anyone in the County which means our EL or low income students could still attend IPSO in a different district.
The petition is not coming from our San Rafael community and it has no community support.
- Although the petition is based on project-based academies, this will be the first school of its kind. A pilot. San Rafael has a very diverse population with high percentages of our children being English learners and in the free and reduced lunch program. We also receive newcomer students throughout the year. Just last year we registered 175 newcomer students. I don’t see anything in their work experience showing success with this type of demographics and I feel our students will be at risk to fall behind without the appropriate support, the one we currently offer in our schools.
- In regards to foreign languages, I am Hispanic and English is my second language. I started learning when I was 13. Based on my experience you cannot learn a language online or by catalog. You need to interact with your peers. It’s my belief having at least one foreign language is vital to give a student opportunities in our global economy.
- I am also concerned, after talking to several parents who signed the Ipso petition, that they didn’t really know what they were signing. For instance I have a friend who is in the petition who didn’t intend to sign to apply for a charter school. He just checked in the day of the meeting and his signature got in the petition. Parents were also very unaware of the financial impact this charter will have in our district. Other parents feel Ipso had two different versions based on the audience. For instance, I’m curious if they told parents of EL students that they are planning to admit only 17% of the total population as EL students? It is also very unclear how their admission process will be and I feel they are creating high expectations for parents who assume that by signing the charter petition will mean an automatic acceptance in the school.
As a school board member, my job is to make sure that each student receives the best education so he/she can achieve the best they can be. In our SRCS we are presented with challenges based on our demographics, but also opportunities. The district is constantly evolving incorporating new programs to support all our students:
- COMPASS program in partnership with College of Marin in both high schools
- Dreamer’s program – helping kids to attend and complete college as first generation
- Very successful Internships programs collaborating with MCOE and San Rafael Chamber of Commerce
- Specific curriculum designed for EL students and newcomers so they can learn different material while mastering English
- Tutoring
- AVID programs
- Bi-literacy program in high school for Spanish native students
- Academies: MarinSEL, Physics academy, media academy, banyan
- Tied relationships with community agencies: Canal Alliance, Huckleberry, 10,000 Degrees, Parent Services Project, Marin Promise, Youth in Arts, Marin school volunteers, Marin Community Foundation, College of Marin, Dominican College, … just to name a few. These agencies value the hard work that happens every day in our schools
In summary, I don’t feel IPSO’s proposal is consistent with a sound educational practice and I feel this petition will be in detriment of our students. Most of the application describes a theory of how the program might work, but without any solid experience with the proposed student targets to back it up.
My recommendation is to deny the charter petition.
It is my hope Erin and Katy will stay and work with SRCS. I would love to see their enthusiasm to maybe help create a new academy within the school like MarinSEL, Physics academy, media academy, … where they can be supported by our knowledgably and experienced staff; where the students won’t be isolated from our community and they will benefit from the services already provided in our schools such electives, PE, sports, foreign languages, EL support, internships, community liaisons, etc without duplicating efforts."
Comments from Natu Tuatagaloa:
He expressed thanks to Ipso co-founders; acknowledging it is a brave task to bring this petition forward; listened to many comments regarding why and why not to approve the petition. As a board member it is his job to make sound decisions for all kids and not just some. On that fundamental, he has to support staff to deny the petition.
Comments from Rachel Kertz:
"I had the opportunity to meet with the petitioners prior to receiving the Charter petition in the hope of working together to create a school within a school. Very early in the conversation, it became clear that the focus wasn’t on the students but on their self-interest. The door was shut before we even had the opportunity to explore options. This is not an example of collaboration.
I found it ironic that your pictures were on the front of the IJ instead of students, the heart of what we are all about. Seems to me to be indicative of your priorities. You are not representative of our community or what we working to achieve. You seem to have made promises to many families, without a solid plan on how to deliver.
We have heard a lot of perspectives the last couple of weeks and one thing is clear, there is nothing that gets people more passionate and vocal than when the well-being and education of our children is at stake.
I want to thank everyone for sharing your thoughts and concerns. Every email, meeting, phone call, text, stop in the grocery parking lot I took very seriously and I appreciate that you wanted to share your thoughts and opinions. I would not want to live in a quiet community.
I also want to thank everyone who worked on preparing the report. When we approved our 2016-2017 LCAP plan and budget in May we approved our priorities and our goals and objectives. Nowhere did we include dedicating hours and hours of review and analysis of a Charter petition. This was not top of the list but over the last couple of months it had to become a priority. In parallel, our Administration and Central Services team opened school, continued to work on a number of key initiatives and still provided hours to building this report.
Most importantly the IPSO proposal brought out the whole San Rafael community to express their support of San Rafael Schools. I am so proud of the work that we are doing. I’m proud of the relationships we have built with our community partners like College of Marin, the Marin Community Foundation and 10,000 Degrees and many more. It doesn’t always happen to have alignment and agreement among our unions, community members, alumni and parents. I am so proud of our principals, teachers and administrators who were still willing to speak to the petitioners and provide a tour of our campuses.
Through all of this, I do see a silver-lining…I want to take this passion and commitment and continue to work with everyone who wrote letters, signed the Change.org petition and raised their voice at a Board meeting. We need to your input as we evolve our programs and plans. To our English Language Learner community, continue to work with us. We need to hear from you. We had over 50 English Language Learner parents at last week’s Terra Linda SELAC meeting. We need to keep the discussion going. There is a lot of work to do and I believe we are on the right track. If you aren’t sure how to get involved, ask us. I want those who see areas that need to be fixed to work with us so we can better understand the problems and then together we can work to find solutions.
I do not support this proposal. It has too many flaws in it and does not present a roadmap for successful program that will support and educate all of our students. Without a doubt, it fails in meeting the required criteria set forth by the State of California. If there is a decision by the petitioners to present the Charter to the County, I will continue to represent the majority voice of our community, DELAC representatives, teachers and parents who support San Rafael City Schools and do not support the IPSO Charter School."
Superintendent Watenpaugh clarified that the Board's action would serve as the Board's decision, and the Staff Report becomes the findings of the District to approve, approve with conditions, or deny the charter.
After Board action, President Kertz called for a brief recess at 8:47 PM. She reconvened the meeting to Open Session at 9:02 PM.
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A. Ipso Charter School - Staff Report
A1. Ipso Charter Petition Staff Report - Presentation
Appendix 1 Teacher Signatures
Appendix 1a Parent Signatures
Appendix 1b Parent Signatures
Appendix 2 Community Outreach 3C English
Appendix 2 Community Outreach 3C Spanish
Appendix 2 Community Outreach Materials English Info.
Appendix 2 Community Outreach Materials Spanish Info.
Appendix 3 Community Heroes Letter of Support
Appendix 3 Dominican Letter of Support
Appendix 3 EdgeMakers Letter of Support
Appendix 3 Marin Community Clinics Ltr of Support
Appendix 4.1 Sample Personalized Learning Plan
Appendix 4.2 Technology to Support Personalized Learning
Appendix 4.3 Ipso school year event calendar
Appendix 4.4 Sample School Schedule
Appendix 4.5 A Day in the Life of Ipso Students/Teachers
Appendix 4.6 Calculation of Instructional Minutes
Appendix 4.7 Sample Course of Study
Appendix 5.1 Articles of Incorporation Ipso School
Appendix 5.2 Bylaws Ipso Schools
Appendix 5.3 Conflict of Interest Code
Appendix 5.4 Organizational Chart
Appendix 6.1 Sample Job Descriptions
Appendix 7.1 Budget Narrative
Appendix 7.2 Budget Projection
Appendix 7.3 Cash Flow Projection
Appendix 7.4 Letter of Commitment Charter Asset Management
Appendix 7.5 Letter of Commitment from Silicon Schools
Appendix 7.6 Letter of Commitment from NSVF
Appendix 8 Uniform Complaint Policy
Appendix 9 Biographies of Founders and Key Consultants
Final Petition Cover Letter 6.27.16
Ipso Charter Petition
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An update related to bonds and Capital Facilities Program will be provided.
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Senior Director Dr. Dan Zaich introduced the CEQA update for SRHS that includes summary notes from the September 13 scoping meeting, feedback from the neighborhood, and letters from the City of San Rafael and CalTrans. He introduced Amy Skewes Cox and David Parise who were present to provide a brief update.
Ms. Skewes Cox reviewed the finish of the NOP review, and the scoping meeting, and the drafting of a the EIR. Public review will be in December of this year. Transportation comments dominated everything.
David Parise reviewed changes in the scope of work since letters and comments were received. He reviewed intersections being studied and how students are getting to and from school, availability of parking, conditions occurring throughout the day, AM and PM intersections activity. City of SR requested a stand alone analysis of parking on campus and on the streets. Caltrans requested an analysis of Hwy 101 and ramps, a state requirement for impact studies. Mr. Parise responded to trustee questions regarding the areas of the parking study, what parts of the CEQA study are for the district, and which are for the city; are we paying for the analysis for the city and the SMART train with this study for the stadium?; look at existing studies with the city and SMART train; are these reasonable requests from the city and Caltrans?
Public Comment:
Ann Bauer, Montecito Area Resident Association (MARA): MARA expressed agreement with the expansion of the CEQA studies, especially around traffic; suggested a change in the traffic study time block from 4:00-6:00 PM to early times in the afternoon to catch the impact. Concerned about the change from the SRHS facilty use plan to a districtwide plan; should be specific to SRHS. Mr. Parisi noted that the city requires certain study times, but they will look into the afterschool periods as well.
Dr. Zaich provided clarification on the facilities use agreement committee which will be reviewing policies, fees and costs, and will have terms and conditions that will be specific to SRHS. |
CEQA Update
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| That the Board receives any updates since the last Board meeting.
1) Master Facilities Planning |
Director Dave Pedroli reported:
- Summerfest was a success; acknowledged Maintenance and Operations staff who worked hard to prepare for the event.
- Short School play area is coming along with rubber being poured and play structures coming this week.
- Staff are catching up on summer work orders. |
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The Board is presented with a fee adjustment for transportation consultant services, for Skews-Cox Consulting Company, related to the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) at the San Rafael High School (SRHS) Project.
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BACKGROUND: SRCS is responding to concerns related to a number of comments that came from our Scoping Meeting which took place on September 13, 2016 and from comment letters in response to the EIR Notice of Preparation. Traffic issues were raised that address both direct and indirect impacts related to transportation and safety. As a result, SRCS is addressing concerns with a revised scope of work to for a full traffic analysis that will meet the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The City of San Rafael, Caltrans, and neighbors have raised questions related to potential impacts of both the proposed stadium improvements and the projected student growth at SRHS. Further research is needed to address issues related to traffic safety, adequacy of local parking (which if not adequate can have indirect impacts of traffic in the neighborhood), intersection impacts to neighborhood intersections (in addition to other intersections identified by the City), student modes of travel which will affect how many increased trips could occur due to projected growth, and trips to/from Highway 101 (concern raised by Caltrans). On June 13, 2016, The Board approved a contract with Skewes-Cox Environmental Consulting Co. for services related to CEQA and the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for San Rafael High School. This contract was for a total of $331,278. Skewes-Cox Consulting Co. selected Parisi Transportation Consulting to complete the transportation research for the EIR. Based on comments presented at the Scoping Meeting and letters from Caltrans, the City of San Rafael, and neighbors in response to the Notice of Preparation, the EIR consulting team determined that the scope of work for the traffic analysis needed to be augmented. See attached letters from: Parisi Transportation Consulting letter to Amy Skewes-Cox, dated September 20, 2016 attached.) CURRENT CONSIDERATION: The increase in scope of work includes:
• Increase of study intersections to 23
• Additional traffic counts (intersection and roadway)
• Comprehensive student travel survey to ascertain current travel modes to/from school
• Focused traffic and safety assessment along Mission Avenue
• Standalone comprehensive parking study
• Quantitative analysis of weekday AM and PM peaks (City requirement)
• Qualitative discussion of after-school, weekday nighttime, weekend, and special event conditions.
• Estimation of trips to/from Highway 101 and volume-to-capacity ratio for Caltrans’ facility
• Increased coordination with City of San Rafael
Skewes-Cox Environmental Consulting has requested an Add-Services in the amount of $102,616 (Not to Exceed based on Time, Materials, and Expenses) based upon the added scope of their services.
(See attached related documents)
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A “Not to Exceed” maximum of $102,616.00 has been established for this additional work. Actual hours will be billed on a T & M (Time and Material) basis and will not exceed the total without further authorization from the District. Fees will be funded by Measure B.
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Approval of this fee adjustment to Skewes-Cox Environmental Consulting based on a time and material agreement, not to exceed $102,616 without prior authorization from the District.
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Approval of this fee adjustment to Skewes-Cox Environmental Consulting based on a time and material agreement, not to exceed $102,616 without prior authorization from the District.
Passed with a motion by Greg Knell and a second by Linda Jackson. |
Yes Linda Jackson.
Yes Rachel Kertz.
Yes Greg Knell.
Yes Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati.
Yes Natu Tuatagaloa.
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Augment Letter
Budget - Amendment #1
Potential Study Intersections
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Approval of the Consent Agenda items 1-15, with the amendment that Item #4 should be approved, with the deletion of the TLHS list, and noting that in item #12, the correct date is September 30th. Passed with a motion by Natu Tuatagaloa and a second by Greg Knell. |
Yes Linda Jackson.
Yes Rachel Kertz.
Yes Greg Knell.
Yes Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati.
Yes Natu Tuatagaloa.
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| This agenda item presents for Board approval the Administration's recommended personnel transactions for the Elementary School District.
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| This agenda item presents for Board approval the Administration's recommended personnel transactions for the Elementary School District, as shown on Exhibit A (Certificated) and Exhibit B (Classified). All changes to personnel since the previous board meeting including resignations, leaves of absence, retirements, reassignments, new hires, changes of contract, returns from leave, releases and short term assignments are included for Board approval. |
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| Approval of all hiring, terminations, transfers, and retirements of employees in the Elementary School District. |
Approval of all hiring, terminations, transfers, and retirements of employees in the Elementary School District. Passed with a motion by Natu Tuatagaloa and a second by Greg Knell. |
Yes Linda Jackson.
Yes Rachel Kertz.
Yes Greg Knell.
Yes Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati.
Yes Natu Tuatagaloa.
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PERSONNEL ACTION ESD 9.26.2016
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| This agenda item presents for Board approval the Administration's recommended personnel transactions for the High School District.
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| This agenda item presents for Board approval the Administration's recommended personnel transactions for the High School district, as shown on Exhibit A (Certificated) and Exhibit B (Classified). All changes to personnel since the previous board meeting including resignations, leaves of absence, retirements, reassignments, new hires, changes of contract, returns from leave, releases and short term assignments are included for Board approval. |
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| Approval of all hiring, terminations, transfers, and retirements of employees in the High School District. |
Approval of all hiring, terminations, transfers, and retirements of employees in the High School District. Passed with a motion by Natu Tuatagaloa and a second by Greg Knell. |
Yes Linda Jackson.
Yes Rachel Kertz.
Yes Greg Knell.
Yes Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati.
Yes Natu Tuatagaloa.
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PERSONNEL ACTION HSD 9.26.2016
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| This agenda item presents for Board approval the Administration's recommended personnel transactions for the Joint School District.
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| This agenda item presents for Board approval the Administration's recommended personnel transactions for the Joint School District, as shown on Exhibit A (Certificated) and Exhibit B (Classified). All changes to personnel since the previous board meeting including resignations, leaves of absence, retirements, reassignments, new hires, changes of contract, returns from leave, releases and short term assignments are included for Board approval. |
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| Approval of all hiring, terminations, transfers, and retirements of employees in the Joint School District. |
Approval of all hiring, terminations, transfers, and retirements of employees in the Joint School District. Passed with a motion by Natu Tuatagaloa and a second by Greg Knell. |
Yes Linda Jackson.
Yes Rachel Kertz.
Yes Greg Knell.
Yes Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati.
Yes Natu Tuatagaloa.
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PERSONNEL ACTION JOINT 9.26.2016
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| This agenda item presents for Board approval the Administration's recommended personnel actions for the High School District.
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| Cost/Funding Source: Circumstances require extra hire for specific projects or services for the listed positions. They are funded from various categorical and site funds. |
| Approval of these Personnel actions. |
Approval of these Personnel actions, as amended with the removal of the Terra Linda HS list. Passed with a motion by Natu Tuatagaloa and a second by Greg Knell. |
Yes Linda Jackson.
Yes Rachel Kertz.
Yes Greg Knell.
Yes Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati.
Yes Natu Tuatagaloa.
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| This item was amended to be approved without the Terra Linda list, which was pulled. |
SRHS FALL COACH LIST 2016-2017
TLHS FALL COACH LIST 2016-2017
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| The Board will consider the purchase of a new color copier for Short Elementary School.
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| BACKGROUND: It has been determined by the district that the purchase of a color copier is necessary in order to provide a greater level of support of both the instructional and office staff at Short Elementary School. The school has requested a color copier that will replace the majority of use on the numerous color printers that the teachers have been using to print many of the units that have been developed in alignment with Common Core State Standards. The cost of toner and maintenance on the color printers is far greater than the cost of maintenance and toner on the color copier. In addition, the color copier will provide much faster printing and a longer useful life than the color printers. CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS:
The District will purchase a Discovery Kyocera 305ci color copier with document feeder and cabinet. The new color copier is significantly faster and more cost effective than the traditional color printers that staff have been using for their CCSS aligned materials/units. It will increase productivity and efficiency for our instructional staff. |
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| COST/FUNDING SOURCE:
The purchase cost for the new Discovery Kyocera 3051ci copier is $7,902.90. The annual maintenance cost for the copier is estimated at $1,895.40 which is less than the cost of printer cartridges for the color printers of approximately $2,667.50 annually.
SACS Code: 01-0000-0-6420.00-1110-1000-097-000-000
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Approval of the purchase of a new copier for Short School. |
Approval of the purchase of a new copier for Short School. Passed with a motion by Natu Tuatagaloa and a second by Greg Knell. |
Yes Linda Jackson.
Yes Rachel Kertz.
Yes Greg Knell.
Yes Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati.
Yes Natu Tuatagaloa.
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Discovery Office Systems Customer Order
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| The Board will consider the purchase of a copier.
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| BACKGROUND:
The existing copy machine at the Maintenance Department, which is over 10 years old has extended beyond its useful life. It consistently breaks down and is difficult to repair. It has been determined that a new replacement copier is necessary in order to increase efficiency. CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS:
The District will purchase a Discovery Kyocera TASKalfa 3252ci MFP which will allow the staff to print work orders, invoices, and material specifications from their tablets remotely. The new digital copier will have dual scanning features, internal finisher and is significantly faster. It will increase productivity and efficiency.
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| COST/FUNDING SOURCE:
The purchase cost for the new copier is $8,307.10. The annual maintenance cost is estimated to be $1075.20 and is based on an estimated usage of 9,000 black and white copies and 3,000 copies for color.
SACS Code: 01-0000-0-6520.00-0000-8200-735-000-000
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| Approval of the purchase of a new copier.
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Approval of the purchase of a new copier.
Passed with a motion by Natu Tuatagaloa and a second by Greg Knell. |
Yes Linda Jackson.
Yes Rachel Kertz.
Yes Greg Knell.
Yes Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati.
Yes Natu Tuatagaloa.
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Discovery Office Systems Customer Order
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This agenda item presents a MOU with Experience Corps for services at Bahia Vista, Coleman, Laurel Dell, San Pedro, Short, Sun Valley and Venetia Valley for the 2016-2017 school year, for recommended approval.
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Background: Experience Corps Marin has provided screened and trained older adult volunteer tutors in San Rafael Elementary Schools since 2007. The program started at one school and has since expanded to seven schools. Staff and teacher support and collaboration have positively impacted program operation and expansion. Experience Corps Marin is affiliated with the nationwide AARP Experience Corps program and uses its tutoring model to improve literacy in young school children. The model focuses on the benefits of consistent tutoring by volunteers aged 50 and over in one-on-one, small group, and classroom assistance sessions to improve literacy in kindergarten through third grade. Achieving grade level literacy in these early grades is important to a student’s graduation and future success. In return, the older adult volunteers experience enhanced physical and mental well-being, and may overcome the negative impacts of living an isolated life. EC Marin volunteers come from throughout Marin County and a variety of professional and personal backgrounds. Current Consideration: EC Marin will recruit, screen, train, place and support volunteer tutors in classrooms in seven San Rafael elementary schools - Bahia Vista, Coleman, Laurel Dell, San Pedro, Short, Sun Valley and Venetia Valley. All volunteers experience a minimum of 10 hours of training in their first year and continuing training every year thereafter. Training topics include the elements of literacy in kindergarten through third grade, positive behavior management, mentoring, Common Core and working effectively with English Language Learners. EC Marin school site coordinators support volunteers’ placements, tutoring concerns and communication with teachers. Exhibit A
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The cost of services not to exceed $4,000 are to be paid from Title I funds. 01-3010-0-5840.00-1110-2490-700-240-000
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Approval of the MOU with Experience Corps for services at Bahia Vista, Coleman, Laurel Dell, San Pedro, Short, Sun Valley and Venetia Valley for the 2016-2017 school year.
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Approval of the MOU with Experience Corps for services at Bahia Vista, Coleman, Laurel Dell, San Pedro, Short, Sun Valley and Venetia Valley for the 2016-2017 school year.
Passed with a motion by Natu Tuatagaloa and a second by Greg Knell. |
Yes Linda Jackson.
Yes Rachel Kertz.
Yes Greg Knell.
Yes Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati.
Yes Natu Tuatagaloa.
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Exhibit A
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This item presents a Memorandum of Understanding between San Rafael City Schools, Laurel Dell and Marin Shakespeare Company for Sequential Standards-Based Theatre Progam for the 2016-2017 school year.
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BACKGROUND: Marin Shakespeare Company's sequential, standards-based in-schools drama program for grades K-8 is aligned with the common core. Their curriculum includes improvisation/creativity, public speaking, and dramatic performance. Students will act out poems and stories from around the world with age-appropriate material that integrates drama study with ongoing classroom curriculum. They currently provide 6-week to year-round programs in six public elementary schools in San Rafael and Novato. These programs are provided at no or low costs to the schools. Current Consideration: Laurel Dell Elementary School and Marin Shakespeare Company will work together to provide a sequential standards-based Theatre program for students in grades K through 5 during the 2016-2017 school year. Staff recommends the Board approves the Memorandum of Understanding between San Rafael City Schools, Laurel Dell and Marin Shakespeare Company for Sequential Standards-Based Theatre Progam for the 2016-2017 school year.
Exhibit A |
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The cost of services not to exceed $1,500. Funding to be provided by PTA. |
Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between San Rafael City Schools, Laurel Dell and Marin Shakespeare Company for Sequential Standards-Based Theatre Program for the 2016-2017 school year.
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Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between San Rafael City Schools, Laurel Dell and Marin Shakespeare Company for Sequential Standards-Based Theatre Program for the 2016-2017 school year.
Passed with a motion by Natu Tuatagaloa and a second by Greg Knell. |
Yes Linda Jackson.
Yes Rachel Kertz.
Yes Greg Knell.
Yes Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati.
Yes Natu Tuatagaloa.
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Exhibit A
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This item presents a Memorandum of Understanding between San Rafael City Schools, Laurel Dell and Youth in Arts for art and dance workshops for the 2016-2017 School Year.
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Background: Youth in Arts’ mission is to provide students with high-quality experiences and instruction in the visual and performing arts, and to enrich the community with cultural events. Through artist residencies, professional performances, school and community events, and intensive out-of-school programs for teens, we help young people develop skills and confidence to share their unique creative voices. We maintain a roster of Mentor Artists that is both artistically and culturally diverse, enabling us to share a wide range of world cultures with students through the arts. We are dedicated to the principle of “reaching all learners,” tailoring programs as needed for students of all abilities. Art is ultimately a form of communication, and we help our students share their artistic voices through culminating events (exhibits and performances) at school, as well as in our own YIA Gallery, the only art gallery in the North Bay dedicated to showcasing student work. Current Consideration: That the Board approves the Memorandum of Understanding between San Rafael City Schools, Laurel Dell and Youth in Arts for art and dance workshops for the 2016-2017 School Year. Exhibit A
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The cost of services not to exceed $5,000 to be paid from PTA funds. |
Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between San Rafael City Schools, Laurel Dell and Youth in Arts for art and dance workshops for the 2016-2017 School Year.
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Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between San Rafael City Schools, Laurel Dell and Youth in Arts for art and dance workshops for the 2016-2017 School Year.
Passed with a motion by Natu Tuatagaloa and a second by Greg Knell. |
Yes Linda Jackson.
Yes Rachel Kertz.
Yes Greg Knell.
Yes Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati.
Yes Natu Tuatagaloa.
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Exhibit A
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This item presents a Memorandum of Understanding between San Rafael City Schools, Laurel Dell and Young Imaginations for music and dance workshops for the 2016-2017 school year.
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Background: Founded in 1987, Young Imaginations provides multicultural music and dance classes in San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, East Bay, and northern California schools. In addition, they present research-based model projects, professional development opportunities for classroom teachers and music/dance specialists, and conference presentations at state and national levels. Arts in the school's program includes performances for all students at the end of their sessions as well as on-going opportunities for informal and/or formal collaboration between Young Imaginations, the school and community outreach. Classroom teachers will attend classes with their students and complete an assessment at the end of the program. Young Imaginations includes the assignment of a lead arts educator and guest artist; curriculum planning; assessment of student learning; informal and formal collaboration with school staff; community outreach; curriculum equipment/materials for students' use in class. Exhibit A |
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The cost of the workshops will be paid by Laurel Dell PTA. $1,393.00
Workshop In-Kind Donation: Buck Family Fund and individual contributions to Young Imaginations will be $4178.00
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Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between San Rafael City Schools, Laurel Dell and Young Imaginations for music and dance workshops for the 2016-2017 school year.
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Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between San Rafael City Schools, Laurel Dell and Young Imaginations for music and dance workshops for the 2016-2017 school year.
Passed with a motion by Natu Tuatagaloa and a second by Greg Knell. |
Yes Linda Jackson.
Yes Rachel Kertz.
Yes Greg Knell.
Yes Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati.
Yes Natu Tuatagaloa.
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Exhibit A
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This item presents an Independent Contractor Agreement for Special Services with Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) for the Expansion of Health and Fitness Education at Bahia Vista for the 2016-2017 school year.
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Background: Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) is a regional 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency headquartered in San Rafael, California that provides a range of services in seven counties around the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded in 1976, BACR’s mission is to promote the healthy development of individuals and families, encourage service and volunteerism, and help build community.Toward these ends, BACR delivers services at more than 100 school- and community-based sites in the following program areas: After school, alcohol and drug, healthy communities, mental health, national service, tobacco, youth leadership and workforce development, and fiscal intermediary services. Last year, BACR delivered intensive direct services to approximately 33,000 children, youth, and adults annually. Our outreach and informational programs reached another 370,000 through events, workshops, and the internet. Annual evaluations of BACR programs have consistently shown positive impacts, including improved family functioning, youth development skills, and school performance. BACR delivers the above services with an annual budget of more than $28 million and a professional staff of 500 (276 FTE) and 360 AmeriCorps members, 25 graduate-level mental health interns, and more than 9,000 volunteers a year. This cadre of professional staff, AmeriCorps members, interns, and volunteers helps make it possible for BACR to leverage support and deliver services in communities that otherwise would not have the capacity to provide adequate resources. Current Consideration: Bay Area Community Resources will support the expansion of school climate efforts; health and fitness education, conflict manager/resolution and parent education by the hiring of a Health and Fitness Educator for the 2016-2017 school year. Exhibit A
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The cost of services not to exceed $20,695.62 to be funded through LCFF general funds and local donations.
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Approval of the Independent Contractor Agreement for Special Services with Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) the Expansion of Health and Fitness Education at Bahia Vista for the 2016-2017 school year.
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Approval of the Independent Contractor Agreement for Special Services with Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) the Expansion of Health and Fitness Education at Bahia Vista for the 2016-2017 school year.
Passed with a motion by Natu Tuatagaloa and a second by Greg Knell. |
Yes Linda Jackson.
Yes Rachel Kertz.
Yes Greg Knell.
Yes Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati.
Yes Natu Tuatagaloa.
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Exhibit A
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This item presents an overnight field trip for Terra Linda High School Girls Water Polo Team to participate in El Capitan Summit Water Polo Tournament in Merced, California on September 30 - October 1, 2016.
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BACKGROUND: Board Policy 6153: Instruction: The Board of Education recognizes that school-sponsored trips are an important component of a student's development and supplement and enrich the classroom learning experience. School-sponsored trips may be conducted in connection with the district's course of study or school-related social, educational, cultural, athletic, school band activities, or other extracurricular or co-curricular activities. Requests for school-sponsored trips involving out-of-state, out-of-country, or overnight travel shall be submitted to the Superintendent or designee. The Superintendent or designee shall review the request and make a recommendation to the Board as to whether the request should be approved by the Board. All other school-sponsored trips shall be approved in advance first by the principal and then by the Deputy Superintendent or designee. No field trip shall be authorized if any student would be excluded from participation because of lack of sufficient funds. CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS: This item presents for Board approval of overnight field trip for Terra Linda High School Girls Water Polo Team to participate in a water polo tournament in Merced, California on September 30 - October 1, 2016.
Students most likely participate will be Silvia Alfonso ,Frances Applegarth, Sophie Baublitz, Taylor Boyle, Elena Cavender, Madeline Knopf, Lauren Levinson, Sally Lucchesi, Morgan McDaniel, Emma Roggenkamp, Mica Smith, Sammy Stilson, Erin Mc Daniel, Islay Kilgannon, Evann Schultz Adult Chaperones will be Coach Lynn Lathouwers and four additional parent chaperones to be named. Accommodations: Students will be staying at the Holiday Inn Express located in Merced, CA. Each student, coach and adult chaperones will have their own bed. The team will leave on the morning of September 30th and drive in private vehicles to the tournament. The team will participate in two or three matches on both Friday and Saturday. The team will return after the last game on Saturday and is estimated to arrive back to Terra Linda HS at 9:00pm. Students will not have access to any water activities outside of team supervised competition. No student will be excluded from participation because of lack of sufficient funds.
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There will be no financial impact to the district. |
Approval of the overnight field trip for Terra Linda High School Girls Water Polo Team to participate in El Capitan Summit Water Polo Tournament in Merced, California on September 20 - October 1, 2016.
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Approval of the overnight field trip for Terra Linda High School Girls Water Polo Team to participate in El Capitan Summit Water Polo Tournament in Merced, California on September 30 - October 1, 2016.
Passed with a motion by Natu Tuatagaloa and a second by Greg Knell. |
Yes Linda Jackson.
Yes Rachel Kertz.
Yes Greg Knell.
Yes Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati.
Yes Natu Tuatagaloa.
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Approval of the overnight field trip for Terra Linda High School Girls Water Polo Team to participate in El Capitan Summit Water Polo Tournament in Merced, California on September 20 - October 1, 2016.
Passed with a motion by Natu Tuatagaloa and a second by Greg Knell. |
Yes Linda Jackson.
Yes Rachel Kertz.
Yes Greg Knell.
Yes Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati.
Yes Natu Tuatagaloa.
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The Board is presented with proposals for additional support services and training from Aeries, for recommended approval.
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BACKGROUND: The Information Technology Department is in need of additional support services from Aeries for the following:
- Custom project to comply with Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC)
- Custom project to complete CalPads EOY 2015-16 and Fall 2016-17
- Training and support to management of Aeries products to conclude transition
- Remote support in order to fill vacant position.
These tasks will be completed by the staff we put into place to manage and support Aeries and California reporting requirements with CalPads and CRDC.
CURRENT CONSIDERATION: Staff recommends approval of the attached proposals for services.
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ESD: $34,320 SACS: 01-0000-5849.00-0000-7700-700-290-000 HSD: $17,680 SACS: 01-0000-5849.00-0000-7700-700-290-000
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Approval of additional contract work with Aeries (parent company Eagle Software).
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Approval of additional contract work with Aeries (parent company Eagle Software).
Passed with a motion by Natu Tuatagaloa and a second by Greg Knell. |
Yes Linda Jackson.
Yes Rachel Kertz.
Yes Greg Knell.
Yes Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati.
Yes Natu Tuatagaloa.
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Aeries - Calpads
Aeries - Multi
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The Board is presented with a contract from Corporate Media Systems to replace the video projector in the Terra Linda HS Performance Hall.
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BACKGROUND: The video projector in the Performance Hall at Terra Linda High School is no longer operable and needs to be replaced. The District is contributing to replace and upgrade the projector as the Performance Hall is used by the District as well as the community
CURRENT CONSIDERATION: Staff is recommending approval of the contract with Corporate Media Systems to replace the projector.
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HSD - $13,946.67
SACS: 01-0000-0-4415.00-1110-1000-411-290-000 |
Approval of contract with Corporate Media Systems. |
CMS contract
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The Board will consider approval of the employment contract for the Assistant Superintendent, Business Services from October 15, 2016 - June 30, 2019.
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The positions of Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, and Assistant Superintendents are each employed under a contracted employment agreement, and serve at the will of the Board. Each of these positions are funded fifty percent by the Elementary School District and fifty percent by the High School District. The term of each employment contract establishes an effective date and an ending date. This board item is for approval of the contract for Assistant Superintendent, Business Services beginning October 15, 2016 - June 30, 2019.
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Approval of the contract. |
Approval of the contract. Passed with a motion by Natu Tuatagaloa and a second by Greg Knell. |
Yes Linda Jackson.
Yes Rachel Kertz.
Yes Greg Knell.
Yes Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati.
Yes Natu Tuatagaloa.
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Asst. Supt, Business ESD contract
Asst. Supt, Business HSD contract
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| The Board will review the SRFT proposal for recommended acceptance.
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| Government Code 3547 requires: "All proposals of exclusive representatives and of public school employers, which relate to matters within the scope of representation shall be presented at a public meeting of the public school employer and thereafter, shall be public records." This agenda item presents for Board discussion and public review and/or comment, the San Rafael Federation of Teachers Association (SRFT) initial proposal for negotiations with the San Rafael High School District for the 2016-2017 school year. A copy of the proposal from SRFT to SRCS is attached as Exhibit A. |
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| Acceptance of the proposal of negotiation interests submitted by the San Rafael Federation of Teachers for the 2016-2017 school year. |
Acceptance of the proposal of negotiation interests submitted by the San Rafael Federation of Teachers for the 2016-2017 school year. Passed with a motion by Natu Tuatagaloa and a second by Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati. |
Yes Linda Jackson.
Yes Rachel Kertz.
Yes Greg Knell.
Yes Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati.
Yes Natu Tuatagaloa.
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SRFT SUNSHINE 2016-2017
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| The Board will review the HSD sunshine proposal to the San Rafael Federation of Teachers (SRFT) for 2016-2017.
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| Government Code 3547 requires: "All proposals of exclusive representatives and of public school employers, which relate to matters within the scope of representation shall be presented at a public meeting of the public school employer and thereafter, shall be public records." This agenda item presents for Board discussion and public review and/or comment, the initial proposals from the San Rafael High School District to open negotiations with the San Rafael Federation of teachers for the 2016-2017 school year. A copy of the proposal from the San Rafael High School District is attached as Exhibit A. |
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| Approval of the District's sunshine proposal of negotiation interests with the San Rafael Federation of Teachers for the 2016-2017 school year. |
Approval of the District's sunshine proposal of negotiation interests with the San Rafael Federation of Teachers for the 2016-2017 school year. Passed with a motion by Natu Tuatagaloa and a second by Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati. |
Yes Linda Jackson.
Yes Rachel Kertz.
Yes Greg Knell.
Yes Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati.
Yes Natu Tuatagaloa.
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SRFT SRCS Sunshine Item 9.26.2016
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| The Board will review the donations for approval.
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| BACKGROUND: Board Policy 3290 Section 1.1 states: “The Board of Education may accept on behalf of, and in the name of the District, such gifts, donations, bequests and devices as are offered. Such gifts, cash contributions, donations, bequests and devices may be made subject to conditions or restrictions as the Board of Education may prescribe and/or accept.” (Education Code 41030-41032) The following donations were received for the San Rafael City Schools District, as follows: | Donor | Item/Purpose | Site | Amount | | Destination Wealth Management Inc. | Materials & Supplies | Bahia Vista | $500.00 | | DMS PTA | Art Supplies and Field Trips | DMS | $5,797.19 | | Cynthia Haagens | Keyboard | TLHS | $25.00 |
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| COST/FUNDING SOURCE: Total of donations: $6,322.19 |
| Acceptance of the donations. |
Acceptance of the donations. Passed with a motion by Greg Knell and a second by Linda Jackson. |
Yes Linda Jackson.
Yes Rachel Kertz.
Yes Greg Knell.
Yes Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati.
Yes Natu Tuatagaloa.
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The Board will have an opportunity, as needed, to review the status of trustee goals as they relate to operational items that may require a study session.
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| Nothing at this time. |
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| No reportable Closed Session action was taken. |
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Natu Tuatagaloa:
- Has been attending football games and CFP meetings
Maika Llorens Gulati:
- Attended Back to School night at SRHS
- Attended a Parent leaders group meeting with the superintendent
- Attended a DELAC meeting
- Attended a Marin Arts working group meeting; looking at arts in schools
- Attended Summerfest; great event
Linda M. Jackson:
- Attended a Community Schools meeting with Trustee Knell and Dr. MacLean
- Attended a Marin Organizing committee meeting to talk about housing needs of staff; half of staff live in SR and south; 1/3 have at least an hour commute
- Attended the Bond Financing event at MCOE
- Attended a parent leader meeting with Trustee Gulati and Superintendent Watenpaugh
- Met with Ann Mathieson of Marin Promise regarding Community Schools
- Attended a First 5 Marin workshop
- Attended Summerfest
Greg Knell:
- Joined a meeting with Ann Mathieson of Marin Promise
- Expressed thanks to Brooke Hansen for providing the candy apples for Summerfest
- Attended a Discovery Museum Early Education presentation
Rachel Kertz:
- Has been attending Capital Facilities Team meetings
- Attended SRHS Back to School night
- Attended the TLHS Mom's Night Out
- Attended the Bond Financing event at MCOE
- Attended Summerfest
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Superintendent Watenpaugh reported:
- He led the recent Parent Leaders Grupo meeting at Coleman
- He attended the Strive Together conference in Memphis
- He led the Central Services team meeting were updates were provdied to staff
- He participated in Summerfest
- He was interviewed in the city for a taping on the Mosaic program
- He attended a TedEX Marin at College of Marin with nine speakers, with the theme “what if”
- He met with Douglas Mundo of the Canal Welcome Center. He will hold a follow-up meeting with him, Kathy Frye and Dr. Mayra Perez regarding support for newcomers
- He met with Trustee Llorens Gulati last week
- He was on a panel on race and education at the Jewish community center.
- He expressed thanks to the Board for the professionalism and courage to do what they did tonight
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| There were no complaints this quarter. |
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| There being no further business, President Kertz adjourned the meeting at 9:44 PM. |
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| Present | Linda Jackson |
| Present | Rachel Kertz |
| Present | Greg Knell |
| Present | Ms. Maika Llorens Gulati |
| Present | Natu Tuatagaloa |
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