Members of the public may address the Board on items listed on the closed session agenda. Speakers are limited to three minutes each (Board Bylaw 9323(5)).

The Board will consider approval of the minutes from the January 10, 2018, Regular Board Meeting.

Brian Deller (chemistry teacher at Elsie Allen High School) was nominated by Elsie Allen High School alumni Jim Spratling and Isela Rosales to receive 1 of 5 Carlston Family Foundations 15th Annual Outstanding Teachers of America awards. Timothy Allen, the Executive Director for the Carlston Family Foundation, will be presenting the accolades to Brian and a check for $5,000, to be spent at EAHS.

The Carlston Family Foundation, based in Marin County, endeavors to find educators who, by their own example, demonstrate the value of knowledge through their commitment to their students' academic successes. Each year, several Honorees are chosen to represent this elite group of educators.  

Click Here for information on the Carlston Family Foundation.

Click Here to read Mr. Deller's bio.  

This is an opportunity for members of the public to speak to the board on non-agenda items.  Comments on items that are on the agenda will take place during the discussion on that agenda item.  Members of the public may address the Board on matters within the subject matter of its jurisdiction. Please submit a Speaker Card to the Board Secretary prior to the meeting being called to order. Upon recognition by the Board President, please approach the podium. The Board shall take no action or discussion on any item not appearing on the posted agenda, except as authorized by law (BB 9323(2)). Speakers are limited to 3 minutes each (BB 9323(5)). Should a member of the public have comments that pertain to a complaint against an employee of the District, the Board advises that the matter should first be pursued using the appropriate district complaint procedure (BB 9323(6)).

All consent items are enacted by the Board in one motion, unless a Board member requests that an item be removed and discussed separately.  

The Board will consider approval of absent Board Member(s), if necessary, due to illness, jury duty, or a hardship deemed acceptable by the Board in accordance with Education Code Section 35120.

The Board will consider approval of the personnel transactions submitted. 

Staff is presenting Personnel Transaction items for Board approval.

Approved by vote on consent agenda.

The Board will consider approval of the vendor warrants submitted.  The attached warrant register lists all vendors for the period December 22, 2017, through January 11, 2018, for a total of $3,109,887.95. 

Staff is presenting the Warrant Register List for Board Approval.

Financially significant vendor warrants that highlight the largest check or invoice paid to a particular vendor:

(Current) Warrants - December 22, 2017 through January 11, 2018 = $3,109,887.95.
(Total 17/18 Fiscal Year) Warrants -July 1, 2017 through January 11, 2018 = $43,880,139.16.

Approved by vote on consent agenda.

The Board will consider approval of the donations and gifts submitted.

Parents, students, community members, and businesses make donations and give gifts to the schools on a regular basis. Donations come in the form of money, goods, or services. These donations are appreciated and welcomed by the schools and departments.

Donations received since January 10, 2018 = $38,561.65.
District-wide donations year to date = $1,167,932.15.

Approved by vote on consent agenda.

 The Board will consider approval of the contracts submitted.

Staff is submitting requests from various schools and departments to hire individual contracts or consulting firms to provide specified services.  For fiscal and learning impacts, see the attached summary sheet.

Total value of contracts = $214,250.00

The Board will consider approval for the purchase of three (3) 24' X 40' classroom buildings for the Hidden Valley Campus from Enviroplex using the Las Lomitas Elementary District Piggy Back.  

Purpose:

Pursuant to Fire Recovery, the installation of three (3) classroom buildings at the Hidden Valley Campus is needed to accommodate the 80 students displaced from the satellite campus. These portables will house 1st and 2nd grade students. 

Consideration: 

With the overall demand for modular buildings throughout the state skyrocketing, the most efficient way to procure and install these portables in a timely manner is through the use of the Los Lomitas Piggy-Back contract. Staff has analyzed this proposal and determined that the pricing is fair and competitive. 

Board Policy:

There is no board policy associated with this item.

Education Code:

There is no Education Code associated with this item.

Previous Board History:

On December 20^th, 2017 (Item F-7, the Board approved TLCD as the Architect of Record for this project. The Board was informed during the Bond / Facilities Update Presentation that the Enviroplex contract would be presented in January for approval.

On November 15, 2017 (Item E-16), the Board approved the Hidden Valley Elementary Portable Project to provide additional classroom space at the site. At that time, it was conveyed that contracts for this project would come back at subsequent meetings.   

This project will be funded through insurance: $449,235.96

Approved by vote on consent agenda.

The Board will consider approval of the TLCD Architectural services proposal for the Montgomery High School Two-Story Classroom Building.  

Purpose

Approve the TLCD architectural and engineering services proposal for the Montgomery High School Two-Story Building. 

Consideration

As part of the approved Facilities Master Plan, Montgomery High School was slated to receive a new 22,000 square foot (+ or -) Two-Story Classroom Building. The Facilities Department was directed to start the planning and design of this building.  This building will replace old portable classrooms. Staff has evaluated site-built construction vs. modular building construction. Through evaluation, it is determined that the site-built construction method would provide a better result for this project. The Architect is providing a flat fee based on the original construction budget created at the time of the Facilities Master Plan. 

After the design is completed, the project with estimated costs will be presented to the Board for approval. 

Board Policy

There is no Board Policy associated with this item.

Education Code

There is no Education Code associated with this item. 

Previous Board History

On December 20, 2017 (Item F-4) the Board was updated on this project. At this time, it was conveyed that staff would bring back a contract for design services in January for approval. 

On April 27, 2016 (Item F-1), the Board approved the Facilities Master Plan.

Fixed price for architectural services - Measure I Bond Funded: $1,122,834.00

The Board will review and consider approval of new secondary course proposals for the 2018/2019 school year.

Purpose 

Per Board Policy 6140.1, The Assistant Superintendent and the Directors of Curriculum and Instruction, on behalf of Middle and High Schools principals, submit to the Board of Education the annual listing of courses for approval. If approved by the Board of Education, These courses would be available for all high schools to use in the master schedule pending sufficient student demand and sections are available that have been allotted through Human Resources and Business Services. These courses support District and Site goals, replace existing courses, and do not require additional sections.

The secondary math departments voted to move to an integrated approach to mathematics. This course will replace Algebra 1. The new course is designed to give students an opportunity to build proficiency in mathematics and provide connections and interrelationships between Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. The intent is that this curriculum will reach our LCAP goal for targeted groups to promote more of them into higher level math classes. This course will meet the "c" Mathematics requirement for UC/CSU admissions.

Montgomery High School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) school and these courses are a two year IB course that replaces English 3P and English 4P. Montgomery HIgh has a goal of having every student take at least one IB course during their junior and/or their senior year. This course will support both the site goal and help meet our LCAP goal for targeted groups to promote more of them to excel in English and take the IB end of course exams. These courses will meet the "b" English requirement for UC/CSU admissions.

This is a yearlong course designed to improve the performing and creative technique of students working well above the college-prep level. The rigorous coursework will prepare students for public performances, real-world experiences in the arts. College level curriculum, and promote lifelong learning and participation in the performing arts community. This course will meet the "f" Visual and Performing Arts requirement for UC/CSU admissions.

This course is modeled after the Sonoma County Office of Education course, Introduction to Drafting and Design, and is revising and renaming Computer Assisted Drafting. The new course, Introduction to Computer Assisted Drafting, will be an introductory course for some Career Technical Education  (CTE) pathways including Manufacturing, Cabinetry/Woodworking, and Construction and for students interested in pursuing a STEM career. This course will meet the "g" elective requirement for UC/CSU admission.

This course is a revision and name change to our current Yearbook 3 course. 21st Century Design & Publications will meet both site and district goals of having "all students college and career ready" when they graduate. This course will expose students to professional and industry software, real-world deadlines, and projects as they create the site yearbook. This course will meet the "f" requirement for UC/CSU admissions.

Consideration

New courses were brought to site leadership teams, and upon gaining approval by the site, it was then forwarded to the appropriate steering committee where it was discussed, approved and moved forward to the Vice Principals and Curriculum and Instruction Directors for final review.  The courses being submitted do not require additional sections as they either are a replacement or an update to an existing course to reflect the Common Core State Standards.

Board Policy

BP 6000  Concepts and Roles

Previous Board Activity

The Board of Education annually approves new course submissions in January each academic school year.

Approved by vote on consent agenda.

The Board will consider approval of the publication of the 2016-2017 School Accountability Report Cards (SARCs) for all district school sites on the Santa Rosa City Schools' website. 

Purpose

The Board is being asked to approve the publication of the 2016-2017 School Accountability Report Cards (SARCs) for all district school sites on the Santa Rosa City Schools' website.

Considerations

Annual approval of SARCs ensures the public is informed on a wide range of topics at each of our schools. Topics included: Internet Access, Leadership, School Mission Statement, Enrollment Data, Conditions for Learning, School Facility Conditions and Planned Improvements.

SARCs are to be published on or before February 1st of each year after the Board formally approves the publication of the documents. SARCs are hosted by the California Department of Education at http://sarconline.org. The current SARC is linked for each school on the SRCS website.

Due to the excessive volume of printed documents, a link has been provided for review of all schools’ SARCs: http://www.srcs.k12.ca.us/District/SB/Documents/SARC_Previews

Board Policy

BP 0510

Education Code

Proposition 98 established that all schools prepare a School Accountability Report Card (SARC)

EC Section 33126 establishes the items required in the SARC, when they are to be published, and annual notification to parents.

Previous Board History

January 25, 2017 (Item E-9) Board approval of the 2015-16 SARCs
January 27, 2016 (Item E-12) Board approval of the 2014-15 SARCs
January 28, 2015 (Item E-11)  Board approval of the 2013-14 SARCs

SARCs have been presented to the Board for approval at the last meeting in January dating back to approximately 1989.

Approved by vote on consent agenda.

The Board will consider acceptance of the Sonoma County Career Technical Education Foundation Grant awards in the amount of $31,775.

Purpose

Acceptance of the Sonoma County Career Technical Education Foundation Grant awards in the amount of $31,775.

Consideration

The Sonoma County Career Technical Education (CTE) Foundation grants are intended to support the start-up or expansion of CTE and training programs in Sonoma County. Priority funding will be given to applications that support the following economic and workforce priorities in Sonoma County: Advanced Manufacturing and Technology, Agriculture, Health and Wellness, Construction/Green Services, and Sonoma Specialties (Food, Wine, and Tourism). Santa Rosa City Schools received notification on January 8, 2018 that the following grants were awarded for the 2018-2019 school year:

• Maria Carrillo High School:  Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, and English; to support integrated curriculum development -  $19,850
• Piner High School: Health Science and Biotechnology; to purchase a Clinical Nursing Patient Simulator and to support student job shadows - $11,925

Board Policy

None

Education Code

None

Previous Board History

November 15, 2017 (Item E-15)

The District will receive $31,775 in grant funding from the Sonoma County Career Technical EducationFoundation to fund staffing, professional development, and instructional materials. 

Approved by vote on consent agenda.

The Governing Board will convene a public hearing to receive public testimony concerning proposed trustee voting area plans associated with the District's transition to a by-trustee area election system. The proposed trustee voting area maps are attached hereto and available for viewing at the District Office and on the district website. 

Consideration

In 2002, the California legislature enacted the California Voting Rights Act ("CVRA"), which prohibits the use of at-large elections of governing board members for a school district if it "impairs the ability of a protected class to elect candidates of its choice or its ability to influence the outcome of an election…."  (Elections Code § 14027, emphasis added.)  Under the CVRA, the only election system that provides an accepted “safe harbor” from a potential CVRA claim is a “by-trustee area” election system.  Under a “by-trustee area” election system, a school district is divided into separate trustee areas and one governing board member is elected by the registered voters in that particular trustee area, rather than the community at-large.  The Santa Rosa City Schools currently employs an “at-large” election system for the purposes of electing Governing Board members.

The Santa Rosa City Schools ("District") and the Governing Board, cognizant of numerous schools districts and other public agencies throughout the state that have been targeted by private law firms for alleged violations of the CVRA, expended substantial time and effort researching, investigating, and analyzing the CVRA and the potential transition into a "by-trustee" area election system.  The District has been examining these issues going back to last year.  Further, after taking into consideration its reduced operating revenues and need for fiscal responsibility and retaining legal counsel and a specialized demographer to assist the Governing Board, it is believed that the best course of action for the District is to initiate its transition into a "by-trustee" area election system for future Governing Board elections.  In addition to initiating this transition, Education Code sections 33050-33053 authorizes the State Board of Education to waive the voter approval requirement to transition, which could reduce the costs and risks associated with the District’s transition to a “by-trustee area” election system. 

None 

Education Code

None

Previous Board History

Previous Public Hearings have been held at Regular Board Meetings on October 11, 2017, October 25, 2017, and November 1, 2017.  The District further conducted three community meetings on November 29, 2017 (Rincon Valley M.S.), December 6, 2017 (Pine H.S.), December 13, 2017 (Steele Lane Elementary School), January 9, 2018 (District Office) and January 17, 2018 (District Office)

The Board will consider approval of Resolution No. 2017/18-024 recognizing February as National African-American History Month.

Purpose

Approve a resolution recognizing February as National African-American History Month.

Consideration

During National African-American History Month, we pay tribute to the contributions of past generations and reaffirm our commitment to keeping the American dream alive for the next generation, and we celebrate the rich legacy of African-Americans and honor the remarkable contributions they have made in perfecting our Union.  In honor of those women and men who have paved the way for us, and with great expectations for those to follow, let us continue the righteous cause of making America what it should be -- a Nation that is more just and more equal for all its people. 

Board Policy

None

Education Code

None

Previous Board History

January 25, 2017 (Item F-5)

The Board will consider approval of Resolution 2017/18-025 which calls for full and fair funding of California's Public Schools.

Purpose

To urge the State Legislature to fund public schools at the average of the top 10 states. 

Consideration

K-12 school funding has not substantially increased, on an inflation-adjusted basis, for more than a decade and, under the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), state funding for K-12 schools has only this year recently returned to level predating the Great Recession of 2007.  California funds schools at roughly $1,961 per student less than the national average and trails the average of the top 10 states.  If California is to close opportunity and achievement gaps and create a public school system that offers consistently high levels of education, the State must provide schools with the resources to meet the needs of their specific populations. 

CA School Funding Fact Sheet

Board Policy

None

Education Code

None

Previous Board History

None

The Board will consider approval of Resolution 2017-18/027 Recognizing February 5-9, 2018 as Week of the School Counselor.

Purpose 

National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 5–9, 2018, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.

Consideration 

Santa Rosa City Schools is fortunate to have a strong base of School Counselors. Through LCAP funding under Goal 2, The Santa Rosa School Board has recognized the need for additional support in the area of Elementary Counselors, College and Career Counselors and our Support Our Language Learners (SOLL Counselors). Together their positive impact on the lives of students and staff has been tremendous. 

Board Policy

None

Education Code

None

Previous Board History

January 25, 2017 (Item F1)

The Board will consider approval of Resolution No. 2017-18/028 declaring February as Career Technical Education Month for Santa Rosa City Schools. 

Purpose

Approve a resolution recognizing February as Career Technical Education Month.

Consideration

Career Technical Education (CTE) Month is a public awareness campaign the Association of Career and Technical Education holds each February to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of CTE programs. CTE Month serves to recognize the importance of CTE programs in every student's education and builds awareness among policymakers, business leaders and the public of the high-quality educational experiences available in CTE programs. CTE Month also recognizes the ongoing leadership and excellence from classrooms across the country and raises awareness around the crucial role that CTE has in readying our nation for economic success and workforce competitiveness.

Board Policy

None

Education Code

None

Previous Board History

February 24, 2016 (Item F8)

Santa Rosa City Secondary schools are recommending Board approval of mathematics textbooks for the Integrated Math Model.

Purpose

The purpose of this consideration to the Governing Board is in regards to the approval of mathematics textbooks.  As the math program has shifted from the traditional math pathway of Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 to the integrated pathway of Math 1, Math 2 and Math 3, new textbooks are needed to support student learning and serve as a resource for teachers. The current textbooks cannot be used as the traditional pathway teaches each content area as a stand-alone course. In the integrated pathway, the approach reinforces skills and concepts while providing increased complexity in the domains of algebra, geometry, and statistics which is taught in an integrated manner each of the three years.  

Alternatives and Other Considerations

During the school year 2016-2017, schools piloted the CPM curriculum. For the high schools, this pilot was focused on the textbooks representing the traditional math pathway. For the middle schools, this pilot represented the integrated approach as K - 8 math has always been integrated. In the fall of 2017, the math teachers chose to pursue the integrated model for math thus providing coherence to the math program for all grades K - 12. This change in the math program necessitated schools looking at more products that provided support to teaching integrated math. The books or online resources schools considered that all met Common Core State Standards were

• CA Integrated Math 1, CA Integrated Math 2, and CA Integrated Math 3.

• Math Visions Project (online resource)

• CPM Core Connections

• Big Ideas Math 1, Math 2, Math 3

After reviewing books, department chairs met on Nov. 30, 2017, and discussed their preference for their school site. It was agreed that the textbook does not dictate the curriculum but that the teachers create curriculum from a variety of resources to support the learning of students while maintaining equity, access and rigor and meeting standards. It was agreed by the department chairs representing all schools grades 7 - 12 with the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, 7-12, present that schools could choose the textbook that best met their needs as these textbooks then become resources for all.

The community was also given an opportunity to comment on the textbooks. The textbooks were displayed for a week December 18-22 in the Curriculum and Instruction office. A sign in sheet and comment forms were made available to the public as well. The public was made aware of this opportunity through the website and District newsletter. No public comment was given.

The Instructional Materials Districtwide Committee reviewed the books for consideration and approved the purchase pending Board approval of the textbooks.

Based on these considerations, the following schools request Board approval of these textbooks:

Montgomery High School: CA Integrated Math 1, CA Integrated Math 2, and CA Integrated Math 3, Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015

Piner High School: Math Vision Project, an online program

Ridgway Continuation High School, Santa Rosa High School, and Elsie Allen High School:  Integrated Math 1, Integrated Math 2 and Integrated Math 3, Publisher: Big Ideas, 2016

 All five middle schools, Elsie Allen, Maria Carrillo and Santa Rosa High Schools: Core Connections-Integrated Math 1,  Core Connections-Integrated Math 2, and Core Connections-Integrated Math 3, Publisher CPM, 2014 

Board Policy

BP 6161 Selection and Evaluation of Instructional Materials

AR 6161 Selection and Evaluation of Instructional Materials

Education Code

51050

EDUCATION CODE - EDC

Previous Board Action:

April 9, 2008 - SINGLE ADOPTION PLAN FOR MATHEMATICS IN PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT SCHOOLS: Algebra 1, Algebra Readiness, and Mathematics: Concepts, Skills, and Problem Solving – Pre-Algebra ~ Lawrence Cook Middle School, Hilliard Comstock Middle School, Elsie Allen High School and Piner High School

April 23, 2008 – APPROVAL OF TEXTBOOKS: Pre-Calculus w/Limits, A Graphing Approach, 5^th Ed., and Calculus of a Single Variable, 8^th Ed.  ~ Maria Carrillo High School and Santa Rosa High School

April 23, 2008 - APPROVAL OF TEXTBOOK: Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and Algebra 2 ~ Piner High School

April 23, 2008 - APPROVAL OF TEXTBOOK: Algebra Readiness, Algebra I, Algebra 2, The Practice of Statistics, 3^rd Ed., and Geometry ~ Maria Carrillo High School, Montgomery High School, and Santa Rosa High School

May 28, 2008 - APPROVAL OF TEXTBOOK: Geometry Connections ~ Maria Carrillo High School

May 28, 2008 - APPROVAL OF TEXTBOOK: California Mathematics Course 2: Pre-Algebra, California Pre-Algebra, and California Algebra 1 ~ Herbert Slater Middle School

June 11, 2008 - APPROVAL OF TEXTBOOK: Momentum Math ~ Hilliard Comstock Middle School, Lawrence Cook Middle School, Elsie Allen High School and Piner High School

June 11, 2008 - APPROVAL OF TEXTBOOK: Algebra 2 Connections ~ Maria Carrillo High School

June 25, 2008 - APPROVAL OF TEXTBOOK: California Math Triumphs ~ Herbert Slater Middle School 

February 11, 2009 - APPROVAL OF TEXTBOOK: California Algebra 1 ~ Rincon Valley Middle School

May 27, 2009 - APPROVAL OF TEXTBOOK: Core Connections ~ Rincon Valley Middle School

The cost of these books will be paid through the one-time Instructional Materials Funding for the math adoption.

The Board will consider approval of the Statutory Exemptions from Developer Fees due to the October 2017  Fires and Resolution No. 2017/18-029.

Purpose

To approve Resolution Number 2017/18-029 an exemption to Developer Fees for residential additions of 500 square feet or more.

Consideration 

Residents of Santa Rosa who lost their homes due to the 2017 TUBBS Fire are in the process of rebuilding. Education Code 17620, states that any additions to a resident exceeding 500 square feet, requiring developer fees, will be charged for the entire addition. The attached resolution would allow developer fees for residents that exceed 500 square feet, only be charged on the addition over 501 square feet, not the entire project. 

Board Policy

BP 7211

Education Code 

EC 17620

California Law

Gov Code 66006 

Previous Board History

None

The Board will receive a report on Governor Brown's proposed 2018-19 State Budget that was released on January 10, 2018.

Purpose

By January 10^th each year, the Governor of California is required to publicly present a proposed State budget for the succeeding fiscal year that begins on July 1. Although the State budget does not become official until it is agreed upon by the Legislature and signed by the Governor, the Governor's January proposal provides guidance for Santa Rosa City Schools' own 2018-19 budget planning and decision making that often must be completed by the end of February.

Consideration

The Governor's budget proposal includes increases to the 2018-19 GAP and COLA funding percentage rates as well as one-time discretionary funding. The proposal will be updated in May and signed into law in June 2018.

Board Policy

BP3100

Education Code

None

Previous Board History

February 10, 2016

January 29, 2014

The Board will consider approval of a revision to Board Policy 5131 - Conduct.

Purpose

This is a temporary revision to current School Board Policy 5131 regarding the use of cell phones. Current middle school Board Policy prohibits students 7-8 from using a cellphone at any time during the school day. Comstock Middle School has asked for a temporary revision for Spring 2018. This revision will allow them to use the existing language for student 9-12 in order to test the "STOPit®" application in the previous board item.

Current Board Policy 5131 does not allow a student in grades 7-8 to use a cell phone at any time during the school day.  Students 9-12 may use cell phones during break and at lunch and as authorized for instruction by the classroom teacher. As a pilot program for the Spring of 2018, Comstock Middle School's, Principal, Laura Hendrickson, requests to try the STOPit® software for the middle school similar to high school students. (see attached policy on pages 3-4). This action will only allow this revision through the end of the school year June 2018. If no action is taken, the middle school policy reverts back to the current policy at Comstock for the 2018-2019 school year.

Considerations

The STOPit®  application will be used at all middle schools as a pilot for the spring of 2018. However, with the exception of Comstock, the middle schools believe they can use the program effectively within the current Board Policy. If the revised policy is approved by the Board, Student and Family Engagement will collect data including feedback from the middle school administrators at the end of the school year to determine if the amended policy should continue. 

Education Code

35181 Governing board authority to set policy on responsibilities of students

35291-35291.5 Rules
44807 Duty concerning conduct of students

Previous History

January 10, 2017 (Item F5) 

June 13, 2012 (Item F4)

The Board will consider approval of Board Policy 5141.2 - Suicide Prevention.

Purpose

Beginning in July 2017, Education Code 215 was amended by Assembly Bill 2246 which mandates Local Educational Agencies (LEA) that service students in grades 7-12 must adopt a board policy on suicide prevention. As part of the board adoption, a committee must be developed to review these guidelines and make a recommendation to the Board. The Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness committee has made a recommendation for a policy for Final Reading.

The Governing Board of Santa Rosa City Schools recognizes that suicide is a leading cause of death among youth and that an even greater amount of youth consider (17 percent of high school students) and attempt suicide (over 8 percent of high school students) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015).

The possibility of suicide and suicidal ideation requires vigilant attention from our school staff. As a result, we are ethically and legally responsible for providing an appropriate and timely response in preventing suicidal ideation, attempts, and deaths. We also must work to create a safe and nurturing campus that minimizes suicidal ideation in students.

Recognizing that it is the duty of the district and schools to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its students, this policy aims to safeguard students and staff against suicide attempts, deaths and other trauma associated with suicide, including ensuring adequate supports for students, staff, and families affected by suicide attempts and loss. As it is known that the emotional wellness of students greatly impacts school attendance and educational success, this policy shall be paired with other policies that support the emotional and behavioral wellness of students.

Consideration 

This policy is based on research and best practices in suicide prevention and has been adopted with the understanding that suicide prevention activities decrease suicide risk, increase help-seeking behavior, identify those at risk of suicide, and decrease suicidal behaviors. Empirical evidence refutes a common belief that talking about suicide can increase risk or “place the idea in someone’s mind.”

In an attempt to reduce suicidal behavior and its impact on students and families, Student and Family Services is developing strategies for suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention, and the identification of the mental health challenges frequently associated with suicidal thinking and behavior. These strategies shall include professional development for all school personnel in all job categories who regularly interact with students or are in a position to recognize the risk factors and warning signs of suicide, including substitute teachers, volunteers, expanded learning staff (after school) and other individuals in regular contact with students such as crossing guards, tutors, and coaches. These will be outlined in the  Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Guidelines that will be attached to the January 10 Board Action Item.

A  Suicide Prevention Committee was formed and represented by:

Matt Park, School Psychologist
Darcy Analora, School Psychologist
Marianne Ballatore, School Psychologist
Angela Bonner, School Psychologist
Karin Sellite, Sonoma County; C.A.P.E.
Katie Bivin, Sonoma County: C.A.P.E.
Cheryl Closser, School Nurse
Nico Atup, School Nurse
Eric Lofchie, CPI Trauma Informed Educational Services Director
Janal Plack, Program Manager
Shelly Schubert, School Counselor
Robin Wilkins, School Counselor
Jessica Zepeda, School Counselor
Kristine Erken, School Counselor

Board Policy

None. This is a new policy.

Previous Board History

December 20, 2017 (Item F8) First Reading

These items are presented for informational purposes only.

The Board will receive the quarterly report on SRCS Williams Uniform Complaints for the period beginning October 1 and ending December 31, 2017.  The District files with the Sonoma County Office of Education a quarterly report on Williams Uniform Complaints listing the number of complaints that have been resolved, and the number of complaints remaining unresolved.  The attached quarterly report on Williams Uniform Complaints is presented for your information only.

During the quarter of October 1 - December 31, 2017,  the district received a total of ten (10) Williams Uniform Complaints regarding facility conditions.  Following the Williams Uniform Complaint procedures,  the District investigated the allegations and immediately addressed the concerns.

Between October 5 through October 30, 2017, the district received three complaints related to classroom temperatures exceeding 80 degrees and site air conditioners not working / not existing at Maria Carrillo, Montgomery, and Santa Rosa High School.  Maintenance and Operations, as well as HVAC contractors, worked diligently to fix the existing air conditioning units.  The classrooms that were not equipped with air conditioning had portable air conditioners installed.  

Between November 9 through December 12, 2017, the district received seven complaints related to classroom temperatures falling below 68 degrees and heaters not working / not existing at Montgomery, Santa Rosa High School, and Herbert Slater Middle School.  Maintenance and Operations, as well as HVAC contractors, worked diligently to fix the existing heating units.  The classrooms that were not equipped with heaters had portable ones brought in.

The District will upgrade the HVAC system using Bond funds as a long-term solution for this issue.

The Sonoma County Office of Education has completed its review of the Santa Rosa City Schools' First Interim Report for fiscal year 2017-18.  The letter is attached.