(Education Code 54957.6) District Negotiator: Debra M. Hendricks and Sharon Roddick
Employee Organizations: All Groups

The Board of Trustees to review Board Policy 2140: Evaluation of the Superintendent.

At the August 1, 2017, Board meeting the Board of Trustees received the March and May 2017 Board Policy update packet.  The Board of Trustees and staff conducted a "first" reading at the August 29, 2017, Board meeting.  The Board of Trustees to conduct a "second" reading at the September 12, 2017, Board meeting and final adoption at the same meeting if the Board of Trustees decide to adopt the March and May Board Policy updates at this time.

In November 2006, voters in the Sylvan Union School District approved Measure A, a $40M General Obligation Bond.  The District is now ready to sell the third and final issue of general obligation bonds.  Adopting Resolution 2017/2018 - #10 is the first step in the bond issuance process.

Staff recommends the Board of Trustees adopt Resolution 2017/2018 - #10 Authorizing the commencement of proceedings in connection with the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Election of 2006, Series C (2017) retaining a municipal advisor, bond counsel and disclosure counsel and directing certain actions.

The Board of Trustees will consider the adoption of Resolution 2017/2018 - #10 Authorizing the commencement of proceedings in connection with the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Election of 2006, Series C (2017).

The drafted changes to the Employment Contract between Debra M. Hendricks and the Governing Board of the Sylvan Union School District was reviewed with the Board of Trustees in Closed Session on August 1, 2017, and August 29, 2017.  The contract text modifications are identified as follows: proposed deletions are indicated by strikeout and proposed additions/new language are indicated in red.  The Board of Trustees to review and approve the amended Superintendent's Employment Contract for the period commencing July 1, 2017, and ending June 30, 2018.

Staff recommends the Board of Trustees to approve the amended Superintendent's Employment Contract for the period commencing July 1, 2017,  and ending June 30, 2018.
 

Staff recommends the Board of Trustees to approve the amended Superintendent's Employment Contract for the period commencing July 1, 2017,  and ending June 30, 2018.

Attached are the summaries of the budget revisions made from March 1, 2017, through June 30, 2017, for the following funds:

It is recommended the Board of Trustees approve the budget revisions for the period of March 1, 2017, through June 30, 2017.

The attached reports contain the District’s final revenue and expenditures for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017.  These reports are compiled by district staff in compliance with State guidelines.  An independent audit firm is hired by the District to review the report upon completion, hence, the title Unaudited Actual Financial Report.

The District’s General Fund operates under State funded revenue provided through the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).  Prior to the beginning of the fiscal year, a budget is created with the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) as a guide.  Expenditures support goals and actions addressed in the District LCAP.  The process includes ongoing evaluation of the District’s areas of success, areas for improvement, and areas of additional need.

Additional funds operated by the District have specific requirements based on the revenue source.  Each fund is presented separately with a summary of revenue and expenditures, beginning and ending reserve, and cash balances.  Within the General Fund are subcategories identified as resources, which carry their own cash and individual guidelines.  For this report, they are combined into two (2) categories, unrestricted and restricted.  Unrestricted funds may be used for all types of expenditures, while restricted funds are designated for specific purposes.

The school district appropriation limits requires a Board resolution presented separately for Board approval.

Per Education Code 42132, “on or before September 15 of each year, the Governing Board of each school district shall adopt a resolution to identify, pursuant to Division 9 (commencing with Section 7900) of Title 1 of the Government Code, the estimated appropriations limit for the district for the current fiscal year and the actual appropriations limit for the district for the preceding fiscal year.  Notwithstanding Section 7910 of the Government Code, documentation used in the identification of the appropriations limit shall be made available to the public on the date of the meeting.”

The appropriations limit is intended to constrain the growth in state and local government spending by linking year-to-year increases and decreases in expenditures to changes in inflation and average daily attendance.  Originally established in 1979, the Gann Limit has become a calculation that no longer constrains expenditures because the limits have grown significantly faster than appropriations subject to the Gann Limit.  Gann Limits only constrain the appropriations from state and local tax sources, so federal aid is excluded, as well as non-tax income, such as revenues from cafeteria sales, adult education fees, and foundations.

Please see attached GANN Limit resolution and calculation.

It is recommended the Board of Trustees adopt Resolution 2017/2018 - #6: GANN Limit (Appropriations).

It is recommended the Board of Trustees adopt Resolution 2017/2018 - #7 recognizing the second full week in October 2017 as the "Week of the School Administrator".

It is recommended the Board of Trustees adopt Resolution 2017/2018 - #7 recognizing the second full week in October 2017 as the "Week of the School Administrator".

October 23-27, 2017, has been declared "National Red Ribbon Week" by the National Family Partnership and Californians for a Drug Free Youth.  Strong education, compassion and enforcement are the three (3) elements of success for the community to set clear standards for our children.  The theme this year is “Your Future is Key, So Stay Drug Free!”

The Sylvan Union School District would like to support Red Ribbon Week and participate in various activities to promote a lifestyle of no illegal use of legal substances and no use of illegal substances.

It is recommended the Board of Trustees adopt Resolution 2017/2018 - #8 declaring October 23-27, 2017, as "Red Ribbon" week for the Sylvan Union School District.

It is recommended the Board of Trustees adopt Resolution 2017/2018 - #8 declaring October 23-27, 2017, as "Red Ribbon" week for the Sylvan Union School District.

New California State Senate Bill (SB) 415 added Elections Code (EC) §§ 14050-14057 on Odd to Even Election Years, requires districts to meet a threshold of voter participation in order to continue holding odd numbered year elections without penalty.  Currently, the Sylvan Union School District elections for the Governing Board is every two (2) years of the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of odd-numbered years.  In order to comply with SB 415, a plan must be in place by January 1, 2018, to shift odd-year elections to even-year elections to align with statewide elections.  

Elections Code section 1302(b) establishes a procedure whereby the Governing Board may change the elections date for its Board members by adopting a resolution seeking approval of the change by the Board of Supervisors of the affected county.  Therefore, Sylvan Union School District has prepared a resolution for adoption stating as of January 2018 all seated Board members will have an extension of one (1) year added to their term resulting in a five (5) year term.  The subsequent Board member elections (2020 and 2022) shall be for a term of four (4) years.  The result of such actions would be staggered Board elections in even-numbered years, commencing with the next elections for Trustee Areas 1 and 4 in November 2020, and the elections for Trustee Areas 2, 3, and 5 in November 2022, as stated on Appendix A, Page 4 of Resolution 2017/2018 - #9.

Staff recommends the adoption of Resolution 2017/2018 - #9: Rescheduling of Board Member Elections from Odd to Even Year Elections.

As our Middle Schools work to design a tiered-response to intervention, the immediate needs of students requiring Tier 3 support in reading is paramount.  Currently, each of our Middle School campuses has identified between 15-25 students in 7th and/or 8th grades who require intensive support in reading. These students will need targeted, specific skills instruction during their intervention block in order to close the reading gap given that their reading performance is at least three or more years below grade level expectations.  Research on what struggling adolescent readers need includes the aforementioned skills and comprehension instruction coupled with an increased volume of reading.  When reading is difficult and both age and interest-appropriate titles are limited, it’s difficult to motivate and engage struggling readers in Middle School.  To address the need for greater access to high-interest reading materials, we are seeking to pilot LightSail.

LightSail is a digital library/reading platform that grows with the student, highlighting texts across all genres within the student’s zone of proximal development.  The LightSail Library includes classic titles, short-form books in English and Spanish, and hundreds of archived news articles from KidsPost, plus daily articles from the Washington Post and News for Kids.  Embedded in text selections are dictionaries, audio features, personalized word walls, and technological tools to annotate such as highlighting and creating responses to the text. Motivational tools such as a student reading leaderboard and badges reward students for reaching achievements and reaching their individual reading goals.  Teachers are able to provide feedback to students directly through the LightSail app, and can easily monitor student reading progress through the teacher Dashboard.  Given our 1:1 program in the Middle Schools, our most reluctant readers can access text during the school day, and best of all, internet access is not required so our students can read titles of interest to them at home as well.  Preliminary studies have shown that students who read thirty (30) minutes or more per LightSail login demonstrate consistent reading gains as measured by lexile level.

The CA ELA/ELD Framework notes the responsibility of schools to ensure that students become broadly literate by engaging with a variety of books and other texts across a wide range of genres, time periods, cultures, perspectives and topics.  Students who read often and for both the purpose of learning about new ideas as well as immersing oneself in the sheer pleasure of reading develop as literate individuals. The Framework’s call for providing a robust independent reading program as an essential component of daily language arts instruction also includes strategies for selecting books, monitoring student reading progress, and 1:1 conferencing between teacher and student.  These components are included in LightSail.

In addition to the 7th and 8th grade students enrolled in Tier 3 intervention classes, our District  pilot will also include at least one (1) identified 5th and 6th grade classroom to determine the degree to which this reading platform impacts students and classrooms in reaching and exceeding literacy goals.  The software license agreement with LightSail Inc. includes up to two hundred eight (208) student licenses that are compatible with iPads, access to the LightSail digital content, access to Baker and Taylor digital content, and onsite professional development for teachers.

Staff recommends the Board of Trustees approve the software license agreement with LightSail Inc. for a one-year subscription that includes up to two hundred eight (208) student licenses, digital content, and one-day of onsite professional development

It is recommended the Board of Trustees approve the software license agreement with LightSail Inc. for a one-year subscription that includes up to two hundred eight (208) student licenses, digital content, and one-day of onsite professional development

Title I Total: $6,200.

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) allows teacher candidates enrolled in University Credential Programs to provide instructional services while completing teacher preparation program requirements.  This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes the terms of the collaboration between Sylvan Union School District and California State University, Stanislaus (CSUS) for Megan Rokaitis as she completes requirements for the Education Specialist: Mild/Moderate Intern Credential.

Staff recommends ratification of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with California State University, Stanislaus (CSUS) for intern collaboration.

CalState TEACH program provides student teacher placements with participating districts.  Sylvan Union School District welcomes student teachers into our classrooms through this program.

Staff is recommending approval of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with California State University CalState TEACH Program.

Pre-School opportunity is good for all students.  Opportunities for mainstreaming of our pre-formal Autism students, in particular, are very important so that these students interact with peers in a general education pre-school setting.  We have Head Start classrooms located on two (2) Sylvan sites. These mainstream opportunities will include academic/instruction environments as well as at recess or play.  Interacting with peers with the support of Sylvan Staff and Head Start Staff can assist our already successful Autism program to reach the goal of having  as many Autism students as possible successfully transition to full time general education as soon as possible.  This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) can assist with that goal.

Staff recommends the Board of Trustees approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Stanislaus County Office of Education, Child & Family Services Head Start Program.

The Board of Trustees was given a "preview" of these updated policies at the August 1, 2017, Regular Board Meeting.  A "first reading" was conducted by staff and the Board at the August 29, 2017, Regular Board Meeting.  A "second reading" will be conducted by staff and the Board on September 12, 2017, at the Regular Board Meeting.  This is a final reading/adoption for the March and May 2017 updates. 

Staff recommends the Board of Trustees adopt the March and May 2017 Board Policy updates.

It is recommended that the Board of Trustees adopt the March and May 2017 Board Policy updates.

It is recommended the Board of Trustees adopt the Board Meeting schedule for 2018.

It is recommended that Board of Trustees approve the minutes of the August 29, 2017, Regular Board meeting.

The Sylvan Union School District participates in an insurance pool with Modesto City Schools and the Stanislaus Union School District for liability, automobile, and property insurance.  Risk Management has prepared information related to the liability and property insurance proposals for the 2017-2018 policy year that runs from October 1, 2017, through September 30, 2018.  The Board of Trustees is being asked to approve the placement of insurance with the companies as outlined in the attached memorandum, which also includes a complete description of the terms and coverage of the proposed policies. 

The three (3) districts solicit the market as a group to secure insurance coverage based on the collective insurance needs of all three (3) districts.  However, each district purchases its liability and property insurance independently.  Property insurance is based on estimated property replacement value and the liability premium is based on ADA.  In order to purchase insurance, an independent broker secures quotes from underwriters. 

Property and liability rate quotes are secured each policy period through a competitive process.  This year's policy amount reflects an increase of $15,883 from the previous year.  

Staff recommends the Board of Trustees approve the placement of insurance for policy year October 1, 2017, through September 30, 2018, as follows: 

1. General and automobile liability insurance to be placed with the Great American Insurance Company at a premium of $139,320. 

2. Property, buildings, contents, contractors' equipment, computer coverage with Traveler’s Insurance Company at a premium of $65,100. 

3. Boiler and machinery coverage to be placed with Travelers Insurance Company at a premium of $4,235. 

4. Faithful performance to be placed with the National Union Fire Insurance Company of PA at a premium of $3,123.

It is recommended the Board of Trustees approve the placement of insurance for policy year October 1, 2017, through September 30, 2018, with Great American Insurance Company; Travelers Insurance Company; and National Union Fire Insurance Company of PA.

Total Amount: $211,778. 

We still have an SLP vacancy.  Thankfully, with the SLPAs that the Board of Trustees has approved contracts for, we are meeting therapy needs of our students.  However, there is still the need for SLPs to conduct assessments and attend IEP meetings because SLPAs are not able to fulfill that need.  Sylvan Union School District SLPs are filling in when possible, but their caseloads are high.  By extending the contract for the SLPA from The Gift of Speech and contracting with the SLP from The Gift of Speech even though it is part-time, we help fill those assessments, therapy, and IEP attendance needs with appropriate personnel.

Staff recommends the Board of Trustees ratify the service contract with The Gift of Speech as the contracted Speech and Language Pathologist and to expand the contract of the currently contracted Gift of Speech SLPA.

(SLP) 30 weeks x 10 hours/week = 300 hours x 100.00/hour = $30,000.

(SLPA) 30 weeks x 40 hours/week = 480 ours x 70.00/hour = $84,000.

Total 'NOT TO EXCEED': $114,000.

A Sylvan Union School District student requires medical assistance as identified in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in order to access their education.  The student has severe, multiple medical conditions which require LVN services throughout the school day including during the time they are transported to school and home.

Staff recommends the Board of Trustees approve the service agreement with Interim HealthCare for LVN Services.

Staff recommends the Board of Trustees approve the service agreement with Interim HealthCare for LVN Services.

2017-2018 school year to include Extended School Year (ESY) 2018: $42,720.

NOT TO EXCEED $53,000.

The SEA/SUSD labor contract (Article 14) lists stipends for extra duties, including club sponsor ships and coaching assignments.  Attached are the lists of people identified to fill those positions for the 2017-2018 school year.

Administrative Regulation 4127/4227/4327 directs the Superintendent or designee to certify to the Board of Trustees that all temporary athletic team coaches meet the required qualifications and competencies. These competencies may be met by either holding a valid California teaching credential or completing a coaching certification course.  In addition, coaches must hold valid certification in both first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Middle school principals verify that their respective coaches meet the District requirements for temporary athletic team coaches or are in the process of meeting those requirements.

It is recommended the Board of Trustees approve the middle school clubs, sports, and extra duties as listed for the 2017-2018 school year.

The 2017-2018 stipend lists for middle school clubs, sports, and extra duties are being presented to the Board of Trustees for approval.

The service contract for approval is aligned with a Hearing Order directed by the Office of Administrative Hearing (OAH), OAH Case # 2017020355.

District shall provide student with forty-two (42) individual speech therapy sessions of twenty (20) minutes in duration each, to be provided through a non-public agency (NPA) with ability to provide speech therapy services by a qualified Speech Language Pathologist (SLP).

Staff recommends the Board of Trustees approve the service contract with Fagundes Speech Center, LLC.

Staff recommends the Board of Trustees approve the service contract with Fagundes Speech Center, LLC. 

Special Education Funds Total: $1,890. 'NOT TO EXCEED' $2,100.

The District has received donations as follows:

1. The donation of $725.00 from C.F. Brown Elementary Parent Teacher Club to C.F. Brown Elementary School for transportation costs for field trips.

2. The donation of $10.00 YourCause Corporate Employee Giving Programs to Freedom Elementary School for school recognition and supplies.

3. The donation of $20.00 from Sarkis Benjamin and Babylonia Warda to Freedom Elementary School for the purchase of saganizer core balance disc cushions for Mrs. Kusiek's classroom.

4. The donation of $20.00 from YourCause Corporate Employee Giving Programs to Stockard Coffee Elementary School for school recognition and supplies.

5. The donation of $2,500.00 from Oak Valley Community Bank to Sylvan Elementary STEAM Academy for the purchase of furniture and equipment for the STEAM Lab.

6.  The donation of $634.56 from F&M Bank to Sylvan Elementary STEAM Academy for purchasing lab chairs for the STEAM Lab.

7. The donation of $1,000.00 from BAC Community Bank to Sylvan Elementary STEAM Academy for the purchase of furniture and equipment for the STEAM Lab.