The Presiding Officer will call the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. before the Board Recesses to Closed Session.  The Regular Meeting will convene by 7:30 p.m. 

Persons wishing to address the Board should fill out a green speaker card.  Cards turned in by 6:15 p.m. will be given priority. Speakers will be randomly selected based on topic and position, with BUSD students generally given priority. Public Testimony is limited to 15 minutes with a 3-minute limit per speaker per topic although the time allotted per speaker may be reduced to 2 minutes at the discretion of the President. 

The Board may recess into Closed Session before or after the public meeting under the authority of the Brown Act (including but not limited to Government Code section 54954.5, 54956.8, 54956.9, 54957, 54957.6, as well as Education Code section 35146).  Under Government Code section 54954.3, members of the public may address the board on an item on the Closed Session agenda, before Closed Session.

Persons wishing to address the Board should fill out a green speaker card.  Cards turned in by 7:15 p.m. will be given priority.        

Speakers will be randomly selected based on topic and position, with BUSD students generally given priority.  Public Testimony is limited to 30 minutes with a 3-minute limit per speaker per topic although the time allotted per speaker may be reduced to 2 minutes at the discretion of the President. 

Board members and the Superintendent are given the opportunity to address any issue.  

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 

TO:          Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:     Evelyn Tamondong-Bradley, Assistant Superintendent, HR
DATE:       November 15, 2017
SUBJECT:      Approval of Human Resources Reports

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On a regular basis, staff presents Human Resources Reports listing employment actions for the Board to approve officially. Please refer to attached reports for details.

     BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 

TO:             Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:        Pasquale Scuderi, Associate Superintendent, Ed. Services
DATE:         November 15, 2017
SUBJECT:  Approval of Overnight Field Trip Requests

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The following overnight travel is being presented as a ratification:

Pt. Bonita Retreat Center BHS-AHA, Sausalito, CA, November 6-7, 2017

Approve participation of 54 11^th grade AHA students, six teachers and no other adults on a two-day, one-night field trip to Pt. Bonita Retreat Center, Sausalito, CA. The group will depart Berkeley High School on Monday, November 6th at 9:00 a.m., and return Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. The group will engage in collaborative projects and learning throughout the two day retreat that form an integral part of our core arts based curriculum. They will also be participating in group challenges, community building activities, arts integration projects and shared clean-up responsibilities. BUSD will provide transportation. Students will sleep in gender specific cabins. The cost of $105.00 per student will be paid for by parent donations and CPA grant. No student will be denied access based on inability to pay.  Requested by: Erin Schweng, BHS Principal.

The following overnight field trips are being requested:

Samuel P. Taylor State Park, San Francisco, CA November 15-16, 2017
Approve participation of twenty-seven fifth grade students, one teacher, and three other adults from Jefferson Elementary on a two-day, one-night field trip to Samuel P. Taylor State Park in San Francisco.  The group will depart Jefferson on Wednesday, November 15^th at 9:30 a.m. and return Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.  Students will learn about local ecology, environment protection, and native cultures while working on cooperative decision-making, communication and leadership skills.  Students will sleep in gender specific tents.  BUSD will provide transportation.  The cost of $25.00 per student is being paid through parent donations. No student will be denied access based on inability to pay. Requested by: Mary Cazden, Jefferson Principal.

Pt. Bonita Retreat Center BHS-AHA, Sausalito, CA, March 15-16, 2018
Approve participation of 52 12^th grade AHA students, six teachers and no other adults on a two-day, one-night field trip to Pt. Bonita Retreat Center, Sausalito, CA. The group will depart Berkeley High School on Thursday, March 15th at 9:00 a.m., and return Friday, March 16, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. The group will engage in collaborative projects and learning throughout the two day retreat that form an integral part of our core art based curriculum. They will also be participating in group challenges, community building activities, arts integration projects and shared clean-up responsibilities. BUSD will provide transportation. Students will sleep in gender specific cabins. The cost of $105.00 per student will be paid for by parent donations and CPA grant. No student will be denied access based on inability to pay. Requested by: Erin Schweng, BHS Principal.

Maritime National Historical Park/SS Balclutha, San Francisco, CA March 27-28, 2018
Approve participation of 29 fifth grade students, one teacher, and six other adults on a two-day, one night field trip to San Francisco Maritime Historical Park located at the Hyde Street Pier.  The group will depart Cragmont Elementary at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27^th and will return on Wednesday, March 28, 2018.  This field trip supports the Age of Exploration Social Studies curriculum for 5th Grade.  Students will also build social skills and self-reliance.  Students sleep in gender specific areas on the ship Balclutha.  BUSD will provide transportation.  Parent donations will provide for the cost of $120 per student.  No student will be denied access based on inability to pay.  Requested by Michelle Sinclair, Cragmont Principal.

POLICY/CODE:
Education Code 35330
Board Policy 6153

FISCAL IMPACT:
As indicated above.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the out of state travel and overnight field trips consistent with the District Policies and instructional programs.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT  

TO:             Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:        Pasquale Scuderi, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services
DATE:        November 15, 2017
SUBJECT:  Approval of Out-of-State Travel Request 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Manager of Student Services and the Dean of Students at Berkeley High School are requesting approval to attend a Title IX Coordinator and Administrator training in Florida in January.  Both positions have frequent overlaps with Title IX and civil rights considerations, and attending this conference will strengthen the District’s capacity and responsiveness on these important issues. 

ATIXA Training Course: Title IX Coordinator and Administrator Training & Certification January 23-January 26, 2017

Approval for Tammy Rose, Interim Manager of Student Services, and Kiernan Rok, Dean of Students at Berkeley High School, to attend a four-day Title IX Administrator training in Orlando, Florida. The costs of the conference were included as a benefit in our recent retainer agreement with ATIXA; the District will pay only for the travel costs for Ms. Rose and Mr. Rok. The costs of air travel and lodging will be paid from the Student Services budget.  

The conference results in certification as a Title IX Administrator.  This is important because the high school has a lot of need for Title IX support, and Student Services faces significant overlap with Title IX issues.  In addition, federal law requires that people conducting Title IX investigations have training. ATIXA is a leading organization on Title IX issues, and the School Board approved a retainer contract with them last month. 

The workshop description states that:  Attendees will be positioned to provide fair, impartial and equitable resolution of discrimination allegations that will reduce the risk of OCR complaint or lawsuit by either party with the goal of ensuring the rights, respect and equal dignity of all participants in our process.

Requested by: Tammy Rose, Interim Student Services Manager. Travel cost is approximately $2,000.00 for air travel and lodging for two people.

POLICY/CODE:
Education code 35330
Board Policy 6153 

FISCAL IMPACT:
As indicated above. 

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the out of state travel consistent with District policies and instructional programs.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 

TO:           Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:            Pauline Follansbee, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Business Services
DATE:             November 15, 2017
SUBJECT:      Acceptance of Gifts/Donations

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Board may accept and utilize on behalf of the District gifts of money or property for a purpose deemed to be suited by the Board. The following donations have been presented to the District:

1. Keri Dulaney Greger donated $20.00 to Thousand Oaks Principal’s Discretionary Fund.
2. Your Cause AT&T donated $40.00 to Thousand Oaks Principals Discretionary Fund.
3. Donations were made to VAPA totaling $7,866.00 from Sidney Bomb Dietz II $100.00; Carly Loveman, James Lutz $70.00; Larisa Cummings $100.00; Lori R. Freedman, Ori Tzvieli $100.00; Kumary-Giske Trust $100.00; Ping Zhang, Fang Zhou $100.00; Michael Andrew Morasky, Jessica Marie Anthony $200.00; Kumary-Giske Trust $150.00; Thomas J. McClure, Scarlet O. McClure $150.00; Elizabeth A Gazzano Gandara $200.00;Isasac Taylor $40.00; Sheryl E. Fishman, Susannah M. Bell $40.00; Joanna Wieloch-Kim $40.00; Isabelle Alfreda Motamedi, Jean-Paul D. Motamedi $40.00; Henry S. Caro, Cerna N. Caro $10.00; Kari Aycock, Kellie Jean Applen Aycock $10.00; Eric M. Price, Patricia M. Price $10.00; Gabrielle Klausner-Abrahamson $20.00; Nicole Geiger Laddish, Gregory Laddish $20.00; Wen Jiang $20.00; The French Wolf Trust $20.00; Kevan Jenson, Maria Jenson $20.00; Margaret J. Tormey $20.00; Erika Peters $20.00; Anna M. Pajarillo, Chris W. Kifuthu $20.00; Gunther A Hartwig, Chelsea A. Toller $20.00; Martin Preciado, Patricia Rivera $20.00;  
4. Berkeley High School Development Group donated $3,840.51 on behalf of Berkeley International High School for August retreat teacher’s stipends and benefits for 21 staff members.
5. Berkeley High School Development Group donated $32,825.54 on behalf of Berkeley High School After-School Tutoring Program for teacher hourly pay at the curriculum development rate: $27,821.08; benefits $5,004.46. 

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept  the donations to the District and request staff to extend letters of appreciation. 

POLICY/CODE:
BP 3290

FISCAL IMPACT: 
The District received a total of $64,592.05 in donations.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:            Donald Evans, Ed. D., Superintendent
FROM:        Pauline Follansbee, Interim Asst. Superintendent of Business Services
DATE:        November 15, 2017
SUBJECT:   Approval of Contracts/Purchase Orders for Services Contracts 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The District contracts with consultants or independent contractors who can provide valuable and necessary specialized services not normally required on a continuing basis. The following contract services are requested. Expenditures are within budget.

1. Downtown Berkeley YMCA, to provide physical education program for John Muir Elementary School for the period from 8/29/17 – 6/15/18. The cost will not exceed $25,2300. To be paid from BSEP Fund and Restricted Donations. Requested by Audrey Amos
2. Bay Area Community Resources, to provide behavioral health services to Malcolm X Elementary for the period from 11/1/ 2017 – 6/15/2018. The cost will not exceed $10,000.00 to be paid from LCAP, requested by Alex Hunt.
3. Bay Area Community Resources to provide behavioral health services to Emerson Elementary School for the period from 10/15/2017-6/30/2018. The cost will not exceed $12,000.00 to be paid from LCAP, request by Susan Hodge.
4. Bay Area Community Resources, to provide behaviorial health services to Cragmont Elementary School for the period of 10/2/2017 – 6/30/2018.  The cost will not exceed $11,000.00 to be paid from BSEP, requested by Michelle Sinclair.
5. Bay Area Community Resources, to provide behaviorial health services to Willard Middle School for the period of 10/1/2017 to 6/15/2018.   The cost will not exceed $28,000.00 to be paid from BSEP, requested by Debbie Dean.
6. Ratification of contract for American Services of California, Inc.  to provide emergency roofing services at Rosa Parks Elementary for the 2018 FY. The cost will not exceed $20,734. To be paid from Measure H. Requested by Steve Collins.

POLICY/CODE:
Public Contract Code: 20111
Board Policy 3310 

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the contracts with Consultants or Independent Contractors as submitted.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:             Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:        Pauline Follansbee, Director of Fiscal Services
DATE:         November 15, 2017
SUBJECT: Approval of Payroll Warrants Issued in October 2017

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On a regular basis, the Board receives information on the total amount paid employees during a month.  The attached represents a summary of pay warrants from various funds for the month of October 2017.

POLICY/CODE:
Educational Code 41010 et seq.

FISCAL IMPACT:
$8,171,406.04, for October 2017 from various funds.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve payroll payments made in October 2017.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT  

TO:              Dr. Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:        Pauline E. Follansbee, Director of Fiscal Services
DATE:        November 15, 2017
SUBJECT: Approve Listing of Warrants issued in October 2017.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Each month the District writes several checks to vendors for services provided and goods received. The checks are written against both the Restricted and Unrestricted General Fund. The summaries of warrants for the month of October is attached for the Board’s review.

POLICY/CODE:
Educational Code Section 41010 et seq.

FISCAL IMPACT:
$3,960,956.42 for the month of October 2017 from various funds.  

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the monthly bill warrant list for the month of October 2017.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:              Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:          Lisa Graham, Director, Special Education
DATE:           November 15, 2017
SUBJECT:     Approval of Master Contracts for Nonpublic Agency Services for the 2017-18 School Year 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The District contracts with nonpublic agencies, when necessary, to provide related services to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP). The following nonpublic agencies provide related services as defined in Section 1401 of Title 20 of the U.S. Code and section 300.34 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and California Ed. Code 56363 to enable students with IEPs to benefit from their special education. An individual service agreement (ISA) is developed for each student to whom the service provider is to provide special education or related services.

POLICY/CODE:
Education Code 39800
Board Policy 3310         

FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact of these services is estimated not to exceed $334,545 funded from the Special Education Budget.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Master Contract for the Nonpublic Agency listed above.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:  Board of Education
FROM:  Policy Committee
DATE:  November 15, 2017
SUBJECT:    Revisions to BP 4119.11 Sexual Harassment (Personnel) and BP 5145.3 Nondiscrimination/Harassment (Student)

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Per the FPM audit findings for Educational Equity, updates to the following Board Policies must be made:

1. BP5145.3 Student: Nondiscrimination/Harassment: amend the "name, title, office address and phone number of the administrator delegated as the Title IX Compliance Officer

2. BP4119.11 Personnel: Sexual Harassment: (a) amend the "name, title, office address and phone number of the administrator delegated as the Title IX Compliance Officer"

POLICY/CODE:
BP4119.11
BP5145.3

FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A

RECOMMENDATION:
Approve revised BP 4119.11 Sexual Harassment (Personnel) and BP 5145.3 Nondiscrimination/Harassment (Student).

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:                Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:     Timothy White, Executive Director of Facilities
DATE:        November 15, 2017
SUBJECT:      Approval to add a project to Measure AA and Approve a Contract with Baker Vilar and Van Pelt Construction Services to Provide Architectural and Project Management Services for the Multi-Purpose Roofing Project at Rosa Parks Elementary School.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Rosa Parks School formerly known as Columbus Elementary was rebuilt and completed in 2000 as a part of Measure AA. The solar panels were installed on the Multipurpose Roof in 2013.  The site reported leaks and Maintenance investigated the issue. During the site visit, it was discovered that there was dry rot in the roof joists.  At this time, Maintenance has worked with its roofing services to repair the areas to prevent any further damage.  To repair the roof it will require removal of solar panels, structural repairs, re-roof of the Multi-purpose room. This will require the creation of construction documents and submission to the Division of the State Architect.

In order to proceed Staff will requests approval to add a new project to the current Measure AA plan. In addition, Staff is requesting approval to hire Baker Vilar Architects and Van Pelt Construction Services. Baker Vilar Architects is currently a part of our Architect pool and has worked with the District for over 20 years. Van Pelt is one of the District’s two approved project management firms. Staff is recommending that Van Pelt be hired to manage this project.  Staff expects to return to the Board with a budget augmentation once a construction estimate has been developed.

FISCAL IMPACT:
Establish a project budget of $200,000 to hire consultants.
All Costs to be paid from Measure AA

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve a new project for the Measure AA plan.  Approve a contract with Baker Vilar Architects for $114,800 and with Van Pelt Construction for a contract of $47,800 to manage the Multi-Purpose Roofing Project at Rosa Parks Elementary School.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 

TO:              Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:        Timothy White, Director of Facilities
DATE:        November 15, 2017
SUBJECT: Approval of a Contract for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Consultant for Berkeley High School Theater

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Berkeley High School Theater project has completed the master planning scope of work.  It is necessary to have a CEQA consultant on board as we prepare to move forward with the schematic design of this project.

A Request for Proposals for environmental consulting services was issued on September 19, 2017.  Three firms attended the pre-proposal meeting.  One proposal was submitted by Michael Baker International. Michael Baker international is a firm with over 75 years of experience with extensive experience in the Bay Area.

Their services include: Initial Study, Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR), Notice of Preparation, Final EIR and Certification Process 

POLICY/CODE:
Public Contract Code 10510.4 – 10510.9.

FISCAL IMPACT:
Contract award by this action: $91,090
This work will be paid from Measure I Bond Funds.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve contract with Michael Baker International for CEQA Consulting Services for Berkeley High School Theater Project.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 

TO:              Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:        Timothy White, Director of Facilities
DATE:        November 15, 2017
SUBJECT: Approval of Architect Contract for Developing Phase 1 Scope of Work for the Renovation and Modernization of the Berkeley High School Theater and Building A

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
CAW Architects has completed a master plan for the Berkeley High School Community Theater and Building A.

This study included analysis of all building systems: acoustics, theater, accessibility, structural, electrical, heating and ventilation.  A historic analysis of the building was included in the report.  There were several meetings with the Site Committee to get their input on how they currently use the building and how to improve the issues around supervision, safety and including the entire Visual and Performing Arts program in Building A.  There was outreach to theaters in the area studying the potential for renting out the district’s theater to the community.

Facilities staff is requesting approval of a contract with CAW Architects to begin the scoping and development process of Phase 1 work for board review.  This will include structural and accessibility analysis of the project which will meet the current project budget of $35,000,000.  The design process will include Site Committee input and District Facilities staff input.  Deliverables will include two options for Phase 1 scope.

POLICY/CODE:
Public Contract Code 10510.4 – 10510.9.

FISCAL IMPACT:
Contract award by this action: $78,810. 
To be Paid from Measure I Bond Funds. 

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve contract with CAW Architects for developing Phase 1 scope of work for the Renovation and Modernization of Berkeley High School Theater and Building A. 

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:                 Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:           Timothy White, Executive Director of Facilities
DATE:            November 15, 2017
SUBJECT:     Approval of Susan Silber to Develop a Comprehensive Sustainability Plan

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On January 2017, the Board approved the Measure I Reallocation Plan. The reallocation of Measure I is intended to help complete school construction projects more efficiently and cost effectively. Components of the Measure I reallocation include, among other things, coordination of building systems, technology, energy efficiency, sustainability, renewable energy and designs that prioritize instructional learning. At all times keeping the primary guiding principle of letting the instructional program guide necessary facilities improvement.

Additionally, the Board approved a set of Education Specifications and Design Standards in 2016 for the Facilities Department to use going forward on approved projects.

This proposal is intended to help the District develop and initiate a long-term plan for environmental sustainability. It should be noted that the District’s previous investment in sustainability produced excellent results. Up until 2014 Susan Silber and Deborah Moore worked managing the BUSD-based ‘Green Schools Initiative’.  Green Teams were formed at each school site and we were able to reduce our solid waste contribution from 36% up to 60%. This saved the District precious general fund dollars and taught environmentally responsible behavior to our students.  Attached is a copy of the ‘Berkeley Public Schools News Letter’, published on April 21, 2014 highlighting their accomplishments.

Although sustainability incorporates many elements of waste management, its potential to positively impact our District and culture broadly can only be realized if it is intelligently planned and incorporated into our developing Facilities Master Plan.

COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS TO WRITE THE PLAN:

At least 5 months of work to research and draft a comprehensive Sustainability and Resiliency Master Plan, which will reduce the environmental footprint of schools and promote environmental literacy, which we believe are fundamental to a high-quality 21st century education. The strategic planning process will include working groups, focus groups with target audiences in the District (teachers, students, Board members, administrators, etc.), surveys and comprehensive Internet research about successful environmental education and green facilities projects and programs.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:  

For teachers and other target audiences to jumpstart Phase I of the plan

BEGINNING OF PHASE ONE IMPLEMENTATION:

Including an energy conservation campaign that will likely result in thousands of dollars of savings, support Green Teams at schools, and create a multi-stakeholder District-wide Sustainability Council.

• Cost savings from energy conservation programs alone could result in cost savings of tens (even hundreds) of thousands of dollars for the District.
• Environmental education programs provide numerous opportunities for hands-on learning, linked learning, community service and other best practices in education. Students from lower-income families do not often get the opportunity to participate in field trips or nature-based learning. The SRMP will detail opportunities for outdoor and environmental education for ALL students, including linking green facilities to lesson plans that support schools as learning labs for students.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the District’s environmental footprint; while supporting its commitment to social justice: Climate change is one of the greatest challenges humanity has ever faced. It’s time for BUSD to show its commitment to implementing environmental solutions. Lower-income families and neighborhoods are also often the first communities affected by climate change and pollution. By addressing climate change and developing resiliency plans, the Plan also supports the District’s commitment to equity and social/environmental justice.

POLICY/CODE:
School Facilities support for educational program.

FISCAL IMPACT:
Measure AA, $50,000

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Sustainability Plan proposal for contract.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:              Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:        Timothy White, Director of Facilities
DATE:        November 15, 2017
SUBJECT: Approval of Modification #1 for Architectural and Engineering Services of West Campus Old Main Gym Project for Parking Lot Security

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Byrens Kim Design Works has been diligently working on the renovation and modernization of the Old Main Gym Project at West Campus since their contract in the amount of $366,800 was approved on May 31, 2017.

The District requested to add scope to the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) project to ensure the adjacent parking lot be safe for students and staff.  The scope includes:

• Design new fencing enclosing the parking area
• Design of the fencing to include new manually operated vehicle gate and accessible pedestrian gate(s)
• Provide design of new parking lot lighting
• Provide design of new camera surveillance system covering the parking area
• Consider relocation of existing driveway curb cut

Facilities staff is requesting approval of a modification with Byrens Kim Design Works to provide architectural and engineering services for the project for the aforementioned scope in the amount of $16,000. The new contract amount will be $382,800.

POLICY/CODE:
Public Contract Code 10510.4 – 10510.9.

FISCAL IMPACT:
Contract award by this action: $16,000 to be paid from Measure I Bond Funds. 

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve modification with Byrens Kim Design Works for the Architectural and Engineering Services of West Campus Old Main Gym Project for Parking Lot Security.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 

TO:          Board of Education
FROM:         Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
DATE:         November 15, 2017
SUBJECT:    Approval of Recommendation to Discontinue the Name of Le Conte Elementary School 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In May 2017, a petition was received by the Superintendent’s Office, signed by 179 members of the Le Conte Elementary School community, requesting that a review be conducted of the appropriateness of the Le Conte school name, pursuant to BUSD Board Policy (BP) and Administrative Regulation (AR) 7310. 

According to the AR, a review process may be triggered by receiving a petition signed by the parents/guardians of at least one-third of the students or by three quarters of the staff. After discussion with the Superintendent’s Executive Cabinet, it was determined that this requirement had been met, and a review process could proceed based on the petition. This was reported to the Board in public session on June 28, 2017.

It is worth noting that this is the first time we have implemented this version of the BP and AR 7310, which were revised in 2016. A recent update to AR 7310 requires that we take stock of lessons learned from the current experience with Le Conte before embarking on a name change process for another facility or school.

Community Meetings

As part of the name review process, AR 7310 requires at least one meeting with the families of students enrolled in the school, and a meeting with school employees. A meeting with parents/guardians was held on September 20, 2017, and a meeting with teachers and staff was held on September 27, 2017. Both meetings were well attended. While not required by the AR, there was also a small neighborhood focus group meeting held on October 16, 2017 through outreach to the Le Conte Neighborhood Association and via flyers to immediate neighbors.

Each meeting included these components:

• Getting to Know LeConte School and Community – values, pride, strengths
• BUSD Policy, Process and Timeline for name change decision-making
• Joseph Le Conte - role in Berkeley history, past and present controversy
• Table Talk - opportunities and challenges if changing the name
• Straw Poll - leaning for, undecided, against name change, and why
• Next Steps - suggestions for process

Characteristics of the Le Conte School and Community

Meeting participants were asked to share their views of Le Conte School community’s characteristics and strengths. Parents/guardians and staff spoke of pride in the diversity of families and staff from many backgrounds, cultures, languages, race/ethnicities and national origins. They find a welcoming community with a commitment to equity and to a two-way immersion (TWI) program which also embraces multiple cultures and languages. The school community members made frequent reference to the philosophy of In Lak ‘Ech, a Mayan phrase meaning “you are my other me.” Neighbors spoke of the evolution of this southside neighborhood over time, from the Ohlone people to the early dairy farmers, to African-American residents, to the currently gentrifying demographic, and of their pride in a community with a history of political engagement. 

Joseph Le Conte

AR 7310 requires that the review of a school named after an individual “shall examine whether the individual, on the whole, has made outstanding contributions to the community or made contributions of state, national or worldwide significance in light of the Berkeley community's values and contemporary view on history.”

Le Conte School is named after Joseph Le Conte. Following is a brief summary of his life, contributions, and views, gleaned from a review of a number of historical documents. Note that although Joseph’s brother John Le Conte was also prominent at the time, several newspaper articles appear to establish that the school was named after Joseph, or at least that the connection to Joseph was claimed by relatives.

When Le Conte School opened 125 years ago, in 1892, Joseph Le Conte was a highly respected professor of geology, botany and natural sciences at UC Berkeley (then known as the “State University”). He and his brother John, a professor of physics, joined the faculty in 1869, the year after the University was chartered. The Le Conte brothers had left their native Georgia, dissatisfied with the outcome of the Civil War which had reduced their income from their ownership of Woodmanston, a 3,356 acre plantation with over 200 slaves, growing rice on swamp land south of Savannah. John and Joseph had pursued studies in medicine and natural sciences and taught in various institutions. During the Civil War, each had active roles in the Confederate mining and niter works (source of munitions for the war effort); John due to expertise in chemistry and physics, and Joseph LeConte due to his knowledge of geology.

After the war, facing changes brought by Reconstruction, including a “negro legislature” that was considering admitting non-whites to college and to teaching positions, the Le Conte brothers considered emigrating. However, with the support of eminent peers such as Louis Agassiz of Harvard, they were welcomed to the new University of California, where John became acting president in 1869, served again as president from 1876 to 1881, and taught physics until his death in 1891.

Joseph Le Conte was a prolific author and popular lecturer, with interests ranging across many topics, including geology, evolution, and binocular vision. He served as president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Geological Society of America. He loved camping in the California mountains, theorized about the glacial origins of the Yosemite Valley, befriended John Muir, and was an early board member of the Sierra Club. He died in 1901 while camping in Yosemite National Park.

In his autobiography, Joseph Le Conte stated he felt “oppressed by the ownership of slaves. Not because I felt any conscientious scruples about it, but because I felt distressingly the responsibility of their care.”  He professed being happy to be relieved from the burden of administering a plantation, but expressed outrage at the “sudden enfranchisement” of former slaves, saying this “was the greatest political crime ever perpetrated by any people.” He was also active in writing and speaking about his theories of racial inferiority and the “evolutionary” benefits of slavery, which he felt could elevate the “lower races” through contact with those whom he believed were more evolved.

In 1892 Joseph Le Conte was invited to give a lecture at the Brooklyn Ethical Association. His lecture was published as “The Race Problem in the South,” and included statements that public education was not a solution to the “race problem.” Instead, he believed that it would take centuries of evolution to put races on an equal footing. Meanwhile he believed there should be education and property qualifications in order to vote, and he supported a poll tax that would “disenfranchise a large majority of the ignorant blacks….and some whites too.” His racist theories may have fallen upon at least some some sympathetic ears locally, as Berkeley had a "Joseph LE Conte Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy" which was active for many decades, and indeed was still meeting in Berkeley into the 1950’s. 

While the Daughters of the Confederacy might have taken pride in Joseph Le Conte, he was less popular with some of the women’s suffrage leaders locally, as his theories of white supremacy were echoed by statements about the male dominance. Speaking before the 1895 Women’s Congress in San Francisco, he apparently disappointed many in the audience with a long lecture about his theory that evolution among the “higher races” meant greater sex role differentiation, and his implication that the role of women should be limited and should not include the vote.

School Community Input

Le Conte families and staff have been talking for some time about the desire to have a new name for the school, particularly since the Board decided in 2012 to consolidate the District’s Two-Way Immersion language program at Le Conte. Prior to the District-organized meetings, there had been several meetings and discussions at the school involving current parents and faculty. While not everyone was aware of the history of the name, those who learned more about Joseph Le Conte’s writings were outraged to learn of his strong Confederate sympathies and his racist writings. The ad hoc group organized a petition (which was gathered in a relatively short time toward the end of the school year). The high response rate for the petition as well as near unanimity of the straw polls (conducted with anonymous response cards) at parent/guardian and staff meetings indicate very strong support for changing the name.

In discussions and in feedback cards, respondents were asked to share their motivations for a change in name. The most common reasons given were the desire for a name that is more reflective of the values, civic ideals, and educational goals for the school. Le Conte’s explicitly white supremacist and racist ideology and sexist beliefs,  is seen as a very poor match for a public elementary school where all are welcome, where many families have social justice values, and there is a strong focus on equity and achievement for all. While the Le Conte brothers may have contributed a great deal to the early life of the University, more than one respondent has pointed out, that the Le Conte brothers might not actually approve of the very school that carries the Le Conte name.

Recommendation

I am recommending that the School Board discontinue the use of the name “Le Conte Elementary School” and that we work toward determining a new name for the school, pursuant to AR 7310.

In the Berkeley Unified School District, we take pride in our diversity, we hold high expectations for ourselves and our students, and we treat each other with respect and act with integrity. Joseph Le Conte’s racist, sexist beliefs are antithetical to these values.

I am also mindful of the importance of assessing Le Conte’s views in the historical context. As noted above, AR 7310 requires us to review whether Le Conte “has made outstanding contributions to the community or made contributions of state, national or worldwide significance in light of the Berkeley community's values and contemporary view on history.” 

Le Conte’s views, one hopes, would be repudiated by most people today. Some might excuse his supremacist views and call him “a man of his time”, but we should also point out a Civil War was fought over the question of racial equality, and he took the side that believed that our Union should be torn asunder in order that human beings could continue to be treated as property.

Even after the War, he continued to fight to rationalize white supremacy, and he did so with plenty of opposition at hand. In fact, in the very year that Joseph Le Conte expounded on “Race Problems in the South,” for the Brooklyn Ethical Association, the same group heard Reverend Samuel  J. Barrows speak on the Evolution of the Afric-American. Reverend Barrows also held what we might consider to be racist views, though perhaps not white supremacist views. He reported on his visits to the post-Civil War South that former slaves were aspiring and achieving wherever there was an opportunity for education and economic advancement, and that it was most often the whites who stood in their way. He declared that the “white race” was standing in the way of social equality and advancement, and therefore whites needed to evolve as well.

Le Conte was a person of great power and influence, who went out of his way to spread his pernicious views about race and gender, and in doing so, he did real harm.  In the words of one Le Conte parent, he not a man “of” his time, he was actually a man “against” his time, when it came to social change. While he had what we might call enlightened views in understanding geological forces, and was able to reconcile Christian faith with scientific theory, when it came time to recognize that social forces were moving finally toward greater racial equality, or when women’s rights came to the fore, he dug in his heels. Thus, while it is no doubt true that Le Conte made important contributions to science, his contributions are overshadowed by his noxious views, which he expressed and disseminated widely in order to deny others the power and freedom he enjoyed.

Additional Considerations

In addition to considering the contributions of the namesake individual, AR 7310 also includes the option for any information or input that the Superintendent deems appropriate and necessary. The following additional considerations influence my recommendation.

Le Conte Elementary School holds a special place in our our district, as the Two-Way Immersion Spanish-English elementary school. BUSD is committed to an inclusive, expansive role of education in ensuring that our students are prepared to participate as informed, engaged citizens of an interconnected world, and the students and staff at Le Conte embody this ideal. While the current families and staff at Le Conte may be transitory, there is a through-line from the values espoused by the current community to those held by recent generations, and we think, many generations to come.

Berkeley of 1892, when the school was named, was in many ways a forward-thinking community, and the Le Conte brothers were part of building an educational institution that would have a key role in developing a more inclusive and more democratic society. However, in 1892, those who were invited to sit at the table to make decisions about our town and our schools were a small and homogeneous group. For example, only men could vote until 1906, when finally women were “allowed” a partial franchise, to vote and run for school board. The first woman, Eleanor Carlisle, was elected to the School Board in 1909, and a few years later a Berkeley public school was finally named for a woman - Frances E. Willard, a temperance and suffrage leader.

We have put together a brief overview of Berkeley Public Schools history which might be of interest. Most of the names for our schools were selected in a relatively short time frame, 100-125 years ago, when the decisions makers selected heroes for their times. We might agree that some of the selected namesakes still speak to us across time, but we also may be ready to look for unsung heroes, and other ways to inspire and unite our community.

In the late 19th and early 20th century Berkeley was a relatively small town, and about 95% white. The city grew and diversified, especially after World War II, and over time we began to elect a more representative School Board, integrate our schools, and embark on providing a more equitable access to education for all, work that still continues to this day. We have evolved as a community, and I believe the changes are significant enough to warrant a search for a new name for Le Conte School that might carry us into the next century.

Meanwhile, there are still many places and things that still carry the Le Conte name: - Mount LeConte in the Sierra Nevada, Le Conte Hall at the University of Georgia and at UC Berkeley, LeConte College at the University of South Carolina, Le Conte Cascade on the Tuolumne River, Le Conte Avenue in North Berkeley, and indeed the entire Le Conte Neighborhood of Berkeley’s Southside. We are not suggesting that all markers must change. We recognize the desire for continuity may be important for some groups, and it may be particularly challenging for the Le Conte neighborhood to determine how to address both continuity and change if the school changes its name.

In recent national discussions of Confederate monuments, one issue raised has been that of "erasing history" by removing monuments, and a similar objection might be raised to the Le Conte renaming. We want to understand our past, while we look to our future together. In conversations in our community we have had an opportunity to bring history to light. Le Conte is no longer a well-known figure in Berkeley, and discussing the origins of the school name has provided an important educational opportunity, one which we could carry forward into future community conversations. A suggestion has been made that if the Board votes to discontinue the name, if and when the name changes, there should be a plaque that notes the original name of the school, and contains some history of the original name choice as well as the renaming decision to discontinue the Le Conte name and rename the school.

In 2015 the Sierra Club decided to rename the Le Conte Memorial Lodge in Yosemite when Joseph Le Conte's racist views became more well known; it is now the Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center. The Sierra Club’s reasoning for the name change was that it was an "insult to visitors to retain his name in association with an educational center that is supposed to serve as a place to welcome visitors with open doors."  My recommendation to change the name of our elementary school echoes this rationale, and further opens the door to what we hope will be a positive, unifying process that expresses our values and our aspirations for all of the children of Berkeley.

Next Steps If the Board Votes to Discontinue the Le Conte Name

The decision to discontinue a school’s name rests exclusively with the School Board. If the Board agrees that the name should be discontinued, the existing name continues as a placeholder, for purposes of reference and school systems, until the Board determines a new name. If a name change process is supported by the board, I would then initiate the further steps, as described in AR 7310, with the goal of having the Board vote on a new name by the end of the 2017-18 school year.

The first step is to form an Advisory Committee to assist in soliciting and reviewing potential new names for the school. If an Advisory Committee is appointed, AR 7310 states that the Committee will organize at least three community meetings. The first would be to announce, explain, and discuss the naming process and timeline. If this recommendation is approved tonight, that first meeting would probably be held in January 2018. The second meeting would probably take place in February, to begin to solicit potential new names, and the third, probably in March, would be designed to receive feedback on potential names. By April we could potentially bring a proposal to the Board for a decision in May, with the potential for implementation for the next school year.

Board Policy 7310 also refers to the involvement of the community in proposing new school names, and I believe that should include students, staff, parents/guardians, and neighbors. My hope and expectation is that if the Board gives direction for a change of name, Advisory Committee members would conduct outreach to a wide range of constituents in order to maximize participation and provide for an inclusive and thoughtful process that will lead to a school name that will unite and inspire us for at least the next 100 years. 

POLICY/CODE:
BUSD Board Policy 7310 

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Recommendation to Discontinue the Name of Le Conte Elementary School.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:          School Board
FROM:    Donald Evans, Ed.D, Superintendent
DATE:     November 15, 2017
SUBJECT:     Mental and Emotional Education Team Proposal

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
At the October 5, 2017 2x2 meeting between officials from both the District and the City of Berkeley, student members of the Mental and Emotional Education Team (MEET) presented a proposal for education around mental health.  They reported that over 20 % of youth ages 13-18 live with a mental health disorder and 50% of lifetime mental health issues begin by age 14.  Currently, there is no formalized mental health education, and most students will receive at most a few lesson about stress management from a staff member with very little training.

Tonight’s student-led presentation will address the need for expanded mental health education and a plan to further educate  BHS students on the importance of seeking care and support in the areas of mental health and social/emotional wellness.

RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the initial proposal for potential future action.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:              School Board
FROM:    Donald Evans, Superintendent
DATE:     November 15, 2017
SUBJECT:      State of the District

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The priorities and initiatives of the 2017-18 school year are aligned with our Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) goals and designed to further our mission of Excellence, Equity, Engagement and Enrichment.

Over the last couple of years, significant progress has been made in each of these key goal areas:

LCAP Goal 1: Provide high quality classroom instruction and curriculum that promote college and career readiness with academic interventions in place to eliminate barriers to student success.

LCAP Goal 2: End the racial predictability of academic achievement by ensuring that all systems are culturally and linguistically responsive to the needs of our students.

LCAP Goal 3: Ensure all school sites have safe, welcoming and inclusive climates for all students and their families, so that all students are in their classes ready to learn.

This year we continue to direct significant resources to further the initiatives and programs that will have the greatest impact on outcomes for all students, while concentrating our Local Control Funding Formula supplemental grant funds on programs and services to benefit our high need students.

Teachers, staff, principals, and administrators in every school and department share a growing commitment to and facility for working in teams and sharing best practices; this work has been positively impacted by the expertise of our staff as well as the formation of Professional Learning Communities in every school. Furthermore, we have been able to attract exceptional talent, both from within and from outside our organization, to fill key leadership roles. Teachers and staff have benefited from increased access to high-quality, high-impact professional development.

In order to provide the School Board and community with an overall assessment of the state of the district, this presentation will focus on the most critical district-wide priorities and initiatives in this new school year, including:

• Fine-tuning teaching and learning and targeted interventions for high-need students;

• Expanding professional development opportunities for all;

• Implementing the new English Language Arts curriculum in our middle schools;

• Planning for the implementation of the Universal 9th Grade Program at Berkeley High;

• Supporting the social-emotional health of our students;

• Effectively stewarding our local and state education dollars;

• Modernizing technology infrastructure and operational systems; and

• Planning future facilities developments in line with our education programs and goals.

To provide context for the work, the presentation will include key data points and indicators used to track our progress and inform our work.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:             Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:        Pauline Follansbee, Interim Assistant Superintendent
Marni Posey, Director of Nutrition Services
DATE:         November 15, 2017
SUBJECT:   Nutrition Services Program Fiscal Update

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Nutrition Services continues to provide a program that positively impacts the overall health and well-being of our students. A healthy nutritious breakfast and lunch is available to every student at every school so that students are prepared to learn at their fullest potential. The food served to our students is nutritious, fresh, tasty, and locally grown while reflecting Berkeley's cultural diversity. Obesity and juvenile diabetes are increasingly common problems among our school age population. Healthy meals and increased education about the health benefits of eating well are effective ways to combat these conditions.

Nutrition Services will be able to manage the program with a reduced contribution from the General Fund due to changes made to breakfast accounting and service implemented this school year. We are now providing every student in class with a breakfast. Teachers use classroom attendance as the method for breakfast accounting. By linking breakfast participation with attendance, we are simplifying the process for teachers. At the same time this guarantees reimbursement for all foods served and is a reliable method for projecting future revenues. For September 2017, we have already seen an increase in revenue of 35% over September 2016.

The breakfast reimbursement revenue for Free students had been offsetting the cost of paid student breakfast as well as subsidizing BUSD’s lunch program up until school year 16/17. Today with Free and Reduced student population significantly lower, at approximately 33% district wide, we project breakfast reimbursement revenues will barely cover the costs associated with low participation rates at lunch. The cost to open our doors each day for breakfast and lunch is not being covered by the rate of participation at lunch.  This has decreased over the years.

Nutrition Services Department believes that the following outline of strategies could boost lunch participation:

1. Comprehensive district wide adherence to BUSD Food Policy
2. Recess before lunch
3. Classroom parties relegated to after lunch exclusively
4. Not using junk food or eating outside to incentivize students to achieve various goals
5. No microwaves in any of the student cafeterias

With these new strategies, Nutrition Services believes we can boost lunchtime participation.  Increased revenue due to increased participation allows us to reinvest in quality and variety of ingredients improving on the overall experience for our students.

The Nutrition Services department, Administrators, teachers and staff can do more to increase lunch participation. The BUSD community from the Board down must reaffirm its commitment to the success of all Nutrition Services Programs in compliance with the District Wellness Policy while the department take a more active role in improving our services.  With this engagement on behalf of all BUSD, Nutrition Services feels it can increase lunch participation and therefor the revenue stream.

POLICY/CODE:
Education Code 38084

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Implement new strategies to boost lunchtime participation.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:                Board of Education
FROM:           Pauline Follansbee, Interim Assistant Superintendent
DATE:            November 15, 2017
SUBJECT:     REALM Charter School Fiscal Update

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In accordance with Education Code Section 47604.33, staff reviewed the 2016-17 Unaudited Actuals and 2017-18 Adopted Budgets for REALM Charter Schools. The District’s oversight responsibility includes monitoring the fiscal condition of the Charter Schools through review of State required financial reports that include REALM’s adopted budgets, interim budget reports and the unaudited and audited financial statements. 

Based on staff’s review, there is no improvement in the financial condition of both schools, and we continue to have serious concerns about their solvency and their ability to meet their financial commitments in the 2017-18 budget year, and subsequent two fiscal years. 

The Alameda County Office of Education also reviews the Charter School’s reports for mathematical accuracy.  In their review, they expressed concern about REALM’s negative ending fund balances and technical discrepancies with their reporting format.

While REALM Charter Schools’ financial position continues to be of concern, no decision has been made regarding issuing a notice of violation.

REALM will be providing the District with monthly updates on their budget and actuals to date, so the District can provide additional fiscal oversight. In addition, the District will review REALM’s First Interim budget submittals for the period ended October 31, 2017, and issue a report in January 2018. 

In the event there is insufficient improvement in REALM’s financial position at the First Interim, staff may recommend initiating the revocation process in January 2018.

POLICY CODE:
Education Code 47604.33

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Reevaluate REALM’s financial position at First Interim, if there is insufficient improvement, staff may recommend initialing the revocation process .

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO: Donald Evans, Ed. D., Superintendent
FROM: Debbi D’Angelo, Director, Evaluation and Assessment
DATE: November 15, 2017
SUBJECT: Enrollment, Special Education and Suspension Update

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In addition to the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), staff has, for a number of years, identified a a group of District Indicators to monitor the District’s progress toward achieving its goals and closing the achievement gap.

This report takes a more detailed look at the District data around enrollment, special education, suspensions and attendance, as well as information to enable the Board and public to assess the impact of this work on improving outcomes over time.

The attached indicators measure the reduction in African-American disproportionality (as compared to those students who are White) over a three-year span looking at race and gender for K-12 students and trends by elementary, middle and high school level.

The indicators include

• Enrollment Trends for Teachers and Students

• Special Education Enrollment

• Suspensions Overall and by Offense

To better inform the sites, the Berkeley Research, Evaluation and Assessment (BREA) Department is preparing an analysis of each site’s Indicators of Progress that will align both to the state focus areas as well as the local indicators associated with the new California Dashboard. BREA will work directly with the Principals to communicate their progress in addressing the specific needs of their students as well as with providing qualitative and quantitative site analysis to present to school site councils.

FISCAL IMPACT:
None

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the District Indicators of Progress to Reduce Disproportionality for information.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:         Donald Evans ,Ed.D,  Superintendent     
FROM:     Pasquale Scuderi, Assistant Superintendent, Ed Services
Patricia Saddler, Ed.D, Dir. Programs and Special Projects
DATE:      November 15, 2017
SUBJECT:   California School Dashboard - Local Indicators

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:  

The standards for the local performance indicators associated with the new California School Dashboard are based on whether LEAs:

1. Measure their progress on the local performance indicator based on locally available information, and

2. Report the results to the LEA's local governing board at a regularly scheduled meeting of the local governing board and to stakeholders and the public through the evaluation rubrics.

LEAs determine whether they have "Met" or "Not Met" each applicable local performance indicator. LEAs make this determination by using self-reflection tools included in the evaluation rubrics which will allow them to measure and report their progress through the California School Dashboard.  

Staff has collected the required data to determine if the local indicators have been “met” or “not met”.  This process required utilization and analysis of internal district data such as:

A. Williams Compliance Data ( Teacher Assignment and Credential Match, Availability of Instructional Materials and assessment of facilities).

B. CDE Indicator Reflection Tool for assessment of

1. How the District is implementing the academic standards in: ELA Common Core, ELD aligned with ELA, Math Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards and History/Social Science.   

2. Areas in need of improved delivery of instruction of the academic standards and curriculum frameworks in the above subjects.

3. Progress in implementing Career Technical Education (CTE), Health Education Content Standards, Physical Education Model Content Standards, Visual and Performing Arts and World Languages.

4. The level of support for Administrators and Teachers during 2015-16 in identifying their needs for professional learning and deeper mastery of the standards.

C.  The LCAP Parent Survey data

D.  The California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) data

Upon review of the data, staff has deemed the following measured scores for each of the local Dashboard Indicators:

1. Basic (Teachers, Instructional Materials, Facilities) Met

2. Implementation of Academic Standards Met

3. Parent Engagement Met

4. Local Climate Survey Met

As a reflection, staff has determined the need to develop the following tools in order to be able to better assess and identify the areas of need in BUSD:

• Create a Professional Development Survey for Classified and Certificated Staff that would be given twice a year to determine if the needs of staff are being met to ensure that training is aligned with the needs of the students as well as current classroom challenges.

• Improve the current parent/family engagement survey

• Create a District school climate survey for students, staff, and parents

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Information Item for the Board and Staff to receive this information and to obtain a better understanding of the requirements for determining the score of the local indicators.  

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO: School Board
FROM: Policy Committee
DATE:   November 15, 2017
SUBJECT: Deletion of AR1312.3: Uniform Complaint Procedures

On September 21, 2017, the Superintendent approved AR 1311, which supersedes AR 1312.3. Because AR 1312.3 has been superseded, the Superintendent will now repeal it. The repeal of this superseded AR is now presented to the Board for information. 

Persons wishing to address the Board should fill out a green speaker card.  Cards turned in for the earlier open session public testimony will be given priority.  Speakers will be randomly selected based on topic and position, with BUSD students generally given priority.  Public Testimony is limited to 15 minutes with a 3-minute limit per speaker per topic although the time allotted per speaker may be reduced to 2 minutes at the discretion of the President.