Background

The District has engaged LPA Architects to develop a Facilities Master Plan. This work has been underway during the 2016-2017 school year.  Multiple meetings with a wide range of stakeholders have taken place since last fall.  LPA met with maintenance and custodial staff, teachers across grade levels, an Executive Steering Committee, and a Facilities Master Plan Committee representing a cross section of district staff, families, and community members.  In  May, a Board Study Session took place to review the initial draft and prioritize the various projects that make up the Facilities Master Plan.

Current Considerations

After the Board Study Session, LPA Architects took information from that meeting to determine items of high priority for the District and assess financial considerations.  Based on that data, documents about the top priorities at each site as well as projected costs for the first phases of work have been developed.

Financial Implications

There are no direct financial implications in the Facilities Master Plan.  Funding of the work will take place through other financial actions, but the adoption of the Facilities Master Plan itself has no direct cost.

Background

As we complete the plan for facility needs and investigate the possibility of a General Obligation Bond Election, it is necessary to enlist support of Bond Counsel and Disclosure (Bond Counsel). After sending out a Statement of Qualifications, reviewing submissions, and holding interviews, District staff selected David Casnocha from Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth to act as Bond Counsel for the District. The contract submitted will include services for bond elections, bond refinancing, and disclosure services.

Current Considerations

If the Governing Board resolves to refinance existing bonds or proceed with a new General Obligation Bond Election, the services of bond counsel will be needed. Resolutions, tax certificates, and legal opinions are all necessary with the refinancing and new issues of bonds. The advice and consultation with Bond Counsel is critical to assure all legal and financial requirements are addressed to properly secure any bonds refinanced or issued by the District.

Financial Implications

Fees will be between $85,000 and $90,000 per series of bonds. The fees reflect costs for Bond and Disclosure Counsel. These fees are part of the cost of issuance for each bond series.

BACKGROUND AND CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

The resolution presented is a draft of a resolution which, if adopted on June 20^th by 2/3^rds of the members of the Board, would result in a bond measure being placed on the November 7, 2017 ballot.

The resolution before the Board calls an election within the District for the purpose of approving general obligation bonds, requests that the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters conduct the election on behalf of the District, and authorizes the preparation of election materials, including ballot arguments and tax rate statement, to be included in the ballot pamphlet.

State law requires the Governing Board to order school district bond elections.  The Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters will conduct the election on behalf of the District, including publishing all required notices.  This resolution meets the statutory requirements for describing the projects to be funded with the proceeds of the bonds, which is included as Exhibit B to the resolution.  A 75-word summary of the measure, as it will appear on the ballot, is also included in the resolution as Exhibit A.  The resolution also authorizes the preparation and filing of a tax rate statement, which must be included in the ballot pamphlet, and describes the anticipated rates of tax throughout the life of the bond issue.  The resolution also authorizes, but does not commit, the Board and/or individual members of the Board to prepare and sponsor a ballot argument in support of the bond measure.  No more than five (5) persons may sign the ballot argument.

This election will be called under constitutional and statutory provisions that require fifty-five percent (55%) voter approval, and certain accountability requirements, including annual independent financial and performance audits of how funds are spent, and the formation of a Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee.  Following adoption, the resolution (including the signed tax rate statement) must be delivered to the Registrar of Voters and the Board of Supervisors no later than August 11, 2017.  State law requires that 2/3^rd of a school board support the resolution calling an election requiring 55% voter approval.  At least four (4) Board members must vote “Yes” in order to call the election.

The Governing Board is requested to review and discuss the draft Resolution authorizing a bond election for November 7, 2017.  This item will be presented to the Governing Board for adoption on June 20, 2017. 

Background

The district is reviewing the possibility of refunding some of the outstanding bonds issued after the 2004 Bond Election.  Due to current interest rates as well as improved ratings for the District, the opportunity to refinance the outstanding bonds creates reduced costs for the payoff over the life of those issuances.

Current Considerations

Municipal bond interest rates have declined recently, and the Moody's upgrade to the District's rating have created the possibility of interest savings on the life of two series of bonds issued after the 2004 Bond Election.  This presentation will address potential savings on the existing bonds.  With the current interests in a new bond election in November of 2017, any reductions in costs on these bonds can generate additional capacity in new issuances without increasing the tax rate.

Financial Implications

Reductions of total payoff costs for the 2004 Bond Series being refunded.  Possible increase in funding capacity if new bonds are passed, while remaining with a flat tax rate.

Background

It is important to continually review and update the district’s board policies in order to stay on top of changing state requirements and/or district needs.

Current Considerations

As part of this continual review, the district has the following policy for the Board’s consideration:            

BP 5141.52     Students: Suicide Prevention

This policy reflects current law and educational best practices.                      

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications associated with the recommended Board Policy 5141.52.

This is a First Read item.  It is recommended that the Governing Board review and discuss the recommended Board Policy 5141.52.   This item will come back at the next regularly scheduled Governing Board meeting for approval.

Background

It is important to continually review and update the district’s board policies in order to stay on top of changing state requirements and/or district needs 

Current Considerations

As part of this continual review, the district has the following revision for the Board’s consideration:      

AR 6162.5    Instruction: Student Assessment

This policy revision reflects a change in LCUSD’s online grading system.                 

Financial Implications

It is requested that the Governing Board review the recommended Administrative Regulation revision.   

It is recommended that the Governing Board review and discuss the recommended Administrative Regulation revision.   

• Article II “Term” – Pre-established re-openers for 2017-18 shall include salary, benefits and calendar. Revised or additional re-openers may be added with the district’s initial sunshine proposal during the 2017-18 school year.
• Article XI “Bargaining Unit Member Duties/Hours of Employment” – The working day of the teachers was adjusted to be twenty-two (22) minutes rather than twenty-three (23) minutes after the end of the regular school day; The school day will be adjusted to accommodate a change from thirty (30) to thirty-four (34) one-hour collaboration sessions at both the 7/8 and 9-12 school sites.  
• Article XIII “Wages” - Certificated employees will receive a 0.55% retroactive payment back to July 1, 2016 that shall be permanently added to the 2015-2016 salary schedules (Appendices B, D, E, F1 and F2). An additional 1.0% increase shall be permanently added to all of the 2016-17 salary schedules of certificated employees (Appendices B, D, E, F1 and F2) beginning July 1, 2017.
• Article XXII “Extra Duty Extra Pay (EDEP)” – Additions, revisions, adjustments and deletions were made to several EDEP positions.
• Calendars – The 2017-18 work calendar for the school counselors, school psychologists and nurse was revised. The 2018-19 and 2019-20 work calendars were agreed to. The 2017-18 Late Start/Collaboration Early Release Days calendars for Grades K, 1-6 and 7-12 were agreed to.
• Job Descriptions – Job descriptions were agreed to for: Mentor Teacher (Elementary and Secondary); LCHS 7/8 Where Everyone Belongs (“WEB”) Advisor; LCHS 9-12 Link Crew Advisor and LCHS 7/8 and 9-12 Challenge Success Leader.
• MOU’s – Online Grading for teachers in grades 7-12; Daily Late Start Calendar for grades 7-12.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are financial implications associated with the following collective bargaining agreement changes: For the fiscal year 2016-2017, a retroactive increase of 0.55% back to July 1, 2016 shall be permanently added to all of the 2015-16 Salary Schedules (Appendices B, D, E, F1 and F2).

An additional 1.0% increase shall be permanently added to all of the 2016-17 salary schedules of certificated employees (Appendices B, D, E, F1 and F2) beginning July 1, 2017.

Background

On or before July 1, 2017 the Governing Board is required to adopt its Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) using the State Board of Education template.  The LCAP must identify for all pupils the specific actions the Local Educational Agency (LEA) will take to achieve its goals and the measures by which progress will be identified.  The County shall disapprove any district budget that does not include the expenditures necessary to implement the LCAP.

Current Considerations

The LCAP is a three-year plan and it requires annual updates.  It is to include the annual goals for all pupils identified for each of the 8 state priorities and includes additional local priorities.  In developing the LCAP, parent advisory committees, local bargaining units, teachers, staff members, administrators, parents and pupils must be consulted.  All of these requirements have been met. 

Attached to this agenda item is a draft copy of the LCAP Executive Summary. Board discussion and direction, as well as staff and stakeholder review of the entire LCUSD LCAP document, results in additions, corrections, and edits being made to the draft document prior to Board approval of the LCAP as a second reading agenda item on June 20, 2017.

Financial Implications

The LCAP is intended as a planning document that drives the District’s budget development.  The Superintendent and the Chief Business and Operations Officer and the Fiscal Services Department have worked closely together to ensure that both documents are aligned.

It is recommended that the Governing Board review the LCAP, engage in subsequent discussion, and provide direction to staff related to any recommended changes to the LCAP prior to the Board voting to adopt the plan at its June 20, 2017 meeting.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the La Cañada Unified School District Local Control Accountability Plan for 2016-17.

Background

In the Spring of 2015 the La Cañada Unified School District selected Chartwells as the district’s food service management company. The California Department of Education requires agreements to be renewed annually for the upcoming school year. This is our second renewal.

Current Considerations

The contract, per state requirements, is only for one year, but it can be renewed annually for up to five years. We continue working with Chartwells to build capacity and increase participation. Over the past several years there have been annual declines in participation across the district. In 2016-2017 sales at the elementary sites remained flat much of 2016-17 with the year ending on an upward trend. At LCHS sales grew from the previous year. Chartwells has sent out specialists from the culinary and marketing departments to provide strategies to generate higher levels of participation. We are currently setting goals for the 2017-18. After a successful increase at LCHS, the upcoming year will focus on increasing participation at the elementary sites and maintaining the success we achieved at the 7-12 campus. With the 2017-18 fiscal year the price per meal will be $2.005. This includes the cost of food and materials along with a Chartwells employee on site. Fancial Implications

Financial Implications 

The cost per meal will be $2.005. This reflects the 2.4% Consumer Price Index. Based on those sales the annual cost for the service, which includes the purchase of food, is estimated to be $441,551. The goal is to increase sales and improve revenues over the first two years to reach a positive fund balance. The encroachment into other funds was much improved in 2016-17, however the increased cost per meal will add additional pressure to keep the Cafeteria Fund balanced. Progress toward this objective will be evaluated at the annual renewal.

BACKGROUND

This book is the latest edition of a widely used Advanced Placement (AP) European History textbook and is newly issued with a publication date of 2017.   

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

The Social Science Department committee reviewed several books and decided upon:

 A History of Western Society, 12^th Edition, © 2017, published by Bedford St. Martin’s Press.    

The book will be available for interested parents and community members to review at the District Office from May 9 through August 9, 2017. 

FINANCIAL IMPACT

The cost of this adoption is not to exceed $15,000. 

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the adoption of A History of Western Society, 12^th Edition, © 2017, published by Bedford St. Martin’s Press.   

The Governing Board is requested to review the adoption request of  A History of Western Society, 12^th Edition, © 2017, published by Bedford St. Martin’s Press.  This item will come back for approval at the next regularly scheduled Governing Board meeting.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the Personnel Report as presented.

The Governing Board is requested to approved the LCHS Special Activity request to attend USA Cheer Camp in Irvine, California Thursday, July 27, 2017 - Sunday, July 30, 2017.

The Governing Board is requested to approved the LCHS Special Activity request to attend LCHS Cheer Camp - Riverside Convention Center, July 21-23, 2017.

BACKGROUND:

In order for new graduates to qualify for California Teaching Credentials they must have practical experience in a classroom.  The district has provided this opportunity for local university students for many years. Some of our teachers started in the district as student teachers.

CURRENT CONSIDERATION:

The approval of the agreement at this time does not mean that the district will have student teachers and/or interns but rather is contractually prepared for one to begin.  This agreement is effective from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2022.  The provisions of this agreement may be terminated, altered, changed, or amended by mutual consent of either the district or Azusa Pacific University. 

FINANCIAL IMPACT: 

There is no effect on the District budget. The supervising classroom teacher receives a stipend from Azusa Pacific University for assisting the student.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the Educational Field Experience Agreement with Azusa Pacific University.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the Educational Field Experience Agreement with Azusa Pacific University.

BACKGROUND

Assistance League of Flintridge is granted physical space to provide an instrumental music program for La Cañada Unified School District for grades four through six.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

The 2017-2018 instrumental music programs in grades 4-6 will be scheduled before and after the regular school day and will utilize a consistent designated classroom at each site.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

No additional cost to the District.  The District will grant use of the classroom space.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the 2017-2018 agreement with Assistance League of Flintridge for grant of classroom space for the instrumental music program, grades four through six.

Background

For a number of years, the Child Educational Center (CEC) has submitted a request for use of District facilities for its Summer Program.  This year, Paradise Canyon Elementary School is the site being requested for the following dates: June 19 through July 21, 2017.

Financial Implications

Based on the specific facility use request, the agreement provides for payment of $5,611.70.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve an agreement for facility use with the Child Educational Center for its 2017 Summer Program.

The Governing Board is requested to approve an agreement for facility use with the Child Educational Center for its 2017 Summer Program.

Background

The Crescenta-Cañada YMCA has submitted a request for use of District property for its 2017 Summer Day Camp.

Current Considerations

Palm Crest Elementary is the site being considered for this purpose. Payment for the use of the property is based on square footage.  As a deposit against damage to the facility, the District is requiring $1,500.00.

Financial Implications

If this Agreement is approved by both parties, the estimated revenue for the District would be approximately $31,379.62.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the attached Agreement for Granting Use of School Property to the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA for its 2017 Summer Day Camp.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the attached Agreement for Granting Use of School Property to the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA for its 2017 Summer Day Camp.

BACKGROUND

Prior to November 2002, delinquent property taxes were collected by the County and distributed to the District as part of the Base Revenue Limit.  In October 2002, the Governing Board approved District participation in a new program, governed by a JPA, which changed the manner in which these delinquent taxes were collected and distributed.  The new system provided participating districts with revenue which was not included in the Base Revenue limit formula.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

Since November 2002, the District has participated inthis program.  The JPA has contracted with Tower Capital management LLC of Delaware, to be its underwriter for the next three years.  Tower Capital will be funding the LEA's share of the 1% levy delinquent property taxes for fiscal years 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19.

 The JPA is maintaining the premium for these three years of 10% - which is additional unrestricted income for participating LEAs that is not offset by any reduction in state aid.

It is recommended that the district continue participation in the program for the three year period cited above.

FINANCIAL IMPACT 

The expected revenue is approximately $14,000 annually.

Background

To avoid any potential year-end budgetary allocation issues, the Governing Board has routinely authorized the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) to make year-end transfers as may be needed to eliminate possible shortages in one or more “objects” of expenditure.  Specifically Education Code Section 42601 provides:

“At the close of any school year a school district may, with the approval of the governing board, identify and request the county superintendent of schools to make (within each Fund) transfers between the designated fund balance or the unappropriated fund balance and any expenditure classification or classifications, or balance any expenditure classifications of the budget of the district for that school year as necessary to permit the payments of obligations of the district incurred during the school year.”

The Governing Board of the La Cañada Unified School District, in accordance with the provisions of Section 42601 of the Education Code, is requested to authorize the County Superintendent of Schools to make appropriation transfers necessary at the close of the 2016-2017 fiscal year to permit payment of obligations of the District that have been incurred during the fiscal year.