Background

LCHS offers a robust Advanced Placement program with extensive AP course offerings for high school students.  LCHS students perform well on these tests and longitudinal data shows growth over time. 

Current Considerations

A Governing Board member requested a presentation to the Board on data related to La Canada High School’s AP program and Associate Principal Jim Cartnal is present tonight to give the report.

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications associated with this agenda item presentation. 

The Governing Board is requested to review the presentation on Advanced Placement data and engage in subsequent discussion.

The Governing Board is requested to review the presentation on LCHS Advanced Placement enrollment and performance data and related longitudinal information and engage in subsequent discussion.

Background

Senate Bill No. 359, California Mathematics Placement Act of 2015, requires that governing boards or school districts adopt a fair, objective and transparent mathematics placement policy as of January 1, 2016 for pupils entering grades 7 and 9.  The bill further requires that the districts post their mathematics placement policy on their Internet websites.   The purpose of the policy is to correctly place all pupils in appropriate mathematics courses ensuring a fair process and chance of success for all pupils. 

Current Considerations

LCUSD has been implementing fair and objective mathematics placement procedures for incoming 7^th and 9^th grade students but has not had a policy in place.  The requirement to develop and adopt a policy affords us the opportunity to put those procedures in writing and communicate it to our parents and community.   

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications associated with this agenda item.

This is a First Reading item.  The Governing Board is requested to review the Mathematics placement policy for pupils entering grades 7 and 9 before the beginning of the 2016-17 school year.      

Background

At the September 15, 2015 Governing Board Meeting, the Board announced its intentions to recognize and celebrate all staff for their outstanding collective work as evidenced, in part, by student performance on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress by issuing a 1% off-schedule increase for 2015-2016.

Current Considerations

The attached Tentative Agreement with the La Canada Teachers’ Association is provided for Governing Board approval and upon membership ratification will initiate the District’s ability to process the 1% off schedule bonus.

Financial Implications

The financial implications for a one-time 1% off schedule 2015-2016 bonus for LCTA is $180,518.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the attached documents providing for a one-time 1% off schedule bonus for 2015-2016 for LCTA membership.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the attached documents providing for a one-time 1% off schedule bonus for 2015-2016 for LCTA membership.

Background

Many school districts have entered into Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) as a means of installing solar energy. The agreement provides solar panels that are essentially leased and then maintained by solar provider. District motivations have been based on a smaller carbon footprint and anticipation of stabilized and reduced energy costs. There is also an interest from some community members to move toward solar power for the school district. After an initial presentation from Sun Edison, staff has done further investigation with Sun Edison as well as the Joint Powers Authority that selected Sun Edison as the vendor.

Current Considerations

A statewide Joint Powers Authority, School Project for Utility Rate Reduction (SPURR), created a Request for Proposal from multiple solar vendors. Sun Edison was selected as the vendor of choice by SPURR. Kevin Flanagan from SPURR will present some of the process and details of establishing the agreement with SunEdison.

Financial Implications

The Governing Board is requested to review the presentation and discuss the opportunities and impacts of entering into a Power Purchase Agreement for solar energy. Share concerns and areas for further steps by District staff.

The Governing Board is requested to review the presentation and discuss the opportunities and impacts of entering into a Power Purchase Agreement for solar energy. Share concerns and areas for further steps by District staff.

Background

December 14, 2015 marks the three-year anniversary of the school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, which was the second deadliest mass shooting in American history.  Since December 2012 there have been approximately 95 school shootings nationwide.

Current Considerations

In response to both the anniversary of the tragic event at Sandy Hook Elementary School and to the request of community members advocating for the prevention of gun violence, the LCUSD Governing Board brings forward this resolution as a demonstration of its ongoing commitment to promote healthy, safe and supportive environments for students both at school and in the home.

Financial Implication

There are no financial impacts associated with the Governing Board’s passage of the attached resolution.

It is recommended that the Governing Board discuss the proposed Resolution and vote to adopt it.

The Governing Board is requested to discuss the proposed Resolution and vote to adopt it.

It is recommended that the Governing Board review the First Interim Financial Report 2015-2016 - First Reading. The First Interim Report meets a positive certification.

The Governing Board is requested to review the First Interim Financial Report 2015-2016 - First Reading. The First Interim Report meets a positive certification.

Background

The current contract for Superintendent is under review for renewal. 

Current Considerations

It is proposed that the Governing Board approve the contract with Wendy Sinnette for the Employment of the Superintendent, for three years commencing July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2018.    

Financial Implications

The minimum base annual salary will be $225,800 (2015-16), $240,800 (2016-17), and $250,800 for (2017-18).  Merit potential for each year of the contract shall be $20,000 (2015-16), $10,000 (2016-17), and $5,000 (2017-18).  The total annual salary of Superintendent shall remain indefinite until finally determined by the Board on or before October 31 of each year cited.

It is recommended the Governing Board approve the Contract with Wendy Sinnette for the Employment of the Superintendent.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the Contract with Wendy Sinnette for the Employment of the Superintendent.

Background

Due to an unexpected surplus this year in the State General Fund, California’s Pre-K-12 teachers and administrators have an additional $500 million to spend on professional development to support teacher and administrator development. As specified in the 2015-16 California Senate Bill 77 Section 58, each district, county office of education, charter school, and state special school with certificated staff can receive a share of these Professional Development funds. The funding is calculated based on the number of full time certificated staff members employed in each district (approximately $1400 per full time certificated staff member).  The funds will be distributed by CDE to the districts to be used for the next three years.  Local Educational Agencies are responsible for creating their professional development plans and presenting them to the Governing Board for approval.  Upon approval, the funds can be utilized and expenses tagged for reporting purposes.  The report must be submitted to California Department of Education by June 30, 2018.

Current Considerations

Currently we have several professional development opportunities available to our teachers which allow them to strengthen their teaching practices and share their instructional knowledge and expertise with colleagues.  LCUSD also supports professional growth of teachers by funding trainings and workshops provided outside of the district.  The Educator Effectiveness Grant will allow the District to continue providing quality professional development to teachers over the next three years. The plan provided to the Governing Board outlines district-wide trainings that will be funded by this grant.     

Financial Implications

The State has allocated about $1,400 per full time certificated staff member to districts to support educator training and effectiveness.  For LCUSD, this allocation is estimated to be about $300,000.  The funds will be spent on teacher and administrator trainings over the next three years.  The professional development plan targets how those dollars will be allocated with some flexibility for adjustments. 

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve LCUSD's Professional Development Plan/Educator Effectiveness Fund.

The Governing Board is requested to approve LCUSD's Professional Development Plan/Educator Effectiveness Fund.

Background

Since the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978, Assistance League of Flintridge has sponsored a summer school program for La Cañada area students.  The program has provided a wide range of courses and has continued to grow during the past 30 plus years.  The Assistance League of Flintridge summer program now provides enrichment classes in grades 1 - 8. 

Current Considerations

The 2016 agreement for Assistance League of Flintridge Summer School program is being submitted for approval.  Assitance League of Flintridge classes are open to grades 1 through 8 and will be for five weeks. 

 La Cañada Elementary will serve as the elementary summer school site.  LCHS is the site for the 7-8 programs.

Summer school registration packets will be mailed in March.  The packets will be available at school sites and the ALF office.  Registration for all students residing in La Canada Flintridge or attending La Cañada public schools will begin in March on a first come first served basis.  Registration closes when classes are filled. 

Background

LCPC hosted their 2014 “Turkey Bowl” at LCHS and LCUSD staff inadvertently did not ask them to complete a Facilities Use Agreement.  Therefore, their event did not have any facilities costs associated with it.  For their 2015 football event, they did not anticipate fees into their planning/cost structure.

Current Considerations

When LCPC inquired about using the LCHS field for their “Turkey Bowl” 2015, they were asked to complete a LCUSD Facilities Use Agreement.  The non-profit rate for using the LCHS Football Stadium is $270.00 per hour.  LCPC has not sold tickets and has not organized its event to generate any profit to cover the fees.  They have asked the Governing Board to waive the fees for 2015 since they did not anticipate the fees based on their prior year’s experience.

Financial Implications

The financial implication for the District is that it would not collect $270 per hour of use by LCUPC of the LCHS Football Stadium.

It is recommended that the Governing Board take action to waive the above cited facilities use fee for the LCPC 2015 Turkey Bowl, as a one-time non-precedent setting item.

The Governing Board is requested to take action to waive the above cited facilities use fee for the LCPC 2015 Turkey Bowl, as a one-time non-precedent setting item.

Background

La Canada High School Instrumental Music has a surplus of instruments that are no longer cost effective to maintain and/or are unusable.  The list of instruments is attached.

Current Considerations

The selling of these instruments would generate enough funds to improve our inventory of instruments and create much need room in our storage.  Many of these instruments haven't been used in over 10 years.

Financial Implications 

There is no cost associated with this request.

Background

Due to replacement of outdated equipment and damage to the Band Truck that resulted in the insurance company declaring it as a total loss, the district is requesting disposal of the listed items.

Current Considerations

Miscellaneous furnishings from across the district. Eight spin bikes from LCHS that are not functional – Items 004820, and 004823 – 004829. 1995 GMC Box Truck with VIN 1GDK7H1J2SJ520381.

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications for the disposal of furnishings and televisions. The Band truck will generate $5094.50 as settlement for the total loss of the vehicle.

The Governing Board is requested to declare the above requested items as surplus and approve disposal of the items.

It is recommended that the Governing Board declare and approve removing 14 televisions from district inventory.

The Governing Board is requested to declare and approve the removal of 14 non-working televisions from district inventory.