Background

As per board policy the Governing Board approves all district job descriptions.

Current Considerations

In the on-going development of the district’s LCAP, there is increasing demand by stakeholders and via state and federal requirements to develop and augment programs and services in support of pupils and personnel.  The programs and services are focused in areas pertaining to health and wellness, curriculum development and instructional implementation, specialized intervention and support, professional development and community outreach.  To deliver targeted resources and oversight to these programs and services, it is necessary to designate duties and responsibilities to a district-level administrator as identified in this job description.  Per Governing Board direction, the Superintendent is developing a multi-year plan to reorganize district administration to return to current staffing ratios and ultimately realize efficiencies.

Financial Implications

The financial implications are a one-year addition of this salary per the CMSA Certificated Management salary schedule with plans to return to existing staffing ratios in 2018-2019 and ultimately realize additional district management staffing efficiencies.

Background

There is a need to hire an Executive Director of Pupil and Personnel Programs and Services.  The start date of the position is July 1, 2017.  The Governing Board must approve all appointments.

Current Considerations

As previously stated, with the on-going development of the district’s LCAP, there is increasing demand by stakeholders and via state and federal requirements to develop and augment programs and services in support of pupils and personnel.  The programs and services are focused in areas pertaining to health and wellness, curriculum development and instructional implementation, specialized intervention and support, professional development and community outreach.  To deliver targeted resources and oversight to these programs and services, it is necessary to designate duties and responsibilities to a district-level administrator as identified in the job description for this position.  In the district’s on-going efforts to recognize and grow the talent of its administrative team members, I find that Mr. James Cartnal’s professional skill set is ideally suited to this position and believe his placement in a district position will serve the needs and interests of all students and staff throughout LCUSD.

Financial Implications

The financial implications are a one-year addition of this salary per the CMSA Certificated Management salary schedule with plans to return to existing staffing ratios in 2018-2019 and ultimately realize additional district management staffing efficiencies.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the appointment of Mr. James Cartnal as the Executive Director of Pupil and Personnel Programs and Services.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the appointment of Mr. James Cartnal as the Executive Director of Pupil and Personnel Programs and Services.

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 revision for the Board’s consideration:      

This policy revision reflects current law and has been developed in consultation with District’s Council.              

Financial Implications

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

BACKGROUND

Any changes made to the CSEA collective bargaining agreement need to be approved by the Governing Board before implementation.  On June 9, 2017 a tentative agreement was reached regarding the term of the contract and language changes.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

La Cañada Unified School District ("LCUSD") and the California School Employees Association and its La Cañada Chapter 122 ("CSEA") have reached a tentative agreement on the following modifications to three (3) existing articles and one (1) appendix to the collective bargaining agreement between LCUSD and CSEA, as well as the work calendars for 2018-19 and 2019-20, attached hereto:

• Article XI: Reclassification

• Article XVIII: Leaves

• Article XXIII: Compensation

• Appendix B2 Evaluation for Permanent Classified Employees

• CSEA Work Calendars 2018-19 and 2019-20

CSEA and LCUSD also agree that, per Article VIII (Negotiations), Compensation, Health & Welfare, School Calendar, and two additional articles of both CSEA and LCUSD's choice will be presented as reopeners for 2017-18.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are financial implications associated with the following collective bargaining agreement changes:  A 1.0% increase shall be permanently added to the 2016-17 salary schedule of classified employees, beginning July 1, 2017.

Background

The Confidential, Managerial, Supervisory and Administrative Association has no collective bargaining rights with the District.  The contracted Cabinet positions of Assistant Superintendent, Chief Business and Operations Officer, and Chief Technology Officer also do not have collective bargaining rights.

Current Considerations

Past practice has typically provided that CMSA employees are given a “me too” that coincides with the salary schedule increase negotiated by LCUSD with one or both bargaining units and the District.  The Cabinet contract positions are on a salary schedule which was approved with language that guarantees those positions receive the same annual salary increases as CMSA employees.  The tentative agreement on salary as stated below coincides with the bargaining agreement reached between LCUSD and the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Chapter 122.

Financial Implications

The financial implications are identified in the AB 1200 and consist of a 1% increase on the salary schedule in effect July 1, 2017.  The revised salary schedules for CMSA certificated, classified and Cabinet contract employees are attached.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the tentative agreement on salary for CMSA and Cabinet contract employees as stated above.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the tentative agreement on salary for CMSA and Cabinet contract employees.

BACKGROUND

In accordance with the requirements of AB 1200 (Government Code Section 3540.2(a), etc., staff has prepared and submitted the "Public Disclosure" document to the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) regarding the costs associated with the Collective Bargaining Agreements between the District and the California School Employees Association (CSEA Chapter 122), the La Canada Teachers Association (LCTA), and the Confidential, Managerial, Supervisory, and Administrative Association (CMSAA). 

The terms of the agreements for California School Employees Association (CSEA Chapter 122), and the Confidential, Managerial, Supervisory, and Administrative Association (CMSAA provide for a compensation increase of one percent (1%) as of July 1, 2017.

The terms of the agreement for the La Canada Teachers Association (LCTA) provide for an increase of .55% as of July 1, 2016 on the existing salary schedule. Effective July 1, 2017 an additional 1% will be added to the LCTA salary schedule.  Reductions in positions to the Extra Duty Extra Pay Schedule resulted in salary savings.
 
A copy of the AB 1200 Public Disclosure Document is attached for reference.

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 and the First read of this item on June 6, 2017, LPA Architects took information from those meetings to determine items of high priority for the District and assess financial considerations. Based on that data, documents reflecting the top priorities at each site as well as projected costs for the first phases of work have been adjusted and refined to reflect Board input. 

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.

It is recommended that the Governing Board adopt the Facilities Master Plan as updated.

The Governing Board is requested to adopt the Facilities Master Plan as updated.

Background Information: 

The resolution presented, 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.

It is recommended that the Governing Board adopt Resolution 21-16-17 authorizing a bond election for November 7, 2017.

The Governing Board is requested to adopt Resolution 21-16-17 authorizing a bond election for November 7, 2017.

BACKGROUND

An Election was held in the La Cañada Unified School District (the “District”) on March 2, 2004 for the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds of the District for various purposes in the maximum principal amount of $25,000,000 (the “2004 Authorization”).  Pursuant to the 2004 Authorization, the District has previously caused the issuance of its (i) Election of 2004 General Obligation Bonds, Series B (Bank Qualified) (the “Series B Bonds”), and (ii) Election of 2004 General Obligation Bonds, Series C (Bank Qualified) (the “Series C Bonds,” and together with the Series B Bonds, the “Prior Bonds”). 

The District now desires to refinance a portion of the outstanding Prior Bonds (so refunded, the “Refunded Bonds”) through the issuance of general obligation refunding bonds (the “Refunding Bonds”) in an aggregate principal amount not-to-exceed $8,000,000.  All benefits from the refunding will be delivered to the property owners in the District.  The final maturity of the Refunding Bonds will not be later than the maturity dates of the Refunded Bonds (August 1, 2032).

(a)        Resolution.  This Resolution authorizes the issuance of the Refunding Bonds, in one or more series of federally taxable or federally tax-exempt bonds.  The Resolution specifies the basic terms, parameters and forms of the Refunding Bonds, and approves the form of Purchase Contract, Continuing Disclosure Certificate, Escrow Agreement and Preliminary Official Statement described below.  In particular, Section 1 of the Resolution establishes the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Refunding Bonds to be issued ($8,000,000).  Section 4 of the Resolution states the maximum underwriting discount (0.70%) with respect to the Refunding Bonds, and authorizes the Refunding Bonds to be sold at a negotiated sale to Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (the “Underwriter”).  The Resolution authorizes the issuance of current interest bonds only; capital appreciation bonds are not authorized.

(b)        Form of Purchase Contract.  Pursuant to the Purchase Contract, the Underwriter will agree to buy the Refunding Bonds from the District.  All of the conditions of closing the transaction are set forth in this document, including the documentation to be provided at the closing by various parties.  Upon the pricing of the Refunding Bonds, the final execution copy of the Purchase Contract will be prepared following this form.

(c)        Form of Preliminary Official Statement.  The Preliminary Official Statement (the “POS”) is the offering document describing the Refunding Bonds which may be distributed to prospective purchasers of the Refunding Bonds.  The POS discloses information with respect to, among other things, (i) the proposed uses of proceeds of the Refunding Bonds, (ii) the terms of the Refunding Bonds (interest rate, transfer terms, etc.), (iii) the bond insurance policy for the Refunding Bonds, if any, (iv) the security for repayment of the Refunding Bonds (the ad valorem property tax levy), (v) information with respect to the District’s tax base (upon which such ad valorem property taxes may be levied), (vi) District financial and operating data, (vii) continuing disclosure with respect to the Refunding Bonds and the District, and (viii) absence of litigation and other miscellaneous matters expected to be of interest to prospective purchasers of the Refunding Bonds.  Following the pricing of the Refunding Bonds, a final Official Statement for the Refunding Bonds will be prepared, substantially in the form of the POS.

(d)        Form of the Continuing Disclosure Certificate.  The form of the Continuing Disclosure Certificate can be found in APPENDIX C to the POS.  Effective July 3, 1995, all underwriters of municipal bonds, are obligated to procure from a bond issuer a covenant that such public agency will annually file “material financial information and operating data with respect to the District” through the web-based Electronic Municipal Market Access (“EMMA”) system maintained by the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (which is the federal agency that regulates “broker-dealers,” including investment bank firms that underwrite municipal obligation issuance).  This requirement is expected to be satisfied by the filing of the District’s audited financial statements and other operating information about the District, in the same manner the District has filed in connection with prior bond issuances.  The purpose of the law is to provide investors in the Refunding Bonds with current information regarding the District.  Similar laws have governed the corporate debt market for many years.

(e)        Escrow Agreement.  Pursuant to the Escrow Agreement, proceeds from the sale of the Refunding Bonds will be deposited in an escrow fund (the “Escrow Fund”) held by U.S. Bank National Association (acting as “Escrow Agent”).  The monies in the Escrow Fund will be used by the Escrow Agent to refund each series of the Refunded Bonds on the first respective optional redemption dates therefor.  Following the deposit of proceeds into the Escrow Fund, the Refunded will be deafeased and the obligation of Los Angeles County to levy ad valorem taxes for payment of the Refunded Bonds will cease.    

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund resulting from the issuance of the Refunding Bonds. 

The Governing Board is requested to adopt RESOLUTION 23-16-17 AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF THE LA CAÑADA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT (LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA) 2017 GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS.

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.

It is recommended that the Governing Board review and discuss the recommended Board Policy 5141.52.   

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. 

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 adopt the 2017-18 Local Control Accountability Plan.  

The Governing Board is requested to approve the La Cañada Unified School District Local Control Accountability Plan for 2017-18.

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

BACKGROUND

The Consolidated Application is the mechanism by which California school districts apply for federal funding. The application is submitted to CDE on-line through a web-based Consolidated Application Reporting System (CARS). 

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

La Cañada Unified School District will apply for the following federal programs:

Title II, Part A (Teacher Quality) A federal program that increases student academic achievement through strategies such as improving teacher and principal quality.

Title III (Immigrant and Limited English Proficient Students) Federal programs to provide supplementary programs and services to eligible immigrant and limited English proficient (LEP) students, known as English learners (ELs), to assist them to acquire English and achieve grade-level and graduation standards.

The other reporting elements included in the 2016-2017 Consolidated Application are the identification of participating private schools as allowed by the federal guidelines;  homeless education policy, requirements and implementation;  and protected prayer certification. 

FINANCIAL IMPACT

The 2017-2018 Consolidated Application represents more than $100,000 in revenues to La Cañada Unified School District.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve La Cañada Unified School District to apply for the funding covered in the 2017-2018 Consolidated Application as submitted though CARS.