With the renewal of the Joint-Use Library Initiative (MOU), the Belle Haven Community Library will continue their partnership with the Ravenswood City School District to provide the youth of our community with the expanded learning time opportunities they need to achieve school success.

The Joint-Use Library Initiative (MOU) Between the Ravenswood City School District and the City of Menlo Park will expire on June 30, 2020. This renewal would extend the contract for 24 additional moths with an end date of June 30, 2022.

It is our recommendation that the Board of trustees approve the contract extension for the Joint-Use Library Initiative, between the Ravenswood City School District (RCSD) and The City of Menlo Park.

There will be no financial impact to the Ravenswood City School District's budget as the District and the City, will not exchange money or make payments regarding the Branch Library.

The purpose of addendum #1 to the Memorandum of Understanding Between Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, LLC (CZI) and the Ravenswood City School District is to further support the Program. CZI will add the following services:

It is our recommendation that the Board of Trustees approve Addendum # 1 to Memorandum of Understanding Between Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, LLC (CZI) and the Ravenswood City School District.

JVMF will offer a Common Core Summer Math Remedial Program for students currently in the 4th,  5th,  6th, or 7th grade who nearly meet or do not meet math standards. These classes will be conducted over a 28- day period (June 15, 2020 - July 24, 2020 - see Attachment #1 - Summer Schedule) to enable participating students to increase their math skill by one or more grade levels. This program will be offered to a maximum of 300 participating students.

The District  and  JVMF strive to have 70% of the students attending the Summer Math Remedial Program improve at least one full grade level in math proficiency (with approximately 25°/o of these improving by more than one year) as well as a restored sense of confidence and self-worth.

This agreement to be effective on June 1, 2020, and will remain in effect until September 30, 2020,

It is our recommendation that the Board of Trustees approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ravenswood City School District and the Jose Valdez Math Foundation (JVMF). For the term agreement effective on June 1, 2020 - September 30, 2020.

There is no financial impact to the District's Budget.

The costs for 300 RCSD students to attend the 2020 summer program valued at $412,500.00 ($1,375 per student) are being funded by the Jose Valdez program.

Due to our transition to Distance Learning, we have a need to provide supplemental resources for remote English Language Development instruction.  The Lexia Core5 Reading and PowerUp Literacy Blended Learning Reading Programs provide students the opportunity to continue language and literacy learning asynchronously at their individual level.  The Lexia Core5 Reading program is for TK-5th grade students, and the Lexia PowerUp Literacy program is for 6th-8th grade students.

We are currently using the program for the English Learners in our 3-5 and 6-8 Newcomer classes, and would like to expand access to all ELs.  Students will take an assessment when they first begin the program to identify their level in the areas of reading such as phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and for PowerUp Literacy, grammar.  Both programs are aligned to the Common Core State Standards for ELA/Literacy, and the WIDA English Language Development Standards. The contract also includes teacher and administrator training, and the possibility for use in the summer.

It is recommended that the board approve the contract with Greenfield Learning.

$84,144

Funded by Title III Fund for English Learners

Literacy Footprints is a Guided Reading system designed for classroom teachers and support staff who are teaching children to read and write. Each of the kits contains sequenced, high-quality leveled texts in a variety of genres.

Ravenswood students are currently 18% proficient in English Language Arts according to the CAASPP, so there is a need for targeted reading instruction in the primary grades so students can accelerate their progress and have a strong foundation in early literacy skills.  One component of balanced literacy instruction that provides targeted instruction is guided reading.  The Literacy Footprints guided reading kits would be a valuable supplemental resource for teachers to use in guided reading instruction.  A focus on literacy instruction is also part of the Ravenswood Strategic Plan, Priority 1.2: Deepen Implementation of rigorous standards-aligned ELA instruction with an initial focus on strengthening curriculum, lesson planning, and language development.

It is recommended that the board approve the Literacy Footprints guided reading kits.

$50,375.25

Funded by Title I Part A

We would like to purchase the TCRWP Classroom Libraries for our K-5 classrooms.  The Classroom Libraries are curated, high-interest texts matching grade level text, a wide range of student reading levels, and genres aligned to the Common Core State Standards and the Units of Study in Reading and Writing.   

As the TCRWP team worked to develop these libraries, several key ideas guided the selection process:

• The libraries aim to introduce as many authors and titles as possible, with books selected for high interest, richness (books that can be mined again and again), and quality of writing and content.
• The libraries include some all-star classics, but also many of the newest cutting-edge titles.
• To ensure all students have access to high-quality, high-interest books, libraries for students reading significantly below benchmark are available for grades 1–8.
• A helpful Guide (K–2, 3–5) and a set of grade-specific tools help teachers organize the books and make them inviting and accessible to children.

These incredible classroom library resources would be a valuable supplement to the base classroom library in classrooms currently.  An expanded selection of titles would allow students at a wide range of reading levels to find high-interest books at their level, and read with a high volume at school and at home in order to accelerate reading progress, apply standards and skills learned in Reading and Writing Workshop lessons, and develop a love of reading.  This resource aligns directly with Ravenswood Strategic Plan, Priority 1.2 Deepen implementation of rigorous, standards-aligned ELA instruction with an initial focus on strengthening curriculum, lesson planning and language development.

It is recommended that the board approve the TCRWP Classroom Libraries.

$341,370

Funded by Title I Part A

Lucia Rocha-Nestler is a staff developer from the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project who specializes in balanced literacy instruction with English Learners, and in particular, in a Dual Immersion setting.  We have had the opportunity to have the staff at Los Robles-Ronald McNair Academy work with Lucia this year around balanced literacy practices, and in particular use of our district curriculum the Units of Study.  Lucia has provided site professional development, grade level professional development and facilitated planning time, demonstration lessons in English and Spanish.

It has been very valuable to have Lucia's support with professional development at Los Robles-Ronald McNair this year to guide the principal and teachers as they deepen their literacy instructional practices in a Dual Immersion setting, in both English and Spanish.  We also were unfortunately not able to staff the Literacy Coach/Reading Specialist position at Los Robles-Ronald McNair, so they have not had a literacy coach this year.  Lucia's support has served to help fill that void, and particularly as we transitioned to Distance Learning.

It is recommended that the board approve the invoices with Lucia Rocha-Nestler.

$13,835

Funded by Title II Part A

RCSD Administration in conjunction with SVA Architects have requested several proposals from Beals & Martin for various change orders over the course of the construction effort for the Ravenswood Middle School Realignment- Phase 1. 

Beals & Martin began construction in March of 2019.  The project is now completed.  There were necessary design changes required during construction due to unforeseen existing conditions and design changes with this project.   There have been four (4) change orders approved by the Board and issued to date totaling $ 627,551.00.    This consideration is for a FINAL CREDIT to be applied against the original contract cost.    

The Proposed two CREDIT Change Orders (PCO’s) were approved by the Architect, Telacu Construction Management, and the District office and are summarized in the attachment.  They reflect 1) A credit adjustment for work eliminated from Contractor’s scope, and 2) A credit for unused Contract Allowance.    Based on the review and discussions of the proposed credit change order, the recommendation is to approve FINAL Change Order #5 to Beals & Martin, Inc., in the amount of  ($ 9,908.00. )

This completes the improvements to the Ravenswood Middle School campus, which one of the goals was to insure that our students have a safe environment. This project achieved this by providing a new science building, music room and renovated locker rooms. 

It is recommended that the Board of Trustees approve Change Order #5 to Beals & Martin, Inc.

Beals & Martin began construction in March of 2019.  The project is now completed. 

This completes the improvements to the Ravenswood Middle School campus, which one of the goals was to insure that our students have a safe environment. This project achieved this by providing a new science building, music room and renovated locker rooms. 

It is recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the Notice of Completion for Beals & Martin, Inc.

Lewis & Tibbits, Inc. began construction in July of 2019.  The project is now completed. 

This completes the improvements to the Willow Oaks Elementary School campus, which one of the goals was to insure that our students have a safe environment. This project achieved this by providing a new Kindergarten Playground, parking lot and driveway.   

It is recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the Notice of Completion for Lewis & Tibbits,Inc.

This agreement will allow Ravenswood access to the Swing Education Platform & Services, which allows the School and School representatives to post and manage requests for substitute teachers and related professionals (“SwingSubs”) on the Swing Education Website.

Swing Education provides substitute teachers and related professionals to assist in filling day to day and long term vacancies for positions throughout the District. Swing ensures that substitutes provided hold appropriate credentials, pass California DOJ Fingerprinting, have a current TB clearance, and complete the Mandated Reporter Training. 

Approve the Services Agreement with Swing Education.

The District has worked with Swing to designate the Wages for the SwingSubs. The District is also responsible for paying Swing Education a Service Fee, which is a designated surcharge percentage of the Daily Wage. This Agreement shall be in effect for one year from the Effective Date and will automatically renew at the anniversary date of the Effective Date unless provided 30 days prior written notice of the intent to terminate the Agreement.

It is recommended that the board approve the AVID Membership Contract for 2020-2021.

$4679

Funded by Title I Part A

Lewis & Tibbits, Inc. began construction in July of 2019.  The project is now completed. 

This completes the improvements to the Belle Haven Elementary School campus, which one of the goals was to insure that our students have a safe environment. This project achieved this by providing a new Kindergarten Playground, surrounding landscaping and trike path.   

It is recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the Notice of Completion for Lewis & Tibbits,Inc.

RCSD Administration in conjunction with SVA Architects have designed various kindergarten projects district-wide.  Two of the campuses required a fully redesigned kinder playground layout.   The Belle Haven Elementary School redesign was required due to unforeseen underground conditions including Comcast cabling and other shallow utilities.  Redesign at the Costano Elementary School was required due to unforeseen underground conditions, specifically, the existing Hetch Hetchy Pipe Rows located directly beneath the project site. The redesign was completed under the direction of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) staff and guidelines. 

 The Proposed Amendments are:

This completes the design changes for improvements to the Belle Haven and Costano School campuses, which one of the goals was to insure that our students have a safe environment.

It is recommended that the Board of Trustees approve Amendments 1 and 2 with SVA Architects.

On March 22, 2020, President Donald Trump approved the Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-4482-DR, California Disaster Declaration (DR-4482) for the California COVID-19 Pandemic. The approval of the DR-4482 authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance to process reimbursement for emergency protective measures related to COVID-19.

To be eligible for reimbursement, local educational agencies (LEAs) must submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) through the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Grants Portal account..

On April 15, 2020 business office staff completed the FEMA application process. FEMA does require that the Board of Education pass a resolution that designates authorized agents to act on behalf of the District when communicating with FEMA.

It is recommended that the Board of Trustees approves Resolution 2019-2020 -16: Appointing District Authorized Agents for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Reimbursement of costs incurred due to the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic.

On March 12, 2020, the Board of Trustees declared Brentwood Academy surplus and gave direction to the superintendent to file a waiver with the California Department of Education to allow the district greater flexibility to identify an appropriate lessee and to enter into a long term lease agreement.  The waiver has been filed and will be heard at the July 8, 2020 State Board of Education meeting.  Assuming the waiver is granted, the district will be able to enter into a contract with a prospective lessee soon thereafter and make the site available to the lessee as early as August 2020.

At the recent facilities subcommittee meeting it was discussed that two private schools have already come forward to express interest in the site and, given that word is out about the site and no one else has stepped forward, that these two private schools may represent the breadth of regional interest.  It was also discussed whether the district should move ahead and negotiate directly with the two private schools or undertake a Request for Proposal process to see if any additional interest in the site may come forward.  A RFP process will push the negotiations process from May into June, but will not delay the date in which a contract can be signed or occupancy be made available.

Staff is asking for Board direction as to whether to proceed with a RFP process or engage directly with the two interested private schools.

If the Board of Trustees gives direction to proceed with a RFP process, a draft RFP is attached for Board review.  Key points of the RFP include:

1. A ten year maximum lease with annual increases and an option to renew after ten years with district approval.If renewed, the base lease amount will be subject to re-benching based on market conditions at the time of renewal.
2. The district will only consider a lease for the full 5.38 acre site (no partial leases)
3. Tenant will be responsible for all maintenance, utilities, and capital improvements
4. The deadline to submit a proposal will be June 8.This will allow for contract negotiations with the prospective lessee to conclude in tandem with the anticipated July approval of the waiver.

If the Board gives staff direction to proceed with a RFP process, then it is recommended that the Board approve the attached RFP and direct staff to distribute it to groups or entities that meet the 7/11 committee recommendations for appropriate uses.

Currently the district is pursuing a state waiver for Brentwood School that will provide the district additional flexibility, options and control over the surplus site including, most importantly, the ability to enter into a long term lease with a prospective tenant.  It was discovered that a state waiver was not pursued with either Flood School or Menlo Oaks School, which were both declared surplus a number of years ago.

Given that the district is no longer pursuing employee housing on the Flood site, which would not have required a waiver, it would open up many more options for on-going revenue for the district if the waiver were to be obtained.  This also holds true at Menlo Oaks, where the district has entered into renewable five year leases. A shorter term lease limits the ability of the lessee to make capital improvements to the site, which can impact its recruiting efforts and overall financial stability.   Given that lease income for the district has become an important part of the budget and will become even more important in an economic downturn, it would give greater value to the district at both sites to have the state waiver in place.

It is recommended that the Board direct the superintendent to apply for a state waiver, which will allow for greater flexibility and utility in future leasing agreements for Flood School and Menlo Oaks School.

We will share an update on current Distance Learning efforts, technology distribution, student engagement, and input gathered via stakeholder surveys.

The 2020-2021 Academic Calendar was prepared to provide sufficient time to prepare classrooms due to the school mergers. The number of days in each of the trimesters has been balanced. Spring break has been aligned to Sequoia Union High School District.

The 2020-2021 Academic Calendar was approved by the Ravenswood Teachers Association (RTA) and California School Employees Association (CSEA).

Approve the 2020-2021 Academic Calendar.

No fiscal impact.

The Special Education Mental Health Coordinator will provide consultation services and training to school staff to support the overall mental health goals of the student; conduct clinical assessments and provide case management to parents/family receiving mental health services; collaborate and coordinate intensive community-based services if necessary; provide family and parent education and clinical support.  In addition, if appropriate provide clinical supervision to unlicensed School Based Mental Health staff.

Approve the Job Description for the Special Education Mental Health Coordinator.

There is no fiscal impact in approving this job description. When filled, this position will place the candidate at Level 4 on the Management Salary Schedule ($77,317 - $94,322).

Updating the current Paraeducator position to the new job description format and revising the class title to "Paraeducator I - Special Education."

The District worked closely with CSEA to create a second classification (Paraeducator II - Special Education) to differentiate between the support that will be provided to students with mild/moderate disabilities in the general education setting and the support that will be provided to students with moderate/severe disabilities. The Paraeducator I classification outlines the duties and responsibilities for supporting students with mild/moderate disabilities in the general education setting. 

Approve the updated job description for Paraeducator I - Special Education. 

There is no fiscal impact to approving this job description. The former "Paraeducator" position and current "Paraeducator I - Special Education" classification remain on the same range (Range 22) of the CSEA salary schedule. 

The District has notified CSEA that it intends to create a new CSEA bargaining unit job classification. CSEA and the District negotiated the range placement on the CSEA salary schedule. The newly created Paraeducator II position will be in the CSEA bargaining unit and placed at Range 26 of the 2019-20 CSEA salary schedule.

Initial recruitment for this new position shall be limited to employees in the existing Paraeducator job classification.

During times of county, state, or federal emergencies, such as a global pandemic, fires, earthquakes, or other such disasters, the District may need to suddenly shift instruction to a remote setting. This level of disruption to the learning environment as well as the uncertainty of stable learning environments available to students impacts the ability of school staff to deliver instruction to students that is comparable to what occurs under ordinary circumstances. As such, the District may be required to adopt a grading system to adjust to the situation.  BP/AR 5121 is presented with a revision that includes both updates to reflect our current grading scales, and description of grading policy changes in time of county, state, or federal emergencies.