Natu Tuatagaloa, Board President Rachel Kertz, Vice President Linda M. Jackson, Trustee Greg Knell, Trustee Maila Llorens Gulati

BACKGROUND:       

To provide the required “Public Disclosure” of the proposed settlement between San Rafael City Elementary School District and the Certificated & Classified Management and Confidential employees in order to be in compliance with AB 1200, Government Code 35547.5, CCR, Title V, Section 15449 for the 2014-15 fiscal year. 

In addition, the disclosure document must be signed by the District Superintendent and Chief Business Officer at the time of public disclosure, who must certify that the District can meet the costs incurred under the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the current year and two (2) subsequent years.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS:    

The information provided in the “Disclosure of Collective Bargaining Agreement” document summarizes the financial implications of the proposed agreement and is submitted to the Board of Education for “Public Disclosure” of the major provisions of the agreement.  This is in accordance with the requirements of AB 1200 (Statutes of 1991, Chapter 1213, Government Code 3547.5, and CCR, Title V, Section 15449.

Once it has been reviewed and approved by the Board of Education, it will be submitted to the Marin County Office of Education for review and comment.

COST/FUNDING SOURCE:

The total annual (ongoing) cost of the 2014-15 Settlement Agreement between the San Rafael City Elementary School District and the Certificated & Classified Management and Confidential employees is as follows (See AB 1200-Disclosure Documents attached):

• Ongoing 5% increase on the Salary Schedule $190,919
• Cost of increasing the CAPS for Medical insurance equal to the net increase in the Kaiser rate over a 2-year period and effective 1/1/15
  • 2014-15 cost of $13,488
  • Annual ongoing cost of $26,976                 

The total cost of the settlement agreement $204,407

These costs will be covered by the General Fund 01 and the Cafeteria Fund 13.

BACKGROUND:       

To provide the required “Public Disclosure” of the proposed settlement between San Rafael City High School District and the Certificated & Classified Management and Confidential employees in order to be in compliance with AB 1200, Government Code 35547.5, CCR, Title V, Section 15449 for the 2014-15 fiscal year. 

In addition, the disclosure document must be signed by the District Superintendent and Chief Business Officer at the time of public disclosure, who must certify that the District can meet the costs incurred under the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the current year and two (2) subsequent years.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS:    

The information provided in the “Disclosure of Collective Bargaining Agreement” document summarizes the financial implications of the proposed agreement and is submitted to the Board of Education for “Public Disclosure” of the major provisions of the agreement.  This is in accordance with the requirements of AB 1200 (Statutes of 1991, Chapter 1213, Government Code 3547.5, and CCR, Title V, Section 15449.

Once it has been reviewed and approved by the Board of Education, it will be submitted to the Marin County Office of Education for review and comment.

COST/FUNDING SOURCE:

The total annual (ongoing) cost of the 2014-15 Settlement Agreement between the San Rafael City High School District and the Certificated & Classified Management and Confidential employees is as follows (See AB 1200-Disclosure Documents attached):

• Increase to the salary schedules of 1.85% effective July 1, 2014
  • Annual cost $52,663
• Cost of increasing the CAPS for Medical insurance equal to the net increase in the Kaiser rate over 2-year period and effective 1/1/15
  • 2014-15 cost of $10,524
  • Annual ongoing cost of $21,048                   

The total cost of the settlement agreement  is $63,187.

These costs will be covered by the General Fund 01 and the Cafeteria Fund 13.

That the Board reviews AB 1200 - Disclosure of proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement between the San Rafael City High School District and the Sa Rafel Federation of Teachersl for the 2014-15 Fiscal Year

BACKGROUND:       

To provide the required “Public Disclosure” of the proposed settlement between San Rafael City High School District and the San Rafael Federation of Teachers (SRFT) in order to be in compliance with AB 1200, Government Code 35547.5, CCR, Title V, Section 15449 for the 2014-15 fiscal year. 

In addition, the disclosure document must be signed by the District Superintendent and Chief Business Officer at the time of public disclosure, who must certify that the District can meet the costs incurred under the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the current year and two (2) subsequent years.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS:    

The information provided in the “Disclosure of Collective Bargaining Agreement” document summarizes the financial implications of the proposed agreement and is submitted to the Board of Education for “Public Disclosure” of the major provisions of the agreement.  This is in accordance with the requirements of AB 1200 (Statutes of 1991, Chapter 1213, Government Code 3547.5, and CCR, Title V, Section 15449.

Once it has been reviewed and approved by the Board of Education, it will be submitted to the Marin County Office of Education for review and comment.

COST/FUNDING SOURCE:

The total annual (ongoing) cost of the 2014-15 Settlement Agreement between the San Rafael City High School District and the San Rafael Federation of Teachers is as follows (See AB 1200-Disclosure Documents attached):

• Cost of adding 2 certificated stipends $3900 
• Cost of increasing the CAPS for Employee +1 and Family Medical insurance by 11.8% over the Formula increase of .85% effective 1/1/15
  • 2014-15 cost of $56,000
  • Annual ongoing cost of $112,000                  

The total cost of the settlement agreement  is $115,900

These costs will be covered by the General Fund 01.

This agenda item presents for Board approval the Administration's recommended personnel transactions for the Elementary School District.

This agenda item presents for Board approval the Administration's recommended personnel transaction for the Elementary School District, as shown on Exhibit A (Certificated) and Exhibit B (Classified).

All changes to personnel since the previous board meeting including resignations, leaves of absence, retirements, reassignments, new hires, changes of contract, returns from leave, releases and short term assignments are included for Board approval.

Approval of all hiring, terminations, transfers, and retirements of employees in the Elementary School District

This agenda item presents for Board approval the Administration's recommended personnel transactions for the High School District.

This agenda item presents for Board approval the Administration's recommended personnel transactions for the High School district, as shown on Exhibit A (Certificated) and Exhibit B (Classified).

All changes to personnel since the previous board meeting including resignations, leaves of absence, retirements, reassignments, new hires, changes of contract, returns from leave, releases and short term assignments are included for Board approval.

Approval of all hiring, terminations, transfers, and retirements of employees in the High School District.

This agenda item presents for Board approval the Administration's recommended personnel transactions for the Joint School District.

This agenda items presents for Board approval the Administration's recommended personnel transactions for the Joint School District, as shown on Exhibit A (Certificated) and Exhibit B (Classified).

All changes to personnel since the previous board meeting including resignations, leaves of absence, retirements, reassignments, new hires, changes of contract, returns from leave, releases and short term assignments are included for Board approval.

Approval of all hiring, terminations, transfers, and retirements of employees in the Joint School District.

Approval of the revised 2014-2015 salary schedules for certificated administrators, classified management, confidential and classified coordinator employees.

BACKGROUND:      

The warrant register reflects the vendor name, date paid, amount of warrant, and budgetary account charged.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS:    

A copy of the summary of the warrant register of all funds for warrants issued from May 1, 2015 – May 31, 2015, is attached. 

BACKGROUND:      

The warrant register reflects the vendor name, date paid, amount of warrant, and budgetary account charged.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS:    

A copy of the summary of the warrant register of all funds for warrants issued from May 1, 2015 – May 31, 2015 is attached. 

BACKGROUND:
Board Policy 3270 states:
“Sale and Disposal of Instructional Materials, Equipment, and Supplies, if the value of the property is insufficient to defray the costs of arranging a public sale, the property may be donated or disposed of in an appropriate manner."  

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS:The Maintenance and Operations department have determined that the following equipment is obsolete.

BACKGROUND:
The San Rafael City School District engages the work of outside professions in various fields, including legal services.  Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost attorney’s at law specialize in labor negotiations, special education and general legal services.  Their services will be used on an “as needed” basis, as issues arise, for various departments.  Their services are used primarily to assist the District with Special Education issues or concerns.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS:  
This agenda item presents for Board approval a renewal of this contract including a fee schedule for legal services for the fiscal year 2015-16 on an as needed basis.  The Agreement for Legal Services with Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost LLP is attached and the fee schedule is included with the agreement.  

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Fagen, Friedman,and Fulfrost did not be raise their rates for the 2014-15 fiscal year. For the 2015-16 year, they will be raising their rates by $25 an hour.The rates for Fagen, Friedman, and Fulfrost are as follows on an hourly basis.

Associate                     $240 - $260 per hour
Partner                        $300 - $325 per hour
Of Counsel                   $325           per hour
Paralegal/Law Clerk    $160 - $180 per hour
Consultant                   $200 - $260 per hour

Other costs such as messenger, meals, lodging, postage and copying will be charged on an actual and necessary basis.

SACS Code: 01-6500-0-5829.00-5001-2110-700-260-000 Special Ed

                     01-0000-0-5829.00-0000-3910-700-000-000 Enrollment

BACKGROUND:
Different law firms have different areas of specialization and expertise, and the district works to select the firm whose areas of expertise are in keeping with the needs of the district.  Dannis Woliver Kelley will provide legal advice relating to any and all aspects of the district’s Human Resources, negotiations and general legal counsel on an "as-needed" basis.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS:
This agenda items presents for Board approval a renewal of this contract including a fee schedule for legal services for the fiscal year 2015-16 on an as-needed basis.  The Agreement for Professional Services with Dannis Woliver Kelley is attached and the fee schedule is included in the agreement.  

COST/FUNDING SOURCE:
Dannis Woliver and Kelley has not raised their rates in the last three years.  This year there will be a 3% increase, the rates for Dannis Woliver Kelley are as follows on an hourly basis:

Hourly Professional Rates
Shareholders, Special Counsel and of Counsel     $235 - $310 per hour
Associates                                                     $200 - $240 per hour
Paralegal and Law Clerks                                 $120 - $140 per hour

Other costs such as communication advice, travel time, postage and copying will be charged on an actual and necessary basis.

SACS Code: 01-0000-0-5829.00-0000-XXXX-700-XXX-000

BACKGROUND:
Different law firms have different areas of specialization and expertise, and the district works to select the firm whose area of expertise are in keeping with the needs of the district.  Orbach, Huff, Suarez, & Henderson will provide legal advice relating to any and all aspects of the district’s contract related work including public contract code, construction and facilities and maintenance questions and/or issues as they arise.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS:  
This agenda items presents for Board approval a renewal of this contract including a fee schedule for legal services for the fiscal year 2015-2016 on an "as-needed" basis.  The Agreement for Professional Services with Orbach, Huff, Suarez, & Henderson is attached and the fee schedule is included with the agreement.

COST/FUNDING SOURCE:
Because of its public mission and it being a privilege to perform services for the district, they will discount their regular rates and charge a maximum of $265 per hour for all attorneys, whether partner or associate.  The comparative rates for the 2015-2016 fiscal year are the same as the 2014-2015 fiscal year and are as follows on an hourly basis:

Hourly Professional Rates                Hourly Rates for SRCS
Partners    $395-$445 per hour           $245-$265 per hour
Associates $295-$355 per hour           $215-$235 per hour
Paralegals $150                                $100-$150 per hour                
Clerks       $75                                 $25 - $50 per hour

Other costs such as communication advice, travel time, postage and copying will be charged on an actual and necessary basis.   

BACKGROUND:  

Due to the ongoing growth in the student population across the District, it is necessary to evaluate each campus throughout the District and determine the growth capacity for each school based on certain criteria (e.g. existing site conditions, growth, acreage, etc.) through the development of a master facilities plan.  In order to proceed with this master planning process, the Board took action on February 24th, 2014 to approve a contract with Hibser Yamauchi Architects to provide architectural and engineering services for the District. 

In order to start to explore options to identify resources for funding the master plan and to ensure the District is able to overcrowding both now and in the future, it is necessary to consider a bond measure feasibility survey.

Godbe Research was founded in January of 1990 and is a recognized State leader in public opinion research.  They have vast experience in conducting public opinion research and voter polling for hundreds of school districts, cities, counties and other public agencies. In addition, Godbe Research has worked with SRCS on both past bond and parcel tax measures and most recently, successfully completed a public opinion poll for San Rafael City Schools in 2012-13, on the parcel tax renewal that was successfully passed by the voters in May 2013. 

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS: This agenda item presents for Board approval, an agreement with Godbe Research to conduct a Bond Feasibility Survey to evaluate the feasiblity of placing a bond measure(s) for San Rafael City Schools on the November 2015 ballot

Godbe Research's scope of work will include:

• Developing a project work plan 
• Reviewing background materials
• Developing a stratified and clustered sample of voters in each District
• Developing and refining a survey instrument to achieve research objectives
• Conducting telephone interviews with voters
• Processing and analyzing the data collected
• Producing a report of findings
• Developing a presentation of findings
• Post-survey consulting, as needed 

COST/FUNDING SOURCE:  The total cost of the agreement will be split between the two districts. The cost for the contract with a 15 minute survey is $27,760.

SACS CODE: 01 0000 0 5849 00 0000 7110 700 000 000

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Building Educated Leaders for Life (BELL) is a non-profit that describes its main purpose as working to positively impact the academic achievements, self-confidence, and life trajectories of children living in under-resourced communities.

In the early 1990’s, a group of Black and Latino students at Harvard Law School began a small tutoring program in a local school, where many children could not read, write or do math operations at grade-level proficiency. Inspired by the opportunity to transform children’s lives, the group began working with parents, teachers, and experts in education to integrate best practices around academic tutoring, enrichment, and evaluation into the program. 

The organization was incorporated in 1992 and named in honor of Professor Derrick A. Bell, Jr., Harvard Law’s first Black tenured professor. The BELL After School program reached 20 students in its first year of operation.

Since that time, BELL has developed an award-winning summer program and grown to serve over 10,000 children annually in communities across the country.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS:  As an organization, BELL believes in the tremendous potential of all children to excel, so they recognize and refer to their participating students as scholars.

The BELL Summer Program in SRCS will operate 5 days per week, 6 hours per day, for five weeks, and provides high quality educational experiences for scholars. The BELL Summer program includes targeted instruction in literacy and math to students and a range of experiences to support their academic and social growth, including physical activities, guest speakers, community service projects, and field trips to educational and cultural institutions in their communities. 

The program will operate at Davidson Middle School serving 200 students.

The BELL program coordination will be managed by Davidson teacher, Tom Kordick, and the other teaching and staff positions are open to district employees for application.

BELL is able to offer programs at no or low cost in districts throughout the country due to generous support from corporate partners.  

The BELL Summer Program in San Rafael costs are expected to be:

BELL Program-Cost to BELL                                          $138,523

District Commitment                                                        $149,965

The District contribution will be made through the supplemental after school funding from the ASES grant and Local Control Funding Formula funds.

Background: The purpose of the Summer Bridge Pre-Kindergarten is to increase school readiness for children who are enrolling in Kindergarten at Bahia Vista, San Pedro, Coleman, Laurel Dell and Venetia Valley Elementary schools in August 2015 by providing a 5 week part-day preschool program for children and including opportunities for parents and children to work and learn together. The program will take place at Bahia Vista School and Venetia Valley. The daily schedule is 8:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M, Monday through Thursday and parent engagement on Fridays from June 27-July 25 including staff work day and parent orientation on June 20 and 23. This is the thirteenth year for the Summer Bridge Program.

Current Consideration: Classes will be held at Bahia Vista and Venetia Valley.  Each class of twenty students will have a teacher and an instructional assistant.  The program will run from June 22 – July 24.  The curriculum is provided by Marin Head Start.  Pre and post data will be collected to measure student growth.

That the Board approves the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Marin Head Start (MHS) and the San Rafael City Schools for the 2015 Summer Bridge program at Bahia Vista and Venetia Valley Elementary Schools. (Exhibit A)

Cost of the services will be $3,000 to be paid from ASES funds.

01-6010-0-5837.00-7150-3900-091-242-000

BACKGROUND: Board Policy requires approval of all school sponsored overnight field trips as follows: Administrative Regulation 6153-Study Trips, Excursions and Travel to Activities states:

The Board of Education recognizes that school-sponsored trips are an important component of a student's development and supplement and enrich the classroom learning experience. School-sponsored trips may be conducted in connection with the district's course of study or school-related social, educational, cultural, athletic, school band activities, or other extracurricular or co-curricular activities.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS: This agenda item presents for Board approval, San Rafael and Terra Linda High Schools Swim Team's to participate at the State Championship Swim Meet in Clovis, California on May 21-23, 2015.

The following students will participate:
Nathaniel Cunnan, Lomax Turner, RJ Williams, Nate Peacock

Adult Chaperones: Coaches:Tim Baker, Nick Rosso and Two Parents: Nina Cunnan, Diane Williams

Accommodations: The team will be staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton, 855 Gettysburg Ave., Clovis, CA 93612. Each Student will have their own bed. The only water activity will be at the supervised swim meet.

Transportation: Parent Drivers

BACKGROUND: The California Legislature enacted the School Based Coordinated Programs (SBCP) Act, AB 777, in 1981 to provide school site flexibility in the use of certain categorical resources. The act gives school districts and schools the opportunity to use this flexibility to ensure that all students, including students with special needs, are supported in their pursuit of the knowledge, understanding and skills identified in state curriculum frameworks reflected in the core curriculum of the district. 

California Education Code sections 41507, 41572, and 64001 and the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) require each school receiving federal categorical funding to consolidate all school plans for programs funded through the Consolidated Application and ESEA Program Improvement into the Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA).

The California Department of Education developed a sample template to meet the content requirements for these programs. SRCS modified this template to incorporate elements of the District's annual strategic initiatives outlined in the proposed Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). These SPSAs are based on strategies for a continuous development, implementation, and monitoring cycle and include analysis of student performance data, setting priorities for program improvement, effective improvement strategies, and ongoing monitoring of results. The SPSA is developed, reviewed, and approved by each School Site Council (Site Leadership Team) for approval before final consideration by the Board of Trustees.

The ESEA requires all states to implement statewide accountability systems based on challenging state standards in reading and mathematics, annual testing for all students in grades three through eight, and annual statewide progress objectives ensuring that all groups of students reach proficiency within 12 years. Assessment results are disaggregated by socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, disability, and limited English proficiency to ensure that all students are academically successful.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS:  After review of student achievement data and school survey data, each school site and SLT have identified needs and priorities for students. The Single Plans for Student Achievement identify expenditure planning to address these needs. Approval of the Single Plans for Student Achievement for Davidson MS and Venetia Valley were Board approved on March 23, 2015.

Each school's SPSA identifies the date of the SLT meeting and signatures of the principal and SLT chair and staff representative. 

Exhibit A – Bahia Vista
Exhibit B – Coleman
Exhibit C – Glenwood
Exhibit D – Laurel Dell
Exhibit E – Short
Exhibit F – San Pedro
Exhibit G – Sun Valley
Exhibit H – Madrone HS
Exhibit I – San Rafael HS
Exhibit J – Terra Linda HS

Approval of the Single Plans for Student Achievement by the Board of Trustees allows schools to appropriately spend categorical funding, amounting to approximately $1,475,742 for the elementary district and $251,929 for the high school district, or an overall total of $1,727,671.

This item presents for Board approval of Agreement for Special Services for the Afterschool Education and Safety (ASES) Programs to Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) for the Summer Supplemental Program, 2015.

BACKGROUND:  The After School Education and Safety Program (ASES) grant was originally submitted as a collaborative effort between San Rafael City Schools and agency partners, initially established through the School Linked Services Initiative Grant in the spring of 2000. 

Each year since 2000, SRCS has received state funding to operate after-school programs at six schools:  Bahia Vista, Coleman, Laurel Dell, San Pedro, Venetia Valley and Davidson. ASES was re-certified in 2006 as part of the larger Proposition 49 funding initiative granted by the State.  

In addition to the regular grant funding, San Rafael applied for and was granted supplemental funds in the amount of $142,151 to provide additional programs and services to students during the summer and school inter-sessions. This summer, ASES is operating a program at Bahia Vista for approximately 300 current second-fourth grade students.

The SRCS ASES after-school programs are coordinated and monitored by Jennifer Lynch. Each participating school has a site coordinator who is either an employee of BACR or SRCS.

The site coordinator’s responsibility is to coordinate all aspects of the program. They are responsible to recruit, train and supervise after-school tutors, assistants and volunteers, to recruit teachers and schedule them to work with specific groups of students, to maintain an accurate budget, to develop enrichment programs partly by finding community members to provide services. These coordinators work closely with site administrators to ensure strong articulation of the school day programs and the after-school program.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS: This agenda item presents for Board approval payments to Bay Area Community Resources for the summer supplemental grant implementation per attached Independent Contractor Agreement for Special Services. (Exhibit A)

The District is expected to supply matching funds in in-kind local matching contributions from governmental agencies, community organizations, or the private sector. Our existing summer school programs are providing the majority of the in-kind contributions through facilities, staffing and materials for this grant, as well as training and technical assistance from site staff.

Invoices from BACR will not exceed $82,258 for the summer programs to be paid out of ASES funds.
SACS Code: 01-6010-0-5849.00-1000-1433-700-246-000

Approval of the Agreement for Special Services for the Afterschool Education and Safety (ASES) Programs to Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) for the Summer Supplemental Program, 2015.

Background: The Safe Routes to School Program is designed to promote walking and bicycling to school and increase the health and safety of children and the community. For several years our school sites and district office have collaborated on Safe Routes to School projects and grant proposals that have been funded. In partnership with the City of San Rafael and County of Marin, the Safe Routes to School program focuses on grades K-12 and provides guidance in developing plans to create safer streets and grant funding opportunities. The Safe Routes to School program is both a federal (STRS) and state (SR2S) program that supports both infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects and local efforts.

San Rafael City Schools supports the Safe Routes to Schools Marin County programs.

The strategies listed in the Administrative Regulation are organized around the “five E’s” (education, encouragement, enforcement, engineering, and evaluation) recommended for inclusion in all local programs by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration and the National Center for Safe Routes to School’s online resource guide, the Safe Routes to School Guide.

Current Consideration: SMART is a voter-approved passenger rail and bicycle-pedestrian pathway project located in Marin and Sonoma counties. It will serve a 70-mile corridor from Larkspur to Cloverdale, with a first phase from San Rafael to Santa Rosa. The SMART Train is currently under construction and scheduled for completion in 2016.

That the Board approves the adoption of the new Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 5142.2 Safe Routes to School.

Exhibit A: Board Policy 5142.2
Exhibit B: Administrative Regulation 5142.2

BACKGROUND:

The district has been experiencing significant growth over the past seven (7) years. Current enrollment projections show that this growth will continue over the next several years with an additional number of students projected in 2015-2016. Before adding additional portables, a new Fire Hydrant must be installed at San Rafael High School. After the installation of the Fire Hydrant, three portables will be installed at San Rafael High School. The addition of these portables will continue to provide flexibility to address incoming new students and enable the district to matriculate the current student population over the short-term as well.

On June 3, 2015, a successful bid opening was held for the site work and related utility connections for the Fire Hydrant at San Rafael High School.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS:

This agenda item presented for Board approval is to award the contract for the Fire Hydrant at San Rafael High School to Wildcat Engineering, the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder. Three bids were received and the results were as follows:

Bidders Base Bid

Wildcat Engineering $93,600 Apparent Low Bid

Ashlin Pacific $98,800

Michael Paul Company $154,000

The engineers estimate was $100,000 for the project and the bid received was within acceptable limits.

The total cost for this contract is $93,600 and is within budget for this project.

SACS: 14-0000-0-6171-00-0000-8500-410-000-470

To provide the required “Public Disclosure” of the proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement between San Rafael City High School District and the San Rafael Federation of Teachers (SRFT) in order to be in compliance with AB 1200, Government Code 35547.5, CCR, Title V, Section 15449 for the 2014-15 fiscal year. 

Attached as Exhibit A is the Tentative Agreement reached with the San Rafael Federation of Teachers at the negotiations session May 20, 2015, which includes the following provisions. The agreement was completed on May 28, 2015 and signed June 1, 2015 after unit ratification.

• Increase the medical caps for Employee +1 and Family medical insurance coverage effective January 1, 2015 by an additional 11.8% over the Statutory COLA of .85% that was implemented in January per the formula in the SRFT Collective Bargaining Agreement. There is no change to the employee only medical caps. 
• Add two Mock Trial stipends (effective 2015-16 school year, two per site) 
• Add Associated Student Body Advisor Stipend (effective 2014-15 school year, one per site)

Approval of the attached Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators for 2015-2016.

BACKGROUND:      

Board Policy 3290 Section 1.1 states:

“The Board of Education may accept on behalf of, and in the name of the District, such gifts, donations, bequests and devices as are offered.  Such gifts, cash contributions, donations, bequests and devices may be made subject to conditions or restrictions as the Board of Education may prescribe and/or accept.”  (Education Code 41030-41032)

The following donation(s) was received for the San Rafael City Schools District, as follows:

That the Board reviews Budget Revision #3.

BACKGROUND:   In June of each year, the Board of Education will adopt the Budget for all funds within the District.  During the fiscal year, the “working” budget for all funds in the District are monitored on a regular basis.  Individual accounts are revised throughout the year in response to changes in information from external sources such as the State & Federal governments or the Marin County Office of Education; from local sources, such as local granting agencies; and from internal sources, such as staffing changes in both classified and certificated positions within the District.

The revised budget is then brought before the Board of Education at various times throughout the year for review and approval of the changes between the major revenue and expenditure accounts.  These modifications are brought before the Board in the form of a “Budget Revision”.

The following are details of some of the significant changes between the Budget Revision #2 and this Budget Revision #3:

Unrestricted & Restricted Revenues:

The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) revenue has been recalculated based on P-2 ADA and the percentage of students eligible for Free & Reduced Meal (FRM).  This included an adjustment for an increase of 15 ADA related, in large part, due to improved attendance since December. In addition, the budgets for the property tax estimates, which were provided in the J-29B from the MCOE and the Marin County Auditor-Controller’s Office in April, have been updated to reflect this information with an offset to State Aid.  The District will receive final information on these taxes during the closing process this summer.  

The budgets for State Aid (8011) have been adjusted for the revised LCFF calculations along with Education Protection Account Funds (8012).

The budget for Mandated Cost Reimbursements has been adjusted based on actual receipts (one-time) for the mandate backlog and lottery has been adjusted based on current estimates.

The budgets for Interest Earnings and student bus passes has not changed as the projections based on year-to-date receipts is on track to be in-line with the budget.

This Budget revision includes an adjustment (reduction) for the 1^st year of the Federal Title II California Mathematics and Science Partnership of $100,000 (1^st year of a 3 year CaMPS grant) as the first year reflects 18 months beginning in 2013-14.

The budgets for Other State/Federal Revenues were adjusted for updated information with only minor adjustments necessary. The only significant adjustment was for the QEIA grant (San Pedro) as the final apportionments from the State for this 8 year grant were allocated with a final increase of approximately $69,000.

Other local revenues have increased due to local donations received by the various school sites and budgeted accordingly.  

Contributions to restricted programs decreased in large part due to decreases in estimated costs from the Marin Pupil Transportation Agency (MPTA) for Special Education transportation and reductions to the Excess Cost Billback from MCOE.

Expenditures & Restricted Programs:

During the past several weeks, the budgets for Salaries and Employee Benefits have been revised to reflect staffing changes for both certificated and classified staff including reductions for open positions.  The District continues to monitor and reconcile Position Control to Human Resources records and Payroll and the budget has been updated accordingly.  In addition, The Classified School Employees Association ratified a Tentative Agreement with the District for a 5% salary increase retro-active to July 1, 2014 and an increase in the District medical contribution.  It also includes adjustments for Certificated and Classified Management and Confidential in anticipation of the revised salary schedules being presented for approval on June 8^th since this is the final budget revision of the year and includes some step placement changes as well.

The budgets for Materials & Supplies and Other Operating Expenditures have been reviewed and updated for current estimates.  There are significant increases in Books and Reference materials for K-8 assessments (Fountas & Pinnell) that have been purchased.  There are revisions in the Non-Capital Equipment budget to reflect the need to purchase capital equipment for IT in 2014-15 (implemented over Spring Break), some of which was originally budgeted in non-capital budgets.  The budget in the restricted programs have been reduced in order to budget estimated carryover for textbook replacement for the upcoming school year as well as Parcel Tax carryover to support programs in 2014-15. In addition the budget for the Quality Education Investment Act (QEIA-$146,000) budget was reduced in order to move money into the Ending Fund Balance for this restricted program so that the funds can be included in the Adopted Budget to support staff and other expenditures over the summer. The restricted budget for Travel & Conferences was increased based on grants to support Professional Development.

The budgets for Services and Other Operating Expenditures have been adjusted for current estimates based on site and department requests and specifically, as local donations have been received.  In addition, the budget has been adjusted for increases and/or decreases in special education contracts including the contract for special education transportation. The unrestricted budget for Professional Consulting Services was increased to include contracts for Godbe Associates (Polling services), TBWB (Master Planning Communications), Avid contracts, IT Infrastructure and support, and final costs for Keenan & Associates for assistance with the Affordable Care Act. The restricted budget for Other Contract Services, Professional Consulting Services, Sub-Agreements and Travel and Conferences includes adjustments in various grants including budgets related to the CaMPS (Math & Science) grant.

The changes in the budget for Capital Outlay is primarily related to the purchase and installation of capital equipment for the Internet and IT infrastructure upgrades. 

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS:

As the Budget Revision #3 indicates, San Rafael City Elementary School District’s General Fund Budget reflects a positive ending fund balance.  It does, however, also reflect deficit financing in both the “unrestricted” and “restricted” General Fund Budget.  This is created in large part by one-time expenditures, “spending down” prior year carryover, and will be eliminated in the upcoming budget year.

Budget Revision #3 includes a revision for the General Fund and all of the Other Funds.  All of the ending fund balances are projected to be positive and include the following funds: 

• General Fund 01
• Child Development Fund 12
• Cafeteria Fund 13
• Deferred Maintenance Fund 14
• Special Reserve for Post-Employment Benefits Fund 20
• Building Fund 21
• Capital Facilities Fund 25
• Building Fund Prop 1A/SB50 Fund 35
• Special Reserve for Capital Outlay Projects Fund 40 (Facilities Use)
• Bond Interest and Redemption Fund 51

 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:  In compliance with GASB 54, the components of the ending fund balance are as follows:

     Non-spendable

Revolving Cash                                            $       2,500

            Stores Inventory                                           $              0

            Prepaid Expenditures                                   $              0

     Restricted                                                            $   291,133

    Committed                                                           $              0

     Assigned (Board Designated)

Cash Flow Contingency                                  $1,100,000  Contingency

Contingency –CCSS; SB Assessme               $1,300,000  Contingency

     Unassigned/Unappropriated

Reserve for Economic Uncertainties                $2,371,437 5% Reserve

Available Balance over Reserves                     $1,972,114

  Total Ending Fund Balance                              $7,037,184  

BACKGROUND:   In June of each year, the Board of Education will adopt the Budget for all funds within the District.  During the fiscal year, the “working” budget for all funds in the District are monitored on a regular basis.  Individual accounts are revised throughout the year in response to changes in information from external sources such as the State & Federal governments or the Marin County Office of Education; from local sources, such as local granting agencies; and from internal sources, such as staffing changes in both classified and certificated positions within the District.

The revised budget is then brought before the Board of Education at various times throughout the year for review and approval of the changes between the major revenue and expenditure accounts.  These modifications are brought before the Board in the form of a “Budget Revision”.

The following are details of some of the significant changes between the Budget Revision #2 and this Budget Revision #3:

Unrestricted & Restricted Revenues:

The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) has been recalculated based on P-2 ADA and the percentage of students eligible for Free & Reduced Meal (FRM). District of Choice calculations have not been adjusted as the budget is in line with current projections.  Once the P-2 Certification with District of Residence information is released in August, the LCFF estimates will be used for the final calculations.

The LCFF calculations confirm that the San Rafael High School District will continue to be a “Basic Aid” District with no funding from the State for the LCFF.  As a “Basic Aid” District, the majority of funding comes from property tax estimates.  The budgets for property tax revenues have been adjusted for information provided in the J-29B from the MCOE and the Marin County Auditor-Controller’s office in April based on 100%.  The District will receive final information on these taxes during the closing process and will calculate the final LCFF based on the tax information, P-2 and annual ADA for MCOE Special Education (NPS & SDC) and District of Choice ADA along with other factors included in the LCFF calculations.

With the passage of Proposition 30, a new account was added last year in order to account for these funds.  It is important to note that although Proposition 30 did not generate any new funds for LCFF funded Districts, it did increase the minimum guarantee by $200 per ADA.  This increase benefited Basic Aid districts by generating additional revenue and creating a new fund to account for the revenues and expenditures of these funds.  This is reflected in the Education Protection Account (8012).

The budget for Mandated Cost Reimbursements has been adjusted based on actual receipts (one-time) for the mandate backlog and lottery has been adjusted based on current estimates.

The budgets for Other State/Federal Revenues were adjusted for updated information with only minor adjustments necessary.

The budgets for Interest Earnings has not changed as the projections based on year-to-date receipts is on track to be in-line with the budget.  Other local revenues have increased due to local donations received by the various school sites and budgeted accordingly. 

The budget for Parcel Tax revenues was decreased based on current estimates and an increase in the number of senior exemptions.

Contributions to restricted programs decreased in large part due to changes in estimated costs from the Marin Pupil Transportation Agency (MPTA) for Special Education transportation and salary and benefit increases based on the CSEA Tentative Agreements for salary & benefit increases and other decreases based on open positions.

Expenditures & Restricted Programs:

During the past several weeks, the budget for Salaries and Employee Benefits has been revised to reflect staffing changes for both certificated and classified staff including reductions for open positions.  The District continues to monitor and reconcile position control to Human Resources records and Payroll and the budget has been updated accordingly.  In addition, the retirement incentives for certificated staff have been included in the budget as a one-time cost creating ongoing savings.

The budgets for salary & benefits have also been adjusted to reflect the Classified School Employees Association Tentative Agreement with the District for a 2.15% salary increase retro-active to July 1, 2014 and an increase in the District medical contribution effective January 1, 2015.

The budgets for Materials & Supplies have been reviewed and updated for current estimates along with local donations to support purchases at the school sites.  There are revisions in the Non-Capital Equipment budget to reflect the need to purchase additional classroom furniture in order to accommodate continued growth in 2015-16.  In addition, the budget in the restricted programs have been reduced in order to budget estimated carryover for textbook replacement for the upcoming school year as well as Parcel Tax carryover to support programs in 2015-16.

The budgets for Services and Other Operating Expenditures have been adjusted for current estimates based on site and department requests and specifically as local donations have been received.  In addition, the budget has been adjusted for increases in legal costs and contracts related to special education. The unrestricted budget for Professional Consulting Services was increased to include contracts for Godbe Associates (Polling services), TBWB Strategies for Master Facilities Planning communications, IT support and final costs for Keenan & Associates for assistance with the Affordable Care Act.  The restricted budget has been adjusted for increases in special education contracts including the contract for special education transportation.

The changes in Capital Outlay is primarily related to the purchase and installation of IT infrastructure equipment.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS:

As the Budget Revision #3 indicates, San Rafael City High School District General Fund Budget reflects a positive ending fund balance.  It does, however, also reflect deficit financing in both the “unrestricted’ and the “restricted” General Fund budget.  This is created in part with one-time expenditures, “spending down” prior year carryover.  These one-time expenditures are items such the purchase of non-capital and capital equipment.

Budget Revision #3 includes a revision for the General Fund and all of the Other Funds.  All of the ending fund balances are projected to be positive and include the following funds: 

• General Fund 01
• Adult Education Fund 11
• Cafeteria Fund 13
• Deferred Maintenance Fund 14
• Foundation Special Revenue Fund 19
• Special Reserve for Post-Employment Benefits Fund 20
• Building Fund 21 (Facilities Use)
• Capital Facilities Fund 25 (Developer Fees)
• Special Reserve for Capital Outlay Projects Fund 40 (Prop. 39)
• Bond Interest and Redemption Fund 51

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:  In compliance with GASB 54, the components of the ending fund balance are as follows:

    Non-spendable

Revolving Cash                                             $       5,500

            Stores Inventory                                            $              0

            Prepaid Expenditures                                    $              0

     Restricted                                                             $   102,000  Lottery & Parcel Tax Carryover

    Committed                                                            $              0

     Assigned (Board Designated)

Cash Flow Contingency                                 $1,100,000

Contingency for CCSS & SB Assessment     $   550,000

     Unassigned/Unappropriated

Reserve for Economic Uncertainties               $3,176,302 10% Reserve

Available Balance over Reserves                    $1,336,550

  Total Ending Fund Balance                              $6,270,352  $1 variance due to rounding

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) together create a direct connection between student outcomes and fiscal expenditures. They were developed as a structure to put into local hands the challenging and essential work of designing a coherent, effective educational system based on measurable strategies and actions. Through a process of data analysis and consultation, districts work with the community to articulate a vision and set priorities.  

The LCAP is a critical part of what makes LCFF work to support student success. The funding formula for education made by LCFF was carefully constructed in order to support the goal of increased transparency and accountability. The development and sharing of the LCAP is how LCFF supports these goals.

The LCAP is first and foremost about creating a comprehensive plan that will guide how a district and its schools support student success. It is intended to be a document that is brief, easy to understand, and contains key information about how the District plans to act and spend funding to address state and local priorities for student success. Similar to a strategic plan, the emphasis is on creating a document that shares the story and context of how the District plans to achieve its mission and vision.

The LCAP must include LCFF funds received by a local educational agency and can include other funds if such information is helpful. Each LCAP is expected to include information about the goals, services, and spending plan that address the needs of all pupils and each targeted population of students.

Furthermore, the LCAP must reflect specific goals for school sites, which may be districtwide or called out by individual site. The LCAP does not replace existing site plans. Rather it is expected that the LCAP and site plans are aligned and that site level advisory groups are informed about and have been engaged in providing input to the development of the LCAP.

The LCFF and LCAP intentionally allow districts the flexibility and authority needed to serve students based on specific need and local context. The very structure of LCAP reinforces the idea that one size does not fit all.

CURRENT CONSIDERATION: Beginning in 2014-15, the State Board of Education (SBE) adopted regulations that offer guiding principles as well as provide an LCAP template that Districts are required to use.

The LCAP must include district annual goals that are aligned to the eight state priorities and specific actions a district will take to ensure that academic performance improves. Student achievement goals will be based on the expectations of the Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and new California English Language Development Standards.

The SBE guidance states that the LCAP should be:

• Simple: avoids duplication, jargon, and non-essential information
• Transparent: demonstrates how LCFF funding supports student performance
• Local: expects information to be highly contextual and support a local story
• Performance-focused: emphasizes student performance outcomes and avoids compliance-oriented information

This development guide is based on the three sections of the LCAP:

1. Section 1 – Stakeholder Engagement: asks for information about Stakeholder Engagement and how this has contributed to the development of the LCAP.
2. Section 2 – Goals, Actions, Expenditures, and Progress Indicators: describes goals for the LEA and school sites and explains how progress will be monitored; includes an Annual Update section.
3. Section 3 – Use of Supplemental and Concentration Grant funds and Proportionality: describes how supplemental and concentration grant funds will be used districtwide to address the goals from Section 2 and justifies these expenditures as the most effective use of funds to meet the district’s goals for unduplicated pupils in the state and any local priority areas.

The LCAP must be structured around eight key state priorities:

• Basic Services

  Compliance with Williams requirements: appropriate teacher assignment, sufficient instructional materials, and facilities in good repair.

• Implementation of the CCSS

  Implementation of the academic content and performance standards adopted by SBE, including how the programs and services will enable English learners to access the common core academic content standards and the English Language Development standards.

• Parental Engagement

  Parental involvement, including efforts the school district makes to seek parent input in making decisions for the school district and each individual school site, and including how the school district will promote parental participation in programs for economically disadvantaged pupils, English learners, foster youth, and individuals with exceptional needs.

• Student Achievement

  Pupil achievement as measured by multiple indicators including, but not limited to, assessment data, college readiness, and language proficiency.

• Student Engagement

  Pupil engagement as measured by multiple indicators including, but not limited to, rates associated with attendance, chronic absenteeism, dropout (middle and high school), and high school graduation.

• School Climate

  School climate as measured by multiple indicators including, but not limited to, pupil suspension and expulsion rates as well as other local measures assessing safety and school connectedness.

• Course Access

  The extent to which pupils have access to, and are enrolled in, a broad course of study that includes core subject areas (i.e., English, mathematics, social science, science, visual and performing arts, health, physical education, career and technical education, etc.), including the programs and services developed and provided to economically disadvantaged pupils, English learners, foster youth, and individuals with exceptional needs.

• Other Student Outcomes

  Pupil outcomes, as available, in the subject areas comprising a broad course of study.

This board item presents for public review and comment the Preliminary Local Control Accountability Plan for the San Rafael Elementary School District. The plan includes a description of the LCAP community engagement and involvement process, goals, progress indicators chosen as metrics, a description of specific actions, services and related expenditures, and an Annual Update.

The District formed a Parent Advisory Council in January 2015 and conducted several meetings to gather community input.  The District also convened three Community Forums to review and gather input about the community’s priorities. On Monday, June 1, the District met with members of the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) in order collect required input and questions, which the Superintendent is required to respond to in writing, according to the regulations.

An overview and summary of the survey feedback and the community input will be presented at the meeting.  

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) together create a direct connection between student outcomes and fiscal expenditures. They were developed as a structure to put into local hands the challenging and essential work of designing a coherent, effective educational system based on measurable strategies and actions. Through a process of data analysis and consultation, districts work with the community to articulate a vision and set priorities.  

The LCAP is a critical part of what makes LCFF work to support student success. The funding formula for education made by LCFF was carefully constructed in order to support the goal of increased transparency and accountability. The development and sharing of the LCAP is how LCFF supports these goals.

The LCAP is first and foremost about creating a comprehensive plan that will guide how a district and its schools support student success. It is intended to be a document that is brief, easy to understand, and contains key information about how the District plans to act and spend funding to address state and local priorities for student success. Similar to a strategic plan, the emphasis is on creating a document that shares the story and context of how the District plans to achieve its mission and vision.

The LCAP must include LCFF funds received by a local educational agency and can include other funds if such information is helpful. Each LCAP is expected to include information about the goals, services, and spending plan that address the needs of all pupils and each targeted population of students.

Furthermore, the LCAP must reflect specific goals for school sites, which may be districtwide or called out by individual site. The LCAP does not replace existing site plans. Rather it is expected that the LCAP and site plans are aligned and that site level advisory groups are informed about and have been engaged in providing input to the development of the LCAP.

The LCFF and LCAP intentionally allow districts the flexibility and authority needed to serve students based on specific need and local context. The very structure of LCAP reinforces the idea that one size does not fit all.

CURRENT CONSIDERATION:

Beginning in 2014-15, the State Board of Education (SBE) adopted regulations that offer guiding principles as well as provide an LCAP template that Districts are required to use.

The LCAP must include district annual goals that are aligned to the eight state priorities and specific actions a district will take to ensure that academic performance improves. Student achievement goals will be based on the expectations of the Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and new California English Language Development Standards.

The SBE guidance states that the LCAP should be:

• Simple: avoids duplication, jargon, and non-essential information
• Transparent: demonstrates how LCFF funding supports student performance
• Local: expects information to be highly contextual and support a local story
• Performance-focused: emphasizes student performance outcomes and avoids compliance-oriented information

This development guide is based on the three sections of the LCAP:

1. Section 1 – Stakeholder Engagement: asks for information about Stakeholder Engagement and how this has contributed to the development of the LCAP.
2. Section 2 – Goals, Actions, Expenditures, and Progress Indicators: describes goals for the LEA and school sites and explains how progress will be monitored; includes an Annual Update section.
3. Section 3 – Use of Supplemental and Concentration Grant funds and Proportionality: describes how supplemental and concentration grant funds will be used districtwide to address the goals from Section 2 and justifies these expenditures as the most effective use of funds to meet the district’s goals for unduplicated pupils in the state and any local priority areas.

The LCAP must be structured around eight key state priorities:

• Basic Services

  Compliance with Williams requirements: appropriate teacher assignment, sufficient instructional materials, and facilities in good repair.

• Implementation of the CCSS

  Implementation of the academic content and performance standards adopted by SBE, including how the programs and services will enable English learners to access the common core academic content standards and the English Language Development standards.

• Parental Engagement

  Parental involvement, including efforts the school district makes to seek parent input in making decisions for the school district and each individual school site, and including how the school district will promote parental participation in programs for economically disadvantaged pupils, English learners, foster youth, and individuals with exceptional needs.

• Student Achievement

  Pupil achievement as measured by multiple indicators including, but not limited to, assessment data, college readiness, and language proficiency.

• Student Engagement

  Pupil engagement as measured by multiple indicators including, but not limited to, rates associated with attendance, chronic absenteeism, dropout (middle and high school), and high school graduation.

• School Climate

  School climate as measured by multiple indicators including, but not limited to, pupil suspension and expulsion rates as well as other local measures assessing safety and school connectedness.

• Course Access

  The extent to which pupils have access to, and are enrolled in, a broad course of study that includes core subject areas (i.e., English, mathematics, social science, science, visual and performing arts, health, physical education, career and technical education, etc.), including the programs and services developed and provided to economically disadvantaged pupils, English learners, foster youth, and individuals with exceptional needs.

• Other Student Outcomes

  Pupil outcomes, as available, in the subject areas comprising a broad course of study.

  FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

  This board item presents for public review and comment the Preliminary Local Control Accountability Plan for the San Rafael Elementary School District. The plan includes a description of the LCAP community engagement and involvement process, goals, progress indicators chosen as metrics, a description of specific actions, services and related expenditures, and an Annual Update.

  The District formed a Parent Advisory Council in January 2015 and conducted several meetings to gather community input.  The District also convened three Community Forums to review and gather input about the community’s priorities. On Monday, June 1, the District met with members of the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) in order collect required input and questions, which the Superintendent is required to respond to in writing, according to the regulations.

  An overview and summary of the survey feedback and the community input will be presented at the meeting.  

This board item presents for public review and comment the Preliminary Local Control Accountability Plan for the San Rafael Elementary School District. The plan includes a description of the LCAP community engagement and involvement process, goals, progress indicators chosen as metrics, a description of specific actions, services and related expenditures, and an Annual Update.

The District formed a Parent Advisory Council in January 2015 and conducted several meetings to gather community input.  The District also convened three Community Forums to review and gather input about the community’s priorities. On Monday, June 1, the District met with members of the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) in order collect required input and questions, which the Superintendent is required to respond to in writing, according to the regulations.

An overview and summary of the survey feedback and the community input will be presented at the meeting.  

BACKGROUND:     The District is required to adopt a budget for all funds prior to June 30th each year.  During the months prior to June, staff works diligently to collect data necessary to be included in the upcoming budget.  This information comes from several sources, including the State, the Federal Government, the Marin County Office of Education, the SELPA, the County of Marin, the Marin Schools Insurance Authority and other various local sources.  This information is incorporated into the budget in the form of budget assumptions.  Some of these assumptions are preliminary and may change once information is finalized at the State, Federal & local levels.

The Budget Advisory Committee was convened in October 2014 and has met monthly through May 21st of this year.  This committee reviewed information on various sources of District revenues, types of expenditures, contractual or mandated obligations and expenditures outside of the control of the District (e.g. utilities, insurance and payroll driven costs) as well as discussing the potential implications of the new Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and the new Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) that was adopted by the State in July 2013.

The process for the implementation of the new Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) started in January with the emergency regulations and template for the LCAP being adopted by the State on January 16, 2014.  Once these were in place, the District started an inclusive process of community meetings and forums to provide information on the LCFF and the LCAP and collect feedback as the regulations around the LCAP were being evaluated. In response to the steps included in the regulations, the first phase of this process included a data assessment for the District in which three (3) committees were formed to review data related to the Eight State Priorities identified in the LCAP in order to determine where there were “gaps” in meeting the needs of our students and families within the Eight State Priorities.  These committees met several times in February and March and once the needs assessment was completed, it was shared with various stakeholders including SRTA (teachers & counselors), CSEA, Administrators, parents, students, the Board of Education and the community.  A special effort was made to invite participation from parents and families of the target population of English Learners and Low Income students. 

In addition to the Community Forums, several presentations to various stakeholder groups, such as the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC), were held and feedback and questions were encouraged.  A survey was conducted online and provided to staff and the community in various forums with paper copies available in both English and Spanish to garner additional input and feedback on the Goals that were developed in response to the Needs Assessment that was completed by the committees.  This input was used to further develop the Actions, Services & Expenditures included in Section 3 of the LCAP template.

The LCAP is a three-year plan with 3 sections; section 1, which describes the process of stakeholder engagement; section 2, which identifies the District Goals and Progress Indicators that include the needs that were identified and the metrics to measure progress toward addressing these needs; and section 3 which describes the actions, services and expenditures for all three years to address the District defined goals in section 2 as well as meeting all Eight State Priorities.  Section 3 also describes specifically how the needs of the target population (EL and Low Income Students) are met by providing increased or improved services over the base level of service for all students.  It also includes information on proportionality, in which the District must demonstrate that the funds included in the LCFF specifically generated by the Supplemental and Concentration grants are proportionate to the level of increased or improved services for EL/Low Income students.

It is important to remember that this plan must be affordable and developed in compliance with the State regulations, which require the use of the template. In Section 3 of the LCAP, all of the year 1 actions that are defined and that have a cost or specific expenditure associated with them, must be included in the District’s budget.

The assumptions, which include the expenditures identified in year 1 of section 3 of the LCAP and other major assumptions have been incorporated into the Preliminary Budget and are attached for the upcoming school year. 

The following is a list of the various funds included in the Preliminary Budget, all of which are projected to have a positive ending fund balance:

1. General Fund                                                               $ 5,961,365
2. Child Development Fund 12                                           $             0
3. Cafeteria Fund 13                                                         $   487,349
4. Deferred Maintenance Fund 14                                        $   599,004
5. Special Reserve-Post Employee Benefit Fund 20                $   335,000
6. Building Fund 21                                                           $         429
7. Capital Facilities Fund 25 (Developer Fees)                       $     10,971
8. Building Fund Prop 1A/SB50 Fund 35                                $            0
9. Reserve for Capital Outlay Fund 40 (Facilities Use Fees      $          0                                                                                                             
10. Debt Service Fund 51 (Pending information from Auditor-Controller’s Office)

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS:   The Governor’s May Revise was not significantly different from the Governor’s January budget proposal for K-12 education.  The Governor continued to support Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) as a key component of the State budget proposal with 28.05% in “GAP” funding.  The State COLA was reduced slightly to .85% and there was no new funding to support the ongoing implementation of Common Core State Standards (CCSS). 

For more detailed information on the Governor’s May Revise, see The Marin Common Message – Executive Summary issued by the Marin County Office of Education attached.

Within this dynamic and ever-changing fiscal environment, staff continues to work to identify changes or modifications in information both from the State and Federal governments that will then be incorporated into the budget during the 1^st budget revision being brought to the Board in the fall.

As the Preliminary Budget indicates, based on the assumptions included in the Governor’s May Revise and in the School Services of California Dartboard (see detailed assumptions attached), the San Rafael City Elementary School District will be able to meet its financial obligations for the current year.  This agenda item presents for Board authorization, the review and approval of the Preliminary Budget for 2015-16 and direction to proceed with preparation of the Adopted Budget.

COST/FUNDING SOURCE: In compliance with GASB 54, the components of the ending fund balance are as follows:

    Non-spendable

            Revolving Cash                                 $       2,500

            Stores Inventory                               $             0

            Prepaid Expenditures                         $             0

    Restricted                                               $             1

    Committed                                               $             0

    Assigned (Board Designated)

            Contingency for Cash Flow                  $ 1,100,000 

            Contingency CCSS & SB Assessments   $ 1,300,000

    Unassigned/Unappropriated

            Reserve for Economic Uncertainties      $ 2,201,664  5% Reserve

            Available Balance over Reserves          $ 1,357,200

            Total Ending Fund Balance                  $ 5,961,365

BACKGROUND:   The District is required to adopt a budget for all funds prior to June 30th each year.  During the months prior to June, staff works diligently to collect data necessary to be included in the upcoming budget.  This information comes from several sources, including the State, the Federal Government, the Marin County Office of Education, the SELPA, the County of Marin, the Marin Schools Insurance Authority and other various local sources.  This information is incorporated into the budget in the form of budget assumptions.  Some of these assumptions are preliminary and may change once information is finalized at the State, Federal & local levels.

The Budget Advisory Committee was convened in October 2014 and has met monthly through May 20th  of this year.  This committee reviewed information on various sources of District revenues, types of expenditures, contractual or mandated obligations and expenditures outside of the control of the District (e.g. utilities, insurance and payroll driven costs) as well as discussing the potential implications of the new Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and the new Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) that was adopted by the State in July 2013.

The process for the implementation of the new Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), started in January with the emergency regulations and template for the LCAP being adopted by the State on January 16, 2014.  Once these were in place, the District started an inclusive process of community meetings and forums to provide information on the LCFF and the LCAP and collect feedback as the regulations around the LCAP were being evaluated. In response to the steps included in the regulations, the first phase of this process included a data assessment for the District in which three (3) committees were formed to review data related to the Eight State Priorities identified in the LCAP in order to determine where there were “gaps” in meeting the needs of our students and families within the Eight State Priorities.  These committees met several times in February and March and once the needs assessment was completed, it was shared with various stakeholders including, SRFT (teachers & counselors), CSEA, Administrators, parents, students, the Board of Education and the community.  A special effort was made to invite participation from parents and families of the target population of English Learners and Low Income students. 

In addition to the Community Forums, several presentations to various stakeholder groups such as the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) were held and feedback and questions were encouraged.  A survey was conducted online and provided to staff and the community in various forums  with paper copies provided in both English and Spanish to garner additional input and feedback on the Goals that were developed in response to the Needs Assessment that was completed by the committees.  This input was used to further develop the Actions and Services included in Section 3 of the LCAP template.

The LCAP is a three-year plan with 3 sections; section 1, which describes the process of stakeholder engagement; section 2, which identifies the District Goals and Progress Indicators that include the needs that were identified and the metrics to measure progress toward meeting these needs; and section 3 which describes the actions, services and expenditures for all three years to address the District defined goals in section 2 as well as meeting all Eight State Priorities.  Section 3 also defines specifically how the needs of the target population (EL and Low Income Students) are met by providing increased or improved services over the base level of service for all students.  It also includes information on proportionality, in which the District must demonstrate that the funds included in the LCFF specifically generated by the Supplemental and/or concentration grants are proportionate to the level of increased or improved services for EL/Low Income students.

It is important to remember that this plan must be affordable and developed in compliance with the State regulations, which require the use of the template. In Section 3 of the LCAP, all of the year 1 actions that are defined and that have a cost or specific expenditure associated with them, must be included in the District’s budget.

The assumptions, which include the expenditures identified in year 1 of section 3 of the LCAP and other major assumptions have been incorporated into the Preliminary Budget and are attached for the upcoming school year.  The following is a list of the various funds included in the Preliminary Budget, all of which are projected to have a positive ending fund balance:

1. General Fund                                                                        $ 5,876,763
2. Adult Education Fund 11                                                         $   186,854
3. Cafeteria Fund 13                                                                  $     31,054
4. Deferred Maintenance Fund 14                                                 $   380,421
5. Special Reserve-Post Employee Benefit Fund 20                         $ 1,909,292
6. Building Fund 21                                                                    $ 1,481,858
7. Capital Facilities Fund 25 (Developer Fees)                               $     99,705
8. Special Reserve for Capital Improvements (Prop 39)                   $             0
9. Debt Service Fund 51 (Pending information from Auditor-Controller’s Office)

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS:   It is important to note that although the San Rafael High School District is a “basic aid” District and therefore not typically impacted significantly by State budget proposals, the LCFF calculations and the LCAP are still required even though there is no additional funding provided by the State.  It is also important to remember that over the past several years of State budget cuts, Basic Aid Districts were impacted by “fair-share” budget reductions from the State through the reduction and/or elimination of various State categorical programs. These fair-share reductions resulted in the loss of revenues of  $1.3 million annually and are not restored by the LCFF even though these reductions were initially implemented as one-time. Fortunately, the Marin County housing market is starting to recover with the June 2^nd tax estimates from the County Tax Assessors Office estimating increases of approximately 4.5% for 2014-15. 

While this is welcome news, the level of growth in student population continues to increase creating the need for 8-9.0 FTE teachers as well as other costs associated with educating more students.  That combined with the costs associated with significant STRS rate increases, the ongoing implementation of CCSS and developing the year 1 actions to address the needs of our target “at-risk” population of students, is creating some fiscal challenges.  Many of the new expenditures included in the budget (such as a new Director of ELD) were identified during the LCAP process and needs assessment and were based on community input.  Many of these expenditure also help to ensure that the District can meet the proportionality requirements by demonstrating that the level of increased or improved services for EL/Low Income students is proportionate to the supplemental grant funds calculated by the LCFF ($520,000).

The Governor’s May Revise was not significantly different from the Governor’s January budget proposal for K-12 education.  The Governor continued to support Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) as a key component of the State budget proposal with 28.05% in “GAP” funding.  The State COLA was reduced slightly to .85% and there was no new funding to support the ongoing implementation of Common Core State Standards (CCSS). 

As a Basic Aid District, and a “District of Choice”, the San Rafael High School District can expect to receive a slight improvement in revenues from the State.  Although under the LCFF, there is no new revenue for Basic Aid Districts, who will continue to be funded primarily from local property taxes, the funds from the District of Choice program continue to be included and may increase slightly due to the increases in LCFF funding for the District of Residence for the students on Inter-District Transfers. This results in approximately $395,000 in additional revenues annually for an increase of approximately $90,000.

For more detailed information on the Governor’s May Revise, see The Marin Common Message – Executive Summary issued by the Marin County Office of Education attached.

Within this dynamic and ever-changing fiscal environment, staff continues to work to identify changes or modifications in information both from the State and Federal governments that will then be incorporated into the budget during the 1^st budget revision being brought to the Board in the fall.

As the Preliminary Budget indicates, based on the assumptions included in the Governor’s May Revise and in the School Services of California Dartboard (see detailed assumptions attached), the San Rafael City High School District will be able to meet its financial obligations for the current year.  This agenda item presents for Board authorization, the review and approval of the Preliminary Budget for 2015-16and direction to proceed with preparation of the Adopted Budget.

COST/FUNDING SOURCE:  In compliance with GASB 54, the components of the ending fund balance are as follows:

    Non-spendable

            Revolving Cash                                      $       5,500

            Stores Inventory                                    $              0

            Prepaid Expenditures                              $              0

    Restricted                                                    $              3

    Committed                                                    $              0

    Assigned (Board Designated)

            Contingency for Cash Flow                        $ 1,100,000 

            Contingency CCSS & SB Assessments         $    700,000

    Unassigned/Unappropriated

            Reserve for Economic Uncertainties           $2,902,640 10% Reserve

            Available Balance over Reserves                $1,168,620

            Total Ending Fund Balance                        $5,876,763 

Background Information:  The Secondary Curriculum Advisory Council (SCAC) has reviewed and discussed new course proposals, revised and updated high school courses of study.  Schools are continuing the process of reviewing current course outlines and revising, as appropriate, to align with the Common Core and newly updated and/or new versions of textbooks. 

There has been a shift to ensure, whenever possible, that elective courses are designed to meet the UC requirements for approval on the A-G list. There has also been a shift to not only have schools agree on new courses and textbooks, but as appropriate, to also agree to implement the same textbook at all three schools. All courses and new textbook recommendations are Common Core aligned.

HSD Counselors are in the process of creating a comprehensive recommendation for standardized pre-requisites, common to all high schools, to bring forward to site leadership. The course number system has been cleaned up, after much effort from HSD counselors, and we now share one set of common district approved courses. The next step will be to create the SRCS HSD Course Catalog for view on the website.

New Courses of Study:

Advanced Placement European History
SCAC Approved on February 26, 2015

This course has a very high pass rate nationally on the AP Exams, and has a successful track record for tenth graders. The AP European History class is a historical survey course taught at the college level, following College Board AP expectations and guidelines. The course covers major historical events, ideas, and trends beginning with the period of the High Renaissance in 1450 up through the present. SRCS hopes to increase college-going access for all subgroups by providing students access to a 10^th grade AP course that meets graduation requirements and has a high success rate nationally.

Spanish Language & Literature 3 P
SCAC Approved on April 30, 2015

Spanish Language and Literature 3 P is a continuation of the Language and Literature 2P class with an emphasis on the reinforcement of grammar, reading, writing and speaking. This course is intended to prepare students for AP Spanish Language and Culture. It will introduce them to the six themes of the AP Examination. Key assignments will include research projects, academic essays, oral presentations, study of grammar, and both fiction and nonfiction texts.

AP Physics 2
SCAC Approved on November 20, 2014

This is an Algebra-based college level physics course that will use inquiry-based learning to develop students’ scientific, critical-thinking and reasoning skills. This course requires that 25 percent of the instructional time be spent in hands-on laboratory work, giving students opportunities to apply scientific principals. This course meets the College Board AP course expectations.

Revised Course of Study:

Broadcast Communication (Pending UC a-g approval)
SCAC Approved on March 26, 2015

This is a resubmission of an existing course with updated curriculum to fulfill UC a-g requirements. This class introduces students to the world of broadcast journalism (CTE) as they train to produce news broadcasts for their school. Students learn newswriting and research skills.

Textbooks:

• New Textbook Series: Big Ideas Math for grades 6-8
  • SCAC Approved on January 29, 2015
• New Textbook: Tejidos (Wayside Publishing) for the Spanish Language & Lit 3P course (above)
  • SCAC Approved on March 26, 2015
• New Textbook: Spanish Language & Literature 3 P
  • SCAC Approved on April 30, 2015

Education programs within Marin County provide numerous opportunities for students who are in need of alternative education programs. The Marin County Office of Education offers additional options, thus providing a continuum of alternatives to suspended/expelled students. A student, whose behavior has resulted in expulsion, is given a rehabilitation plan that is designed by the district of residence. This plan may include the County Community School, which is a component of the Marin Countywide Plan for Expelled Youth.

Each County Superintendent of Schools in counties that operate community schools pursuant to Section 1980, in conjunction with Superintendents of the school districts within the county, shall develop a plan for providing education services to all expelled pupils in that county.  The plan shall be adopted by the governing board of each school district within the county and by the County Board of Education.

The plan shall enumerate existing educational alternatives for expelled pupils, identify gaps in education services to expelled pupils and strategies for filling those service gaps.  The plan shall also identify alternative placements for pupils who are expelled and placed in district community day school programs, but who fail to meet the terms and conditions of their rehabilitation plan or who pose a danger to other district pupils, as determined by the governing board.

The plan that is being presented has been regularly updated from the first adopted plan from June 30, 1997. San Rafael City Schools District administration and other Marin County school district representatives have provided input for this revision. This plan has worked as it was designed to meet the intent of the legislation.

The plan includes the following required elements:

• overview of existing county services
• identification of gaps in educational services
• identification of strategies for filling identified gaps
• identification of district alternative placements for expelled pupils who fail to meet the terms of rehabilitation plans

Each district in the county will be asked to adopt the countywide plan for a three-year period. The plan is due to the State Department by June 30, 2015. The next triennial review will be in June, 2018.

BACKGROUND:  Board Policy 6145.2 states:

"The Board maintains membership in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and the Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) and requires that interscholastic athletic activities be conducted according to CIF and MCAL rules, regulations and policies, except as the Board may direct otherwise.  High School principals shall represent the High School District on the MCAL Board of Managers.  The CIF/MCAL representatives shall report periodically to the Board to ensure that the goals and aims of the District are accurately represented."

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS:  This agenda item presents for Board approval the selection of regular and alternate designees for CIF Representative to League meetings for San Rafael and Terra Linda High Schools.  CIF stipulations note "If the designated representative is not available for a given league meeting, an alternate designee of the district governing board may be sent in his/her place. League representatives from public schools and private schools must be designated representatives of the school's governing boards in order to be eligible to serve on section and state governance bodies."

The following recommendations are being made for regular representatives and alternate designees as the school's league representative:

San Rafael High School: Regular Representative: Glenn Dennis, Principal, Alternate Designee: Tim Galli, Athletic Director
 

Terra Linda High School:  Regular Representative: Lars Christensen, Principal, Alternate Designee: Steve Farbstein, Athletic Director, Katy Dunlap, Assistant Principal

District: Harriet MacLean, Assistant Superintendent