Members of the public may address the Board on items listed on the closed session agenda. Speakers are limited to three minutes each (Board Bylaw 9323(5)).

The Board will consider approval of the minutes from the February 14, 2018, Regular Board Meeting.

The Board will consider approval of the minutes from the February 21, 2018, Special Board Meeting.

This is an opportunity for members of the public to speak to the board on non-agenda items.  Comments on items that are on the agenda will take place during the discussion on that agenda item.  Members of the public may address the Board on matters within the subject matter of its jurisdiction. Please submit a Speaker Card to the Board Secretary prior to the meeting being called to order. Upon recognition by the Board President, please approach the podium. The Board shall take no action or discussion on any item not appearing on the posted agenda, except as authorized by law (BB 9323(2)). Speakers are limited to 3 minutes each (BB 9323(5)). Should a member of the public have comments that pertain to a complaint against an employee of the District, the Board advises that the matter should first be pursued using the appropriate district complaint procedure (BB 9323(6)).

All consent items are enacted by the Board in one motion, unless a Board member requests that an item be removed and discussed separately.  

The Board will consider approval of absent Board Member(s), if necessary, due to illness, jury duty, or a hardship deemed acceptable by the Board in accordance with Education Code Section 35120.

The Board will consider approval of the personnel transactions submitted. 

Staff is presenting Personnel Transaction items for Board approval.

Approved by vote on consent agenda.

The Board will consider approval of the vendor warrants submitted.  The attached warrant register lists all vendors for the period February 2, 2018, through February 15, 2018, for a total of $1,708,755.38. 

Staff is presenting the Warrant Register List for Board Approval.

Financially significant vendor warrants that highlight the largest check or invoice paid to a particular vendor:

(Current) Warrants - February 2, 2018 through February 15, 2018 = $1,708,755.38.
(Total 17/18 Fiscal Year) Warrants - July 1, 2017 through February 15, 2018 = $51,138,113.72.

Approved by vote on consent agenda.

The Board will consider approval of the donations and gifts submitted.

Parents, students, community members, and businesses make donations and give gifts to the schools on a regular basis. Donations come in the form of money, goods, or services. These donations are appreciated and welcomed by the schools and departments.

Donations received since February 24, 2018 = $67,126.28.
District-wide donations year to date = $1,279,574.39.

Approved by vote on consent agenda.

 The Board will consider approval of the contracts submitted.

Staff is submitting requests from various schools and departments to hire individual contracts or consulting firms to provide specified services.  For fiscal and learning impacts, see the attached summary sheet.

Total value of contracts = $0.00

The Board will consider approving the 2018-2019 Instructional Calendar that has been negotiated between the Santa Rosa Teachers Association (SRTA) and the District representatives which includes 180 Instructional days, three non-instructional days, and two proposed certificated professional development days.

This is the initial Board activity on the SRCS 2018-2019 Instructional Calendar presented herein.  The 2018-2019 Instructional Calendar was ratified by Santa Rosa Teachers Association on February 8, 2018.  CSEA 75 was also involved in the reviewing and approval process of the 2018-2019 Instructional Calendar.

The Board will consider adoption of a resolution to apply specific skipping criteria to deviate from terminating certificated employees in order of seniority date.

Purpose

In determining the order of termination, the governing board may establish criteria based on the needs of the District and the students in accordance with Education Code section 44955 (d).  This is known as “skipping.”

Considerations

The Board and District must retain staff with the required credentialing and authorizations to serve the students of the District.  For example, using English Learner (EL) Authorization as “skipping” criteria would allow less senior certificated employees who have the training to be “skipped” and a more senior employee who does not have English Learner (EL) Authorization to be noticed for possible termination.  The “skipping” criteria are established based on retaining certificated employees who possess specific training or a certificate/credential that is crucial to the needs of the District and the students.  

Board Policy

BP 4111

BP 4117.3

Education Code

Section 44955 (d)

Previous Board History

February 8, 2012

The Board will consider approval of Resolution 2017/18-036 to adopt seniority date tie-breaking criteria for establishing an order of termination for employees who first rendered paid probationary service to the District on the same date and to comply with the requirements of Education Code section 44955.

Purpose

When establishing a seniority list, there will be certificated employees with the same seniority date which is described as the first day of paid service in a probationary status.  In determining the order of termination, should a reduction in workforce become necessary, the Governing Board may establish criteria based on the needs of the District and the students in accordance with Education Code section 44955.  The listing presented herein has been modified from the order established in 2015-2016.

Considerations

The Board and District must retain staff with the required credentialing, authorizations and experience to serve the students of the District.

Board Policy

BP 4111

BP 4117.3

Education Code

Section 44955

Previous Board History

2/22/17 E.9

The Board will consider approval of the out of state field trip for Santa Rosa High School Concert Choir to participate in an Octavo Series performance in New York City, NY, April 26-30, 2018.

Purpose

The Board is being asked to approve the out of state field trip for Santa Rosa High School Concert Choir to participate in an Octavo Series performance at Carnegie Hall, April 26-30, 2018

Considerations

The students will be rehearsing a higher level of music with like-minded musicians from throughout the country.  Students will also be working with some of the top choral conductors in the field, and this knowledge and experience will translate back to their experiences in their choir classroom at Santa Rosa High.

Board Policy

6153.1 School Sponsored Extended Field Trips

Education Code

EC Section 35330-35332 Article 13. Excursions and Field Trips [35330-35332]

Previous Board History

None

This will be subsidized through accumulated Booster and student fundraising (concert ticket sales), including transportation, lodging, and associated trip costs.

The Governing Board will convene a final public hearing to receive public feedback concerning proposed trustee voting area plans associated with the District's transition to a by-trustee area election system. Based on feedback received from the community, one additional map has been introduced.  After this final public hearing, the Board will vote on a final map.  

Consideration

On August 9, 2017, the Governing Board (“Board”) of the Santa Rosa City Schools voted to approve the resolution to initiate the process for the District to transition from an “At-Large” election system to a “By-Trustee Area” election system commencing with the 2018 Board elections. The process included compiling information and data to develop districting options and presentation of the options to the Governing Board and the public, in compliance with the California Voting Rights Act (“CVRA”).

As part of the process to transition to a "By-Trustee Area" election system, the Board will need to adopt a final trustee area plan for implementing the new voting trustee areas. In advance of adopting a final plan, the District was required to and did, seek public input on the proposed trustee area plans.  The presentation and consideration of the proposed trustee area plans during a public hearing is an important part of the transition to a "By-Trustee Area" election system so that comments and input can be received from the public. 

Prior to presenting map options, the Board held two public hearings to solicit feedback in advance of map preparation by the District’s demographer.  Thereafter, the District presented the proposed trustee area plans to the public for participation and feedback at several additional public hearings and community meetings.  (Public hearings held: 9/13/17, 9/27/17, 10/11/17, 10/25/17, 1/24/18 and 2/14/18; Community meetings held: 11/29/17, 1/9/18 and 1/17/18.)

Board Policy

None

Education Code

None

Previous Board History

September 13, 2017 (Item F-1) Pre-map public hearing
September 27, 2017 (Item C-8) Pre-map public hearing 
October 11, 2017 (Item C-11) Post-map public hearing
October 25, 2017 (Item C-12) Post-map public hearing
January 24, 2018 (Item F-1) Post-map public hearing
February 14, 2018 (Item F-1) Post-map public hearing

The Board will consider adoption of Resolution No. 2017/18-030 authorizing the selection and adoption of a final trustee area plan as part of the District's transition to a "By-Trustee Area" election system and submission of the final trustee area plan to the Sonoma County Committee on School District Organization for approval.

Consideration

On August 9, 2017, the Governing Board (“Board”) of the Santa Rosa City Schools voted to approve the resolution to initiate the process for the District to transition from an “At-Large” election system to a “By-Trustee Area” election system commencing with the 2018 Board elections. The process included compiling information and data to develop districting options and presentation of the options to the Governing Board and the public, in compliance with the California Voting Rights Act (“CVRA”).

As part of the process to transition to a "By-Trustee Area" election system, the Board will need to adopt a final trustee area plan for implementing the new voting trustee areas. In advance of adopting a final plan, the District was required to and did, seek public input on the proposed trustee area plans.  The presentation and consideration of the proposed trustee area plans during a public hearing is an important part of the transition to a "By-Trustee Area" election system so that comments and input can be received from the public. 

Prior to presenting map options, the Board held two public hearings to solicit feedback in advance of map preparation by the District’s demographer.  Thereafter, the District presented the proposed trustee area plans to the public for participation and feedback at several additional public hearings and community meetings.  (Public hearings held: 9/13/17, 9/27/17, 10/11/17, 10/25/17, 1/24/18 and 2/14/18; Community meetings held: 11/29/17, 1/9/18 and 1/17/18.)

Board Policy

None

Education Code

None

Previous Board History

September 13, 2017 (Item F-1) Pre-map public hearing
September 27, 2017 (Item C-8) Pre-map public hearing 
October 11, 2017 (Item C-11) Post-map public hearing
October 25, 2017 (Item C-12) Post-map public hearing
January 24, 2018 (Item F-1) Post-map public hearing
February 14, 2018 (Item F-1) Post-map public hearing

The Board will consider approval of Resolution 2017/18-33 recognizing March 2018 as National Women’s History Month.

Purpose

To adopt a Resolution recognizing March 2018 as National Women's HistoryMonth.

Consideration

During Women's History Month, we reflect on the extraordinary accomplishments of women and honor their role in shaping the course of our Nation's history. Today, women have reached heights their mothers and grandmothers might only have imagined. Women now comprise nearly half of our workforce and the majority of students in our colleges and universities. They scale the skies as astronauts, expand our economy as entrepreneurs and business leaders, and serve our country at the highest levels of government and our Armed Forces. In honor of the pioneering women who came before us, and in recognition of those who will come after us, this month, we recommit to erasing the remaining inequities facing women in our day. 

Board Policy

None

Education Code

None

Previous Board History

February 22, 2017 (Item F-4)

The Board will consider approval of Resolution No. 2017/18-042 in support of Assembly Bill 2228 relating to supplemental apportionment for districts affected by the 2017 wildfires.   

Purpose

This resolution supports the State Assembly's consideration of  Assembly Bill (“AB”) 2228.  AB 2228, if passed, would provide a supplemental apportionment to eligible local educational agencies (“LEAs”) whose average daily attendance (“ADA”) has been materially decreased during the 2017-18, 2018-19, or 2019-20 fiscal years because of the 2017 wildfires.  The bill was introduced by Assembly Member Wood and may be heard in committee as early as March 16, 2018.

Consideration

Eligible LEAs for purposes of AB 2228 include school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools located in a county for which Governor Brown declared a state of emergency in 2017.  “Material decrease” means a decrease in ADA attributable to the dislocation of pupils’ families because of the conditions that led to the declaration of a state of emergency on account of the 2017 wildfires.  The current version of the bill proposes to make a supplemental apportionment to eligible LEAs equal to 100% of the estimated ADA lost for 2017-18, 75% of the estimated ADA lost for 2018-19, and 50% of the estimated ADA lost for 2019-20.

Board Policy

None

Education Code

None

Previous Board History

None

The Board will consider approval of Resolution No. 2017/18-34: Commitment To Climate Change Action.

Consideration

There is a consensus among climate scientists that human activities contributing to increases in greenhouse gas emissions are the dominant cause of climate change.  Children represent a particularly vulnerable group because greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere will accumulate over the coming decades and will profoundly impact today's children throughout their lives as well as the lives of future generations.  Santa Rosa City Schools recognizes climate change as a children's issue and will work to ensure that all SRCS students graduate as "globally-minded citizens."  

Board Policy

None

Education Code

None

Previous Board History

None

The Board will approve the annual update to School Site Safety Plans.

Purpose 

Education Code§32280 through§32289 requires the development, annual review, and update of School Safety Plans. The Education Code further requires that the local governing board annually approve the revised School Safety Plans. Each School Site Council is required to review the School Safety Plans and update them as needed. The review and revision of the School Safety Plans by each School Site Council are routinely completed by March 1st of each year to meet the state deadline.As required by California Education Code, School Site Safety Plans, at a minimum, contain the following:

Each School Site Safety Plan, at a minimum, includes the following:

Section I Status of School Crime

Section II Procedures for Compliance with School Safety Laws, District Policies, Regulations, and Procedures

Section III Child Abuse Reporting Procedures

Section IV Disaster Procedures (Routine & Emergency)

Section V Suspension and Expulsion

Section VI Notification to Teachers of Dangerous Students

Section VII Sexual Harassment Policy

Section VIII School wide Dress Code

Section IX Safe Ingress and &Egress

Section X Safe and Orderly Environment: Goals & Objectives

Section XI School Discipline, Rules & Procedures

Section XII Hate Crimes Policies & Procedures

Section XIII Verification of Review

Consideration

The revised School Safety plans were approved by each School Site Council and are available for review at each school and in the Curriculum and Instruction Office.

 Upon approval of the District Emergency Plan this Spring, the School Safety plans will be updated.

Board Policy

BP 0450

AR 0450

California Education Code

32280-32289

Previous Board Activity

The School Board annually approves the school site safety plans.

Agenda 2/25/17

The Board will consider approval of site safety projects for SRCS sites including classroom door locks, perimeter fencing, re-keying and security cameras.

As part of our Measure I and L Bond Program and outlined in the approved Facilities Master Plan, providing “Warm, Safe, and Dry” schools is a top priority. These projects are designed to increase safety measures at all school sites for students and staff.

Considerations

Unfortunately, school site safety is in the news again and a topic that has been brought up from the Board, parents, community members and at site and district meetings. SRCS is committed to provide safe schools and has been taking steps necessary to increase security measures at all of our sites. For example: School site and District level safety plans are being reviewed and implemented, increased coordination between SRCS and our local law enforcement and fire departments, and other safety measures including a new phone system are underway.  

After receiving questions from the District Advisory Committee at the January 2018 meeting, staff presented the projects proposed below at the February 15, 2018 meeting and answered questions from both parents and site administers. The stakeholder groups in attendance agreed with the proposed projects and shared their desire to see these implemented. The presentation is included below. 

These projects were also presented to site principals who agreed that there is a need for these safety measures at their sites. 

Proposed Projects

Classroom Safety Door Locks

Provide locks on all classroom doors with the ability to lock from the inside. The majority of classroom door locks require a key to be used from the outside only with no ability to lock the door from the inside. In the event of a situation that required the doors to be locked, a teacher would have to open their classroom door to engage the lock. As recommended, schools are replacing these locks with hardware that locks from either side.

Currently, the elementary district has approximately 30% of the 400 doors equipped with classroom safety locks, and the High School District has approximately 22% of the 1050 doors equipped with classroom safety locks.

This project would ensure that all classrooms have these security locks installed and operable.  Once specifications, quantities, installation cost, and timelines have been finalized, the project will be brought back to the board funding approval. (Summer 2018)

District-wide Re-keying

In alignment with the classroom security lock project, staff is bringing forward a re-keying project. This would include all locks throughout our schools. Accountability of keys is a known security issue for both a human safety as well as physical building security perspective. Currently, SRCS does not have an accurate account of keys that are distributed.

This project would run simultaneously with the safety door lock project. This project will be brought back to the Board for funding approval. (Summer 2018)

Perimeter Fencing

Many of our school sites have open access to fields and school buildings. This creates opportunities for unauthorized individuals to enter the campus without anyone’s knowledge. The open access could potentially create site safety issues. The issue of open access is outlined in the Facilities Master Plan as a need.

This project would provide initial design and cost estimates to be brought back to the Board for approval. (Summer 2018)

Security Cameras

Security Cameras at our sites have been discussed as part of upgrades to our technology infrastructure to increase school safety. Our current security camera system has reached capacity, lacks needed functionality, and at the majority of our sites does not cover the entire campus. During our Network Infrastructure Cabling Project, cabling and network drops for new security cameras were run and terminated. The cameras will be positioned to view entry/exit points, common areas, hallways, known “hiding spots” on a campus.

This project will be bid and brought back to the Board for approval of a contract. (2018/19 School Year)

Other projects addressing student and staff safety:

New Phone System

As one of our most used and needed systems, the District was operating on multiple phones systems that were prone to failure due to age. The new phone system has been deployed to all elementary school sites, Santa Rosa Charter for the Arts, Santa Rosa French American Charter, and Cook Middle School. The remaining sites are scheduled to be completed by July 2018.  

Integrated bell, clock, intercom, and speaker devices in every classroom

In coordination with our technology infrastructure project, SRCS is replacing the existing intercom and clocks with a solution that provides increased functionality for communication to our classrooms, offices, and outdoor areas at every site. The new system will have the ability to send emergency notifications to a classroom, entire site, or all of Santa Rosa City Schools as warranted. This system also integrates with our data network and the new phone system.

These devices are currently installed at all of our elementary schools, Santa Rosa Charter for the Arts, Santa Rosa French American Charter, and Cook Middle School. The remaining sites are scheduled to be completed by July 2018.  

New District website, mobile application and Mass Notification System

In order to provide more timely information to our staff, students, parents, and community, SRCS is currently rebuilding our District website including a mobile application. The new website and mobile application scheduled to be "live" for the 18/19 school year. The mass notification system, formerly known as ParentLink, is operable and used extensively by our sites and district office.

Board Policy

BP 5142 - Safety 

BP 3515 - Campus Security 

AR 3515 - Campus Security

Education Code / Legislation

AB 211: Requires all new construction projects to include locks that allow doors to classrooms and rooms with an occupancy of five (5) or more persons to be locked from the inside.

Previous Board History

September 9, 2015: Board Discussion on classroom security locks

April 27, 2016: Approval of the Facilities Master Plan

February 10, 2016: Approval of the new phone system

June 14, 2017 (Item F-5): Approval of Blackboard Inc.’s Proposal for a Hosted District Website, Mobile Communications Application and Mass Notification System

June 14, 2017 (Item F-6): Approval of Classroom Safety Device – All-In-One Notification System, Intercom, Bells, and Clock

Financial Impact will be determined by project and brought back to the Board for approval prior to implementation.  These are Measure I and L Funded Projects.

The Board will consider adoption of McGraw Hill Wonders/Wonder Works as the new foundational skills program for grades Kindergarten - 6th.

Purpose

Foundational Skills are necessary and important components of an effective, comprehensive reading program. Foundational Skills help to develop proficient readers with the capacity to comprehend texts across a range of types and disciplines. Our students come with a range of literacy experiences and knowledge. Our grade level units of study do not specifically address the Foundational Skills Standards.  Our current Language Arts adoption does not reflect the new California State Standards necessitating the adoption of newly aligned instructional materials.

Consideration

The Instructional Materials Selection Committee (IMSC) identified several Foundational Skills Programs to consider for piloting. An invitation went out to all teachers to come to the Elementary Resource Room to view Foundational Skills Programs from multiple vendors and to provide input regarding these choices to the IMSC in order to narrow down the selection to two programs to pilot. The following programs surfaced as the top two Foundational Skills Programs:

• Benchmark

• McGraw Hill Wonders/Wonder Works

An invitation to attend a Pilot Informational Meeting was sent out to all elementary teachers.  At this meeting on August 24, 2017, all participants helped to create a program assessment tool that would guide the evaluation of the programs piloted.  A pilot team was formed from a variety of our school sites with representation from teachers in grades Kindergarten-5th including special education.  The pilot team received training in both programs and implemented each for a period of approximately 6 weeks.  During this pilot, the team met regularly to evaluate the materials, using the program assessment.  As a result of the assessment process, the pilot team determined that the program to be most effective for the needs of Santa Rosa City School District’s students was McGraw Hill Wonders/Wonder Works.

The following strengths were identified in the McGraw Hill program being recommended for adoption, K-6^th.

• Repetition of routines and multiple exposures are effective

• Includes systematic, explicit instruction

• Many opportunities for daily formative assessment

• Includes options and choices to support student needs & differentiation

• Leveled Readers are content-aligned and include excellent opportunities for questioning and building comprehension… content alignment will support CCD Units of Study

• Technology component is strong and very engaging for students

Board Policy

BP 6142.91 Reading/Language Arts Instruction

BP 6161 Selection and Evaluation of Instructional Materials

Education Code

None

Previous Board History 

None

Foundational Skills instructional materials will be purchased following Board approval for implementation in the 2018-19 school year.  Per recommendation by the Instructional Materials District Committee on Feb. 6, 2017, one-time monies have been allocated to support the funding for these K-6^th grade Foundational Skills instructional materials.  The purchase of these materials will not exceed $970,000.

On January 30th  the first of a 2-day series of professional development for the 2017-2018 school year.  The Board will be updated on the planning process and session offerings.
 

Purpose

To update the Board on the professional development opportunities offered on January 30th.

Consideration

The investment to train teachers and other school staff is an efficient use of resources.  It affects the classroom and students directly and creates the conditions for higher learning and achievement to occur.  These professional development days provide the opportunity for staff to deepen their knowledge and collaborate with their colleagues in support of the students, faculty and the greater community of Santa Rosa City Schools. On January 30th, we had 86% of our teachers attend.

Professional development opportunities, such January 30th, and the many others throughout the year, support the further development of teacher leaders in the district.  As the capacity of teacher leaders grows and develops, there is more significant opportunity for SRCS staff to share their talents and expertise with their colleagues, leading professional development opportunities across the district.  This will support greater collaboration district-wide. 

The second day of Professional Development is March 8th where teachers will have a greater opportunity to provide professional development to their colleagues.  Both Professional Development days are funded through supplemental funds of the LCAP and are a part of a Tentative Agreement with the Santa Rosa Teachers Association.

Board Policy

None

Education Code

None

Previous Board History

March 8, 2017 (F-1)

The estimated cost of this professional development day for Certificated staff is $400,000.  Funding for this professional development day is Supplemental dollars and is included in the District’s LCAP.

The Board will consider their vote for CSBA's 2018 Delegate Assembly Election.

Purpose

As a CSBA member school district, the Santa Rosa City Schools Board is eligible to vote for candidates running for the CSBA Delegate Assembly within our geographical region or subregion.

Consideration

The CSBA Delegate Assembly sets the general policy direction for the association, which represents California's school districts and county offices of education.  CSBA's mission is to provide leadership in setting and implementing the public education agenda and to support school board governance at the district and county levels.  Delegates fulfill a critical governance role by communicating the interest of local boards to CSBA's Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and staff.  Delegates give policy and legislative direction through the adoption of the policy platform every two years and the adoption of other policy statements as needed. They also speak on issues and provide direct advocacy on behalf of the association.  Delegates play important communication and support roles within their regions, and they also elect the association's officers and Board of Directors.  All re-elected and newly elected Delegates will serve two-year terms beginning April 1, 2017 – March 31, 2019.

There is currently one vacancy to be filled in Subregion 3-A and one candidate running for this delegate position: Jeremy Brott (Bennett Valley Union SD).  After reviewing the information, the Board will determine how it would like to vote. 

Board Policy

None

Education Code

None

Previous Board History

Last year, the Board voted on the 2017 Delegate Assembly.  February 22, 2017 (Item F.3)

These items are presented for informational purposes only.