Student ID No. 69739

California Ed Code 49070

Per Subdivision (b) of Government Code §54956.9 (two cases)

Per Government Code §54956.9 (d)(1)

Superior Court of California – County of Butte

Case No. 19CV01385

Per Government Code §54956.9 (d)(1)

Butte County Superior Court

Case No. 19CV02508 

Background Information

This agenda item provides an opportunity to recognize extraordinary student achievement on statewide tests in the areas of English Language Arts/Literacy, Mathematics and Science.

The state requires students in certain grade levels to participate in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) tests each spring. Chico Unified students in grades 3-8 and 11 took the online Smarter Balanced tests in English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics during spring 2019. Students being recognized have attained the Highest Possible Scale Score (a perfect score) on either of the two state tests listed above during the spring 2019 test administration.

Educational Implications

Recognizing success can let students, parents, teachers, coaches and principals know that their accomplishments are noticed and valued. Recognizing students’ demonstration of academic excellence on state assessments may provide additional motivation and encouragement for students to reach even higher. It also provides evidence to other students and to educators that the highest levels of performance are attainable on state tests.

The district endeavors to support the continual improvement of instruction which in turn influences student achievement. State and federal achievement data are reviewed by district staff for planning and monitoring educational programs and strategies and to allocate resources to best support the improvement of the Chico Unified School District students’ academic achievement.

Fiscal Implications

Mandated Testing is reimbursed by the state. Professional development is supported by funding such as Title II and Title I and does not impact the general fund.

Background Information

 Sly Park Environmental Education Center is a four-day overnight camp for fifth grade students. 

  Educational Implications

  Next Generation Science Standard focused lessons are taught by credentialed teachers in the wilderness environment.

  Fiscal Implications

Tuition for 75 students x $235 = $17,625.00

Teacher Stipends: 3 x $500.00 +- = $1,500.00

Teacher/Admin Gas Reimbursement: $500.00

                                      TOTAL:     $19,625,00

Also considering a charter bus, but it depends on affordability (less than $2,000.00)

Background Information
Warrants in the amount of $4,367,294.22 for the period September 19, 2019 through October 8, 2019 have been reviewed and are ready for Board approval. 

Educational Implications 
Services and supplies are acquired by the District in support of the District's goals. 

Fiscal Implications 
The issuing of warrants affects all accounts and funds in the district and is supported by the District's approved budget. 

Background Information

Per Board Policy 3600 Consultants/Independent Contractor, all Consultant/Independent Contractor Agreements shall be brought before the board for approval.  

• Rebecca Brunelli (Educational Services)
• Jessica Prisk (Educational Services)
• Brenden Stevens (CHS)
• Christine Weston (Educational Services)
  

Educational Implications

Per Board Policy 3600, the Board of Education authorizes the use of consultants/independent contractors to provide expert professional advice or specialized technical or training services which are not needed on a continuing basis and which cannot be provided by district staff because of limitations of time, experience or knowledge. Individuals, firms or organizations employed as consultants may assist management with decisions and/or project development related to financial, economic, accounting, engineering, legal, administrative, instructional or other matters.

Fiscal Implications

Consultant/Independent Contractor Agreement(s) to be paid from accounts noted on approval forms.  

Background Information

Per Board Policy 3312 Contracts, all Contracts shall be brought before the Board for approval and/or ratification. 

• BCOE – Butte Teacher Induction Program (Educational Services)

• Care Solace (Educational Services)
  

• Eagle Architects-Sherwood Montessori phase 2 (Facilities)

• Inspire/CUSD Oversight MOU (Educational Services)
  

Educational Implications

Per Board Policy 3312 Contracts, the Governing Board recognizes its responsibility to enter into contracts on behalf of the district for the acquisition of equipment, supplies, services, and other resources necessary for the achievement of district goals.  In exercising this authority to enter into a contract, the Board shall ensure that the district's interest is protected and that the terms of the contract conform to applicable legal standards, including the bidding requirements in Public Contract Code 20111.

The Board may, by a majority vote, delegate to the Superintendent or designee the authority to enter into contracts on behalf of the district. To be valid or to constitute an enforceable obligation against the district, all such contracts must be approved and/or ratified by the Board.

Every contract entered into on behalf of the district shall be made available for public inspection, except when the law prohibits disclosure. No contract shall prohibit a district employee from disparaging the goods or services of any contracting party.

Fiscal Implications

Contracts shall be paid according to agreed upon terms noted.

Background Information

The Multipurpose Room Addition project at Nord Country School was completed on September 26, 2019. The filing of a Notice of Completion (NOC) begins a thirty-five day lien period during which unpaid subcontractors, suppliers and other vendors can file a mechanics lien.

It is requested that the Board of Education authorize Administration to approve and execute the Notice of Completion for the Multipurpose Room Addition project at Nord Country School.

Educational Implications

The effective management of the District’s financial resources allows the District to implement our mission to ensure all students achieve high levels of academic and personal success, contribute to their community and confidently compete in a changing global society by engaging in quality educational programs that address diverse student needs and promote learning throughout life.

Fiscal Implications

Background Information

The Shasta Elementary School New Construction and Modernization, Increment #2 project was completed on September 26, 2019. The filing of a Notice of Completion (NOC) begins a thirty-five day lien period during which unpaid subcontractors, suppliers and other vendors can file a mechanics lien.

It is requested that the Board of Education authorize Administration to approve and execute the Notice of Completion for the Shasta Elementary School New Construction and Modernization, Increment #2 project.

Educational Implications

The effective management of the District’s financial resources allows the District to implement our mission to ensure all students achieve high levels of academic and personal success, contribute to their community and confidently compete in a changing global society by engaging in quality educational programs that address diverse student needs and promote learning throughout life.

Fiscal Implications

This project was funded with Measure K and Developer Fees.  All available State reimbursement will be pursued. The proposed project qualifies as projects defined in the voter approved Measure K ballot language.

Background Information

As a part of our Lease-Leaseback Agreement (LLB) with Phase III Master Plan Project Contractors, the District requires each Contractor submit a Monthly Workforce Report to the Board of Education. This report will demonstrate compliance by the Contractor and its Subcontractors at every tier with the skilled work force requirements described in Education Code section 17407.5 (“Workforce Report(s)”).

It is requested that the Board of Education approve the Skilled and Trained Workforce reports for July 2019.

Educational Implications

The effective management of the District’s financial resources allows the District to implement our mission to ensure all students achieve high levels of academic and personal success, contribute to their community and confidently compete in a changing global society by engaging in quality educational programs that address diverse student needs and promote learning throughout life.

Fiscal Implications

If the Contractor fails to provide a Workforce Report or provides a Workforce Report that is incomplete, the District shall withhold further payments until Contractor provides a complete Workforce Report for that month.

If the Contractor provides a Workforce Report that does not demonstrate that each apprenticeable occupation (as defined in Education Code section 17407.5) has met the applicable participation level, the District shall withhold further payments until the Contractor provides a plan to achieve substantial compliance the requirements of the Workforce Report, with respect to the relevant apprenticeable occupation, prior to Completion of the Contract.

No impact to the General Fund.

Background Information

Emma Wilson Elementary teacher, Virgie McGrath, will introduce her student that has participated in a STEM Week program at Occidental College in Los Angeles.

Education Implications

None

Fiscal Implications

None

Additional Information

None

Background Information

The annual report to the Board on the state of athletics in the Chico Unified School District.

Educational Implications

These are educational based athletics which co-exist with academics. Any items in athletics could have an impact on academics. No significant changes in this report to affect the educational mission if the school district.

Fiscal Implications

Since this is a report on last year there are no fiscal implications.

Background Information

The purpose of this agenda item is to inform the Board of the performance measures related to local indicators for the District. These measures will be included in the California School Dashboard for Fall 2019. Please see the attached document for the district response related to our performance on all local indicators. The state indicators are based on data that is collected consistently across the state through the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) and California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)  system. The local indicator data, which is the focus of this item, displayed on the State Dashboard is provided by Local Education Agencies (LEA). Local indicators are indicators for which no state level data is available. Performance on these indicators is based on information collected at the district level and is reported by districts (see attachment).

Educational Implications

Local educational agencies give themselves one of three ratings based on whether they have measured and reported their progress through the Dashboard using locally collected information. These ratings stand as summative measure of the Local Control Accountability Plan Priorities 1,2,3 and 6 for the 2018-2019 school year

Fiscal Implications

The Dashboard is a component of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) law and indicators displayed in the Dashboard reflect performance related to the priorities set forth in LCFF.

Background Information

Pivot North Valley II Charter School was founded 10 years ago.  Due to a court ruling (Shasta v Anderson) Pivot North Valley petitioned Chico Unified School District (CUSD) in 2017 for authorization.  Chico Unified School District granted Pivot North Valley II a two year charter term with conditions for renewal in December, 2017.  The current charter will expire on June 30, 2020.

CUSD received a charter renewal petition for Pivot North Valley II Charter School on August 28, 2019.  Pursuant to California Education Code, the CUSD Board of Directors held a public hearing regarding the renewal on September 18, 2019.

The CUSD Charter School Review Committee thoroughly reviewed the Pivot North Valley II Renewal Petition and is in support of renewal.

Educational Implications

Pivot North Valley II Charter School offers students in grade 6-12 another educational option.

Fiscal Implications

Pivot North Valley II Charter School is a direct funded charter, which means any Average Daily Attendance (ADA) generated flows to the school and will not come to CUSD.

Additional Information

When a charter petition is renewed, Education Code mandates the term of the renewal for five years.

Background Information

Due to the loss of the back office provider, Chico Unified School District (CUSD) is working with Blue Oak Charter School to ensure a new back office provider is in place within 60 days.

CUSD issued a letter of concern for Blue Oak's current financial status. CUSD has requested a plan from Blue Oak to address this.

Educational Implications

N/A

Fiscal Implications 

CUSD is required by law to provide fiscal oversight to charters it has authorized.  

Background Information

On October 3, 2018, the Board of Education approved the submittal of a Career & Technical Education Grant application for the Agriculture CTE Program at Chico High School (CHS). The grant application was successful.

The project includes a modernization of the existing agriculture department classrooms and computer laboratory, the addition of a new shade structure adjacent to the existing building, an enclosing concrete masonry nit (CMU) wall (for weather protection) and a new greenhouse.

The grant will fund 60% of the project and the District must match the remaining 40%.  In keeping with our goal to maximize and leverage our local dollars the District supports this important project.  The update to the district’s Facility Master Plan (FMP) will include this project at CHS.

At this time, we request that the Board of Education authorize the use a portion of unspent remaining funds from the Loma Vista School project estimated to be over $500,000 to fund the design documents for the project.  These are Measure K dollars.  The work includes the Architectural Services of NorthStar Engineering as well as all necessary approvals and tests required to submit the design for review and approval through the Division of the State Architect. 

The fees for these services are estimated to cost no more than $100,000.   The final design and proposed construction budget will be brought back to the Board of Education for further funding approval after the plans are completed and approved. 

Educational Implications

The effective management of the District’s financial resources allows the District to implement our mission to ensure all students achieve high levels of academic and personal success, contribute to their community and confidently compete in a changing global society by engaging in quality educational programs that address diverse student needs and promote learning throughout life.

Fiscal Implications

The expenses would be recorded in Fund 23: Measure K Building Fund. 

Background Information

Established in 1979, the Gann Limit is intended to constrain the growth in state and local government spending by linking year-to-year changes in expenditures to changes in inflation.  The Gann Limit has become a largely pro forma calculation that no longer constrains governmental expenditures, as the limit has grown significantly faster than appropriations subject to the limit.

Educational Implications

The effective management of the District’s financial resources allows the District to implement our mission to ensure all students achieve high levels of academic and personal success, contribute to their community and confidently compete in a changing global society by engaging in quality educational programs that address diverse student needs and promote learning throughout life.

Fiscal Implications

None.

Background Information

The Unaudited Actuals financial statements are the year-end reports representing the financial activity of the Chico Unified School District (CUSD) for the 2018-19 fiscal year ending June 30, 2019. Please note, the financial statements represent the financial position of the CUSD before the annual independent audit has been completed.

Educational Implications 

The effective management of the District’s financial resources allows the District to implement our mission to ensure all students achieve high levels of academic and personal success, contribute to their community and confidently compete in a changing global society by engaging in quality educational programs that address diverse student needs and promote learning throughout life.

Fiscal Implications

CUSD’s total ending general fund balance for both unrestricted and restricted programs is $28,120,694 as of June 30, 2019.  The unrestricted ending balance is $23,208,954 and the restricted ending fund balance is $4,911,740.  For fiscal year 2018-19, CUSD is reporting a positive change in fund balance of $3,437,533 for unrestricted and a positive change in fund balance of $1,933,685 for restricted programs.  After a reserve for economic uncertainties of 3% and other designations of the fund balance, there was a remaining amount of $11,675,241 in the unassigned/unappropriated category of the unrestricted fund balance.  A detailed presentation will be provided at the board meeting.

Background Information 

Ed Code §35143 requires that the Governing Board of each school district hold an annual organizational meeting. The date and time of the annual meeting shall be selected by the Board at its regular October meeting and the Board shall notify the County Superintendent of Schools of the date and time selected.

Educational Implications

None

Fiscal Implications

None

It is recommended that the Board adopt the December 11, 2019 Regular Board meeting as the Board organizational meeting.  

Background Information

In order to govern effectively, Districts are required to have accurate and up-to-date Board Policies.  By law, Districts are mandated to adopt many policies to ensure legal compliance.  Working in conjunction with the California School Boards Association (CSBA) Policy Services, Chico Unified School District (CUSD) continues to update and revise Board Policies to ensure CUSD is legally compliant.

The Board Policy was brought before the Board of Education for a first reading on Wednesday, October  02, 2019.

Education Implications

Up-to-date policies provide clarity to the expectations for students, parents, and staff.

Fiscal Implications

CUSD is required to have up-to-date and legally compliant policies.  Failure to have such policies in place jeopardizes funding opportunities, especially in regards to Categorical dollars. 

Revised/Updated/New Board Policies

• Board Policy 3600 - Consultants