Public comment regarding closed session items will be received before the Board goes into closed session.

Modesto City Schools and the Board of Education recognizes May 17-23, 2020, as Classified School Employee Week in Modesto City Schools. This acknowledges the daily accomplishments of classified employees to build connections and inspire lives of students, staff and parents at our schools and District support sites.

Information concerning the consent items listed below has been forwarded to each Board member prior to this meeting for study and is on file at the Modesto-Stanislaus Library Reference Room, 1500 I Street; Modesto City Schools Superintendent’s Office and Receptionist’s Desk, 426 Locust Street, Modesto.

Copies of the complete agenda are available at the Board meeting, 425 Locust Street. Unless some member of the audience or Board member has a question concerning an item and asks that it be withdrawn from the consent list, the items are approved at one time by the Board.  The action taken by the Board in approving consent items is set forth in the explanation of the individual items.

In response to the Governor's Executive Order N-25-20 and Resolution 19/20-17 Delegating Authority to Take Necessary Action to Protect Students and Staff from the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), adopted by the Modesto City Schools (MCS) Board of Education on March 18, 2020, the MCS Board Meetings are closed to the public until further notice in accordance with state guidelines on social distancing.

New Process for Making Public Comments (as of 3/26/20)

We value your comments and have created several options to ensure your voice is heard:

By Email:
Members of the public are encouraged to submit public comments via email at publiccomment@mcs4kids.com . Comments must be received by Noon (12:00 p.m.) on the day of the Board meeting. Only the first 250 words of your comment will be read. 

By Phone: If you are unable to email a public comment, please leave a phone message with your question or comment at (209) 574-1525 prior to Noon (12:00 p.m.) on the day of the Board meeting. Only the first 250 words of your comment will be read. 

Note: Public Comments received in Spanish will be translated.

Public Comments may be read into the record based upon factors like the length of the agenda and the number of comments received. Public Comments via email or phone must be received by noon (12:00 p.m.) on the day of the Board meeting. All comments that are read into the record will be added to the minutes and approved at a subsequent Board meeting.

Goal One: Increase academic achievement and ensure equitable access to enable all students to attain college and career readiness.

1.2       Increase students being identified as “prepared” in College/Career Indicators
1.4       Develop a Multi-Tiered System of Support for all students

Modesto City Schools traditionally provides various summer school programs for elementary academic and enrichment, Secondary 7-12 and Special Education, as well as site-based, specialized programs during the summer.  Due to the coronavirus COVID-19, the District will be offering a variety of distance model programs for students.

LCAP Goal 3 recommends summer school as a strategy to support students who are not meeting grade level expectations in English Language Arts and Math.

A report on the various programs that will be provided for students for Summer 2020 will be presented.

Goal One: Increase academic achievement and ensure equitable access to enable all students to attain college and career readiness
Goal Two: Ensure all employees have access to high quality professional development.
Goal Three: Provide a safe, welcoming, and respectful learning environment for every member of the school community while ensuring effective district-wide communication for students, staff, families, and community partners.
Goal Four: Ensure the District is fiscally and operationally sound.
Goal Five: Recruit, hire, train, and retain high quality staff.

Modesto City Schools' ongoing effort is to ensure our Board Policies (BP), Administrative Regulations (AR), and Board Bylaws (BB) are up to date. 

Goal Three: Provide a safe, welcoming, and respectful learning environment for every member of the school community while ensuring effective district-wide communication for students, staff, families, and community partners. 

It is found that the following Exhibit (E) needed to be revised or adopted: E 5145.6, Parental Notification.

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the first reading of proposed draft of Exhibit (E): E 5145.6, Parental Notification.

During the course of every year, personal property items (equipment, supplies, etc.) become surplus or obsolete to the District. These items are gathered by warehouse personnel for the purpose of re-directing to other sites when possible or for disposal by other means.

Goal Four: Ensure the District is fiscally and operationally sound.

The sale, disposal or donation of surplus District personal property is authorized pursuant to Education Code Sections 17540-17542 and 17545-17555. At times, surplus or obsolete property needs to be disposed of by way of sealed bid, negotiated sales, recycling, dumping, or by donation to other public agencies or charitable organizations, as allowed by Education Code. Disposal of property not exceeding $2,500 in value may be disposed of by any employee empowered for that purpose by the Board.

The disposal of this property provides for the means to clear out surplus items that have reached the end of their economically feasible, useful life, or are obsolete to District needs. All schools and departments have the opportunity to view items prior to disposal and, if useful items are found, they may be obtained for their site with appropriate approvals. Some items may simply be surplus to current District needs and are not cost-effective to store indefinitely. On occasion, donation of some usable surplus to local feeder schools or other public agencies may be offered in lieu of other disposal methods. 

Staff may negotiate disposal of items using the Internet through E-Bay or other Internet sales sites, including Public Surplus and Craigslist websites.

Other means of disposal are also used depending on the marketability of the item(s). Other methods used may include sales by sealed bid, direct sale of low value items, trade-ins, or donation to other government agencies or non-profits.  

A listing of property is maintained and available for review in the Purchasing Department. Legal ads or public postings occur per Education Code requirements.

It is staff’s recommendation that the Board authorize the use of the Public Surplus and Craigslist websites to sell surplus personal property, and to designate the Director I, Purchasing, as having authority to sell or otherwise dispose of surplus personal property on an as-needed basis within legal requirements as follows:   

• facilitate the sale, disposal or donation of surplus personal property
  on an as-needed basis

• dispose of surplus personal property by the best available method 

• meeting Education Code or other legal requirements

• enter into contracts for auctioneer services

• enter into contracts with Public Surplus and Craigslist website services

Contractor             Bid Amount
Advanced Roofing $772,662
Stronger Building Services $1,435,000
Best Contracting Services, Inc. $3,130,842

Bid No. 20-4734, for exterior painting at Beyer High and Wilson Elementary Schools 2020 was opened on May 6, 2020, at 1:00 p.m., with the following results:

Contractor    Base Bid Amount
D & T Painting $210,450
Color New Company $230,000
H. B. Restoration $247,325
D & H Painting $342,700
Pacific Contractors Group $362,000
Anchor Singh Painting, Inc. $372,333
JPB Designs, Inc. $390,000
VLA Construction $628,000

Contractor             Bid Amount

Anchor Singh Painting, Inc. $115,000

D & H Painting $158,700

H. B. Restoration $162,150

Color New Company $219,650

Pacific Contractors Group $226,000

JPB Designs, Inc. $230,000

D & T Painting $240,000

All Star Painting $246,100

VLA Construction $398,000

Contractor           Bid Amount
Harris Builders, Inc. $642,200
TCB Industrial, Inc. $655,056
JHK Construction, Inc. $663,000
Barham Inc. dba BZ Construction $692,844
Menghetti Construction, Inc. $693,000

Contractor             Bid Amount
Sinclair General Engineering Construction, Inc. $1,125,000
American Asphalt  $1,319,278

The Nutrition Services Department provides food, paper and janitorial products for the 
Basic Breakfast Program (BBP), Severe Needy Breakfast Program (SNBP), the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the After School Meal Supplements (AMS) as part of 
the USDA Nutritional and Sanitation Guidelines.

3.4 Improve customer service for students, families, staff, and community to support welcoming school environments.

The Nutrition Services Department provides food, paper and janitorial supplies to Modesto City Schools’ cafeterias to help meet the USDA nutritional and sanitation guidelines.  The estimated annual cost exceeds the current bid threshold of $250,000; therefore, competitive bids were sought to meet formal bidding requirements.

Bid #20-4728 Nutrition Services Food Products and Bid #20-4729 Nutrition Services Manufacturer Direct Ship Food Products were sent to various vendors, posted on the District’s website, and advertised as required by law.  Bid # 20-4728 was sent to seventy-eight (78) vendors with seven (7) responses.  Bid # 20-4729 was sent to fifty-six (56) vendors with twenty-three (23) responses. The bid awards are for one (1) year, with the option to renew for two (2) additional one-year periods.  

Bids are awarded to the lowest cost responsive and responsible bidders for each line item and the estimated amounts for the purchase of food products from these vendors.

Attached is a list of each bid, vendor and bid amount.

The estimated annual cost for the combined purchases is $6,518,000 to be funded by the Nutrition Services Department Cafeteria Fund.

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve authorization to award Bid #20-4728 Nutrition Services Food Products and Bid #20-4729 Nutrition Services Manufacturer Direct Ship Food Products to various vendors.

Frequently purchased commodity items or services are purchased each fiscal year. Items/services are needed for new or replacement District needs and to replenish stock for the Warehouse, Maintenance, Information and Educational Technology Services, Transportation and Nutrition Services Departments. These items or services need to be obtained in a cost efficient and timely manner to meet District needs.

Goal Four: Ensure the District is fiscally and operationally sound.

Staff requests blanket authorization to request bids for specific commodity group items for the 2020-21 fiscal year. Some of these items are purchased for warehouse inventory and are distributed to sites and departments in small quantities. The purchase of large quantities allows the District to achieve quantity discounts that would not otherwise be possible.

The timing of many of these purchases is such that delivery must be made by the opening of school. Many of these items cannot be bid until mid or late summer.

See attached document for list of items/services that may be purchased during the 2020-21 fiscal year.

Districts are required to provide all services to students with special needs to allow access to education, including transportation. Transportation services are required under the various California Codes and legislative bodies including but not limited to the Education Code, the State Board of Education, the Vehicle Code, Federal Regulations and the California Administrative Code.

Goal 1.6 Increase access to general education for students with disabilities.

On June 1, 2015, the Board approved awarding a contract to Storer Transportation Service, Inc. to provide Home-to-School Transportation Services to the District’s Special Education students per the terms and conditions of Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 15-4600.

The District’s current Services Agreement with Storer became effective July 1, 2015 and will terminate on June 30, 2020. The RFP contains language that allows the renewal of the contract by mutual consent of both parties. Staff has determined it is in the best interest of the District to exercise the option to renew with Storer to continue Home-to-School Special Education Transportation Services for the 2020-21 school year.

The proposed Services Agreement will be effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021 and a copy may be reviewed in the Associate Superintendent of Business Services’ Office.

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve authorization to extend the agreement with Storer Transportation Service, Inc. for Home-to-School Special Education Transportation Services for the 2020-21 school year.

Purchases are required for various supplies, commodities or services during the course of each year.

Goal Four: Ensure the District is fiscally and operationally sound.

Existing contracts are in place for purchases of certain supplies, commodities or services for the next fiscal year. Authorization is needed to extend the purchases from these contractors for the 2020-21 fiscal year.

Cooperative or “piggy-backable” contracts are utilized to achieve greater cost savings and allow for multiple public agency use. When these contracts were originally awarded and approved, terms allowed for contract extension for additional one-year periods. Prices may be renegotiated at the time of contract renewal to obtain the best value. The specific supplies, commodities and services are provided on the attached “Vendor Contract List 2020-21.”

Approximate annual expenditures for 2020-21 are estimated not to exceed $19,020,000. Actual funds are budgeted prior to any purchase with possible funding sources identified as: General Fund, Categorical Funds, Cafeteria Fund, Facility Maintenance Funds, Grant Funds, Elementary and High School Developer Fees, State New Construction Funds, General Obligation Bond and Special Reserves.

The Nutrition Services Center provides meals to various outside agencies, schools (both public and private) and District programs through annual contracts.  The Nutrition Services Center has the capacity to provide such meals through existing labor.  Each contract contains provisions that are unique to the needs of the school/program and covers all costs including department overhead.

3.4 Improve customer service for students, families, staff, and community to support welcoming school environments.

All contracts must be renewed for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

Three on-going contracts are proposed for renewal and are summarized below.  All are vended meal contracts. Prices vary based on the types of meals provided and different delivery and serving requirements.

District costs are covered by the meal charges and State and Federal reimbursement rates.

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the vended meal contracts for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

Purchase orders and VISA payments are tracked each month.  

Goal Four: Ensure the District is fiscally and operationally sound.

Board Policy 3300 requires Board review of all individual purchase orders issued in excess of $1,000 and all purchase orders less than $1,000 by fund total.  All purchases are done in accordance with Board Policy, Education Code, Public Contract Code, and/or other applicable regulatory requirements.

As a result of the CARES Act, approximately $250 million is available for grants to Head Start grantees for one-time activities in response to COVID-19 to continue to provide a quality program and support for the children and families served.  The Stanislaus County Office of Education requires that the Governing Board and the Modesto City Schools Head Start Parent Policy Committee approve the One Time Supplemental COVID -19 funding application, which includes a preliminary estimated budget for both Regional Head Start and Early Head Start. A copy of the application is available in the Early Childhood Education Office. 

Goal One: Increase academic achievement and ensure equitable access to enable all students to attain college and career readiness.
3.2 Promote outstanding students, families, staff, programs, schools, and community partners.
3.3 Increase regular two-way communication with stakeholders regarding student progress and other important issues.

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) is the ruling body for high school competitive athletics.  All Modesto City Schools’ high schools are member schools in the CIF and compete athletically in the WAC (Western Athletic Conference) OR the CCAL (Central California Athletic Conference).  Each local school district must designate school representatives to the athletic league in which it participates to maintain all voting privileges.

1.2 Increase students being identified as “prepared” in the college/career indicators
1.5 Ensure students have access to enrichment activities at all school sites.
2.2 Ensure all staff has professional development in the area of building their capacities as professionals.

Article 2, Section 25, of the California Interscholastic Federation Constitution requires that each local school district Board of Education ratify to the appropriate CIF section office the appointment of individuals who will be school representatives to the athletic league for the following year.

 Modesto City Schools’ representatives to the CIF will be as follows:

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the appointment of representatives to the CIF League.

This course reflects the updates to the original Pre IB 1 & 2.  These updates were required due to changes in the California History/Social Science Framework (2016).  The course now incorporates recent legislated requirements and blends AP Human Geography skills with the World History and Geography curriculum.

Course outlines are developed for each junior high and high school class by a committee of representative teachers and administrators.  The outlines include instructional texts and materials, expectations for student learning, units of study, unit credit, grading, and other course elements.  The course outlines and texts are then submitted to Associate Principals, Principals, and the Senior Director(s), Curriculum & Instruction, Professional Development, for review and recommendation.

1.1 Ensure Great Instruction First Time.
1.2 Increase students being identified as “prepared” in the college/career indicators.

The following revised course outline, including texts, have been approved by representative teachers, the High School Associate Principals, Principals, and the Senior Director(s), Curriculum & Instruction, Professional Development.

Revised Course:

MHS IB Prep History 1-2

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the revised high school course outline:  IB (International Baccalaureate).

Although third grade DIBELS scores have increased over the past five years, data still indicates 40% of third grade students are at-risk and in need of reading intervention.  With the commencing of AB2735, 7^th – 9^th grade English learner students reading below grade level will no longer be placed in a READ 180 course but mainstreamed into grade level English courses.  Secondary teachers working with English learners and newcomers need professional development on the scientific research and tools to teach English language and literacy skills.

Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, LETRS, is a professional development course based on strong research with a focus on language development.  It has more than a decade of demonstrated success in schools and districts across the United States and fills the gaps in language development and literacy instruction that were not taught in teacher preparation courses.

LETRS training is professional development that provides deeper knowledge, skills and practice to successfully address students’ difficulties learning to read. Teachers and Coaches will benefit from:

• Understanding the content and methodology of research-based, explicit, structured literacy instruction.

• Deep knowledge of the cognitive and language factors that shape learning to read.

• Information about how to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students.

This eight module professional learning will be offered to all ELA and ELD instructional coaches, as well as a group of teachers working with our Newcomer students.   With the passing of all eight modules, coaches will become certified LETRS trainers and be able to provide ongoing professional development to teachers throughout the district.

1.0  Increase academic achievement and ensure equitable access to enable all students to attain college and career readiness.
1.1  Ensure great instruction first time.
1.3  Increase English Learner growth toward English proficiency.
2.0  Ensure all employees have access to high quality professional development.

Total cost for the professional development, materials and supplies for teachers and coaches is $74,840.24.  Categorical funds will be used.

In 1994 Modesto City Schools contracted to bring specially-trained, non-aggressive contraband detection canines onto the District's 7-12 campuses.  The program was eliminated in 2009 due to budget cuts and reinstated in 2013.

The intent of this effort is to provide a cost-effective deterrent to minimize the presence of controlled and illicit substances found on campus.

During unannounced inspections, trained canines sniff out controlled substances (illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages, and black gunpowder-based items).

1.4: Develop a Multi-Tiered System of Support for all students.

In order to continue to provide canine detection services, the Kontraband Interdiction and Detection Services (K.I.D.S.), Inc., contract must be renewed for the 2020-2021 school year.

It is the District's responsibility to provide a safe and drug-free environment in order for students to gain maximum benefit from the educational program.

Kontraband Interdiction and Detection Services (K.I.D.S.), Inc., will provide fifty-four (54) full-day visits from August 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, at a cost of $370 per visit per team.  The District will be invoiced monthly; invoices will not exceed an annual cost of $19, 980.

Campus common areas, lockers, automobiles, vacant classrooms, and grounds shall be subject to inspection at Modesto City Schools' discretion.  Kontraband Interdiction and Detection Services (K.I.D.S.), Inc., policy and procedures prohibits the use of detection canines to "sniff" individuals under any circumstances.

A copy of the services agreement is available for review in the Child Welfare and Attendance Office.

The cost of the services agreement with Kontraband Interdiction and Detection Services (K.I.D.S.), Inc., will not exceed $19.980.  The funding source has been identified in the Local Control and Accountability Plan (1.1.d.0).

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the services agreement with Kontraband Interdiction and Detection Services (K.I.D.S.), Inc., for canine contraband detection services at 7-12 schools for the 2020-2021 school year.

Modesto City Schools contracts with the Stanislaus County Office of Education for federal Head Start funding, providing services for 500 preschool age children for 2020/2021.  Each annual funding cycle requires an approved budget. 

The Stanislaus County Office of Education requires that the Governing Board and Modesto City Schools Head Start Parent Policy Committee approve the funding application for federal assistance for the 2020/2021 fiscal year.

Goal One: Increase academic achievement and ensure equitable access to enable all students to attain college and career readiness..
3.2 Promote outstanding students, families, staff, programs, schools, and community partners.
3.3 Increase regular two-way communication with stakeholders regarding student progress and other important issues.

The Application for Federal Assistance for the Head Start Program for fiscal year 2020/2021 for $3,726,790 Program Funds, $12,500 T&TA Funds, and $972,215 Non-Federal In-Kind Matching Funds, includes the following:

• 2020/2021 Training & Technical Assistance (T&TA) Plan
• 2020/2021 Program Service Plan (Attachment A)
• 2020/2021 Head Start Budgets

The Modesto City Schools Head Start Parent Policy Committee approved the 2020/2021 funding application for Modesto City Schools Head Start on May 5, 2020.  A copy of the application is available in the Early Childhood Education Office.

Modesto City Schools (MCS) contracts with the Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE) for federal Head Start funding, providing services for 500 preschool age children.  President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018, which provides a 2.6% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for Fiscal Year 2020/2021.

MCS was notified of the opportunity to apply for the COLA to become part of our ongoing funding from Head Start.  The timeline to submit this application is very short and must be completed within the current funding cycle.  Therefore, a preliminary budget estimate has been sent to SCOE so MCS may be included in the COLA funding application.  SCOE requires that the Governing Board and the Modesto City Schools Head Start Parent Policy Committee approve the funding Application for Federal Assistance for the Head Start Program COLA funds for Fiscal Year 2020/2021.

Goal One: Increase academic achievement and ensure equitable access to enable all students to attain college and career readiness.
3.2 Promote outstanding students, families, staff, programs, schools, and community partners.
3.3 Increase regular two-way communication with stakeholders regarding student progress and other important issues.

The Application for Federal Assistance for the Head Start Program, COLA funds, for Fiscal Year 2020/2021 allocated to MCS includes:

• $74,536 for COLA funds
• $133,000 for Quality Funds
• $53,960 for Non-Federal Share

If awarded, this funding will be allocated to cover multi-year salary settlement increases, STRS, and PERS pension reform increases, and Health and Welfare increases.  Head Start Parent Policy Committee approved the funding application for Modesto City Schools Head Start on May 5, 2020.  A copy of the application is available in the Early Childhood Education Office.

The Head Start Program expects to operate within its funding limits and not impact the District General Fund.

Course outlines are developed for each junior high and high school class by a committee of representative teachers and administrators. The outlines include instructional texts and material, expectations for student learning, units of study, unit credit, grading, and other course elements. The course outlines and texts are then submitted to Associate Principals, Principals, and the Senior Director(s), Educational Services, for review and recommendation.

1.1 Ensure Great Instruction First Time
1.2 Increase students being identified as “prepared” in the college/career indicators

The following course outlines, including texts, have been approved by representative teachers, the Junior High School Associate Principals, Principals, and the Senior Director(s), Educational Services.

New Courses:
Agriculture Food Science I
Agriculture Food Science II
Agriculture Farm to Fork
Science and Ethics of Biotechnology

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the new high school course outlines: Agriculture Food Science I, Agriculture Food Science II, Agriculture Farm to Fork, and Science and Ethics of Biotechnology.

It is recommended that the Board of Education ratify the Services Agreement with RT Productions for Virtual Graduation Ceremony Videos.

5.1 Create a District culture of valuing all employees to facilitate hiring and maximize retention.

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve of the proclamation recognizing May 17-23, 2020, as Classified School Employee Week in Modesto City Schools.

Modesto City Schools' ongoing effort is to ensure our Board Policies (BP), Administrative Regulations (AR), and Board Bylaws (BB) are up to date. 

Goal Three: Provide a safe, welcoming, and respectful learning environment for every member of the school community while ensuring effective district-wide communication for students, staff, families, and community partners. 

It is found that the following Board Policy (BP) needed to be revised or adopted: BP 5145.6, Parental Notification.

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the second reading of proposed draft of Board Policy (BP): BP 5145.6, Parental Notification.

                           Previously Paid      Current Payment Balance Due

The District periodically invests funds with the State’s Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF), the California Asset Management Program (CAMP) and in specific securities as allowed under the Government Code and Board policy.

Goal 3.3    Increase regular two-way communication with stakeholders regarding student progress and other important issues.
Goal 4       Ensure the District is fiscally and operationally sound.

The Board of Education should periodically review the District’s investments. 

The Stanislaus County Treasury yield rate (similar to interest rate) at March 31, 2020 has decreased 10 basis points from the previous quarter and decreased 31 basis points over the last year.  The cash balance in the Stanislaus County Treasury has decreased about $14.83 million over the balance for the previous quarter and increased about $21.89 million over the balance a year ago.  The decrease in cash balance from the previous quarter is the result of increased cash outflows in comparison to cash inflows for the quarter.  The increase in cash balance from a year ago is related to the receipt of Elementary General Obligation Bond proceeds for construction projects, less construction project payments in funds other than the General Fund, receipt of additional property taxes because of the new Elementary General Obligation Bonds and receipt of redevelopment taxes.

The District’s investments as of March 31, 2020 are shown on the attached report and are in compliance with the Board’s investment policy and all Government Code requirements.  The District’s investment advisor, Public Financial Management, provides the market value of individual securities.  LAIF, CAMP and the County Treasury provide market value information for those funds.