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 adjusted to accommodate the public until further notice in accordance with state guidelines on social distancing. MCS Board Meetings are live-streamed and recorded, and available for viewing at

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6RHJCeKy8rDxRHyRUPVJIw/

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:

For Public Comment (submitted by email or phone), please provide the following:
1. Name
2. Affiliation (if any)
3. Phone number (in case we need further clarification)
4. Address (optional)
5. Topic or Item on the agenda you wish to address
(only the first 250 words of your comment will be read – if time allows)

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, if time allows.

By Phone:
If you are unable to email or come in-person to make 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, if time allows.

In-Person (effective 2/9/21):
Members of the public can make their comment in-person at the Boardroom located at 425 Locust Street. Due to seating configurations to meet social distancing guidelines seating for the public is limited to nine public speakers in the Boardroom waiting area and twenty people in an alternate seating room. Live video footage will be played in both rooms. The Period for Public Presentation is limited to 30 minutes. Time will be allotted equally to individuals based on the number of request cards submitted. The maximum for any one speaker is three minutes.

IMPORTANT: Any individual attending the meeting must wear a mask and maintain six feet of physical distance. If you are displaying any symptoms of COVID-19 we ask that you please stay home and consult your health professional as to not expose others to the virus and instead submit your comment via email or voicemail per the instructions above. The Board assumes no liability for any health risks to members of the public who attend the Board meeting in-person. All individuals attending the meeting in-person do so at their own risk.

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.

Board meeting will be translated in Spanish: Please dial 1+(805) 324-7680 (toll free)
Conference ID: 946 055 125#

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

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.

Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, all District schools were physically closed to students on March 19, 2020, with instruction provided through Distance Learning for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. On June 29, 2020, Governor Newsom signed into law Senate Bill 98, the education omnibus trailer bill to the 2020 Budget Act. This senate bill added sections to the Education Code related to Distance Learning for the 2020-2021 school year.

Education Code sections 35160 and 35160.1 grants school districts and their government boards with broad authority and wide discretion in initiating and carrying on programs and activities and otherwise creating unique solutions to meet their diverse needs. It is the goal of the District to work with parents to assist students in becoming self-directed and responsible for their own behavior.

In accordance with this authority, the District will provide a review of the suggested amendment(s) to current extra- and co-curricular activity participation and eligibility requirements to ensure students are provided an opportunity to engage in these activities to support their physical and social-emotional health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The District will support student engagement in co- and extra-curricular activities as defined in the Student Conduct Code 7-12, by permitting students with less than a 2.0 grade point average and/or more than one “F” and/or more than one “U” citizenship grade to participate in extra-curricular activities, as well as athletics (9-12); spirit leaders/cheerleaders (9-12); and student government (7-12); up to, but not including performances or competitions.

The Superintendent will temporarily modify the Districts’ student-athlete participation clearance protocol due to the challenges of families to secure pre-participation sports physicals; students unable to secure or pass a pre-participation sports physical may remain on the team and participate in all non-physical team activities (i.e., no athletic conditioning, no physical activity, no competitions, etc.) so that students not cleared to participate physically may still engage in virtual and in-person meetings, team-related academic supports, and attend practices.

Goal 1: Increase academic achievement and ensure equitable access to enable all students to attain college and career readiness.

Goal 1.5: Ensure students have access to enrichment activities at all school sites.

Modesto City Schools has a vast Career Technical Education program available for students in grades 7-12. This report will outline changes and program updates within the past two years in Career Technical Education as well as plans going forward. 

The Board of Education will be updated on the work that has been done to strengthen our Career Technical Education (CTE) programs and provide an update of our CTE programs. In September of 2019, a group of stakeholders began meeting to review the CTE programs offered in Modesto City Schools. The CTE committee, under the facilitation of the Senior Director of Educational Options, devised recommended updates and changes to the current pathways and programs. This presentation will give an overview of those recommendations and the work that has been done to graduate more MCS students College and Career ready

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.

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

A SERP allows our district to develop and offer an incentive plan that will enhance retiree benefits while providing an effective budget and staff planning solution.

The SERP is a voluntary plan for employees who meet all Eligibility Guidelines including but not limited to:

1.       Employee must be a Certificated Non-Management employee of Modesto City Schools.

2.       Employee must be at least 55 years of age with 5 consecutive years of service with the District by June 30, 2021.

3.       Employee must retire from the District on or before June 30, 2021.

4.       Employee must submit to the District Office a completed SERP Enrollment Package, a Letter of Resignation and an Irrevocable Letter of SERP Participation no later than January 22, 2021.

On behalf of the District, Keenan Financial Services is the Contract Administrator. The Plan will give eligible employees the opportunity to retire early with a monthly benefit in addition to their CalSTRS / CalPERS retirement plan. Keenan Financial Services will provide group orientation meetings plus individual counseling sessions.

The offer may be revoked if participation levels are not met.

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Supplemental Early Retirement Plan (SERP) For Certificated Non-Management Employees.

Goal Four:  Ensure District is fiscally and operationally sound.

Governor Gavin Newsom released the 2021-22 State Budget Proposal on Friday,
January 8, 2021.  The Governor’s Proposal presented a $2 billion increase for the LCFF, which reflects a compounded 3.84% COLA, and no other augmentations to the LCFF. 
  

Unlike prior budgets, there are currently no additional funds to provide pension relief for school districts in 2021-22.                                      

District staff received full details of the Governor’s budget proposal during a webinar on January 15, 2021, and will update the Board of Trustees on February 9, 2021.

The report will update the Board of Trustees on the status of the Governor’s State Budget Proposal, and the estimated impact on budget development for 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 was found that the following Board Policy needs to be created or revised: BP 6164.6, Identification and Education Under Section 504; Deletion of BP 6164.6, Identification, Evaluation and Education of Students Who are Qualified Disabled Persons as Defined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the graduation schedule for May, 2021 and identification of Board Member for each ceremony.

The Board adopted the 2020/21 budget on June 22, 2020.  Adjustments to the budget are made regularly based on known changes to revenue or the level/category of expenditures.

4.1 Implement sustainable plan for the budget under the Local Control Funding Formula.

The Education Code requires that the Board approve major changes to the adopted budget.

Budget adjustments which have been processed for the period between December 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 are presented in the following reports.  Explanations are provided for adjustments over $25,000 for revenue and expenditure groups by fund.  This report reflects adjustments to the budget only, not a complete financial statement.  Copies of the full report are available for review in the Budget Department.

The adjusted budget retains all State and Board designated reserves.

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the April revisions to the adopted 2020/21 budget.

The National School Breakfast Program was established in 1966 to ensure that all children would have an opportunity to start their school day with a healthy breakfast.  Recent studies have linked a healthy breakfast to improved academic performance.  Modesto City Schools operates an exemplary breakfast program at all school sites.

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

The importance of children beginning their school day with a healthy breakfast should be acknowledged by recognizing National School Breakfast Week in Modesto City Schools.

Proclaiming the week of March 8 through 12, 2021 as National School Breakfast Week in Modesto City Schools expresses the appreciation of the Board members and District staff in recognizing the contribution made by the Nutrition Services staff and food service workers to Modesto City Schools.

There is no fiscal impact.

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve Resolution No. 20/21-18 declaring the Week of March 8 through March 12, 2021 as National School Breakfast Week.

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

The Business Services Division draws warrants on a weekly basis to pay the bills of the District.  Payroll warrants are drawn on the 15^th of the month for claims, and on the last working day of the month for monthly employees.

The California Education Code section 42631 requires the Board of Education to approve all expenditures of the District.

Board of Education approval will allow the District to meet Education Code and Annual Audit requirements.

The expenditures are included in the District’s budget for fiscal year 2020/21.

It is recommended that the Board of Education ratify warrants drawn for the month of
December 2020.

On November 30, 2020, the Board approved an agreement with Modesto Junior College to provide tutoring and educational services for at-risk children.

The agreement with Modesto Junior College includes services up to seven (7) students from seven (7) school sites, for a total of 49 students.  This addendum would increase the number of students by 15, for a new total of 64 students.

The addendum to the agreement is available for review in the Student Support Services Office.

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

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

New Course:

IBSL Computer Science

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 was found that the following Administrative Regulation needs to be created or revised: AR 6164.6, Identification and Education Under Section 504; Deletion of AR 6164.6, Identification, Evaluation and Education of Students Who are Qualified Disabled Persons as Defined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

A schoolwide program at a Title I school serves all students instead of a smaller subgroup 
of at-risk students.  The staff, parents, and School Site Council at Gregori High School have made the decision to become a Title I schoolwide program.  To be eligible to operate as a schoolwide program, schools must have at least 40% of their students living in poverty.  Gregori High School has a free and reduced meal eligibility count of 50.3%.  As a schoolwide program, federal, state, and local funds are consolidated to reform the entire educational program so that all students, particularly the lowest-achieving students, demonstrate proficiency on the State’s academic standards.

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

Becoming a schoolwide Title I school will help all students at Gregori High School meet the California Department of Education’s challenging academic standards.

Following approval by the Board of Education, request for authorization to become schoolwide program is submitted to the California Department of Education for final approval.

A Targeted Assistance School Program at a Title I school provides services to improve student academic achievement for eligible students that have been identified as at-risk students.  The staff, parents, and School Site Council at Enochs High School have made a decision to become a Title I Targeted Assistance School Program.  To be eligible to operate as a Targeted Assistance School Program, schools must have at least 35% of their students living in poverty.  Enochs High School has a free and reduced meal eligibility count of 39.4%.  As a Targeted Assistance School Program, federal, state, and local funds are utilized to reform the educational program so that eligible students having the greatest need for special assistance, particularly the lowest-achieving students, demonstrate proficiency on the State’s academic standards.  

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

Becoming a Title I Targeted Assistance School Program will help all identified at-risk students at Enochs High School meet the California Department of Education’s challenging academic standards.

Following approval by the Board of Education, request for authorization of
targeted assistance program at James C. Enochs High School is submitted to the California Department of Education for final approval.

Due to COVID-19, the Modesto Virtual Academy (MVA) was expanded to include TK-12 students who wish to remain at home and participate in MVA’s independent learning program, which is Florida Virtual Academy curriculum.

Modesto City Schools has board policies and administrative regulations in place detailing 8^th grade graduation/promotion requirements (5128 and 6146.5), which include taking/passing the Modesto City Schools U.S. Constitution Test.

Teachers hired to teach in the MVA using Florida Virtual Academy curriculum can possess a multiple subject or single subject credential and can supervise any grade level in the program.  Not all teachers supervising 8^th grade students were aware of the current BP 5128 and BP 6146.5 outlining the requirement to take and pass the 8^th grade U.S. Constitution Test to promote to the 9^th grade.  Therefore, they did not make this known to 8^th grade students and parents in a timely manner.

In addition, the Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development department has convened a California State Seal of Civic Engagement committee, for the purpose of providing recommendations to the Board of Education on an aligned Civic learning and engagement program for all grade levels, that will be considered at a Board meeting in the Spring of 2021.

The proposed resolution 20/21-22 states that current 2020-21 MVA 8^th grade students are not required to take and pass the 8^th grade U.S. Constitution Test to promote from 8^th grade.

Modesto City Schools contracts with the Stanislaus County Office of Education for federal Head Start funding, providing services for 420 preschool age children for 2021-22. 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 2021-22 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.

• 2021-22 Training and Technical Assistance (T&TA) Plan
• 2021-22 Program Service Plan
• 2021-22 Head Start Budgets

The Modesto City School Head Start Parent Policy Committee approved the 2021-22 funding application for Modesto City Schools' Head Start on February 5, 2021. A copy of the application is available in the Early Childhood Education Office.

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Application for Federal Assistance for the Head Start Program for Fiscal Year 2021-22.

The services of teachers are required in subject areas other than those authorized by his or her credentials because of District need. The District may authorize staff who are holders of a General Elementary or Secondary Credential to teach outside of his or her college academic major or minor.  Individuals holding Standard Teaching, Single Subject or Multiple Subject Credentials may be authorized to teach courses in Grades 7-12 other than those authorized by subject areas designated on their credentials.

5.0 Recruit, hire, train, and retain high quality staff.

To qualify to teach certain classes, those teachers with the Standard Secondary or Single Subject credentials must have 18 semester hours of course work, or nine semester hours of upper division, or graduate course work in the subject area, or have completed at least 60 semester hours equally distributed among the four areas of diversified major for instruction in a self-contained classroom, as set forth in Education Code Section 44263.  For those with the Multiple Subject and Standard Elementary Credentials, it is necessary that they have 12 semester units or 6 upper division or graduate units to teach subjects in departmentalized settings in grades nine and below, as set forth in Education Code Section 44256. The holder of a Single Subject teaching or a Standard Secondary teaching credential may be partially assigned to teach classes in grades 5 to 8, inclusive, in a middle school, provided that he or she has a minimum 12 semester units, or six upper division or graduate units, as set forth in Education Code Section 44258.2. A credential holder whose credential is in a subject other than physical education may be authorized, by action of the Governing Board, to coach one period per day in a competitive sport for which students receive physical education credit, as set forth in Education Code Section 44258.7.

Based on the aforementioned Education Code Sections, a Board Resolution must be approved to allow teachers to teach courses that are both necessary and desirable for the efficient operation of the junior and senior high schools.

The District has participated in agreements with colleges and universities to provide supervised field experience to college students enrolled in various programs.

5.2 Strengthen partnerships with local teaching, training, and employment programs.

The District would like to enter into a Field Experience Agreement with University of Southern California, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, effective February 10, 2021 through June 30, 2024. A copy of the agreement will be available for review in the Human Resources Office.

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Social Work Field Experience Agreement with the University of Southern California.

In supporting the month of February 2021 as National Black History Month, Modesto City Schools shows support in encouraging students and residents to celebrate the history, culture and contributions of the African-American community.

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

In recognition of February 1-5, 2021, as National School Counseling Week, Modesto City Schools shows support and appreciation for our staff of school counselors who are actively committed to helping our students explore their abilities, strengths, interests and talents as these traits directly related to career awareness and development, as well as for their work helping parents focus on ways to further the educational, personal and social growth of their children. 

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

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.

Effective January 1, 2005, pursuant to the Williams vs. State of California litigation settlement and as defined in Education Code 35186, Modesto City Schools posted in every classroom a statement that students have the right to a qualified teacher, adequate and current instructional materials, and a facility that is free from conditions that pose a threat to the health and safety of students or staff. On February 7, 2005, the Board of Education approved Administrative Regulation 1312.4, which addresses procedures for the complaint process.

Summaries of complaints must be publicly reported to the Board on a quarterly basis at a regularly scheduled meeting and forwarded to the county Superintendent of Schools.

There were no complaints received for the fourth quarter of 2020/21.

REPORT: WILLIAMS ACT QUARTERLY REPORT

ON COMPLAINTS, SUBJECT AREA OF COMPLAINT AND RESOLUTION

Instructional Materials:            No complaints for the fourth quarter.

Staffing:              No complaints for the fourth quarter.

Facilities:            No complaints for the fourth quarter.

Valenzuela Act:    No complaints for the fourth quarter.

Total Complaints:         No complaints to date.