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.

The complete agenda is available at www.mcs4kids.com as well as 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 Unless some member of the audience or Board member has a question concerning an item and asks that it be withdrawn from the consent list, the items are approved at one time by the Board.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.

Board Bylaw 9322 (b):

Members of the public may address the Board of Education on matters not on the agenda.

Complaints against specific District employees should be resolved through the District’s Personnel Complaint Procedure. The right to address the Board does not exempt the speaker from any potential liability for defamation. The proceedings of the Board are recorded and are a part of the public record.

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.

The law limits the response of Board members and prohibits the Board from taking any formal action.

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 3/18/20. The MCS Board Meetings have been adjusted to follow health and safety precautions. 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 8/7/21) We value your comments and have created several options to ensure your voice is heard:

In-Person (effective 8/7/21): 
Members of the public can make their comment in-person at the Boardroom located at 425 Locust Street.  Public seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis in the boardroom. 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: All individuals attending the Board meeting must wear an approved face covering while indoors.  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 below. The Board assumes no liability for any health risks to members of the public who attend the Board meeting in-person.

By Email at publiccomment@mcs4kids.com or by voicemail at 574-1525 prior to Noon (12:00 p.m.) on the day of the Board meeting.  (Please keep your comment to 250 words – comments will not be read aloud at the Board meeting, but will be transcribed, printed and provided to each Board member prior to the start of the Board meeting.  Copies will also be made available to the public at the Board meeting and added to the minutes and approved at a subsequent Board meeting.)

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

Education Code Section 42127 specifies the following:

Not later than 45 days after the Governor signs the annual Budget Act, the school district shall make available for public review any revisions in revenues and expenditures that it has made to its budget to reflect the funding made available by that Budget Act.

The Governor signed the 2021-22 State Budget into law on June 28, 2021, which started the clock ticking on the 45-days, ending on August 12, 2020.  Over the last several years, as the differences between the May Revision and the final Budget Act have not been relatively significant, most districts have not prepared a 45-day revised budget.  There is no version of the Standardized Account Code Structure software for the 45-day budget revision, and the only requirement is to make the revisions publicly available.  The 2021-22 Budget Act was different than the May Revision assumptions used to build our budget, and this revision is an opportunity to update the budget for current projections.

The 2021-22 State Budget provided a reduction to the proposed State Unemployment Insurance rate, resulting in an increase of $1,775,285. to the projected ending fund balance, now estimated to be $99,466,450.

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the 45-Day Budget Revision to reflect funding made available by the 2021-22 Budget Act.

Modesto City Schools provided various summer school programs for site based elementary academic, secondary 7-12, and Special Education, as well as expanded enrichment programs during the Summer of 2021.

1.1 Ensure Great Instruction First Time.
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.

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.

LCAP Goal 3 also recommends summer enrichment and academies as a strategy to support activities including visual and performing arts, Outdoor Education, athletics, student activities, physical fitness, and science/science camp.

Students had the opportunity to attend summer school as follows:
Elementary students at all sites(El Vista and Sonoma located off site due to construction).
Junior High students at all sites.
High School students at their home high school.
Enrichment programs were held at various sites.

Special Education conducted Extended School Year (ESY) for K-12 students and to students in our Transitions program. Credit recovery was provided for those students who receive services in self-contained, mild-moderate classrooms throughout the year.

Summer School provided a great opportunity for students to have remedial instruction, earn credit recovery, and explore enrichment options. Overall, K-12 attendance grew dramatically due to expansion of both remediation and enrichment programs at all sites. 3,900 students attended in 2019 and over 7,000 students participated in 2021. Students in all grade levels demonstrated increased levels of performance and engagement, which was especially noted in the K-6 pre/post increase, and in grades 7-12 regarding students earning credits in more than one course.

The purpose of the report on Assembly Bill (AB) 104 - Pupil instruction: retention, grade changes, and exemptions is to outline the specifics of the assembly bill and to highlight communication and implementation plans in Modesto City Schools.

Goal 1.4: Develop a multi-tiered system of supports for all students
Goal 3.3: Increase regular two-way communication with stakeholders regarding student progress and other important issues.

Signed by the Governor on July 1, 2021, AB 104 provides parents and guardians with options to address student learning gaps related to the COVID-19 pandemic. There are three main provisions of the law that families may consider for their student.

• * Request for meeting to consider grade level retention
• * Request to change 2020-21 high school grades earned to Pass / No Pass
• * Consideration for State Minimum Graduation Requirements for 2020-21 junior and senior level students

AB 104 requires, within specific timelines, that the District post a notice on its internet website and provide written notice to its students and their parents or guardians of the grade change option. The website and written notice includes: the application to request a grade change, the list of postsecondary educational institutions who have indicated they will accept Pass / No Pass transcript grades as part of the admission review process, and a statement that some postsecondary educational institutions, including those in other states, may not accept a Pass or No Pass grade instead of a letter grade for admission purposes.

Communication with schools and families about AB 104 included professional development for site administrators, registrars and counselors, a posting on the Modesto City Schools website at https://www.mcs4kids.com/parents/academics/ab-104, a letter mailed to families with the aforementioned required elements, and a SchoolMessenger communication alerting families to the AB 104 webpage and letter they would be receiving.

Due to the continued technology growth and usage expectations within the District, we are recommending an expansion to our existing virtual server infrastructure.

3.5 Improve operational efficiencies through the use of technology and improved network infrastructure
4.5 Invest in school facilities and infrastructure for safe and clean facilities

An analysis was done against our existing server infrastructure, looking at both current usage and projecting for future needs. Multiple solutions were provided, and the [RE]DESIGN Group solution is a cost-effective solution that is expected to meet the District’s server needs for the next 5 years.

Copies of this agreement are available in the IETS department located on Reno Avenue.

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Purchase of Goods and Services from [RE]DESIGN Group for the 2021-22 Fiscal Year utilizing  Master Contract(s) CMAS #3-20-70-3838A & #3-20-70-3838B. 

Goal 4.3 Invest in school facilities and infrastructure for safe and clean facilities.

The District is requesting professional services in demographic analysis, enrollment forecasting, facilities planning, public meeting support and geographic information system data development.

The agreement can be reviewed in the Business Services office.

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

A Universal Transitional Kindergarten program will be gradually phased in over the next five years, until it includes all the state’s 4-year-olds by the 2025-26 school year. Transitional kindergarten, or TK, are primarily those who turn 5 between Sept. 2 and Dec. 2. Currently, Modesto City Schools has approximately 1500 kindergarteners with the expectation to have the same number of Transitional Kindergarteners after the 4 year roll out. In keeping with the Master Plan for Early Learning and Care, this expansion of the program will create more equity in early education. The program assures a small teacher-to-student ratio, such as starting with a ratio of 1 adult for every 12 children in the 2022-23 school year and segueing to one adult for every 10 children by the 2023-24 school year. State funding is based on renovation of existing non-portables or new non-portable construction. 

PBK will review plans of each elementary school in the District.  The agreement can be reviews in the Business Services Office.

4.3 Invest in school facilities and infrastructure for safe and clean facilities.

A complete review is recommended of the District’s Warehouse Operations with the assistance of other districts to utilize existing data relative to the MCS Warehouse Operations. The review will include a comparative analysis of the Districts’ Warehouse Operations, and recommendations for improved efficiencies. SBC possesses the experience and skill needed to provide these services requested by the District. 

A copy of the agreement can be reviewed in the Business Services Office.

Goal 4. Goal Four: Ensure the District is fiscally and operationally sound.

A detailed review of the budget involves analyzing each major revenue and expenditure category for the General Fund and ancillary funds (to the extent those funds have a fiscal impact on the General Fund). The review will not be an audit, but is designed to give the District a fair and independent assessment of the current District finances. 

A copy of the agreement can be reviewed in the Business Services Office.

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.

Board of Education approval will allow the District to meet Board Policy 3300 requirements.  A copy of the report is available for review in the Purchasing Department.

Modesto City Schools Early Childhood Education (ECE) Family Child Care Program serves 145 children with contracted family childcare providers.  Modesto City Schools is seeking to contract with Breathing Through Counseling & Wellness Services to provide individualized and practical behavioral interventions to assist children in regulating their behaviors.  In addition, they will provide job embedded training and support to providers to address difficult behaviors and mental health needs of the children in their care.  

1.1 Ensure Great Instruction First Time.
2.2 Ensure all staff has professional development in the area of building their capacities as professionals. 

Family Child Care Homes (FCCH) require support when working with enrolled children and families who are experiencing trauma in their lives.  Providing ongoing education, training and mentoring opportunities for FCCH providers supports ECE in maintaining compliance with Head Start Standards and State Preschool Regulations.  While ECE provides a wide range of training and technical assistance to FCCH providers, contracting with consultants who are experts within the field of Early Childhood Education provides local professional growth opportunities for ECE staff and FCCH providers, focused on the specific needs of the children and families being serviced in the ECE program.  

Modesto City Schools will contract with Breathing Through Counseling & Wellness Services to provide education, training, and mentoring for Family Child Care Homes (FCCH) educators and Early Childhood Education (ECE) staff.  Trainings will focus on:  Individual intervention, learning coping skills in real time, enable practical learning opportunities for both children and staff, provide support to providers and staff struggling with difficult behaviors and mental health needs of the children in their care, including skills and knowledge that can be applied to daily work.

Each year Modesto City Schools Board of Education has approved the agreements between Modesto City Schools and Licensed Family Child Care Providers to offer services for children enrolled in the Family Child Care Program funded by the General Child Care contract (CCTR-1305) with the California Department of Social Services. 

Approval of new agreements with additional childcare providers will allow ECE to expand and meet funded enrollment targets for childcare and development services for children enrolled in the Family Child Care Program. 

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.  

3.2 Promote outstanding students, families, staff, programs, schools, and community partners. 

A copy of the agreement will be available upon request in the Business Services office. 

Dr. Douglas Reeves, Creative Leadership Solutions (CLS), will support the development and implementation of Modesto City School District's "Grading Task Force" to address equitable grading practices. The task force will be composed of TK-12 teachers and school administrators who volunteer to participate. CLS will support the facilitation of the professional development and help the District analyze the existing grading and reporting structures, leaving with a plan to make significant improvements that will bear fruit for improved engagement and student results. CLS will collaborate with teachers and leaders in either a virtual, blended, or live format. In addition, each day CLS is in the District, CLS will be available to meet with the Cabinet, District and school leaders, grade level/department leaders, and teacher-leaders as needed to support their work on equity-based grading practices.

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.
3.3:  Increase regular two-way communication with stakeholders regarding student progress and other important issues.

Due to the aftermath of the COVID-19 virus pandemic, the California Department of Education has required school districts to offer a distance learning option for students whose parents are uncomfortable sending their students to in-person school (AB103).  Modesto City Schools' Modesto Virtual Academy continues to support more than 750 students, who access teachers once a week for one hour and complete their work on their own time.  Skooli offers online tutoring to support online students, as well as increased supports to our asylum seekers and refugee students as they were among the hardest hit during distance learning.  Skooli will support targeted students with additional tutoring options.

Goal 1.0:  Increase academic achievement and ensure equitable access to enable all students to attain college and career readiness.

Goal 3.0:  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.

A copy of the agreement can be reviewed in the Curriculum and Instruction/Professional Development office.

Foothill Horizons is a California Department of Education (CDE) and California Outdoor School Association certified residential outdoor school in the foothills of the central Sierra. Foothill Horizons Outdoor School provides an interactive outdoor science experience, a collaborative learning environment, and personal growth opportunities through individual challenges.

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

Modesto City Schools 2019-2020 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) provided funding for all Modesto City Schools' sixth grade students to attend a three-day/two-night outdoor education experience at Foothill Horizons.

The District wishes to contract with the Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE) to provide an outdoor education experience for this year's sixth grade students at all Modesto City Schools elementary sites. The location of the activities will occur at Foothill Horizons in Sonora, California. Modesto City Schools teaching staff will work with the camp counselors and Foothill Horizons staff to provide a three-day/two-night experience which includes a variety of science related outdoor activities. The cost includes facilities and grounds at the Neal E. Wade Outdoor Education Center, room and board, transportation to and from the outdoor education center, and naturalists to assist school staff with the instructional program.

 A copy of the agreement is available upon request in the Student Support Services Office.

The contracted amount with Stanislaus County Office of Education for outdoor education through Foothill Horizons will not exceed $400,000.

The funding source has been identified in the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP 1.5.G).

Modesto City Schools Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) contracts with outside service providers when necessary to provide needed supports and training to specific staff. The District seeks to enter into an agreement with The Medics Plus, Inc. to provide training and testing in CPR including Special Education SH/Autism/Infant and Toddler Paraprofessionals and District Health Clerks.

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

2.0: Ensure that all employees have access to high quality professional development

Modesto City Schools SELPA has identified a service provider for the 2021-2022 school year to assist the SELPA with providing targeted CPR training to our SH/Autism Paraprofessionals and Health Clerks.

Modesto City Schools SELPA proposes to contract with the following entities to provide services, staff, and training to our District:

• The Medics Plus, Inc.

Copies of this services agreement is available in the Modesto City Schools Special Education Office for review.

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the services agreement with The Medics Plus, Inc. for the 2021-2022 School Year.

CPR1 is a company that provides Automated External Defibrillators (AED) maintenance and services to school districts throughout the state of California. CPR1 has a comprehensive knowledge of California Schools’ AED legal requirements.

Goal 3: 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.

The District currently has AED devices that are placed in all of our schools and in buildings around the District. The AED devices require ongoing servicing and maintenance throughout the year to ensure the devices are working properly.

The District would like to engage in an agreement for services with CPR1 to provide servicing and maintenance based on said agreement. Services include but are not limited to checking and replacing any damaged or expired parts on the AED devices and other routine servicing and maintenance-related items. Varying services will be provided on a quarterly, biannual, and annual basis.

The contract is available for review in the Student Support Services Office.

The Coordinator, Special Parent Projects will be responsible for providing leadership and assuming responsibility in the coordination and implementation of the District’s Parent Ambassador Program and the preparation for program quality reviews.

Goal 5.3:  Expand recruiting and hiring processes to provide support, maximize retention, and increase diversity in the certificated, classified and management workforce.

The District has participated each year in agreements with colleges and universities to provide practice teaching experience to college students enrolled in education curricula.

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

The District is interested in entering into a Student Teaching Agreement with Pacific Oaks College to provide practice teaching experience for their students enrolled in education curricula, effective August 17, 2021 through June 30, 2024. A copy of the agreement will be available for review in the Human Resources Office.

There will be no cost to the District.

When an employing agency finds there is an insufficient number of qualified certificated persons who meet the specified employment criteria for a position, a Variable Term Waiver provides employing agencies an option to fill an assignment with an individual who qualifies under one of the available assignment options.

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

In order for Hannah Cole, Luis Rodriguez, and Russell Bianchi to be compliant with the Career Technical Education English Learners authorization requirement, a waiver of California Education Code 44253.11 must be procured from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

It is proposed that the Board of Education review and approve the request for Variable Term Waiver.

Salary schedules are updated to reflect changes that occur as a result of collective bargaining or other agreements, and have received Board approval after the agreements have been reached.

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

Although agreements establishing compensation rates have received Board approval, the 2020/21 salary schedules for certificated, classified, management, and non-representative employees reflecting the approved compensation rates have not received Board approval.  It is necessary at this time for this step to occur. Copies of the salary schedules will be available for review in the Human Resources Office, and upon approval, will be posted on the District website.

Any changes resulting from current or ongoing negotiations that impact the applicable salary schedule year will result in updated salary schedules being submitted for subsequent Board approval.

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the second reading of proposed revision of Modesto City Schools Board of Education Board Protocols and Norms.