The Presiding Officer will call the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. before the Board recesses to Closed Session. The Regular Meeting will convene by 7:30 p.m. 

Persons wishing to address the Board should fill out a green speaker card.  Cards turned in by 5:15 p.m. will be given priority. Speakers will be randomly selected based on topic and position, with BUSD students generally given priority. Public Testimony is limited to 15 minutes with a 3-minute limit per speaker per topic although the time allotted per speaker may be reduced to 2 minutes at the discretion of the President. 

The Board may recess into Closed Session before or after the public meeting under the authority of the Brown Act (including but not limited to Government Code section 54954.5, 54956.8, 54956.9, 54957, 54957.6, as well as Education Code section 35146).  Under Government Code section 54954.3, members of the public may address the board on an item on the Closed Session agenda, before Closed Session.

Persons wishing to address the Board should fill out a green speaker card.  Cards turned in by 7:15 p.m. will be given priority.        

Speakers will be randomly selected based on topic and position, with BUSD students generally given priority.  Public Testimony is limited to 30 minutes with a 3-minute limit per speaker per topic although the time allotted per speaker may be reduced to 2 minutes at the discretion of the President. 

Board members and the Superintendent are given the opportunity to address any issue.  

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 

TO: Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM: Delia Ruiz, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources
DATE: September 30, 2015
SUBJECT: Approval of Human Resources Reports

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On a regular basis, staff presents the Human Resources Reports listing employment actions for the Board to approve/ratify officially. Please refer to the attached Certificated and Classified Reports.

Approve the Human Resources Reports.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

 OFFICIAL MINUTES
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
____________________________________________________________

President Appel called the meeting to order at 7:48 p.m. President Appel announced that the Board of Education convened to closed session at 5:45 p.m.

Roll Call 7:50 p.m.       
Board of Education:
Judy Appel, President - Present
Beatriz Leyva-Cutler, Vice President - Present
Karen Hemphill, Director/Clerk – Present
Josh Daniels, Director - Present
Ty Alper, Director - Present

Administration:   
Donald E. Evans, Ed.D, Superintendent
Javetta Cleveland, Deputy Superintendent
Pasquale Scuderi, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services
Delia Ruiz, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources
Lyz Chairez, Recorder

Report Closed Session

Collective Bargaining: Lead Negotiator: Legal Counsel Roy Combs
UBA, BCCE and Local 21 Negotiations - No Action

Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation
PEB Case No. SF-CE-3027-E: Brian Crowell v. Berkeley Unified - No Action

Public Employment /Dismissal/Release/Evaluation
Separation Agreement for Certificated Employee – No Action

Public Employment/Appointment
BHS Vice Principal
The Board approved the Superintendent to make appointment during the summer.

Program Supervisor – Extended Learning

Motion to approve the assignment of Aaron Jorgensen as the new program supervisor for the Extended Learning Program:
Hemphill/Leyva Cutler and unanimously approved 5-0

Liability Claims
Property Claim No. PER1400876

Motion to accept Staff recommendation on this matter:

Alper/Leyva-Cutler and unanimously approved 3-0
Judy Appel, President - Yes
Beatriz Leyva-Cutler, Vice President - Yes
Karen Hemphill, Director/Clerk – Not yet present during this vote
Josh Daniels, Director - Not yet present during this vote
Ty Alper, Director - Yes

Property Claim # IN2053

Motion to accept Staff recommendation on this matter:

Appel/Alper and approved unanimously 5-0

Workers Compensation Claim NO. 130900066

Motion to accept Staff recommendation on this matter:

Appel/Hemphill and unanimously approved 5-0

OPEN SESSION
The open session meeting was called to order at 7:48pm.

APPROVAL OF REGULAR AGENDA

Director Alper asked that items 6, Approval of Schematic Design of the Portables Addition Project at John Muir, Thousand Oaks and LeConte Elementary School, Budget Update, Approval of Additional Services from Consultants; and 19, Approval and Adoption of Board Policy P 0460 and Exhibit 0460-LCAP be pulled from Consent and moved to Action. Director Daniels moved Discussion item 1, Board Bylaws 0100, 9000, 9005 and 9010—First Reading, to information.

Motion to approve agenda with Discussion Items preceding Action items, and as amended by Director Daniels and Director Alper:

Daniels/Alper and unanimously approved 5-0

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

A total of nine people addressed the Board:

A teacher spoke in support of a full time CTE Program director to manage and oversee the work at BHS, BTA and BAS.

Four parents and a former BHS student came before the Board to thank them for their hard work throughout the year. The parents asked the Board to organize a meeting to address some of the issues surrounding BHS student athletes and their coach.

A gardening instructor addressed the Board in support of continuing the Gardening Program with an increased FTE for consultation.

A parent addressed the Board in regards to alternatives to portables.

UNION COMMENTS

Cathy Campbell, President, Berkeley Federation of Teachers (BFT)
She congratulated the Board on a great year. She thanked the Board for their funding decisions--their substantial investment in restorative justice programs, for their work around the negotiation investment, for separating BTSA position from Professional Development position, for their support of the CDC program, and their investment in attracting more teachers of color.

BOARD MEMBERS AND SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTS

Director Karen Hemphill announced that she had appointed Bahava Javaheri to the Peace and Justice Commission. She went on to express support for the gardening program and for the African American studies class. She noted that BUSD is the only district in the state with a science fire program that is A-G eligible in the state of California
an A-G fire science program. She also addressed the Administrative Regulation for Admissions and Enrollment, noting a variety of possible scenarios that would not allow families to provide some of the documentation required by Admissions.

Vice President Leyva-Cutler announced that her Peace and Justice appointee will not be able to continue; she is in the process of deciding between leaving this seat vacant or proceeding to appoint someone else.

Director Josh Daniels addressed the Board on behalf of the Chair of the District Language Advisory Committee (DLAC) who could not be present so speak tonight, announcing that DLAC would like to forego its role as a separate ELAC committee. Director Daniels made reference to the email DLAC sent to the Board, saying that that the work that the Board was assigning to DLAC was too much.  Instead they would like to have some required membership within the existing PAC as parents and guardians of English learners. Director Daniels went on to report that there was $150,000 and $175,000 collected from the Soda Tax Measure in March and April, respectively.

Director Ty Alper no comment

President Appel said she was proud of all of the work of the Board and thanked the leadership, saying it had been an honor working with Superintendent Evans and his team.

Superintendent Evans congratulated the 700 students who walked the stage. He thanked all of the bargaining units for their work. He noted that while strides have been made in different areas, there is still much work to be done. He thanked all of the committee chairs for the number of hours they put into representing their schools. He concluded by wishing everyone a great summer.

APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR

Motion to Approve Consent Calendar with Items 6 and 19 pulled:

Hemphill/Daniels and approved unanimously 5-0

Action Item

1. Approval of Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) 2015-16

   Directors Pat Saddler and Debbie d'Angelo presented the LCAP plan with timeline, actions and allocations. Questions and discussion followed.

   Motion to approve the LCAP for 2015-16:

   Daniels/Appel and unanimously approved 5-0

2. Approval of Estimated Actuals for 2014-15 and the 2015-16 Adopted Budget

   Director of Fiscal Services, Pauline Follansbee announced the Governor’s budget approval. She went on to present changes since the preliminary budget, multi-year projections and other considerations. Questions and discussion followed.

    Motion to Approve the Estimated Actuals for 2014-15 and the 2015-16 Adopted Budget:

   Daniels/Hemphill and unanimously approved 5-0

3. Approval of Tentative Agreement with the Berkeley Federations of Teachers (BFT) for a Successor Agreement for 2015-17

   Motion to Approve the Tentative Agreement with the Berkeley Federation of Teachers (BFT) for a Successor Agreement for 2015-17:

   Leyva-Cutler/Alper and unanimously approved 5-0

4. Approval of Public Disclosure of Collective Bargaining Agreement Documents (AB 1200)

   Motion to Approve the Public Disclosure of Collective Bargaining Agreement Documents (AB 1200):

   Alper/Hemphill and unanimously approved 5-0

5. Approval of Schematic Design of the Portables Addition Project at John Muir, Thousand Oaks ad LeConte Elementary School, Budget Update, Approval of Additional Services from Consultants

   Tim White, Director of Facilities, presented options and alternatives to portables. Questions and discussion followed.
   

   Motion to approve the Schematic Design of the Portables Addition Project at John Muir, Thousand Oaks and LeConte Elementary School, Budget Update, Approval of Additional Service from Consultants, with the condition that the addition of modular structures is also explored:

   Appel/Daniels and approved 3-2
   Judy Appel, President - Yes
   Beatriz Leyva-Cutler, Vice President - No
   Karen Hemphill, Director/Clerk – Yes
   Josh Daniels, Director - Yes
   Ty Alper, Director - No

6. Approval and Adoption of Board Policy P 0460 and Exhibit 0460-LCAP

Director Alper prefaced this item by directing everyone to the LCAP (pg. 152). The Board discussed the language in the LCAP.

Motion to approve and adopt Board Policy P 0460 and Exhibit 0460-LCAP:

Appel/Alper and unanimously approved 5-0

EXTENDED PUBLIC COMMENT
No one came forth.

President Appel adjourned meeting at 10:35 p.m.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

OFFICIAL MINUTES

___________________________________________________________________

President Judy Appel called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. She announced that that the Board of Education convened to closed session at 6:15 p.m. 

Roll Call 7:42 p.m.       
Board of Education:
Judy Appel, President - Present
Beatriz Leyva-Cutler, Vice President - Present
Karen Hemphill, Director/Clerk – Absent
Josh Daniels, Director – Present
Ty Alper, Director - Present

Administration:  
Donald E. Evans, Ed.D, Superintendent
Javetta Cleveland, Deputy Superintendent
Pasquale Scuderi, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services
Delia Ruiz, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources
Lyz Chairez, Recorder

REPORT CLOSED SESSION
Liability Claim—No. PER1400876
Request for Settlement Authority--No Action

OPEN SESSION
The open session meeting was called to order at 7:00pm.

APPROVAL OF SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA

Motion to approve Special Meeting Agenda

Daniels/Alper and unanimously approved 4-0

PUBLIC TESTIMONY
No one came forth.

ACTION ITEM

1. Authorization to Increase the Project Budget, Approve a Change Order for the Willard Modernization Project and Approval of Resolution 16-004

   Motion to approve Authorization to Increase the Project Budget, Approve a Change Order for the Willard Modernization Project and Approval of Resolution 16-004:

   Daniels/Leyva-Cutler and approved unanimously 4-0

2. Approval of 45-Day Revise to the California State Budget

Director Follansbee presented the impact of the Governor’s final State budget on the General and Restricted Funds. Questions and discussion followed.

Motion to Approve the 45-Day Revise to the California State Budget:

Daniels/Leyva-Cutler and approved unanimously 4-0

President Appel adjourned meeting at 7:20 p.m.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Board of Education
Meeting Location: 1231 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 94702
Phone: (510) 644-8764

Official Minutes
September 09, 2015

President Appel called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. She reported that the Board of Education convened to Closed Session at 5:30 p.m.

Swearing In of New Student Director:
President Appel swore in Berkeley High’s Student Director, Angelo Paraiso-Arroyo.

Roll Call: 7:37 p.m.
Board of Education:
Judy Appel, President – Present
Beatriz Leyva-Cutler, Vice President – Present
Karen Hemphill, Director/Clerk – Present
Josh Daniels, Director – Present
Ty Alper, Director – Present
Angelo Paraiso-Arroyo, Student Director, BHS – Present 

Administration:
Donald E. Evans, Ed.D, Superintendent
Javetta Cleveland, Deputy Superintendent
Pasquale Scuderi, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services
Delia Ruiza, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources
Lyz Chairez, Recorder

REPORT: CLOSED SESSION  

Conference with Legal Counsel--Pending Litigation (Government Code Section 54956.9)  
OCR Case #09-15-1041   
OCR Case # 09-15-1095            
OCR Case # 09-15-1369   

President Appel reported that the Board conferenced with legal  on this matter; no action was taken. 

Collective Bargaining: Lead Negotiator: Legal Counsel Roy Combs
UBA, BCCE, Local 21 Negotiations and Non-Represented Employees (counselGovernment Code Section 54957.6(a)) – President Appel reported that the Board conferenced with Roy Combs on this matter. 

Property & Liability Program
Request for Settlement Authority (BUSD Claim #IN2053) – President Appel reported that this was discussed, but no action was taken.  

Superintendent's Evaluation  
President Appel reported that the Board will discuss this item when it recesses into Closed Session after Open Session.  

OPEN SESSION
President Appel called the Open Session to order at 7:35 p.m.

APPROVAL OF REGULAR AGENDA  

Director Hemphill pulled Consent Item 11.14, Approval of Board of Education Minutes for June 3, 2015, and moved it to Action.

Motion to approve Regular Meeting Agenda as amended by Director Hemphill:
Leyva-Cutler/Daniels and unanimously approved 5-0 

PUBLIC TESTIMONY  

A total of two people addressed the Board:

Ralph Walker addressed the District’s legal action against him.

Jim Hayes addressed the Board in support of the previous speaker, Mr. Walker. 

UNION COMMENTS  
 
Steve Collins, Local 21
He talked about the District's wellness program and announced that clinics for biometric screening and flu shots are scheduled to begin in October. He promoted Thrive Across America, an exercise competition program. He said employees can register as teams to represent the various District departments and invited the Board to join and compete as a team.

Cathy Campbell, President, Berkeley Federation of Teachers (BFT)
Thanked all of the BUSD staff for a great start of school. She offered special thanks to the Board for contributing to the smooth start of the year with the certificated staff. She also congratulated Deputy Superintendent Cleveland for her excellent leadership. She went on to address Discussion Item 13.2, Board Policy Priorities, and highlighted some of the things she hoped the Board would consider: continued strong focus on closing equity gaps, continuing discussion of assessment and progress monitoring, recruitment and retention of teachers of color, restorative justice pilot, and BSEP. She said she would follow this with an email to the Board.  

BOARD MEMBER AND SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTS  
 
Director Ty Alper announced his appointment of Damian McNeil to the Youth Commission. He shared a report issued by Equal Rights Advocates, one of the leading non-profits advocating for equal rights for women, in which they investigate Title IX compliance in over 100 school districts. He said this report was significant because in addition to showing that BUSD is doing as well or better than the over 100 districts involved, it also highlights the work of our students. He added that this was a true testament to the advocacy of the students and the District responding with meaningful change. Office hours: Last Sunday of every month from 3:00pm to 4:30pm at Casa Latina.

Director Josh Daniels alerted everyone to Senate Bill 172. He said that if it passes, any student who did not receive a diploma solely due to not passing one or both parts of the CAHSEE is now by state law entitled to a high school diploma. This would be a slight modification to the recently signed bill that removed the CAHSEE as a high school graduation requirement for students of class of 2015. He went on to report that the SBA results were out and said they are indicative of all of the work needed to be done at both the state and District levels. He added that while less than half of the students who took the exam statewide were proficient, in BUSD more than half were proficient. Overall, he said, BUSD did somewhat better than the state. Office Hours: this Saturday, September 12, 2pm-3pm at Take 5 Cafe.

Director Angelo Paraiso-Arroyo said he was excited to represent his fellow peers on the school Board.

Director Karen Hemphill announced that she will be out of the country as of tomorrow and will not be at the next Board meeting on September 30. She will have office hours on the first and last Saturdays of October at 10:30 a.m. at Cafe Leila. She clarified that she had mistakenly pulled the minutes from June 3. Her intention was to pull the minutes from June 24 to make a correction to her recorded comment. The June 24 minutes misquoted her saying that “Berkeley has the only CTE program in the state of California”. She said that was incorrect and had, in fact, stated that Berkeley “has the only science fire program that is A-G eligible in the state of California.”

Director Hemphill’s correction will be applied to the Board of Education minutes for June 24 and they will be brought back to the Board for approval.

Director Beatriz Leyva-Cutler acknowledged the month of September as the attendance awareness month and reported that staff will be at the various sites promoting attendance. Office hours: Thursday, 4:30-6pm at Casa Latina.

President Judy Appel welcomed Student Director Paraiso-Arroyo and said that our BTA student representative will be sworn in at the next Board meeting on September 30. She went on to address the SBA results, saying that the gap is disheartening, particularly for African American students. She let parents know that they will soon be getting test results in the mail and reminded them that the results do not determine their child’s intelligence or potential. She said that a clarifying letter would also accompany results. Office Hours: 3rd Saturday of the month at Mojoe’s Café.

Superintendent Donald Evans acknowledged a smooth opening of schools and announced that Back to School Night for elementary schools is tomorrow night. In terms of the SBA results, he reported that data is being analyzed and staff is working to address the achievement gap. He invited all to Solano Stroll on Sunday at 10am.

Motion to adopt Board of Education minutes for June 3:

Hemphill/Leyva-Cutler and unanimously approved 5-0

11. Consent Calendar - approval requested  

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Priorities and Initiatives for the 2015-16 School Year  
 
Superintendent Evans presented Priorities and Initiatives for the 2015-16 School Year relative to enrollment, budget and his plan for strengthening the infrastructure. He reported that he will be bringing the BSEP renewal and monitoring of the LCAP to the Board within the next meetings. Questions and discussion followed.

The Board suggested that this presentation be posted on the website for the public to view. The Board agreed that it would be a good idea for the various school sites and committees to also see this presentation. 

ACTION ITEMS

Approval of Resolution No. 16-007 Gann Limit   

Motion to approve Resolution No. 16-007 Gann Limit:
Daniels/Alper and unanimously approved 5-0 

Approval of 2014-2015 Unaudited Actuals   
Director of Finance, Pauline Follansbee presented an overview of the projected ending fund balance of $5,302,728. She reported that the District closed the year with an ending fund balance of $5,094,617. She displayed variances and provided explanation. Questions and discussion followed.

Motion to Approve Unaudited Actuals for 2014-2015:
Daniels/Leyva-Cutler and unanimously approved 5-0.  

DISCUSSION ITEMS (Cont.)

Board Policy Priorities  
The Board revisited the list of policies they created in February of 14-15. President Appel directed the Board to bring forth any new or already listed policies that should be prioritized for the 2015-16 school year.

 Director Alper:

• The role of police in schools and when it is appropriate to refer students to the police

Director Paraiso-Arroyo:

• Student discipline and alternative to suspensions 

Director Hemphill:

• Student discipline
• Discrimination of all types
• Naming facilities  

Vice President Leyva-Cutler:

• Student discipline
• Enrollment changed given higher priority
• Revisit bullying and sexual harassment policies
• Gender neutral restrooms 

Questions and discussion followed.

EXTENDED PUBLIC COMMENT 
No one came forward

ADJOURNMENT
President Appel adjourned the meeting at 9:40 p.m. and the Board recessed into Closed Session. 

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:               Donald Evans, Ed.D, Superintendent
FROM:          Lisa Graham, Director, Special Education
DATE:           September 30, 2015
SUBJECT:     Approval of Master Contract for Nonpublic Residential Facility Services for the 2015-16 School Year

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The District contracts with nonpublic schools, when necessary to provide an appropriate placement, special education and/or related services if no appropriate public education program is available.  For students requiring residential treatment in a facility within or outside of California, the costs include tuition for educational services, room and board, mental health counseling and transportation. An individual service agreement (ISA) is developed for each student to whom the service provider is to provide special education or related services.

Residential facilities and schools must be approved by the California Department of Education even when they are located out-of-state.  Services are provided pursuant to Ed. Code Section 56365. Students enrolled in nonpublic residential schools are deemed enrolled in public schools.

POLICY/CODE:
Board Policy 3310/Education Code 39800

FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact of these services is estimated not to exceed $388,337.30 funded from the Special Education Budget.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Master Contract for the Nonpublic Residential Facilities listed above.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:                Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:          Lisa Graham, Director, Special Education
DATE:           September 30, 2015
SUBJECT:     Approval of Master Contract for Nonpublic School Services

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The District contracts with nonpublic schools, when necessary to provide an appropriate placement, special education and/or related services if no appropriate public education program is available. For students requiring nonpublic school day programs, the cost is for tuition for the educational program and services. An individual service agreement (ISA) is developed for each student to whom the service provider is to provide special education or related services. 

Transportation costs are included in the special education transportation budget. All nonpublic schools must be approved by the California Department of Education. Services are provided pursuant to Ed. Code Section 56034 and 56366. Students enrolled in nonpublic schools are deemed enrolled in public schools.
 

POLICY/CODE:
Education Code 39800
Board Policy 3310

FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact of these services is estimated not to exceed $144,060.00 funded from the Special Education Budget.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the increases to Master Contract for the Nonpublic School listed above.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:               Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:          Lisa Graham, Director, Special Education
DATE:           September 30, 2015
SUBJECT:     Approval of Master Contracts for Nonpublic Agency Services

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The District contracts with nonpublic agencies, when necessary, to provide related services to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP). The following nonpublic agencies provide related services as defined in Section 1401 of Title 20 of the U.S. Code and section 300.34 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and California Ed. Code 56363 to enable students with IEPs to benefit from their special education. An individual service agreement (ISA) is developed for each student to whom the service provider is to provide special education or related services. 

POLICY/CODE:
Board Policy 3310/Education Code 39800

FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact of these services is estimated not to exceed $286,876.30 funded from the Special Education Budget.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Master Contracts for the Nonpublic Agencies listed above.

     BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:             Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:        Pasquale Scuderi, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services
DATE:         September 30, 2015
SUBJECT:    Approval of Overnight Field Trips

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The following overnight field trips are being requested:

Tilden Regional Park and Lawrence Hall of Science, Berkeley, CA, October 8-9, 2015

Approve participation of seventy-five (75) fifth grade students, three teachers, and ten other adults from Jefferson Elementary on a two-day, one-night field trip to Wildcat View Campground, Tilden Regional Park. The group will depart Jefferson at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 8, and return at 2:15 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2015. The Lawrence Hall of Science will provide practice with scientific method and lessons on informational reading and note taking. There will also be focus on community building, decision making and leadership skills. BUSD will provide transportation to and from the event. The students will sleep in gender specific tents. The cost of $25.00 per student will be funded by parent donations. No student will be denied access based on inability to pay. Requested by: Sonya Martin, Jefferson Principal

Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley, CA, October 22-23, 2015

Approve participation of 63 fourth grade students, three teachers, and eight other adults from Jefferson Elementary on a two-day, one-night field trip Tilden Regional Park. The group will depart Jefferson at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, and return at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2015. The students will be taking part in a hands-on study of our local ecology and watershed. In addition, we will be focusing on team-building activities to build a successful learning environment for our school year. Narrative and essay writing will follow our trip. BUSD will provide transportation to and from the event.  The students will sleep in gender specific tents. The cost of $10.00 per student will be funded by parent donations. No student will be denied access based on inability to pay. Requested by: Sonya Martin, Jefferson Principal

Yosemite Photography Retreat, Curry Village, Yosemite National Park, October 17-19, 2015

Approve participation of twenty-five Berkeley High School Photography students, one teacher, and two other adult on a three-day, two-night field trip to Yosemite National Park. The group is scheduled to depart from Emeryville Amtrak station at 7:40 AM on Saturday, October 17^th and return on Monday October, 19^th at 4:00 PM. Parents will transport their students to and from the Amtrak Station located in Emeryville. The purpose of the trip is to allow students to visit a national treasure and experience photographing the landscape. The group will also tour the Ansel Adams Museum. During our stay students will reside in gender-specific tents at Curry Village. Students will pay for their own food from restaurants and the cafeteria in the village. The cost of $85.00 per student for transportation and housing is being paid by fundraising, parent donations, and a private donation. No student will be denied access based on inability to pay. Requested by: Sam Pasarow, BHS Principal. 

POLICY/CODE:
Board Policy 6153/Education Code 35330

FISCAL IMPACT:
As indicated above.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the out of state travel and overnight field trips consistent with the District Policies and instructional programs.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:         Donald Evans, Ed.D, Superintendent
FROM:     Pasquale Scuderi, Assistant Superintendent, Ed Services
Sam Pasarow, Principal, Berkeley High School
DATE:      September 30, 2015
SUBJECT:    Contract for Restorative Practices Consultant at BHS for 15-16

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Beginning on October 1, 2015, Mr. David Gibson (Ta-Biti) will work with the Berkeley High School Intervention Team to implement Restorative Justice as part of a larger strategy to improve school culture and build cohesion on the staff and within the student body, as well as to work to provide constructive responses and alternatives to behavioral issues at BHS as the site team seeks to address issues of disproportionality in suspensions of African-American students.  

Mr. Gibson will also work very closely with Berkeley High’s most at-risk students and provide intensive mentoring supports to ASI 3+ students who are often at the center of conflict on campus. Mr. Gibson’s contracted duties will include conducting student, staff, and parent harm circles, one-on-one case-management, home visits, parent communication, and efforts to support teacher facilitation of both community-building and harm circles. Mr. Gibson will train and support staff in holding harm circles when one community member harms another. Restorative discipline helps develop empathy in community members when harm occurs as well as restores imbalances that communities suffer when one member harms another.

Aside from helping the BHS community respond to harm in an innovative and more effective way, Mr. Gibson will support Berkeley High implement Tier I community building Restorative Justice (RJ) practices. Tier I Restorative Justice is purposeful in the many community-building techniques that can be employed in the classroom and in other key community spaces on campus, including teacher and staff professional development. Tier I restorative practices will be integral to developing a cohesive and positive staff culture on the Berkeley High campus. Mr. Gibson will lead staff circles, which will build staff cohesion as well as model effective practices for community building in the classroom.

While Tier I emphasizes community building and Tier II emphasizes restoring harm, Tier III Restorative Justice involves a community’s efforts to welcome students back to the community after a period of incarceration, a long suspension, or a long absence.  

With the use of the circle process, Mr. Gibson will develop a team of peer mediators among the student body. The peer mediators, under Mr. Gibson’s guidance, will accept the role of Circle Keepers. Circle Keepers are charged with the duty of getting acquainted, developing action plans, addressing issues thus building relationships across campus. Community building will be the focal  point of the first year’s work, however, as conflict in schools is inevitable, Tier II and III Restorative practices will also be a big part of Mr. Gibson’s focus this school year. As conflict has its own schedule, Mr. Gibson will be on-site daily and into the evening providing prep, follow-up and home visits when necessary.

Due to BHS’s recent challenges with ‘clique’ or ‘gang’ scenarios which carry violent possibilities,  Mr. Gibson will also focus his work on youth involved in gangs and multi-city / multi-school violence. Mr. Gibson will work to build relationships with involved area youth, some of which are part of the BHS community.

Mr. Gibson will lay the foundation for RJ Practices throughout the Berkeley High community in program design and implementation to aid Berkeley High’s efforts to comply with the BUSD LCAP plan. Reducing discipline disproportionality will be a direct impact of Mr. Gibson’s work as he will mentor and support Berkeley High School’s most at-risk students. Finally, Mr. Gibson will help with the data input and tracking of disciplinary data, so the school can engage in cycles of inquiry to gauge the effectiveness of positive school climate strategies.

Mr. Gibson’s expertise and experience make his work a pilot that, after further analysis, may result in a mid-year request for a permanent position of this nature at BHS.

Mr. Gibson's work will be used in tandem with existing school personnel and resources to reduce disproportionality among suspensions issued to student groups, to reduce overall suspensions, to provide documentable alternatives in lieu of suspension. 

POLICY/CODE:
Board Policy 3310

FISCAL IMPACT:
Expenditures totaling $65,000 for SY 15-16 jointly funded through LCAP Supplemental Funding and BHS BSEP Site Discretionary Funds

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the contract with Mr. David Gibson for fiscal year 2015-16.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 

TO:              Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:        Dr. Susan Craig, Director, Student Services
DATE:         September 30, 2015
SUBJECT:  Williams Case Settlement Quarterly Report                 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
As a result of the Williams Case Settlement, every district in California is publicly accountable to ensure that the following conditions are met.

1)    There should be sufficient textbooks and instructional materials for all students, including English learners.

2)    School facilities should be clean, safe and maintained in good repair.

3)    All classes should be taught by properly credentialed teachers.

4)    Students who have not passed the California High School Exit Exam by the end of grade 12 should be provided the opportunity to receive intensive instruction and services after completion of grade 12 for up to two consecutive years. 

Information about the standards is posted in every classroom along with the complaint procedure to follow if there is a concern that any one of them is not being met. 

Staff is now reporting that between  April 11, 2015 and June 30, 2015 there was one (1) allegation of a violation in area 3 and that matter has been resolved. 

POLICY/CODE:
Ed Code 35186
Board Policy 1312

FISCAL IMPACT:
None

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Williams Case Settlement Quarterly Report.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:             Donald Evans, Ed.D, Superintendent
FROM:        Timothy E. White, Executive Director of Facilities
DATE:         September 30, 2015
SUBJECT:  Accept the Completion of the Project to Paint and Replace Flooring in H Building at Berkeley High School

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On May 6, 2015, the Board awarded a contract to Am Woo Construction, Inc. to replace the flooring and to paint the H Building at Berkeley High School. The project is complete. Acceptance of the project will permit staff to file a Notice of Completion with the County and will permit release of retention.    

POLICY/CODE:
California Public Contract Code 20110- 20118

FISCAL IMPACT:
The project was funded through the Measure AA bond. The project had changed orders of $517.50 or slightly more than 0.1% above the originally Board approved amount. We originally budgeted for change orders of 10%.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept the project as complete.   

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:  Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:        Timothy E. White, Executive Director, Facilities Planning and Management
DATE:         September 30, 2015
SUBJECT:  Approve a Contract With Van Pelt to Provide Project Management Services for 2015-2016

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: 
This year’s capital program was extremely robust and made much needed capital repairs and improvements at fourteen different school sites. Below is a brief summary of these projects and their current status in the construction process:

We are currently planning approximately 14-15 projects for the 2015-2016 school year. The projects are listed below:

Van Pelt has been serving BUSD since 2011 and staff wishes to renew their contract and has negotitated a 10%v discount in their service fee ($79,980), bringing the total contract cost not to exceed $719,820.

POLICY/CODE:
Board Policy 3310

FISCAL IMPACT:
The cost for projects is to be paid from Measure I and is not to exceed $719,820. 

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Van Pelt contract to project manage the above listed projects.    

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:               Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:         Javetta Cleveland, Deputy Superintendent
DATE:          September 30, 2015
SUBJECT:   Change in Authorized signers for Signature Card for LEARNS Program Bank Account - Resolution No. 16-009

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Staff is submitting Resolution #16-009-Authorized signers for deposits and checks for the LEARNS Program Bank Account(S). 

Staff is closing the current bank account named King Middle School Afterschool Program, AKA Berkeley Learns and opening a new BUSD LEARNS Program bank account to be managed at the central office.

POLICY/CODE:
Educational Code Section 42632

FISCAL IMPACT:
None

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Resolutions #16-009 by unanimous vote as required by the Education Code.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:             Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:       Javetta Cleveland, Deputy Superintendent
DATE:        September 30, 2015
SUBJECT: Acceptance of Gifts/Donations

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Board may accept and utilize on behalf of the District gifts of money or property for a purpose deemed to be suited by the Board.  The following donations have been presented to the District:

1. Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign donated $1,857.74 to be utilized as needed for Rosa Parks School.
2. The Benevity Community Impact Fund donated $259 to be utilized as needed for Rosa Parks School.
3. Rikki Moreno donated $50 through the Kaiser Permanente Community Giving Campaign to be utilized as needed for Rosa Parks School.
4. Marchelle King and Guthrie Dolin donated $100 to be utilized as needed for the Berkeley Unified Visual and Preforming Arts (VAPA) program.
5. King Middle School PTA donated $8,800 to fund Writer’s Coach Connection/Community Alliance for Learning for King Middle School.
6. Malcolm X PTA donated $2,392.50 to partially fund the fifth grade puberty education program for Malcolm X School.

BOARD POLICY: 
BP 3290 

FISCAL IMPACT:
The District received a total $13,459.24 in donations.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept the donations to the District and request staff to extend letters of appreciation.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:               Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:         Pauline Follansbee, Director of Fiscal Services
DATE:          September 30, 2015
SUBJECT:   Approval of Payroll Warrants Issued in August 2015

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: 
On a regular basis, the Board receives information on the total amount paid to employees during a month. The attached represents a summary of pay warrants from various funds for the months of August 2015.

FISCAL IMPACT
$6,268,933.34 for August 2015 from various funds.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Approve payroll payments made in August 2015.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:        Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:      Pauline E. Follansbee, Director of Fiscal Services
DATE:      September 30, 2015
SUBJECT:   Approve Listing of Warrants Issued in August 2015.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Each month the District writes several checks to vendors for services provided and goods received.  The checks are written against both the Restricted and Unrestricted General Fund. The summaries of warrants for the month of August 2015 are attached for the Board’s review.

POLICY/CODE:  
Educational Code Section 41010 et seq.

FISCAL IMPACT:  
$8,053,305.81 for the month of August 2015 from various funds.  

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:  
Approve the monthly bill warrant list for the month of August 2015.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:               Donald Evans, Ed. D., Superintendent
FROM:         Javetta Cleveland, Deputy Superintendent
DATE:          September 30, 2015
SUBJECT:   Approval of Contracts/Purchase Orders for Services Contracts

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The District contracts with consultants or independent contractors who can provide valuable and necessary specialized services not normally required on a continuing basis. The following contract services are requested. Expenditures are within budget. 

1. West Alameda County Conference (WACC), to provide officiating for Berkeley High School. The cost will not exceed $36,970. To be paid from General Fund. Requested by Britta Fjelstrom.
2. Dream Ride Elevator to modernize the elevator at Berkeley Arts Magnet. The cost will not exceed $48,000.To be paid from Measure H. Requested by Steve Collins.
3. DeWalt Services to install two backboards in the Donahue Gym.The cost will not exceed $21,000.To be paid from Measure AA. Requested by Tim White.
4. Infocus Video to provide equipment and camera installation for Rosa Parks Elementary School. The cost will not exceed $22,000. To be paid from Measure AA. Requested by Timothy E. White.
5. Infocus Video to provide equipment and camera installation for King Middle School. The cost will not exceed $22,000.To be paid from Measure AA. Requested by Timothy E. White.
6. Bay Area Peacekeepers to provide weekly support groups  from 10/1/15  to 6/30/16 for BUSD students in need of behavioral support.The cost will not exceed $20,000. To be paid from General Fund. Requested by Susan Craig.
7. AVID Center to provide membership and District leadership  for secondary schools. The cost will not exceed $24,840. To be paid from the General Fund. Requested by Pat Saddler.
8. Viva El Espanol to provide Spanish enrichment classes at Cragmont Elementary. The cost will not exceed $38,280. To be paid from PTA donations. Requested by Aaron Jorgensen.
9. Mad Science of Mount Diablo to provide Science classes at Cragmont Elementary. The cost will not exceed $14,040. To be paid from PTA donations. Requested by Aaron Jorgensen.
   
10. Increase in contract, PO#160258 to Syserco, to provide HVAC Services as needed by the Maintenance Department for the 2016 SY. The Board approved $15,000 on 6/10/15.The additional amount will increase the purchase order by $20,000 for a total amount of $35,000. To be paid from Measure H. Requested by Steve Collins.
11. Increase in contract, PO#160137 to American Roofing to provide roofing services as needed by the Maintenance Department for the 2016 SY. The Board approved $15,000 on 6/10/15. The additional amount will increase the purchase order by $25,000 for a total amount of $40,000. To be paid from Measure H.Requested by Steve Collins.
12. Increase in contract, PO#160144 to Shoreline Environmental Resources to provide Hazmat services as needed by the Maintenance Department for the 2016 SY. The Board approved $25,000 on 6/10/15. The additional amount will increase the purchase order by $20,000 for a total amount of $45,000. To be paid from Measure H. Requested by Steve Collins.
13. Increase in contract, PO#160269 to RH Tinney to provide HVAC services as needed by the Maintenance Department for the 2016 SY. The additional amount will increase the purchase order by $10,000 for a total amount of $15,000. To be paid from Measure H.Requested by Steve Collins.
14. Ratification of contract with Kala Art Institute, to provide Visual Arts Professional Development and Direct Services for Berkeley Arts Magnet for the period of 9/1/1515 –6/17/16. The cost will not exceed $24,000. To be paid from BSEP and Restricted Donations Fund. Requested by Rene Molina.
15. Ratification of contract with QSS, to provide training and consulting services for QSS software for the 2016SY. The cost will not exceed $10,000. To be paid from General Fund. Requested by Jay Nitschke.
16. Ratification of contract with Judith Lunger-Bergh, to provide specialized speech and language services as needed for Special Education students for the period from 7/1/15 to 6/30/16. The cost will not exceed $24,990. To be paid from Special Education Fund. Requested by Lisa Graham.
17. Ratification of contract with Lifelong Medical Care / Rosa Parks Collaborative to provide family resource center services for Rosa Parks from 9/1/15 to 6/30/16. The cost will not exceed $52,700. To be paid from PTA Donations, Title I and BSEP School Discretionary Funds. Requested by Paco Furlan.
    
18. Confirming order for an increase of contract with Kister, Savio & Rei to provide additional topographic surveys of Thousand Oaks Elementary School and LeConte Elementary School for an additional contract amount of $3,607.50.The original PO#160568 was for $9,510 for a new total contract amount of $13,117.50. To be paid from Measure I. Requested by Timothy E. White.

POLICY/CODE:
Public Contract Code: 20111
Board Policy 3310

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the contracts with Consultants or Independent Contractors as submitted.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:            Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:       Patricia Saddler, Director, Programs and Special Projects
DATE:        September 30, 2015
SUBJECT:  Parent Advisory Committee for the Local Control and Accountability Plan

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Staff is seeking Board approval of the members of the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), which is required to review and comment on the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP).  In accordance with Board Policy 0460, by September 30 of each year, Prinicipal’s will submit the names of parent representatives to the Superintendent, list of proposed representatives to fill the applicable slots will then be submitted to the Board. If a vacancy occurs, the Superintendent may replace a PAC member without requiring Board approval. A disruptive or habitually absent member of the PAC may be removed by the Superintendent or by a 2/3 vote of the PAC.

This committee includes members who represent the priority groups identified by the state: English learners, students who qualify for the National School Lunch Program, and foster youth.  In addition, staff has ensured that parents of African-American students and parents of students who have qualified for Special Education services have been included on the PAC. 

POLICY/CODE:
NA

FISCAL IMPACT:
None

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: 
Approve the membership of the Parent Advisory Committee for the Local Control and Accountability Plan.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:            Donald Evans, Ed.D, Superintendent
FROM:        Pasquale Scuderi, Assistant Superintendent, Ed Services      
DATE:        September 17, 2014
SUBJECT:  Approve BUSD Representative for the Northern Alameda County Regional Consortium for Adult Education

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In 2013-2014, State legislators passed AB 86, which called for the development of local regional consortia comprised of representatives from community college districts, K-12 districts, and other organizations that serve a role in adult education (each consortium was defined by the boundaries of a community college district).  The Berkeley, Alameda, Oakland, Piedmont, Albany, and Emeryville school districts and the Peralta Colleges formed the Northern Alameda County Regional Consortium for Adult Education. During the 2014-15 academic year, the consortium held numerous planning meetings for faculty, community based organization and administrators to refine a plan for improving adult education services in our region. That plan was submitted to and approved by the state in the spring of 2015. It is available at http://www.nacrcae.com/.

This year, State legislators passed Assembly Bill 104, which is the Education Finance Bill for 2015-16. Article 9 in the bill establishes the Adult Education Block Grant (AEBG) that will replace the AB86 Adult Education Planning Grant funding with a more permanent source of funding for adult education programs. 

This legislation establishes initial guidelines for consortiums developed under AB86 to receive and distribute AEBG funding and further delineates governance structure and participation responsibilities for the participating educational agencies. All agencies that continue in the consortium as members shall commit to reporting all funds available for the purpose of educating and preparing adults for the workforce and how the funds are spent. In addition, members of the consortium shall be represented only by an official or officials (it is up to each local consortium to decide its own governance structure) designated by the governing board of the member school district.

Participation guidelines stipulate that member districts of the consortium shall participate in any decision made by the consortium. The proposed decisions must be considered at open, properly noticed public meetings of the consortium with time for public comments; the decisions made in consortium oversight committee meetings are final.

The person(s) designated shall provide input and make decisions in the following areas:

1. Actions that members of the consortium will take to address the educational needs of adults identified in the initial report to the state. 
2. Actions that members of the consortium will take to improve the effectiveness of services provided.
3. Actions that members and partners of the consortium will take to improve integration of services and student transitions to post-Adult Education employment and education.
4. Actions regarding the alignment of adult education programs and services to career pathways and other workforce sector strategies as required in WIOA.
5. Annual update of Adult Education Plan and approval of new Adult Education Plan every three years.
6. Annual approval of budget and funding distribution schedule.

BUSD's Board of Education needs to approve a representative to serve on the decision-making body of the North Alameda County Regional Consortium for Adult Education (NACRCAE -formerly "AB86 consortium"). As our consortium is understanding the rules, decision-makers must be named (by their respective boards) and must approve a budget for the consortium's funds of $2.4M for FY15-16 no later than October 31, 2015.

FISCAL IMPACT:
Input on and access to a regional budget of $2.4M For FY 15-16

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: 
Staff requests that the Board approve Javetta Cleveland, Deputy Superintendent, as BUSD’s representative for the North Alameda County Regional Consortium for Adult Education.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:              Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:        Pasquale Scuderi, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services
    Pat Sadder, Director, Programs and Special Projects
DATE:         September 30, 2015
SUBJECT:  Requests for Additional Staffing for Afterschool Programs

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Board approved budget priorities for fiscal year 2015-16 on May 6, 2015.  Since the State Budget for 2015-16 was passed with additional funding for the District, Staff is requesting additional FTE allocations for immediate school year needs for Supervision of the Afterschool Programs.  When the Board approved the redesign of Educational Services, the After School Program Supervisor Position was eliminated.  There has been a growth in LEARNS Program enrollment and there are three new Site Coordinators. 

Prior to 2014-15 there were two positions that coordinated LEARNS – an Afterschool Program Supervisor (local 21) and a Coordinator of Extended Learning (UBA) which includes the BEARS Program at seven school sites.  Both programs have very different organizational structures and BEARS is operational 240 days per school year. These programs were combined and assigned to the Coordinator of Extended Learning however due to hours of program operation and workload, this is a request to reinstate the Afterschool Program Supervisor with an emphasis on these essential duties:

• Develop, oversee, and maintain quality after school programs for District school sites; support and oversee program coordinators in the design and implementation of quality after school programs aligned to regular school day and program mission and goals; assure programming is aligned to student academic development and the visions and mission of the school district
• Conduct program site quality observations; make recommendations for improvements; assure program provides a safe and healthy environment for students and staff
• Train, supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned Site Coordinators, recruit, hire, train program staff, monitor enrichment vendors; plan and conduct professional development opportunities for program staff
• Prepare and maintain program finances including budgeting, proper allocation of funds, expenditure reporting and parent fee collection; prepare state reports, grant renewals and submit to appropriate funders.

Currently LEARNS After school program is at nine elementary schools and three middle schools with an enrollment of 2,340 students. This program includes academic intervention, enrichment, and a variety of physical education activities including sports. There is a need for stronger coordination and supervision to improve the quality and consistency of academic interventions and enrichment opportunities. At all of the sites there needs to be improved coordination of partnerships with various community organizations and service clubs at our local universities.

New this school year there will be Academic Talent Development classes offered to students in Grades three through five, which will be funded by a grant funded by UC Berkeley. Finally, the state funding requires opportunities for parent participation, an area that has not been maximized at the school sites.

Working in partnership with OFEE, Literacy Coaches, and Math Coaches, our goal is that that there would be additional parent Common Core Workshops in math and literacy, creating an increased level of academic-centered parent engagement.

This position will provide intensive support for the site coordinators with training, mentoring, and troubleshooting issues that may arise on a day-to-day basis. 

POLICY/CODE:
N/A

FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for this 1.0 FTE from Parent Fees $57,888, Title One $19,296, and $19,296 to coordinate GATE Enrichment Classes and Mentors for the Middle School Bridge Program which is a critical component of the plan to accelerate African American Achievement. 

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the additional position as described above.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:               Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:          Natasha Beery, Director of BSEP and Community Relations
DATE:            September 30, 2015
SUBJECT:    BSEP Measure Planning Update

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The local tax known as the Berkeley Schools Excellence Program (BSEP) has made a significant difference in the quality of our schools and the fiscal stability of our district since 1986. Thanks to BSEP, students in Berkeley public schools benefit from funding for key elements of our District’s educational programs, including lower class sizes, libraries, music, school enrichment/discretionary funds, technology, professional development, program evaluation, public information, translation, and parent outreach.

The current measure, the Berkeley Public Schools Educational Excellence Act of 2006 (Measure A), expires at the end of FY 2016-17. An updated measure will go before the voters on November 8, 2016. This update to the Board on the planning process for the next BSEP measure follows reports presented on March 12, 2014, November 14, 2014, January 28, 2015, and June 3, 2015.

BSEP Planning Status Report
Each BSEP measure has evolved through a process of adjusting its components, given district educational priorities and the funding sources available. At this stage in the planning, three major strands related to the BSEP Measure are being interwoven to ensure the necessary planning components are aligned:

1) Educational Priorities: an examination of the components of the current measure and review of modifications which could meet the needs of our students for the next decade;

2) Budget Models: an analysis of financial scenarios for the elements and overall structure of the new measure; and

3) Public Process: the design of an effective and inclusive community engagement process to bolster public understanding and input for decision-making.

Educational Priorities
The Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services will be presenting to the board a series of three reports summarizing the development and current status of current BSEP-funded programs, and outlining challenges and opportunities in each program area. These reports include: 

1) The Essentials for Excellence (including class size reduction, music and performing arts, expanded course offerings and site discretionary funds, libraries and technology);

2) Support for Students and Families (including parent outreach, counseling, public information, communication, translation, and community engagement);

3) Support for Teaching and Learning (including professional development and program evaluation, and program support)

These reports, also referred to as “Idea Papers” or “Green Papers”, are intended to provide the budget models group, public process planners and Board with information about educational programs as background for informed decision-making. The papers build upon the extensive research and workgroup process that formed the basis of the 2006 BSEP Measure, extending that work into the present day to examine the achievements of the current BSEP Measure and pose initial questions for consideration in the 2016 continuation or alteration of measure components.

Budget Models
A budget models working group has been meeting since early 2015 to review fiscal issues involved in BSEP resources, as well as tax rate and measure structure scenarios. This budget analysis provides the basis for the parameters used in community forums, budget workshops, and focus groups. The analysis involves building fiscal models that take into account potential variations in revenues (primarily linked to taxable properties and tax rates), as well as major components of costs (linked to enrollment, compensation costs, program elements and staffing models), along with the availability of state and federal funding sources.

The June 3, 2015 update to the Board outlined some of the changes in state and district budgets since the last measure was written in 2006, including the introduction of the new Local Control Funding Formula and the Local Control and Accountability Plan, as well as the challenges arising from such factors as the growth in district enrollment, increased compensation costs and lower cost of living (COLA) increases applied to the BSEP tax rate. Of particular concern is the current “split roll” parcel tax structure, with residential and commercial properties taxed at different rates, which is no longer permitted after a 2012 court ruling in Borikas v. Alameda USD held that rates must be uniform. 

With input from the Deputy Superintendent, the budget models group will next work on simulation models based on the structure of the current BSEP measure to take into account variables such as cost increases, revenue increases or decreases, enrollment effects, alternative funding sources, and alterations in major components such as class size, which constitutes 66% of the current measure.  Projecting each of these components into a 10 year horizon while accounting for multiple variables is challenging. Both the allocations to specific purposes and the overall measure structure needs to factor in the uncertainty that accompanies long-range planning to ensure both flexibility and accountability. The current goal is to have a model that is sufficiently robust to be used in an initial public budget exercise on October 22 as part of the annual School Governance Leadership Workshop.  The budget model will also need to include modules that can be used for approximating the costs of any proposed new components in the next measure, while staying within the overall revenue parameters.

Public Process
The current work being done in outlining educational priorities and budget models is intended to provide stakeholder groups with the information necessary to participate in discussions of budget priorities. The first public process is planned for October 22nd, with a budget “thermometer” workshop such as have been used in prior BSEP planning processes. A debrief of the process and results of that initial workshop will inform the design of additional public processes, focus groups and polls. The debrief will be conducted with several groups, including the Superintendent’s Cabinet, the Budget Models Group, professors at UCB in the School of Education and the Goldman School for Public Policy, and the district-wide BSEP Planning and Oversight (P&O) Committee. Another community budget workshop will be conducted in late February 2016, with wide publicity to Berkeley parents, students, staff and voters.

In addition, a polling firm has been engaged, as has been done for past BSEP measures. Due to the “split roll” tax ruling, which took place since the writing of the last measure, an initial poll was conducted in mid September 2015 to gauge voter understanding of the ramifications of this change and its effect on their support of the measure, as well as probe for general attitudes toward class size reduction, which is the largest component of the measure. That poll is being conducted at the time of this writing, and preliminary results should be available by the end of the month. An additional poll will be carried out in the early spring of 2016 in order to assess voter support for specific elements of the measure, once additional focus groups and other planning processes have further clarified the direction of the 2016 measure.

Meanwhile, a number of communication channels are being used to build awareness both of the current BSEP measure and the planning process for the next measure. The Superintendent is reaching out to district partners, business and community groups and PTAs to ensure their awareness of BUSD educational programs and encourage their involvement in the planning process. The district’s internal stakeholders are also being kept informed and engaged. A "BSEP Essentials" presentation was made to the August 26 Principals Meeting, followed by emailing of BSEP flyers to all school sites to be shared at Back to School Night across the district. The May 2015 BUSD Management Team meeting included a BSEP awareness online poll and presentation, and the October 8 2016 Management Team meeting will include a BSEP overview and preliminary budget exercise. 

In order to keep the wider community informed, the Biannual newsletter which is mailed to Berkeley residents contained a BSEP update in the May edition and another is planned for early January, which will include an invitation to the spring public engagement opportunities. A BSEP blog page has been created on the district website with a timeline, updates on planning process, and links to information about the measure, as well as a place to sign up for ongoing email updates and invitations to events. The September 23 edition of the A+ News district newsletter included an invitation to the October 22nd planning event and a link to the BSEP blog.  The recent Solano Stroll community event included a BSEP awareness quiz and gathered names of interested Berkeley residents. The Superintendent and BSEP Director will be making presentations to local community groups, gathering their opinions, and adding members to the A+ news and BSEP email lists to keep them in the loop.

Over the next few months, the BSEP Budget Models Group, the P&O Committee, and the Superintendent’s Executive Cabinet will continue to review tax rate considerations, polling results, and budget workshop plans. The Board will receive regular updates as the planning for the measure progresses, as well as during the regular cycle of planning for the expenditures for the current BSEP Measure A of 2006, now in the ninth year of its 10 year lifespan. Each BSEP Measure has built on the foundation of the prior measure, with lessons learned, needs clarified, and opportunities expanded for excellence, equity, engagement and enrichment for the students of Berkeley.

POLICY/CODE:
Berkeley Public Schools Educational Excellence Act of 2006 (Measure A of 2006)

FISCAL IMPACT:
The Berkeley Public Schools Educational Excellence Act of 2006 (BSEP) currently provides approximately 20% of the District’s combined General Revenue, and funds one-third of the District’s classroom teachers. BSEP revenues projected for FY 2015-16 are $24,920,954.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and discuss the BSEP Measure Planning Update.

Receive and discuss the BSEP Measure Planning Update

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:      Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:    Pasquale Scuderi, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services
DATE:     September 30, 2015
SUBJECT:   BSEP Paper #1: Providing the Essentials for Educational Excellence

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Berkeley Unified School District seeks to provide an educational experience for all students with cumulative opportunities for students along the K-12 progression to learn foundational and fundamental skills. Moreover, to create a program that allows students to then apply those skills in increasingly sophisticated combinations to analyze and solve problems, express themselves with greater creativity, and to develop a greater understanding of the world around them.

Those outcomes are derived from an educational program that is rich in contextualized and experiential learning and doing, as well as one wherein the student experience is enhanced and supported by teachers who have regular opportunities to improve their own practice. A robust educational program is also supported by instructional technology, consistent access to music and the visual and performing arts, as well as access to quality libraries and related informational supports and systems. Berkeley’s public schools have provided comparatively high levels of these program components to our students through the funding of the Berkeley Schools Excellence Program (BSEP).

This paper, the first in a series of papers discussing the major components of BSEP, offers a broader philosophical and pedagogical rationale for current program investments. As staff begins to engage with the community over the next year in preparation for an election to reauthorize the BSEP Measure in November of 2016, these papers will help frame discussions on existing programs, discuss potential adjustments to current program investments, as well as explore opportunities for new or innovative additions to the way in which BSEP supports and enhances the overall educational experience of students in BUSD.

Subsequent papers this year will explore BSEP’s supports for students and families as well as additional specific supports for teaching and learning.

The presentation accompanying this paper will also briefly discuss some of the emerging ideas for potential improvements and adjustments to BSEP-funded programs as we move forward into the next measure.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the paper and presentation.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:          Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:       Debbi D’Angelo, Director of Research, Evaluation and Assessment
DATE:        September 30, 2015
SUBJECT:  Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), Goals 2 and 3 Evaluation

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP)
BUSD’s Local Control and Accountability Plan consolidates the eight state priorities and district strategic goals into the following three LCAP goals:

LCAP Goal 1: Provide high quality classroom instruction and curriculum that promote college and career readiness with academic interventions in place to eliminate barriers to student success.

LCAP Goal 2: End the racial predictability of academic achievement by ensuring that all systems are culturally and linguistically responsive to the needs of our students. 

LCAP Goal 3: Ensure all school sites have safe, welcoming and inclusive climates for all students and their families, so that all students are in their classes ready to learn. 

These goals serve as a framework for the targeted goals, actions, services, and expenditures focused on improving outcomes for all students and subgroups of students by special circumstance (low income, English Learners, Foster Youth, Students with Disabilities) and by ethnicity (African-American, Latino).[1] Focus students include those subgroups previously mentioned as well as the “unduplicated” count of pupils who (1) are English learners, (2) meet income or categorical eligibility requirements for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program, or (3) are foster youth. “Unduplicated count” means that each pupil is counted only once even if the pupil meets more than one of these criteria (EC sections 2574(b)(2) and 42238.02(b)(1)). 

Goals and actions delineated in the Plan are intended to improve and expand programs and services that have been correlated with positive outcomes for our most at-risk students, as well as to disrupt patterns and practices that continue to perpetuate the underperformance of these specific subgroups of students.

LCAP Evaluation

The approved plan includes an “Annual Update” which serves as a comprehensive review of the targeted goals, actions, services, and expenditures. This is the second of two evaluations / presentations. The evaluation will address the LCAP Goals 2 and 3, annual measureable outcomes as well as the actions and services specifically funded by supplemental dollars in 2014-2015.

The identification of student cultural, linguistic and social-emotional needs provided a foundation for setting targeted goals for Goals 2 and 3. Goal 2 was developed to ensure that all students are receiving an education that is culturally and linguistically responsive. Goal 3 focuses on the social-emotional needs of the students, ensuring that students are safe, welcomed and that both they and their families feel that they are an integral of the school. There are mandated state metrics as well as local metrics that have been set to meet the identified student needs, with each assigned one or more progress indicators (or metrics) that are quantitative and/or qualitative in nature. The progress indicators, most of which are required by the state, provide tools for measuring the extent to which goals for all students and for the focus students are being met over the three-year period of the Plan. When applicable, district or 2020 Vision metrics are indicated. 

The evaluation, provided under separate cover, is grouped by goal (2A-2D for Goal 2 and 3A-3D for Goal 3) according to the state and federal requirements to include the following Tables:

Tables A2 and A3 - Progress Indicators:  In Table A, the Goal 2 and 3 State and Local Metrics identified in the 2014-15 Plan are evaluated as part of the annual measureable outcomes. They include: Annual Measureable Achievement Objectives (AMAO) for English Learners, the recruitment and retention of Black and Latino teachers, attendance, behavior and school-connectedness outcomes for both students and their families. 

Tables B2 and B3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Data aligned to Goals 2 and 3 actions and services funded by LCFF supplemental funds:  Table 2 includes baseline data and student / teacher participation for the actions and services implemented in 2014-15 including: Partnership with the National Equity Project (NEP) to inform recruit and retention of teachers of color; teachers for English Learners at every site; Toolbox Implementation; Family Engagement; Attendance, Suspensions and Alternatives to Suspensions.  

Where applicable, Table B also reviews the percentage of student participants represented in the targeted student sub-groups. 

Tables C2 and C3 – Qualitative Findings and observations aligned to Goal 2 and 3 actions and services funded by LCFF supplemental funds:

Tables C2 and C3 provides a summary of the qualitative observations, data and findings for the aforementioned actions and services. 

Table D2 and D3 – Evaluation Findings for Goals 2 and 3:  A summary of evaluation findings by metric and action as well as recommendations that serves to inform the implementation of the 2015-16 plan. 

Evaluation Appendix:  The Appendix includes a list of LCAP and District Acronyms as well as further analysis provided for specific goals and actions aligned to support of our 2020 Vision student outcomes, English Learners, Attendance and Suspension Goals. 

POLICY/CODE:
NA

FISCAL IMPACT:
As noted in the LCAP

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: 
Receive Evaluations of Goals 2 and 3.

Evaluation presentation and evaluation document will be provided under separate cover. 

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO: Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:        Timothy E. White, Executive Director
DATE:         September 30, 2015
SUBJECT:   Berkeley City Council’s Request for Use of BUSD Board Room

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On 6/23/15 The City Council of Berkeley passed a resolution expressing interest in using the District’s Board Room for its meetings on a pilot basis from 09/15/2015 to 11/17/2015. As part of the City Council’s request, a proposed license agreement between the District and the City was provided detailing the term and scope of the contract.

The Berkeley City Council and Berkeley Unified School District have a history of sharing facilities used for public meetings. Prior to the construction of 2020 Bonar, where our board room is located, the district held its board meetings at the Old City Hall. This also served as the City Council’s Chambers.

In 2007 the District  began exploring renovations of West Campus which was vacant at the time. The immediate plan was “to house our administrative personnel from the Central office (2134 ML King and 1835 Allston) and personnel from the 1720 Oregon Street” in safe facilities. This plan was shelved when the estimated cost of the facility was $20,000.000 and the available budget was $10,000.000.

Working closely with the neighbors, then Superintendent Bill Huyett, moved forward with a new scaled down plan that was mutually agreeable. In the summer of 2010 during the planning process the City of Berkeley approached the District in a 2 by 2 meeting to explore the possibility of sharing the Board Room space, and in that case also share in the costs. Additional improvements, restroom and conference space, and technology were added to the project. The final construction cost was projected roughly between $575,000 and $1,150,000. Although there was never a formal agreement, the understanding was that the cost of the project would be shared. A June 23, 2010 Board memo states, “The Superintendent and the City Manager will discuss the proposed scope of work and the responsibility of payment and or/ reimbursement.”  

The City Council use of the Board Room was outlined in an early community engagement process for the West Campus project, and residents expressed a desire for the city council to explore alternative locations for their council meetings, as documented in the October 18, 2011, West Campus Projects community meeting minutes. The community was most concerned about the volume of traffic and city politics converging into a single family residential neighborhood. No opposition was expressed about the use of West Campus as Board chambers for BUSD Board of Education meetings.  

At the January 2012 Berkeley City Council Meeting, 2020 Bonar was no longer considered as a location for the Council chambers. The Council instructed staff to review the summary of alternate locations for City Council meetings and directed staff to report back by May 1, 2012 on the cost, schedule, and viability of the following three options: Berkeley Community College Auditorium, Longfellow Middle School Auditorium and the North Berkeley Senior Center Multi-Purpose Room.

It appears that while the City of Berkeley was unsuccessful in locating another suitable location, they declined to partner with the District shortly after these engagements, opting to remain in the Old City Hall until they could find a suitable space. No funding was received from the City of Berkeley for this project.

On Thursday, September 24, 2015 BUSD met with the City to discuss the contract agreement for the use of BUSD's Board Room.  

POLICY/CODE:
Board Policy 1330

FISCAL IMPACT:
In determining the possible fiscal impact, the following should be considered: Costs of newly constructed Board Room, times of use, maintenance, equipment repair and replacement, and custodial services.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
To receive direction from the Board relative to the City's request for use of the BUSD Board Room.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:             Donald Evans, Ed.D, Superintendent
FROM:        Tom Reid, Principal, Berkeley Adult School
DATE:         September 30, 2015
SUBJECT:  Berkeley Adult School Skills Benchmarks

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
California Department of Education (CDE) has developed and implemented model curriculum standards for Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, which includes ESL-Citizenship, and Adult Secondary Education. In order to measure student progress and mastery of skills and competencies, CDE authorized the use of a series of standardized tests that were developed by Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS).  

CASAS measures student achievement with standardized tests, administered approximately five times each year. Student achievement is documented for student progress, instructional level completion, and program completion. The results are submitted to CDE each year influence the funding level of the Adult Education federal grant. 

POLICY/CODE:
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Title II:  Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, Section 225/231 Grant

FISCAL IMPACT:
The Adult School is eligible to receive up to $810,866 in federal grant funds for 2015-16.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the Adult School Basic Skills Benchmark Report for 2014-2015 as information.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:              Donald Evans, Ed.D, Superintendent
FROM:        Timothy E. White, Executive Director of Facilities
DATE:         September 30, 2015
SUBJECT:  Facilities Plan Update 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
This report is an update of the Facilities Construction Plan approved by the Board on March 12, 2014. Data in this report are current as of September 17, 2015. This report includes updates of all active construction projects. Maintenance projects are detailed in the Maintenance Quarterly Reports.   

Persons wishing to address the Board should fill out a green speaker card.  Cards turned in for the earlier open session public testimony will be given priority.  Speakers will be randomly selected based on topic and position, with BUSD students generally given priority.  Public Testimony is limited to 15 minutes with a 3-minute limit per speaker per topic although the time allotted per speaker may be reduced to 2 minutes at the discretion of the President.