The Presiding Officer will call the meeting to order at 5:00 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 4:45 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:     Evelyn Tamondong-Bradley, Assistant Superintendent, HR
DATE:       May 23, 2018
SUBJECT:      Approval of Human Resources Reports

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On a regular basis, staff presents Human Resources Reports listing employment actions for the Board to approve officially. Please refer to attached reports for details.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:                Board of Education
FROM:            Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
DATE:            May 23, 2018
SUBJECT:     Employment Contract for Assistant Superintendent of Business Services

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Pauline Follansbee is being recommended as the new Assistant Superintendent of Business Services.  Attached is the proposed employment contract.

POLICY/CODE:
Education Code sections 44929.28, 45100.5, and 45103

FISCAL IMPACT:
As indicated in employment contract.

     BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 

TO:             Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:        Pasquale Scuderi, Assoicate Superintendent, Ed. Services
DATE:         May 23, 2018
SUBJECT:   Approval of Out of State Travel Requests

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The following out of state travel is being requested:

2018 Teacher Leader Institute-Kansas City, MO, June 12-15, 2018
Approve participation for Joal Arvanigian to attend the 2018 Teacher Leader Institute & Leadership Academy in Louisville, KY June 12-15, 2018. The annual Teacher Leader Institute provides professional development for teacher leaders with sessions that focus on the interlocking components that make Reading Recovery and DLL work effectively. Requested by Maggie Riddle, Director K-8 Schools. 

International Baccalaureate Workshop, Tahoe City, CA June 25-28, 2018
Approve for Berkeley International High School's request for I.B. teacher Peter Rodrigues to travel to Tahoe City, CA, to receive specific IB Theory of Knowledge training at the Granlibakken Conference Center. The four-day, three-night conference training is necessary to provide a comprehensive and complete program for students in the BIHS program. Not all subjects are offered in in the Bay Area and this necessitates travel to Tahoe City for this professional training. Registration, transportation, lodging and meals for this training will be paid from BHS General Funds. Requested by: Erin Schweng, BHS Principal.

International Baccalaureate Workshop, Albuquerque, NM July 5-8, 2018
Approval for Berkeley International High School's I.B. teacher Ross Parker to travel to Albuquerque, NM to receive specific IB training in Economics at the United World College (UWC). The four-day, three-night conference training is necessary to provide a comprehensive and complete program for students in the BIHS program. Not all subjects are offered in California and this necessitates out of state travel for the professional training. Registration, transportation, hotel accommodations and meals for this training will be paid from Berkeley High School’s General Fund. Requested by: Erin Schweng, BHS Principal.

International Baccalaureate Workshop, Albuquerque, NM July 8-11, 2018
Approval for Berkeley International High School's I.B. teacher Daniel Mulholland-Baers to travel to Albuquerque, NM to receive specific IB training in Environmental Systems and Societies at the United World College (UWC). The four-day, three-night conference training is necessary to provide a comprehensive and complete program for students in the BIHS program. Not all subjects are offered in California and this necessitates out of state travel for the professional training. Registration, transportation, hotel accommodations and meals for this training will be paid from Berkeley High School’s General Fund. Requested by: Erin Schweng, BHS Principal.

AP Government Summer Training, Monterey, CA June 25-29, 2018
Approve for Berkeley International High School's request for I.B. teachers Bill Pratt, Jen Campbell, Amanda Toporek and Fatemeh Mizbani to travel to Monterey, CA to receive specific IB training in AP Government at Pacific AP Institute. The five-day, four-night conference training is necessary to provide a comprehensive and complete program for students in the BIHS program.  Not all subjects are offered locally and this necessitates travel to Monterey for the professional training. Registration, transportation, lodging and meals for this training will be paid from Berkeley High School’s General Fund. Requested by: Erin Schweng, BHS Principal.

AP Physics Summer Training, Bellevue, WA June 25-29, 2018
Approve for Berkeley International High School's request for I.B. teacher Matt McHugh to travel to Bellevue, WA to receive specific IB training in Physics 1 at Bellevue AP Institute. The five-day, four-night conference training is necessary to provide a comprehensive and complete program for students in the BIHS program. Not all subjects are offered in California, and this necessitates out of state travel for the professional training. Registration, transportation, lodging and meals for this training will be paid from Berkeley High School’s General Fund. Requested by: Erin Schweng, BHS Principal.

AP Summer Training, Tacoma, WA July 9-12, 2018
Approve for Berkeley International High School's request for I.B. teacher Jenn Hartman to travel to Tacoma, WA to receive specific IB training in English Language and Composition at Pacific Lutheran University. The five-day, four-night conference training is necessary to provide a comprehensive and complete program for students in the BIHS program. Not all subjects are offered in California, and this necessitates out of state travel for the professional training. Registration, transportation, lodging and meals for this training will be paid from Berkeley High School’s General Fund. Requested by: Erin Schweng, BHS Principal.

AP Summer Training, Palo Alto, CA July 29-August 2, 2018
Approve for Berkeley International High School's request for I.B. teacher Jose Colon to travel to Palo Alto to receive specific IB training in Us Government and Politics at AP Seminars, Silicon Valley. The five-day, four-night conference training is necessary to provide a comprehensive and complete program for students in the BIHS program. Registration, transportation, lodging and meals for this training will be paid from Berkeley High School’s General Fund. Requested by: Erin Schweng, BHS Principal.

POLICY/CODE:
Education Code 35330
Board Policy 6153

FISCAL IMPACT:
As indicated above.

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

     BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 

TO:             Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:          Pasquale Scuderi, Associate Superintendent, Educational Services
DATE:          May 23, 2018
SUBJECT:   Approval of Overnight Field Trip Requests

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

AMPS Senior Retreat, BHS June 1-2, 2018
Approve participation of fifty-four BHS AMPS students and six teachers from Berkeley High School on an overnight senior retreat. The group will be holding their retreat at BHS in the Jacket gym from 5:00 pm on 6/1/18 until 10:00 am on 6/2/18. The AMPS senior retreat is designed to build community and strengthen relationships among the students and between the students and staff. We want to provide opportunities for reflection on their four years here together, and also provide the opportunity for one last day of intentional community building as they prepare to graduate.  There is no cost to the students and the food will be purchased with AMPS Development Group Funds and donated by parents. Requested by Erin Schweng, Principal, BHS.

Marin Headlands, Marin County, CA, August 9-10, 2018
Approve participation of twenty-eight BHS Bridge students-cohort 7, six teachers, and four other adults from Berkeley High School on a two-day, one-night field trip to the Marin Headlands Hostel. The group will depart BHS on Thursday, August 9^th at 9:00 a.m. and return Friday, August 10, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.  The focus of this trip will be to train the upcoming 11^th grade cohort to take on leadership and mentoring roles within Bridge. To facilitate this, we want to take the entire cohort on a leadership retreat to the Marin Hostel where the students will engage in team building, leadership development, learning about mentoring and organizational design, and building teams and structures to help mentor the incoming 9^th grade students. BUSD will provide transportation. The total cost of $1482.00 is being paid through Bridge City of Berkeley funding. No student will be denied access based on inability to pay.  Requested by Erin Schweng, Principal, BHS.

POLICY/CODE:
Education Code 35330
Board Policy 6153

FISCAL IMPACT:
As indicated above.

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

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 

TO:          Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent      
FROM:       Pasquale Scuderi, Associate Supt for Educational Services
DATE:        May 23, 2018
SUBJECT: Recommendation for Allocation of BSEP Effective Student Support Funds for 2018-19

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
According to BSEP Measure E1 of 2016, “seven percent (7%) of the Available Revenues generated by this Measure shall be dedicated annually to providing programs designed to provide effective supports that help students reach their highest academic potential while addressing the needs of the whole child.

These revenues may be allocated to programs in any district-operated school for such purposes as Counseling and Behavioral Health, Family Engagement and Access, or Student Achievement Strategies to improve academic, behavioral and social-emotional outcomes for students.”^[1] 

2017-18 was the first year of implementation for Measure E1, and with the transition from Measure A it was decided to divide the available 7% in a way that would sustain essential programs. The proposal for 2018-19 is to continue allocations in percentages that match those of the prior year, as follows:

3.50%         Student Achievement Strategies                          

2.25%         Counseling and Behavioral Health                                

1.25%         Family Engagement                         

In the case of the Family Engagement budget, carryover funds from Measure A will be utilized to sustain current program staffing, with the understanding that the program is being reviewed and possibly restructured to stay within the E1 budget in future years. 

This recommendation was presented to the BSEP Planning and Oversight Committee on March 27, 2018 and adopted by the Committee on April 24, 2018.

PROGRAM EXPENDITURES

Student Achievement Strategies                                                 $995,848

Funding for was provided for “program support” to enable improved academic, behavioral and social-emotional outcomes for students.

See Appendix A for BSEP Student Achievement Strategies plan details for 2018-19.

Counseling and Behavioral Health                                              $615,718        

Students need guidance in many areas of their educational experiences. School counselors are a critical resource in terms of helping those students navigate academic challenges as well as the social and emotional barriers that create those challenges.

See Appendix B for BSEP Counseling and Behavioral Health plan details for 2018-19.

Family Engagement                                                                   $430,132[2]

The Office of Family Engagement and Equity (OFEE) was developed to create a welcoming and equitable school environment. The staff is working to strengthen a district and school climate and culture in which family engagement skills are part of every Principal, teacher and staff’s daily practice, and families are connected to the resources and knowledge they need to help students succeed at school. 

See Appendix C for Family Engagement plan details for 2018-19. 

POLICY/CODE:
Berkeley Public Schools Educational Excellence Act of 2016 (Para. 3C, Measure E1 of 2016).
Berkeley Public Schools Educational Excellence Act of 2006 (Para. 3B.ii.c, Measure A of 2006).

FISCAL IMPACT:
Expenditures of $2,041,698, including revenue allocation from Measure E1, BSEP Effective Student Support Funds and fund balance from Measure A, Parent Outreach funds.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the recommendation for the allocation of BSEP Funds in FY 2018-19.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 

TO:             Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent      
FROM:       Pasquale Scuderi, Associate Supt for Educational Services
DATE:        May 23, 2018
SUBJECT: Recommendation for Allocation of BSEP Essentials for Excellence Funds for 2018-19: Libraries, Music/VAPA, Technology                           

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
According to BSEP Measure E1 of 2016, “Twenty-seven percent (27%) of the Available Revenues shall be dedicated annually to providing programs designed to improve the academic proficiency and educational experience of all students by providing equitable access to an enriched, challenging and engaging curriculum. Available Revenues may support all costs attendant to providing these services at district-operated schools, including operational costs. These revenues shall be allocated to district-wide programs as follows:[1]

7.25%         School Libraries    

6.25%         Music, Visual and Performing Arts Programs

3.25%         Instructional Technology

10.25%       School Site Programs 

The recommendations for School Libraries, Music and Visual and Performing Arts Programs, and Technology were presented to the Planning and Oversight Committee on March 13, 2018 and adopted by the Committee on April 24, 2018.  The School Site Programs will be presented in summary to the P&O Committee on June 5, 2018.

PROGRAM EXPENDITURES

School Libraries                                                                                $2,176,792[2]

Available Revenues shall be allocated annually to provide student access to quality school libraries, which shall be maintained by providing library staff to operate the District’s K-12 school and other specialized libraries, and by allocating revenues for books, materials, services and equipment for the school libraries.

See Appendix A for BSEP Library plan details for 2018-19.

Music, Visual and Performing Arts                                 $1,620,927[3]       

Available Revenues may be used for, but are not restricted to, providing qualified teachers and staff, and professional development in the arts for elementary and secondary students. Musical instruments, instructional materials, equipment and necessary services may be provided for any K-12 school, as long as funds permit.

See Appendix B for BSEP Music, Visual and Performing Arts Programs plan details for 2018-19.

Instructional Technology                                                            $901,614

Available Revenues shall be allocated to providing instructional technology in schools, and access for students to computers and instructional technology 

See Appendix C for the BSEP Instructional Technology plan details for 2018-19.

POLICY/CODE:
Berkeley Public Schools Educational Excellence Act of 2016, Section 3B.
Berkeley Public Schools Educational Excellence Act of 2006, Section 3B and 3C. 

FISCAL IMPACT:
Expenditure of $4,699,333 from Measure E1, BSEP Essentials for Excellence allocation for 2018-19 and fund balance from Measure A for Libraries, and from Measure A of 2006 for Music, Visual and Performing Arts.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the recommendation for the allocation of BSEP Funds in FY 2018-19.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:             Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent      
FROM:       Natasha Beery, Director of BSEP and Community Relations
DATE:        May 23, 2018
SUBJECT: Recommendation for Allocation of BSEP Communication,Translation, and Community Engagement Funds for 2018-19

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
According to BSEP Measure E1 of 2016, two percent (2%) of revenues shall be dedicated to “support of the Planning and Oversight Committee and School Site Councils, and community engagement, communications and public information services.”^[1]          

This recommendation was presented to the BSEP Planning and Oversight Committee on April 24, 2018 and adopted by the Committee on May 8, 2018.

PROGRAM EXPENDITURES

Communication, Translation and Community Engagement    $698,200[2]

Funding for was provided for BSEP Planning and Oversight Committee support, School Site Council support, communications and community engagement, translation and interpretation, and special projects.

POLICY/CODE:
Berkeley Public Schools Educational Excellence Act of 2016 (Para. 9A, Measure E1 of 2016).
Berkeley Public Schools Educational Excellence Act of 2006 (Para. 6A, Measure A of 2006). 

FISCAL IMPACT:
Expenditures of $698,200, including revenue allocation from Measure E1, Community Engagement funds and fund balance from Measure A, Public Information and Translation funds. 

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the recommendation for the allocation of BSEP Funds in FY 2018-19.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:            Donald Evans, Ed.D, Superintendent
FROM:        Lew Jones, Interim Executive Director of Facilities        
DATE:         May 23, 2018
SUBJECT:  Acceptance of the Citizens Construction Oversight Committee Annual Report

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Attached to this cover memo is a report from the Citizens Construction Oversight Committee.  The Committee has the responsibility to receive and review copies of the annual independent performance audit and the financial audit of Measure I expenditures.  The Committee also has the responsibility to create an annual report and to present that report to the Board not later than 60 days after the completion of the annual audit of the year-end close of the District's financial records.  The Board accepted the District-wide audit on February 7, 2018, but the Measure I audits were not received until later.  Due to turnover in administrative staff, the Annual Report is being presented somewhat after the 60 day goal. 

Attached to this cover memo is the Committee’s Annual Report. The Committee Chair plans to attend the Board Meeting.

POLICY/CODE:
Education Code 15282 and 15278.   
Board Policy 9131. 

FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to accept the Report.      

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept the Citizens Construction Advisory Committee Annual Report

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:           Donald Evans, Ed. D., Superintendent
FROM:        Pauline Follansbee, Interim Asst. Superintendent of Business Services
DATE:        May 23, 2018
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. Contract to Cal Performances to provide graduation venue for Berkeley High School graduation ceremony. The cost will not exceed $78,302.73. To be paid from General Fund. Requested by Erin Schweng
2. Ratification of contract with JP Graphics to produce 2018-19 Nutrition Services lunch menu calendars. The cost will not exceed $10,220. To be paid from Cafeteria Fund. Requested by Marni Posey.
3. Increase in contract amount, PO#180910, to Michael’s Transportation to provide additional athletic transportation for Berkeley High School for the remainder of 2017/18SY. The Board approved $13,000 on 1/24/18. The additional amount will increase the cost by $17,000 for a total amount of $30,000. To be paid by General Funds. Requested by Britta Fjelstrom.
4. Increase in the contract for Interactive Resources to provide skylight design and coordinate with DSA on skylight submittal for the (LeConte) roofing project.The Board approved a contract of $51,070 on January 24, 2018, to design the roof upgrade only.The additional contract amount will increase the cost by $15,300 for a total amount of $66,370.To be paid from Measure I.Requested by Lew Jones.

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:            Pauline Follansbee, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Business Services
DATE:             May 23, 2018
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. Pacific Gas and Electric YourCause, donated $300 to Cragmont School.
2. Benevity Community Impact Fund donated $200 to LeConte Principal’s Discretionary Fund.
3. General Mills Box Tops donated $14.30 to Oxford Elementary Principal’s Discretionary Fund.
4. YourCause, Wells Fargo, donated $100 to Oxford Elementary Principal’s Discretionary Fund.
5. AT&T donated $40 to Thousand Oaks Principal’s Discretionary Fund.
6. Dorian Photography Tech Grant, donated $450 to Rosa Parks Principal’s Discretionary Fund.
7. Tower Foundation of San Jose State University donated $2,500 to Rosa Parks Principal’s Discretionary Fund.
8. Martin Luther King PTA donated $12,000 toward MOU for 2017-18 School Year.
9. The Berkeley School donated $500 for reimbursement for Aug 2017 Playworks training.
10. AT&T donated $40 to Thousand Oaks Principal’s Discretionary Fund.
11. Berkeley Public Schools Fund donated $1,024.28 to Thousand Oaks for NGSS Creek Science.
12. Berkeley Public Schools Fund donated $52.49 to 2017-18 Classroom Grant for “POW Tigers Get Your Math On”.
13. Tower Foundation of San Jose State University donated $2,500 to pay teachers stipend for math collaboration & lesson study for Oxford Principal’s Discretionary fund.

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

POLICY/CODE:
BP 3290

FISCAL IMPACT: 
The District received a total of $21,721.07 in donations.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:              Dr. Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:        Pauline E. Follansbee, Director of Fiscal Services
DATE:        May 23, 2018
SUBJECT: Approve Listing of Warrants issued in April 2018.

BACKGROUND:
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 April is attached for the Board’s review.

POLICY/CODE:
Educational Code Section 41010 et seq.

FISCAL IMPACT:
$4,366,919.43 for the month of April 2018 from various funds.  

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:             Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:        Pauline Follansbee, Assistant Superintendent
DATE:         May 23, 2018
SUBJECT: Approval of Payroll Warrants Issued in April 2018

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On a regular basis, the Board receives information on the total amount paid employees during a month.  The attached represents a summary of pay warrants from various funds for the month of April 2018.

POLICY/CODE:
Educational Code 41010 et seq.

FISCAL IMPACT:
$8,100,109.25, for April 2018 from various funds.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve payroll payments made in April 2018.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 

TO:            Donald Evans, Ed.D, Superintendent
FROM:       Lisa Graham, Director of Special Education
DATE:        May 23, 2018
SUBJECT:  Ratification of Contracts with Discovery Academy and Journey Academy-TLC Children and Family Services; Residential Non Public Schools for the 2017 – 2018 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:
Education Code 39800
Board Policy 3310

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Ratify Contracts to Discovery Academy and Journey Academy-TLC Child and Family Services for FY 2017-2018 services $86,757.38.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO: School Board
FROM: Josh Daniels, Board President
DATE: May 23, 2018
SUBJECT: Resolution 18-027 Calling for Full and Fair Funding for California’s Public Schools

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
As part of its ongoing work to ensure that all students benefit from the resources needed for a high-quality education, the California School Boards Association is calling on the Legislature to raise school funding to the national average by 2020 and to the average of the top 10 states by 2025.

Despite boasting the fifth largest economy in the world and the highest gross domestic product of any state, California ranks in the bottom half nationally in every measure of school funding and staffing. Under the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), revenue for K-12 schools has only recently returned to 2007 levels, meaning funding has not substantially increased, on an inflation-adjusted basis, for more than a decade.

In order to meet the growing needs of California’s 6.2 million public school students and address the financial challenges faced by rising costs, CSBA has developed a Full and Fair Funding Resolution for adoption by its nearly 1,000 member school districts and county offices of education. The resolution highlights the threat that underinvestment in schools poses to our communities and calls on the State to meet its responsibilities to today’s students and to California’s future.

RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Resolution 18-027.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:                  Board of Education
FROM:               Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
PRESENTERS:   Natasha Beery, Director of BSEP and Community Relations
Grace Kong, Naming Advisory Committee Chair
DATE:              May 23, 2018
SUBJECT:         Recommendation for Renaming Le Conte Elementary School

PURPOSE: 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In accordance with Board Policy and AR 7310, the Superintendent’s Naming Advisory Committee (NAC) is ready to make a recommendation for renaming Le Conte Elementary School. 

The Committee has concluded a lengthy and thoughtful process, described in prior presentations and detailed in Appendix A.  As reported in the March 28 update to the Board, the NAC received and reviewed 118 school name suggestions and winnowed the list to 20, and then to seven top options. Throughout the month of April, an outreach subcommittee created learning materials for classroom and family discussions, including bilingual posters at the school, links to further readings and resources, and topical books in the school library and classrooms. There were flyers sent home to focus on two names each week, with information and questions to engage staff and families in learning more about the possibilities. The intensive school community engagement process was supported through substantial work by many committee and community members. Participants reported interest and excitement from students, staff and families, as the school-wide project provided an opportunity for learning together about many new ideas and possibilities.  Appendix B provides a detailed summary of the committee discussions and community input leading to the final recommendation. 

RECOMMENDATION:
The Naming Advisory Committee is recommending the name “Sylvia Mendez Elementary School” to the Superintendent and School Board.  

The Sylvia Mendez name lifts up the story of a little girl at the center of a landmark school desegregation case in California, and connects with multiple criteria that are important to the school community and to the committee - representing an enduring story that can inspire children, a story that reflects core values of equality and justice, recognizes multilingual/Latinx heritage and strong women, illuminates an under-recognized piece of California history with local connections, and emphasizes the right to a high-quality public education.

The Mendez story not only meets the selection criteria, it exists at a intersection of many other meaningful stories and names. For example, Mendez connects to the local story of Mary Tape, a Chinese-American woman who fought for her child to be admitted to a “whites only” school in San Francisco, and later moved to Berkeley and sent her children to Le Conte School. The committee also received suggestions of a compound name “Tape-Mendez” to reflect that it takes many people working across time to make progress, and one committee member voted in preference of this option. The arc of history from Tape v. Hurley to Mendez v Westminster also links to the role of Thurgood Marshall and the NAACP in Brown vs. Board of Education, and connects to Ruby Bridges, and to Carol Sibley, two more of the top 20 names.

In case the Board wishes to consider more than one possibility, and in keeping with a process which has emphasized that many names are worthy of consideration, the NAC also moved forward two names that had support from many in the community. In second place, “Ruth Acty Elementary School” would honor the trailblazing first teacher of color in Berkeley Public Schools who taught over 7,000 students in her 50-year career, and in third place, “Dolores Huerta Elementary School” for the well-known labor organizer who is one of the namesakes of the annual Chavez-Huerta celebration. Those names did not rise above Mendez overall, in part because “Acty” does not connect as strongly to the school’s multilingual mission, and “Huerta” is less compelling for those who want a strong connection to public education, and Berkeley students already learn about her history on a consistent basis through the annual event.

The NAC is pleased to make this recommendation after engaging with many stakeholders’ suggestions, opinions and perspectives. Along the way we have discovered multiple ways to inspire further learning and strengthen a sense of pride and aspiration for the school community. In the words of Sylvia Mendez herself, the names we have discussed all recognize in some way "...that we are all individuals; that we are all human beings; that we are all connected together; and that we all have the same rights, the same freedom."

The Committee has discussed several ideas of “Carrying the Learning Forward” so that the inspiration and education does not end with the selection of a new school name. Please see Appendix C for a preliminary list of suggestions.

QUESTIONS FOR THE BOARD:

Discuss and Respond to the Following:

1. Does the board agree with the recommendation of “Sylvia Mendez Elementary School”?
2. Direct staff re naming implementation (steps 2 & 3 below)
3. Direct staff re process review and “carrying the learning forward” (steps 4 & 5 below)

NEXT STEPS

1. This item could return for decision on 5/30, if the Board does not take action on 5/23.
2. Implementation of New Name in District Systems and on School Facility (Appendix D)
3. A celebration of the new name for the fall.
4. After the conclusion of the process, the Superintendent will provide a review of the effectiveness of the procedures outlined in Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 7310. He may bring a proposal for the Board’s consideration to revise the process before it is applicable to another facility naming process.
5. Consider “carrying the learning forward” suggestions for school and district.

FISCAL IMPACT:
Estimated cost of signage is provided in Appendix D. Other costs include staff time for systems implementation. Funding for naming celebration and follow-up options to be determined.

RELATED PAST BOARD ITEMS:

June 28, 2017           Item 14.1  Petition to Review School Name

November 15, 2017  Item 12.1 Board Decision to Change School Name

February 7, 2018       Item 17.4 School Naming Process Update

March 28, 2018          Item 14 School Renaming Update

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix A - Le Conte School Naming Process Overview and Timeline

Appendix B - Summary of Input on School Names for Board

Appendix C - Carrying the Learning Forward

Appendix D - Implementation Components

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO: Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM: Pasquale Scuderi, Associate Superintendent
PRESENTERS: Erin Schweng, Principal, BHS, Hasmig Minassian, Design Team Lead, BHS
DATE: May 23, 2018
SUBJECT: Update on BHS Redesign / Universal 9th Grade

PURPOSE:
Provide the Board with current information and a general progress report regarding the implementation of the Universal 9th Grade at Berkeley High School in Fall 2018.

BACKGROUND:
Beginning in 2014-2015, BHS leadership began giving substantial thought to structural and programmatic changes at Berkeley High School. Soon after, a team of administrators, teachers, and community members determined that the current structure of BHS did not fully align to what current research says is best for all students in terms of comprehensive high school structure and programming. 

Discussions, design sessions, and stakeholder meetings took place over the next two school years.

A special Board meeting on the subject was held in February of 2017, which included a public hearing.

Additional discussion took place at a Board meeting in May of 2017, and at a subsequent meeting in June of 2017, a Board decision was made to implement the  redesign/Universal 9th grade program at Berkeley High School beginning with the 2018-2019 school year.

Attached to this item are slides summarizing current progress as well as a current implementation timeline for the redesign proposal that was Board approved in June of 2017. 

Tonight staff will present an update to the Board on progress toward the Fall implementation that includes adjustments to the LEAP class (Learn, Engage, Accelerate, Persist), a support class for select 9th grade students. Additionally, we will provide new information on a richer set of supports in 9th grade mathematics to coincide with the recent approval of the 9th grade mathematics coordinator, as well as updates on staffing in key areas like physics and mathematics.

QUESTIONS FOR THE BOARD:
Are there additional components or aspects of this previously approved program that you need clarification for?

NEXT STEPS:
Full scheduling and implementation of the program this coming August.

FISCAL IMPACT:
Approximately $580K in ongoing costs from a combination of general fund ($200K), BSEP, and LCAP dollars ($80K).

RELATED PAST BOARD ITEMS:

January 25, 2017 – 13.1 BHS Redesign

February 15, 2017 – 6.1 BHS Redesign

May 17, 2017 - First Reading of Proposed BHS Redesign for 2018-19

June 14, 2017 – Approval of Proposed BHS Redesign for 2018-19

ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A contains slides for tonight's presentation.

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:                  Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:             Evelyn Tamondong-Bradley, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources
DATE:             May 23, 2018
SUBJECT:      Approval of Tentative Agreements with the Berkeley Council of Classified Employee (BCCE) for a Reopener Agreement

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The District and the International Federation of Professional and the Berkeley Council of Classified Employees (BCCE), are parties to a collective bargaining agreement that contains a reopener provision. On November 8, 2017, and December 21, 2017, representatives for the District and BCCE reached Tentative Agreements (TAs) on provisions covered under the reopener. Staff has been informed that the BCCE membership has ratified the terms of this agreement.

Under the terms of the attached Tentative Agreement, the parties have agreed to the following:

• Changes to contract language relative to membership dues.
• Changes to contract language relative to suspensions.

POLICY/CODE:
California Government Code Section 3547 and Board Policy 4143.1 and 4243.1

FISCAL IMPACT:
Refer to AB1200 Disclosure

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
To Approve Tentative Agreement

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO:      Donald Evans, Ed.D., Superintendent
FROM:          Lew Jones, Interim Director of Facilities
DATE:            May 23, 2018
SUBJECT:      Update of the Security Project

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On February 28, 2018 the Board of Education approved funding to improve security at BUSD schools. The previous Director promised an update within 90 days.  This report is that update.

The document that went to the Board provided a summary of the District columbine-style hardware.  Columbine style locks make it possible for a door to be locked from the inside while the door remains closed.  The Board presentation also included other elements such as fencing, a public address system and additional cameras.  In further discussions with the Superintendent and Cabinet, staff believes that the first priority is to install one lock in each classroom (and possibly one in resource rooms and libraries) that do not currently have such a lock.  While we plan to install some locks with our own forces, in order to install locks in each classroom, we will need to bid out the remaining sites.  With the need to develop a more detailed scope of work and with the dearth of contractors wanting to bid projects at this time, we would recommend that the schedule be finalized that would award the project in early October. 

The following sites or buildings have columbine style locks in classrooms:

• (LeConte)
• Washington portables
• Jefferson
• Thousand Oaks
• Willard
• B-Tech
• BHS M Building

We intend to complete the following sites this summer with our own forces:

• King CDC
• Franklin PN
• Hopkins

We intend to complete the following schools during the fall semester:

• Emerson
• Malcolm X
• John Muir
• Washington
• BAM
• Cragmont
• Rosa Parks

We intend to complete the following schools in the winter:

• King
• Longfellow

We believe there will be sufficient funding to complete the following schools in the late spring or possibly into the summer:

• BHS
• Adult

We may decide to add Oxford to the list, but it depends on a further examination of the construction schedule. The West Campus site has columbine-style locks in the classrooms. 

In addition to the locks, we have had discussion about the fencing. The front door of most of our sites is open all day.  Fencing will not substantially increase school safety. Cabinet is still wrestling with whether it is wise to modify our entries to make it more challenging for an unwanted person to enter our schools. If we decide to do so, some schools could be outfitted with a camera and buzzer system, but at some of our sites, physical barriers would be required and that type of project would require design and DSA approval to proceed. 

Modifying the public address system identified would have a negligible impact on security and so is not recommended. Sites are interested in additional cameras, although not primarily for active shooter incidents.  Staff believes that the locks are a higher priority and that physical barriers to schools is also a higher priority. 

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept this report as information. 

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 

TO:                  Donald Evans, Ed.D, Superintendent
FROM:            Lew Jones, Interim Executive Director of Facilities
DATE: May 23, 2018
SUBJECT:     Facilities Plan Update 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
This report is an update of the Facilities Construction Plan approved by the Board on January 10, 2018.  Data in this report are current as of May 11, 2018.  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.