The Presiding Officer will call the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 

Persons wishing to address the Board should fill out a green speaker card. Cards turned in by 5:45p.m  will be given priority. Public Testimony is strictly 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. 

BERKELEY UNIFED SCHOOL DISTRICT

TO: BUSD Board of Education

FROM: Brent Stephens, Ed.D., Superintendent

DATE: March 13, 2020

SUBJECT: RESOLUTION 20-038, RESOLUTION OF EMERGENCY OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The protection of the health and safety and preservation of the lives of students, staff and families, as well as property of the people of Berkeley, the County and the State from the effects of natural emergencies such as virulent infectious diseases like COVID-19, which may cause extreme peril to life, property, and resources is of paramount local and State importance requiring the responsible efforts of public and private agencies and individual citizens. 

Resolution 20-038 describes, among other things, the following district actions:

• Determines that the circumstances described in the Resolution herein that constitute an emergency condition

• Authorizes the execution of contracts without advertising or inviting bids

• Authorizes the Superintendent and/or his designee to take any and all actions necessary to ensure the continuation of public education, and the health and safety of the students and staff at the District Sites

• Determines by unanimous vote and subject to approval by the Superintendent of the Alameda County, that an emergency condition exists because of COVID-19 and related extraordinary conditions

• Authorizes the Superintendent to determine, in consultation with the Board, the reopening of schools when the emergency conditions seek to exist and take such action to reopen schools

• Authorizes the Superintendent to take such actions as necessary to immediately close one, some, or all District schools as may be necessary to protect students and staff health and safety, or to adjust or reduce the length of the school day without further approval, or to take such other action as may be necessary and prudent  to protect the health and safety of District students and staff; or alternatively to dismiss some or all students from attendance and retain staff.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION 

Approve Resolution 20-038