Stephen Hanke, Ed.D-Superintendent

Kim McNeely, Senior Director of Facilities

Staff is requesting Board of Trustees ratification of Superintendent executed Murray Kindergarten Classrooms and Parking lot Increment 1 Project. The contract was Superintendent executed to facilitate a spring break start of construction.

In order to facilitate the start of construction for spring break with the DSA approval dates, contract execution and the Board of Trustees meeting schedule, the Board of Trustees authorized the Superintendent or his designee to execute the Murray Kindergarten Classrooms and Parking Lot Increment 1 Project contract on March 12, 2013 at their regular meeting pursuant to Resolution No. 2012/13-29.

This is a Measure C funded project. Capital Building Fund (210).

The purpose of this item is Board of Trustees ratification of the Superintendent executed contract for Murray Kindergarten Classrooms and Parking Lot Increment 1 Project awarded pursuant to Board Resolution No. 2012/13-29.

Q: Is delegation of authority to execute construction contracts commonly done?

A: Yes. Project schedules often can benefit by the Board of Trustees authorizing the authority to execute the construction contract to the Superintendent. This is a common practice in school district construction, and has been used judiciously in the District previously.

The Superintendent executed the contract for the Murray Kindergarten Classrooms and Parking Lot Increment 1 Project with the contract amounts shown in the attached Site Lease, Facilities Lease and Construction Provision Agreements. The contractor was able to complete the electrical power upgrade during the spring break thus making way for the mass grading to start. Staff is seeking Board of Trustees ratification of the awarded contract for Murray Kindergarten Classrooms and Parking Lot Increment 1 Project.

Beverly Heironimus - Assistant Superintendent Business Services

Kim McNeely - Senior Director of Facilities

Patty Benavidez - Facilities Planner

Q: Does the installation of six modular classrooms on each campus increase the capacity of the campuses?

A: Installation of the modular classrooms could increase the capacity of each campus by up to 150 students (approximately 19%). Installation of six modular classrooms at each campus is necessary to meet the needs of projected enrollment growth over the next two years until J.M. Amador Elementary School opens in fall 2015 as identified in the District's Interim Housing Plan.

Q: Where is the Notice of Exemption posted?

A: The Notice of Exemption is posted at each campus, at the District Office, on the District webpage, and at the City of Dublin Library.

 

Stephen L. Hanke, Ed.D, Superintendent

Beverly Heironimus, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services

Kim McNeely, Senior Director of Facilities

Dr. Hanke gave an overview of the reasons and the need for interim housing at Dougherty, Green and Kolb Elementary Schools. Ms. Kim McNeely, director of facilities, presented a Powerpoint which outlined the infrastructure capabilities, the available hard court & play field space, environmental concerns (CEQA) etc. Plans that included placement of portables on both hard court and field space was displayed, with consideration given to minimize the impact on the hard court space at all sites. 

Board Clarifying Questions: Mr. Cunningham - Asked if any of the $4-$5 million will be recoverable when they are no longer needed? The portables can be re-used at another site and the furniture ($225,000) will be used at J.M. Amador Elementary School. 

Mr. Cunningham - Asked what other options were looked at to not have to place portables at the sites. Ms. McNeely stated that with regard to facility issues, they have looked at various building placements in order to maximize space for students on the hard court. 

Dr. Hanke addressed the issue with regard to program issues. It was stated that the district has always believed in the neighborhood school concept as this best meets the needs of children in the impacted school. The district will also look at the number of interdistrict transfer students, with the exception of inter-districts for children of teachers at the affected schools. Those teachers will be allowed to keep their children at the school in which they teach.

Ms. Miller - Asked if there is any possibility of getting the building of E-5 completed sooner?  Dr. Hanke stated that the only way to realize that would be for the state to pass another bond measure.  There just is not enough funds available through the state or the district to speed up the funding.

Mr. Cunningham - Asked if the grass space is equal at the three school sites. Ms. McNeely stated that it is possible to get a square foot per student ratio of field space for each school site in order to see how equitable those areas are.

Ms. McNeely - Shared the diagrams of the portable configuration with all portables on the field space. Mr. Nomura shared his insights regarding the rationale for grade placement in the portables. His preference was to have four on the grass and two on the hard court.  He stated that grades 3-4 would be placed in the portables.  Ms. Browning stated that her second choice was to have all six portables on the field area as presented. 

Ms. Rouse - Asked what the cost would be to add additional campus monitors if a configuration was used that created "blind spots".  

Visitors:

Mr. John Hackenberg - Has two children who will be attending Green next year. Does not feel that this is the right thing for Green.  Stated that there will be a lot of noise outside the portables. Asked the board to look at the best practices throughout the state; suggested looking at San Ramon Valley USD.  Noted that with Dougherty, it did not end up being temporary; those portables are still on the campus.  Traffic is an issue at the school now and adding more students would add to the traffic problem.

Ms. Patricia Burroughs - Thanked Mr. Boczanowski for coming out to Green to meet with the PFC.  Has been hearing the words temporary and interim and understands that there is a need to find additional housing for the growth.  

Ms. Vivian Vales - Has three students in the Dublin Ranch area.  Stated that bringing portables to Green is a horrible option.  Read an article about modular classrooms used in various areas of the nation and they are plagued with problems. Wanted to know why parents were not notified earlier about the placement of portables and why parents and staff were not included on a committee to make an informed decision.  Noted she has a facilities planning background and is used to planning for growth.

Vijji Suryadevara - Noted she is not looking at the educational aspect of this kind of decision.  Stated that her concern is regarding safety. Currently dropping off students is a problem and the problem will get worse. 

Ms. Pangelinan - Presented a Powerpoint presentation. Noted that there have been four accidents in front of Green Elementary School.  Noted that there overcrowding is a major problem for the community.

Mr. Pangelinan - Continued presenting the Powerpoint that was started by Ms. Pangelinan.

Mr. Duong - Stated that he was not aware of the issue with the portables. Stated he just purchased a home in Dublin last year and bought in this area because of the look of the area.  Stated that the traffic issues are a safety issue for students currently attending.  Noted he is very proud of the area and does not want to see the area go down.

Ms. Herrera - Stated that students play in the area that the portables are going to be placed and their play area is going to be reduced which is not fair to the students. 

Ms. Kim Adrian - Stated that she hopes that the portables will be temporary. Is concerned about the quality of education.  Field trips have had to be canceled because the classes are too large. This impacts the quality of education for students. Stated that having additional supervision is a must. Traffic safety is an essential to consider.

Mr. Tom Perico - Noted that he understands that when there is rapid growth in an area, that it is important to make the experience for students the best it can be. 

Ms. Regina Bradley - Stated that this was all done very quickly. Why was this not communicated out to parents earlier. Thinks that using Nielsen would be a good option.

Gabe, Isaiah, Mirijian, Victoria and Matina - Noted that they did not want to be in portables.

Ms. Stephanie Anderson - Noted that she teaches currently in a portable at Wells Middle School and they are very adequate facilities for classrooms.  In many cases, teachers prefer to teach in portables as they have the ability to regulate their own heat/air.  Educating students happens because of what happens between the teacher and the student, not because of what kind of room they are house in.

Board Comments:

Ms. Brown - Stated that she she attended Frederiksen Elementary School and during her time there she was in portables three out of six years. Stated that the teacher, not the building, affects the educational learning of students.

Mr. Cunningham - Asked how old will the portables will be? A: Five years or less. Adequate lighting? The lighting is the same as a regular classroom.  HVAC?  Yes, in all portables.  Can the portables be painted to match the school colors?  Ms. McNeely stated that they typically are not, but can be for approximately for $20-$30K per site.

Mr. Tomlinson - Asked for clarification about whether they are being purchased or leased.  Ms. McNeely stated that they are leased.

Ms. Rouse - Stated she heard a lot of comments about classes not taking field trips because of the sizes of the classes.  Mr. Nomura stated that the number of students was one factor that was considered. There were 140 students in that group and the extra supervision was a factor in making the decision not to take the trip.  Ms. Browning stated that she has not seen a decrease in the number of field trips.

Ms. Miller - Asked if the additional number of students affects the ability to provide assemblies and instruction.  Ms. Browning stated that having come from an elementary school of 1000

Dr. Hanke - Noted that the recommendation is to approve the placement of the six portables at Kolb and Green and up to six portables at Dougherty as needed. Secondly, it is recommended that a planning team be put together to develop a plan to enhance safety, maximize the functionality of the site for the number of students; that the plan be communicated to parents by June 2013.

Mr. Tomlinson - Stated that the board has always held the concept of a neighborhood school for all students.  It is also the boards goal to use district fund efficiently and the placement of portables is the most effective use of district funds. Another issue is that the Nielsen site is not suitable for a school site due to a number of reasons, many of them related to deterioration and safety issues. Stated that this is the best of the solutions available, given the limited number of choices available.

Ms. Miller - Stated that she understands where the parents are coming from and noted that the second half of Dr. Hanke's presentation will really help the parents with some of their concerns.  Still has a concern with the noise issues but know that they can mitigate some of those issues. Noted that there are no other options available and has faith that the committee that is put together can help to solve some of the concerns that the parents have regarding the portables and traffic safety.

Ms. Rouse - Stated there is a need to make sure the supervision issues are addressed and the traffic problems are also solved.

Mr. Kenney - Stated that he does support the recommendation, but would like to see a twice-yearly update on how the committee is working and how the issues are being addressed.

Mr. Cunningham - Stated that he is very confident that the portables will be safe for our students and a good solution to the growth issues in the east. Stated that the safety issues need to be addressed separately and not lumped into the interim housing issue. 

Dr. Hanke - Stated that the plan is very important and he suggested that the board direct staff to return to the board with a report on how the plan is moving forward.

Ms. Rouse - Is confident that the staff will place these portables with the intent that they be temporary and be removed once they are no longer needed.

Beverly Heironimus,CPA, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services

Kim McNeely, Senior Director, Facilities

Beverly Heironimus, CPA, Assistant Supertindentent, Business Services

Kim McNeely, Director of Facilities

Rick Kendrick, Project Manager

Robert Thomas, Project Manager

Rick Kendrick, Project Manager for the Dublin High School construction project gave an update on the progress of the DHS Center for the Performing Arts and Education.

Board Questions/Comments:

Mr. Kenney - Asked if the seating is included in the construction costs.  Mr. Kendrick stated that all of the seating was included.

Mr. Cunningham - Thanked the facilities staff for the tour of the facility and stated he cannot wait until it is ready.

Beverly Heironimus-CPA, Assistant Superintendent, Business

Kim McNeely - Senior Director of Facilities 

The Wells Middle School Phase 2 Classroom Replacement Project was awarded to Roebbelen Contracting, Inc. on July 18, 2012. The project consists of a 2 story building housing 14 classrooms, a library/media center, 4 offices, conference room, 8 restrooms and various other support spaces.

The project is funded by Measure C Bond fund. Capital Building Fund (210)

Q: Are the classrooms going to incorporate any of the proposed new technology standards?

A: Yes, the classrooms will utilize T.V. monitors mounted above the teaching wall.

Q: Is new furniture included in the budget?

A: No. The existing furniture will be reused.

The Wells Middle School Phase 2 Classroom Replacement Project started construction July 23, 2012. The contractor has encountered minor weather impacts which have been mitigated through working Saturdays and overtime. Staff will provide a brief update on the status of the project including current activities and planned upcoming work. The project is currently on schedule for a winter 2013/14 completion.

Ms. Custodio, Director of Educational Services stated the district offers several alternative options for educating their children such as Home Schooling, Independent Study, Online Education, Regional Occupational Programs, Alternative Schools and Continuation Schools. 

A Powerpoint presentation was shown that highlighted three programs: Home Schooling (K-6 Independent Study), Independent Study (7-12)and the DUSD Online Program for Students (OPS). Teachers from each of those programs offered their personal insights into the programs offered to students.

Board Questions:

Ms. Miller - Asked how the teachers are trained to work with special education students. Ms. Custodio stated that the teachers work with their regular special education teacher to make sure the IEP is followed and the student receives the proper support.

Mr. Kenney - Asked what the district's responsibility is for students in the home schooling program. Ms. Custodio stated that if a student enters a home schooling program through our district, they use our curriculum and sign a contract to be in our program.

Mr. Kenney - Asked at what point will we need to increase the number of licenses for the program that is being used. Ms. Custodio stated that the teachers are very creative in rotating students through the program so that the license issue is not a problem.

Mr. Tomlinson - Asked if students in these programs participate in any of the extra curricular activities on campus. Ms. Toney stated that some students do and others are involved in many outside activities of their own.

The purpose of this item is for the Board to review and comment on upcoming board agenda items.