Submitted by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Submitted by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Submitted by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Submitted by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 1, 2022, as submitted.

Submitted by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve the agenda of the regular meeting of  March 15, 2022, with any additions or deletions that receive a unanimous vote.

La Quinta High School’s Globetrotters Club will be on an Educational First Tour to Costa Rica during Spring Break.

A total of 12 students will be attending this trip with teacher Jazmyn Leon, parents Silvia Hernandez and Lidia Moya, and chaperones Leticia Garza and Maria Perez.

The itinerary is as follows:

April 16:   Travel to Costa Rica
April 17:   Tour of Arenal Region | Arenal Volcano National Park | Tour Coffee Plantation
April 18:   Tour of Arenal Region | Kayaking on Lake Arenal | Visit La Fortuna Waterfall and Hot Springs
April 19:   Travel to Monteverde | Local Food Workshop | Cultural Exchange with locals
April 20:   Monteverde | Ziplining through the Costa Rican canopy | Visit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest
April 21:   Monteverde and Central Pacific Coast | Aerial tram above Canopies | Crocodile Safari
April 22:   Tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
April 23:   Travel via Sarchi to San Jose, the Central Pacific Coast | Folklore Evening
April 24:   San Jose Whitewater Rafting Excursion
April 25:   Return home

The purpose of the trip is to help students gain new perspectives and build skills for the future through experiential learning. Ms. Leon wants to introduce students to global education that will blend classroom, digital, and experiential learning for students.

The cost of this trip is entirely paid for by the students that are attending the trip, at no cost to the district.

The itinerary is on file in the principal’s office and in Educational Services.

Submitted by:
Rudy Wilson, Ed.D., Principal, La Quinta High School 
Kelly May-Vollmar, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services 

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Palm Desert Charter Middle School (PDCMS) Varsity Color Guard will be competing in the Winter Guard International Championships in Dayton, Ohio, during April 5-10, 2022. The competition will be held at the Wright State University Nutter Center and the University of Dayton Arena.

A total of 21 students will attend this trip along with teachers Jose Pena and Johnston Ngyuen, and band paraeducator Timothy Mikan. The PDCMS color guard will be competing against high school groups and, because of their number one ranking, is the only middle school in the nation to compete in this division. This experience will provide students an opportunity to compete against top-level color guard teams and showcase their talents.

The itinerary is as follows:

April 5:      Depart for Columbus, Ohio
April 6-8:  WGI Preliminary, Semifinal, and Championship Round (Rehearsal, Performance)
April 9:     Spectating the championship round for the Scholastic Open and Scholastic World divisions
April 10:   Return to Palm Desert

The total cost of the trip is $30,000, which includes the registration fees, airfare, hotel accommodations, and meals. The trip will be paid by sponsorships, fundraising, and soliciting donations, at no cost to the district. Parents traveling with their student will pay for their own expenses. Consideration is given to families’ ability to fund the trip through scholarships, as needed.

The itinerary is on file in the principal’s office and in Educational Services. 

Submitted by:
Deborah Dolan, Principal, Palm Desert Charter Middle School 
Kelly May-Vollmar, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services 

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Shadow Hills High School’s (SHHS) Choir will be performing at the Forum Music Festival at the Wilshire Auditorium in Fullerton, California, on April 8, 2022.

A total of 16 students will travel along with the choir director, Kaylon McGee.

The itinerary is as follows:

April 8:         Depart to Fullerton, Performance and Awards ceremony
April 9:         Return to Indio

The total cost of this trip is $6,000, which includes transportation, hotel, meals, and registration fees. SHHS will pay for this trip by participating in fundraising activities, at no cost to the district. The chaperone will pay for her own expenses. Consideration will be given to families’ ability to fund the trip through scholarships, as needed. 

The trip itinerary is on file in the school principal’s office and in the Educational Services.

Submitted by:
Gabriel Fajardo, Principal, Shadow Hills High School
Kelly May-Vollmar, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services 

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Educational Services will present on the A-G Completion Improvement Grant Program, Desert Sands Unified School District qualifies for the  A-G Access Grant and A-G Learning Loss Mitigation Grant. The state provides three grant programs to help increase the number of high school pupils, particularly unduplicated pupils, who graduate from high school with A-G eligibility: A-G Access Grants, A-G Success Grants, and A-G Learning Loss Mitigation Grants. 

The State of California, under California Education Code § 41590 A-G Completion Improvement Grant Program, is providing funding for additional support to Local Educational Agencies to support activities, which include professional development opportunities for teachers, administrators, and counselors; advising plans; tutoring programs; expanding access to coursework; Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate fees and to create opportunities for students who received a grade of D or F in A-G courses in the spring semester for 2020 or the 2020-2021 school year to retake those courses. School districts may expend the funds received during the 2021-2022 fiscal year through, the 2025-2026 school years.

Submitted by:
Marcus Wood, Ed.D., Senior Director, Secondary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Kelly May-Vollmar, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Jordan Aquino, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, will discuss the Second Interim Financial Report.

Submitted by:
Sonya Melendez, Director, Fiscal Services
Jordan Aquino, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

The superintendent and cabinet will provide updates to the Board of Education on an ongoing basis.

Submitted by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

As required by law, the Desert Sands Unified School District must formally report its financial status twice a year.  The Second Interim Financial Report reflects the actual expenditures and budget through January 31, 2022.

The Second Interim Financial Report will be available on the District website.

Submitted by:
Sonya Melendez, Director, Fiscal Services
Jordan Aquino, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve filing a positive certification for the Second Interim Financial Statement for the period ending January 31, 2022, and the corresponding appropriation transfers.

Purchasing Services requests to enter into an agreement with Spectrum Enterprise to provide fiber internet services for E-Rate applications.  RFP No. 21/22-004 was approved for award by the Board of Education on February 15, 2022.

The purpose of this agreement is to set forth the terms and conditions pursuant to which services will be provided through the duration of the agreement, from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2027.

Submitted by:
Seandee Jackson, Director, Purchasing Services
Jordan Aquino, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve an agreement with Spectrum Enterprise, to provide fiber internet services, from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2027, for a total amount of $147,000 annually, to be paid from E-Rate funding and one time technology funds, pending E-Rate funding approval.

Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) is currently enrolled in the Regional Employer/Employee Partnership (REEP) for Benefits a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) that is managed by Keenan & Associates.

The District currently has the following MetLife Plans with REEP: 

MetLife Group Life - Management only 
MetLife Voluntary Life - All employees
MetLife Voluntary AD&D - All employees
MetLife Legal Plan (formally Hyatt Legal) - All employees
 
The Risk Management staff went out to market early this year.  Burnham Benefits was able to obtain competitive pricing and terms directly with MetLife.  In order to secure competitive products directly with MetLife, DSUSD will need to withdraw from REEP effective July 1, 2022.  Then the REEP Executive Committee will review and vote to ratify at their March 23, 2022 meeting.  

Submitted by:
Felissa Waynick, Director of Risk Management
Jordan Aquino, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve Desert Sands Unified School District to withdraw from Regional Employer/Employee Partnership (REEP) for Benefits a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) that is managed by Keenan & Associates.

The After School Education and Safety program has been awarded a grant from the California Department of Education, in the amount of $2,544,700.94.

The funds will be used to provide after school programs for students at Carrillo Ranch, Dr. Carreon, Franklin, Hoover, Jackson, Johnson, Kennedy, Lincoln, Madison, Oliphant, Roosevelt, Truman, and Van Buren elementary schools; and Desert Ridge Academy, Indio, and Jefferson middle schools, as approved by the California Department of Education.

The maximum allowable grant is $152,001.68, for each elementary school and $203,279.36, for each middle school.  

Submitted by:
Jaime Bikis, Supervisor, Expanded Learning Programs
Michael Wilhite, Senior Director, Elementary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Kelly May-Vollmar, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services 

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve to accept the grant award notification from the California Department of Education for the After School Education and Safety program to provide after school programs for students at Carrillo Ranch, Dr. Carreon, Franklin, Hoover, Jackson, Johnson, Kennedy, Lincoln, Madison, Oliphant, Roosevelt, Truman, and Van Buren elementary schools; and Desert Ridge Academy, Indio, and Jefferson middle schools, from July 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022, in the amount of $2,544,700.94.

The Special Education department requests an addendum to the Independent Contractor Agreement (ICA) with Desert Occupational Therapy for Kids, Inc., to provide occupational therapy services for eligible Special Education students.  Services include assessments, direct occupational therapy, consultations, educational staff training, and attendance at Individual Educational Plan meetings during the 2021-2022 school year. 

Due to the shortage of occupational therapists in the nation, it is necessary to contract with agencies and/or independent contractors in order to meet the needs of the district's Special Education students. 

The original ICA with Desert Occupational Therapy for Kids, Inc., was approved by the Board of Education on June 8, 2021. 

Submitted by: 
Dr. Charity Plaxton-Hennings, Senior Director, Special Education
Laura Fisher, Assistant Superintendent, Student Support Services

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve to amend the Independent Contractor Agreement with Desert Occupational Therapy for Kids, Inc., to provide occupational therapy services to Special Education students, during the 2021-2022 school year, for an increase of $185,000, in a total not to exceed $660,000, to be paid from the Special Education fund. 

Submitted by:
Larry Bellanich, Director, Child Welfare and Attendance
Laura Fisher, Assistant Superintendent, Student Support Services

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Accept the Stipulated Expulsion Order recommendation that the Board of Education expel Student #21/22-42 from the Desert Sands Unified School District for violation of Education Code section 48900(c), and adopt the conditions for reinstatement set down by the Stipulated Expulsion Order.

The Comprehensive School Safety Plan (CSSP) for each school is designed to assist school administrators and school emergency response teams in the emergency management organization.  The CSSP uses the management principles of California's Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and FEMA's Incident Command System (ICS).  The Building Disaster Plan provides school emergency managers with a simple outline to organize school emergency response teams.

The Comprehensive School Safety Plan must comply with all requirements per California Education Code and help prepare schools for emergencies.  CSSP is an effective tool to maintain safe and secure learning environments.  School Site Councils or designated safety committees work with educators, classified staff, parents, and community leaders in the development of their CSSP; they must ensure these plans are effective and current.

Elementary, middle, and high school Comprehensive School Safety Plans were approved by the Board of Education on March 1, 2022.

Submitted by:
Edward Nacua, Director, Security of Safety & Services
Jordan Aquino, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services

The Maintenance Department requests to enter into an Independent Contractor Agreement for professional services with Keith Blum to paint two murals at Desert Ridge Academy.  The murals' themes are art workshop and sports.  Mr. Blum will generously donate the sports mural.

District staff has reviewed the proposal from Keith Blum and found it to be complete and acceptable.

Submitted by:
Gabriel De La O, Director, Maintenance, Operations and Transportation
Jordan Aquino, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

The Maintenance Department request to enter into an Independent Contractor Agreement for professional services with John Aaron Hansen to paint a mural at Amistad High School.

District staff has reviewed the proposal from John Aaron Hansen and found it to be complete and acceptable.

Submitted by:
Gabriel De La O, Director, Maintenance, Operations and Transportation
Jordan Aquino, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve an Independent Contractor Agreement for professional services with John Aaron Hansen to paint a mural at Amistad High School, in a total amount not to exceed $2,300, to be paid from the Amistad High School Discretionary  Fund.

The 188/04F Ford Elementary School Modernization Project plans and specifications were prepared by PBK-WLC.

The 188/04F Ford Elementary School Modernization Project includes the modernization of the existing campus.

Change Order No. 1 consists of additional costs and credits as listed on the attached Change Order Breakdown.

The total effect of Change Order No. 1 is a net credit to the contract in the amount of $18,221, representing a decrease of -0.29% of the original contract amount.  The original construction contract was $6,213,252. The new combined prime contract amount, including Change Order No. 1, is $6,195,031.

Submitted by:
Patrick Cisneros, Director, Facilities Services
Jordan Aquino, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services 

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve Change Order No. 1 to Bogh Engineering, Inc., Category No. 04A, in the credit amount ($885); Superior Wall Systems, Inc., Category No. 13A, in the amount of $12,972; A.J. Fistes Corporation, Category No. 17, in the amount of $1,709; Pro-Craft Construction, Inc., Category No. 19A, in the credit amount ($19,330), and Allison Mechanical, Inc., Category No. 21A, in the credit amount of ($12,687), for the 188/04F Ford Elementary School Modernization Project, in the credit amount of ($18,221),  to be credited to the Building Fund.

The 224/01F Lincoln Elementary School Modernization Project plans and specifications were prepared by LPA, Inc.

The 224/01F Lincoln Elementary School Modernization Project includes the construction of four new classroom buildings and a new administration building, demolition of the original classroom buildings, and minor modernization to the existing buildings scheduled to remain at the site.

Change Order No. 2 consists of additional costs as listed on the attached Change Order Breakdown.

The total effect of Change Order No. 2 increases the contract in the amount of $61,273, representing an increase of 0.38% of the original contract amount.  The original construction contract was $16,330,160. The new combined prime contract amount, including Change Order Nos. 1 through 2, is $16,410,994.

Submitted by:
Patrick Cisneros, Director, Facilities Services
Jordan Aquino, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services 

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve Change Order No. 2 to Inland Building Construction Companies, Inc., Bid Package No. 18, in the amount of $2,761; Empyrean Plumbing, Inc., Bid Package No. 19, in the amount of $57,855, and Desert Air Conditioning, Inc., Bid Package No. 21, in the amount of $657, for the 224/01F Lincoln Elementary School Modernization Project, for a total amount of $61,273, to be paid from the Building Fund.

Cash donations, in the amount of $2,535.39, have been received in Fiscal Services.  The attached report provides the specific donation information. 

Submitted by:
Sonya Melendez, Director, Fiscal Services
Jordan Aquino, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve to accept cash donations, in the amount of $2,535.39.

A donation, in the total estimated value of $180, has been received in Purchasing Services.  The attached report provides specific donation information.

Submitted by:
Seandee Jackson, Director, Purchasing Services
Jordan Aquino, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve to accept a donation, in the total estimated value of $180.

The Associated Student Body report of purchases and contracts for the period of February 1-28, 2022, accompanies this agenda item. 

Submitted by:
Sonya Melendez, Director, Fiscal Services
Jordan Aquino, Assistant Superintendent

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve to accept the report of the Associated Student Body purchases and contracts for the period of February 1-28, 2022, in the amount of $78,317.44.

The reports of purchases and contracts for the period of February 1–28, 2022, accompanies this agenda item.

Submitted by:
Seandee Jackson, Director, Purchasing Services
Jordan Aquino, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve to accept reports of purchases and contracts for the period of February 1–28, 2022, in the amount of $4,089,557.30.

The La Quinta High School History in Motion Club requests to have the attached constitution officially adopted and on file to conduct meetings and activities.

The purpose of this organization shall be to create interest in world cultures, the historical past, and history’s integration with the modern world. The club will promote interest and encourage student participation in culturally relevant and historically related events within the school and community.

The club advisor will be James Martin, teacher.

Submitted by:
Rudy Wilson, Ed.D., Principal, La Quinta High School
Jordan Aquino, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve to adopt the constitution and formation of the La Quinta High School History in Motion Club, under the auspices of the La Quinta High School Associated Student Body.

The La Quinta High School Skate Club requests to have the attached constitution officially adopted and on file to conduct meetings and activities.

The purpose of this organization shall be to create interest in skating.  The club will promote interest and encourage student participation in skating related events within the school and community.

The club advisor will be Lauren Cruz, teacher.

Submitted by:
Rudy Wilson, Ed.D., Principal, La Quinta High School
Jordan Aquino, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve to adopt the constitution and formation of the La Quinta High School Skate Club, under the auspices of the La Quinta High School Associated Student Body.   

The Palm Desert High School Arts Academy Dance Club requests to have the attached constitution officially adopted and on file to conduct meetings and activities.

The purpose of this organization shall be to create interest in professional careers in dance.  The club will promote interest and encourage student participation in dance related events within the school and community.

The club advisor will be Cristina McKeever, teacher.

Submitted by:
Dennis Zink, Principal, Palm Desert High School
Jordan Aquino, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve to adopt the constitution and formation of the Palm Desert High School Arts Academy Dance Club, under the auspices of the Palm Desert High School Associated Student Body. 

The Palm Desert High School Photography Club requests to have the attached constitution officially adopted and on file to conduct meetings and activities.

The purpose of this organization shall be to create interest in learning about photography and taking photos.  The club will promote interest and encourage student participation in school and artistic related events within the school and community.

The club advisor will be Melanie Kiss, teacher.

Submitted by:
Dennis Zink, Principal, Palm Desert High School
Jordan Aquino, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve to adopt the constitution and formation of the Palm Desert High School Photography Club, under the auspices of the Palm Desert High School Associated Student Body. 

Palm Desert High School requests to enter into an Independent Contractor Agreement with Nickerson-Rossi Dance to mentor students in the Professional Dance Pathway by providing a series of choreographic works in various styles to enhance the technique, artistry, and overall skill sets of students in preparation for their Dance Showcase on May 14, 2022. Choreographers will share their varied knowledge, versatility, and creative connections.  

The Nickerson-Rossi Dance Company is an internationally renowned contemporary dance company. Top modern dancers in the industry are hired to perform in company performances and assist Michael Nickerson-Rossi in educational programs.

Submitted by:
Dennis Zink, Principal, Palm Desert High School
Kevin Bibo, Director, College and Career Readiness
Kelly May-Vollmar, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve an Independent Contractor Agreement with Nickerson-Rossi Dance to mentor and rehearse with students, from March 16, to April 20, 2022, in a total amount not to exceed $3,500, to be paid from the Career Technical Education and the Supplemental Concentration funds.

The State and Federal Programs Office requests to enter into a Public Speaking Services Agreement with Los Espacios y la Comunicación Interpersonal (LECI), Inc., to provide virtual training for Van Buren Elementary School parents on Good Parents Give Gifts, Brilliant Parents Offer their Being and Good Parents Fix Mistakes, Brilliant Parents Teach How to Think.   

The purpose of the trainings is for parents to develop:

• Self-esteem in children, protection of emotionality, the capacity to work on losses and frustrations, to filter stressful stimuli, to dialogue and listen,

• Fidelity, honesty, the capacity to question, social responsibility, critical awareness, and thinking before acting.

Submitted by:
Angela Randolph, Ed.D., Director, State and Federal Programs Office
Kelly May-Vollmar, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services 

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve a Services Agreement with Los Espacios y la Comunicación Interpersonal, Inc., to provide virtual training for Van Buren Elementary School parents on April 13, 2022, in a total amount not to exceed $­­­­­­960, to be paid from the Migrant Education Fund.

Educational Services requests to enter into Agreement Number IN-70393 with the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools to support elementary school counselors in the following areas:

• Data and Improvement

• Systems and Procedures

• Site Level Support

• Monitoring Effectiveness

Submitted by:
Kevin Bibo, Director, College and Career Readiness
Kelly May-Vollmar, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services 

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve Agreement IN-70393 with the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools to support elementary school counselors, during the 2021-2022 school year, in a total amount not to exceed $12,000, to be paid from the Supplemental Concentration Fund.

Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School received a grant award from the Anderson Children’s Foundation, in the amount of $3,862.

The funds will be used to purchase Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) supplies for Kindergarten-5th grade students to increase achievement. The activities and resources will provide students with a better understanding of our impact on the environment. 

Submitted by: 
Daniel Martinez, Ed.D., Principal, Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School 
Michael Wilhite, Senior Director, Elementary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Kelly May-Vollmar, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services 

Recommended by: 
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve to accept the grant award from the Anderson Children’s Foundation for Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School to purchase Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math supplies for students, during the 2021-2022 school year, in the amount of $3,862.

Martin Van Buren Elementary School received a grant award from Whole Kids Foundation, in the amount of $3,000.

The funds will be used to build a school garden to support science and nutrition lessons, during the 2021-2022 school year.

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent 

Approve to accept the grant award from the Whole Kids Foundation Garden Grant for Martin Van Buren Elementary School to build a school garden to support science and nutrition lessons, during the 2021-2022 school year, in the amount of $3,000.

The Special Education department requests to enter into a contract with The Imagination Machine, which has been inspiring children with a variety of exciting and educational assemblies designed to students' creativity and enhance their writing skills. The productions focus on using students' imaginations to teach and reinforce the fundamentals of writing and inspire them in their own writing. The skills taught through dramatic presentations and games focus on creating unique characters, memorable settings, and imaginative plots that can be applied to the classroom setting, during the 2021-2022 school year. 

Submitted by:
Dr. Charity Plaxton-Hennings, Senior Director, Special Education
Laura Fisher, Assistant Superintendent, Student Support Services

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve the contract with The Imagination Machine, which has been inspiring children with a variety of exciting and educational assemblies designed to students' creativity and enhance their writing skills, during the 2021-2022 school year, in a total amount not to exceed $1,925, to be paid from the Learning Recovery Support fund.

The Special Education department requests to enter into an Independent Contractor Agreement with MOVE International, to provide professional development training to Special Education staff, during the 2021-2022 school year. 

The training provides innovative techniques and training for educators which benefit children and adults with multiple disabilities. 

Submitted by:
Dr. Charity Plaxton-Hennings, Senior Director, Special Education
Laura Fisher, Assistant Superintendent, Student Support Services

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve an Independent Contractor Agreement with MOVE International, to provide training techniques to Special Education staff, during the 2021-2022 school year, in a total amount not to exceed $4,000, to be paid from the Special Education fund. 

The Special Education department requests to amend the Independent Contractor Agreement (ICA) with El Paseo Children's Center, Inc., to provide additional qualified support staff to meet the needs of Special Education students during the 2021-2022 school year, as needed. 

The original ICA with El Paseo Children's Center, Inc., was approved by the Board of Education on August 17, 2021.

Approve to amend the Independent Contractor Agreement with El Paseo Children’s Center, Inc., to provide additional qualified support staff, during the 2021-2022 school year, as needed, for an increase of $85,000, in a total amount not to exceed $185,000, to be paid from the Special Education fund. 

The Special Education department requests to amend the Independent Contractor Agreement (ICA) with The Stepping Stones Group, LLC., to provide additional qualified support staff to meet the needs of Special Education students during the 2021-2022 school year, as needed.  

The district continues to recruit qualified support staff, but due to a staff shortage, it is necessary to contract with agencies and/or independent contractors. 

The original ICA with The Stepping Stones Group, LLC.,  was approved by the Board of Education on August 17, 2021.

Recommended by: 
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve to amend the Independent Contractor Agreement with The Stepping Stones Group, LLC., to provide additional qualified support staff to meet the needs of Special Education students, during the 2021-2022 school year, as needed, in a total amount not to exceed $91,000, to be paid from the Special Education fund.

The Special Education department requests to enter into a Public Speaking Services Agreement with Robert Broski, Actor and Professional Presenter, to perform as the famous President Abraham Lincoln, during the Spring Fling on March 26, 2022. 

Submitted by:
Dr. Charity Plaxton-Hennings, Senior Director, Special Education
Laura Fisher, Assistant Superintendent, Student Support Services

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve a Public Speaking Services Agreement with Robert Broski, Actor and Professional Presenter, to perform as the famous President Abraham Lincoln, during the Spring Fling on March 26, 2022, in an amount not to exceed $1,500, to be paid from the Learning Recovery fund. 

Desert Sands Unified School District requests to amend the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Coachella Valley Adult School (CVAS), during the 2021-2022 school year.

CVAS will no longer provide childcare services. This will reduce the MOU amount from $250,000, to $200,000.

The MOU with CVAS was approved by the Board of Education on August 31, 2021.

Submitted by:
Larry Bellanich, Director, Student Assistance Program
Laura, Fisher, Assistant, Superintendent, Student Support Services

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Approve to amend the MOU with CVAS, to discontinue childcare services, during the 2021-2022 school year, and reduce payment, from $250,000, to $200,000, to be paid by the California Adult Education Program Grant.

Submitted by:
Joseph Hyde Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, Personnel Services

Recommended by:
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent

Submitted by:
Joseph Hyde, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, Personnel Services

Recommended by: 
Scott L. Bailey, Superintendent