Background

As district personnel assess the current facility needs and investigate the possibility of a General Obligation Bond, it is advised to prepare a comprehensive plan that assesses district facilities, collects input on district needs, and creates a plan to guide modernization and improvements to create capital facilities that support program objectives. Master planning entails a firm that assesses existing plants and drawings to establish a baseline. The team interacts with staff, students, parents, and support organizations to collect feedback on interests and needs. Based on these factors, a plan is presented to guide the capital improvements for the years ahead.

Current Considerations

The last Facilities Master Plan dated back to 1995 with updates in 2002 and 2009. Updated programs and technology require a comprehensive look at existing facilities and improvements needed to make them compatible with current instructional objectives. Expanded demands for connectivity to support learning, changing spaces for career technical education, upgrades to facilities for the arts as well as athletics, and capacity to support smaller class sizes along with instructional specialists at elementary sites are some of the core programs that will be supported through the Facilities Master Plan.

Financial Implications

This is a fixed fee contract in the amount of $124,500. It will be paid from Fund 40.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the contract with LPA to provide an updated Facilities Master Plan.

Background

It is important to continually review and update the district’s board policies in order to stay on top of changing state requirements and/or district needs.

Current Considerations

As part of this continual review, the district has the following policy revision for the Board’s consideration:      

    BP 6161.1     Selection and Evaluation of Instructional Materials

    BP 6161.11   Supplementary Instructional Materials

 These policy revisions reflect current law and educational best practices and have been developed in consultation with District’s Council.

Financial Implications

 There are no financial implications associated with the recommended Board Policy revisions.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the adoption of McGraw Hill-Glencoe: Algebra 1, Common Core Edition for LC Math 1 and LC Math 1 Advanced courses.

Staff members create new courses in consultation with their department chairperson.  The administration reviews all proposed new courses and is making the following recommendation to expand curriculum offerings and better meet student needs. 

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the attached course description.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the attached course description.   

Staff members create new courses in consultation with their department chairperson.  The administration reviews all proposed new courses and makes its recommendation to the Governing Board for approval. This recommendation supports the implementation of the Common Core Standards in mathematics and better prepares students for new standardized assessments. 

Over the past two years LCHS has been implementing new math courses aligned with the CCSS.  At the 7/8 level, it was decided to keep the existing course structure until current students enter high school.  Starting next year, the courses offered at LCHS 7/8 will be CC Math 7, CC Math 7 Advanced, CC Math 8, and CC Math 8 Advanced.  The 8^th grade Advanced course will be aligned with the 8^th grade CCSS and include advanced concepts from higher level math courses.  This course will provide more rigor, depth and challenging learning opportunities to students and prepare them for the LC Math 1 Advanced class.    

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the attached course description.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the course description for CC Mathematics 8 Advanced.

Background

On or before July 1, 2016 the Governing Board is required to adopt its Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) using the State Board of Education template.  The LCAP must identify for all pupils the specific actions the Local Educational Agency (LEA) will take to achieve its goals and the measures by which progress will be identified.  The County shall disapprove any district budget that does not include the expenditures necessary to implement the LCAP.

Current Considerations

The LCAP is a three-year plan and it requires annual updates.  It is to include the annual goals for all pupils identified for each of the 8 state priorities and includes additional local priorities.  In developing the LCAP, parent advisory committees, local bargaining units, teachers, staff members, administrators, parents and pupils must be consulted.  All of these requirements have been met. 

Attached to this agenda item is a copy of the LCAP Executive Summary.  .

Financial Implications

The LCAP is intended as a planning document that drives the District’s budget development.  The Superintendent and the Fiscal Services Department have worked closely together to ensure that both documents are aligned.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the La Cañada Unified School District Local Control Accountability Plan for 2016-17.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the Personnel Report as presented.

BACKGROUND

While the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965 has been reauthorized as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and signed into law in December, 2015, most of the provisions of the ESSA will not take effect until the 2017-2018 school year. The Local Educational Plan (LEA Plan) used to guide implementation of federal-funded programs, the allocation of resources, and reporting requirements under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 remains the same at this time.   

The LEA Plan is designed to enable district schools to substantially help children meet the academic standards expected for all children. The LEA Plan continues to be a requirement for federally-funded programs. The LEA Plan includes specific descriptions and assurances as outlined in the provisions included in the ESEA. Additionally, the Consolidated Application (ConApp) is the annual fiscal companion to the LEA Plan.

CDE requires LEAs to review and, as necessary, revise its LEA Plan annually and to seek approval by the local governing board.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

La Cañada Unified School District receives federal funding from Title II, Part A-Teacher Quality and Title III-Immigrant and Limited English Proficient Students. LCUSD’s LEA Plan was updated with the collaboration of different stakeholders and mirrors the goals and functions of the LCAP.  The federal performance goals addressed in the LEA Plan are:

1.   All limited-English-proficient students will become proficient in English and reach high academic standards, at a minimum attaining proficiency or better in reading/language arts and mathematics.

2.   All students will be taught by highly qualified teachers.

3.   All students will graduate from high school.

FINANCIAL IMPACT

The approval of an LEA Plan is a requirement for receiving federal-funded program dollars. Over $100,000 will come to LCUSD through the Consolidated Application from these funding sources in 2016-2017, if approved.

Background

In a continuing effort to maintain the appearance of the facilities throughout the District, Administrators in conjunction with Maintenance and Operations attentively develop lists of proposed projects, which can be deployed throughout the year. The summer months present a special opportunity to address complex projects, which require extended time for completion not afforded during the school year.

Current Considerations

Under the California CMAS program, pre-approved lines of flooring have been negotiated at a competitive rate for installation without going through a formal bid process. Beauty-Kiss Floor & Window Covering is a vendor known to the District and is qualified to install our standard Tandus flooring under this agreement. They have submitted a proposal under the CMAS terms.

Financial Implications

We propose the installation of carpet and vinyl in the main offices of Palm Crest, La Canada Elementary and Paradise Canyon, as well as 5 to 6 classrooms at these sites and a small tile job at the High School in the amount of $97, 858.50.  Funds will come from Deferred Maintenance (Fund 14.0).  

BACKGROUND

The Consolidated Application is the mechanism by which California school districts apply for federal funding in special categorical programs. The application is submitted to CDE on-line through a web-based Consolidated Application Reporting System (CARS). 

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

La Cañada Unified School District will apply for the following federal programs:

Title II, Part A (Teacher Quality) A federal program that increases student academic achievement through strategies such as improving teacher and principal quality.

Title III (Immigrant and Limited English Proficient Students) Federal programs to provide supplementary programs and services to eligible immigrant and limited English proficient (LEP) students, known as English learners (ELs), to assist them to acquire English and achieve grade-level and graduation standards.

The other reporting elements included in the 2016-2017 Consolidated Application are the identification of participating private schools as allowed by the federal guidelines;  homeless education policy, requirements and implementation;  and protected prayer certification. 

FINANCIAL IMPACT

The 2016-2017 Consolidated Application represents more than $100,000 in revenues to La Cañada Unified School District.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve La Cañada Unified School District to apply for the funding covered in the 2016-2017 Consolidated Application as submitted though CARS.

Background

Keeping the roofs in good condition on district buildings continues to be a priority for the Maintenance and Operations department.  In the past few years, we have done temporary repairs to extend the life of roofs within the district that are in need of replacement.   The LCE Main Office and the PCY Cafeteria B roofs are in need of replacement.  The LCE and PCY projects, estimated at $153,000.00 and $135,000.00 will come from Deferred Maintenance funds (Fund 14).  The canopy roof to the FIS Intermediate School also needs to be replaced, estimated to be $140,000.00 and will come from our Fund 40.0.  A bid was received to perform restorative work at the 700 Building at the High School in the amount of $104,300.00 which we believe to be too high and choose to reject at this time

Current Considerations

The roofing project was advertised in the papers the weeks of May 10 and May 17, 2016.  Six roofing companies attended a job walk on May 26, 2016.  Three roofing companies submitted bids with the lowest acceptable bid from Stone Roofing Co., Inc. in the amount of $336, 560.00 for the proposed roofing projects less the 700 building at the High School.

Financial Implications

LCE and PCY roofs in the amount of $199, 580.00 will come from Deferred Maintenance funds (Fund14.0) and the FIS roof in the amount of $136, 980.00 will come from our Fund 40.0.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the bid for the LCE, PCY, and FIS roof replacements from Stone Roofing Co., Inc. in the amount of $336,560.00.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the bid for the LCE, PCY, and FIS roof replacements from Stone Roofing Co., Inc. in the amount of $336,560.00.

Background

The Williams legislature and the Valenzuela lawsuit settlement require a school district to use its uniform complaint process to help identify and resolve any deficiencies related to: instructional materials, teacher vacancy or misassignment, facilities and CAHSEE intensive instructional and services.

Current Considerations

Los Angeles County school districts are required to report on a quarterly basis to LACOE whether or not complaints have been received. The district received no Williams Uniform Complaints.

Financial Impact

There is no financial impact for the district.

Annually LCHS students attend NatureBridge Yosemite.

Background

The heating and cooling systems at the La Cañada High School are controlled by a computer operated Energy Management System (EMS).  The current Energy Management System software is out of date and no longer supported by the manufacturer.  Some components of the system are not functioning properly and portions of the network do not communicate with the system’s server.  In order to operate the system effectively, to provide heating and cooling efficiently, to save energy ($13,757/yr.) and to enhance the reliability of the equipment, a Building Automation System upgrade has been recommended by the Cumming firm. The Cumming firm was engaged by the District to evaluate energy efficiency measures that would qualify for Proposition 39 funding.

Current Considerations

The Building Automation System upgrade proposed would utilize much of the existing communications loop and hardware, thus saving cost and eliminating down time.  Athena Engineering, Inc. currently provides reliable service to the current EMS, is local, familiar with the High School site and has provided an affordable proposal that meets the recommendations of Cumming energy consultants in the amount of $82,600.00.  The proposal includes a one year warranty and maintenance on the system.           

Financial Implications

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the proposed HVAC Building Automation System upgrade in the amount of $82,600.00.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the proposed HVAC Building Automation System upgrade in the amount of $82,600.00.