Background

During the 2016-17 school year, LCHS administration worked with legal counsel, staff, teachers and parents to review the LCHS disciplinary policies and procedures.  Administration met with site and district staff four times to engage in collaborative discussions.

Current Considerations

The goals of policy revisions sought to ensure that policies and practices are legal and defensible, contain alternatives to suspension, are consistent among the administrative team and emphasize student learning, growth and development, along with restorative justice and natural consequences.

Financial Implications

There were costs associated with legal counsel reviewing the updated policies. 

It is recommended that the Governing Board review the presentation and engage in subsequent discussion related to the presentation.

The Governing Board is requested to review the presentation and engage in subsequent discussion related to the presentation.

Background

Last year, Superintendent Sinnette established a Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten (TK/K) Task Force to review the current TK/K programs, determining specifically if the program offerings and schedules were reflective of instructional best practices and community interests and if the District had the capital and facility capacities to respond to the committee’s determinations and findings. Subcommittees were formed to address TK/K educational philosophy, program schedule, and curriculum and instruction review.  Two of the three subcommittees within the TK/K Task Force were able to complete their action research and bring recommendations to the Task Force. The third subcommittee requested more time in 2016-17 to continue their work in order to come up with strong findings and recommendations to present to the Governing Board.

Current Considerations

During the 2016-17 school year, the third subcommittee consisting of two teachers, two parents and two administrators reviewed current TK/K programs with regard to instructional resources and practices, researching best practices in instruction and homework and creating a list of recommended instructional and homework best practices to present to the Governing Board. 

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications involved with the presentation and discussion of the Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten (TK/K) Task Force recommendations.

Background

In the summer of 2012, the first wave of district-wide wireless infrastructure was installed in every other classroom in the district. Wireless needs were extremely minimal at first as the only devices in place to use the wireless were iPads provided to teachers. Since that year, we now have around 3200 Chromebooks in use. This includes classroom carts, student owned devices, and teacher Chromebooks. We also have about 300 iPads in use in our elementary grades along with a handful of teacher iPads. There is a daily average of 1400 devices on the network at any one time. In translation, about a quarter of our students are using technology as part of their instruction daily.

It is also important to note that all network equipment must be on a refresh cycle of 4-7 years depending upon type. For wireless, the components include network switches, cabling, and the wireless access points. We have reached the 5 year mark for our original equipment and are starting to see failure of some access points due to a lack of memory on the device. Cabling can be on a 10-15 year cycle. Our last district-wide cabling project was in 2015, targeting the 5th-8th grade classrooms. Before that, the district saw upgrades in 1999. All sites will be in need of cabling upgrades as the next step in our network expansion will be to move from our 1Gb backbone to 10Gb to keep up with the demands of increased number of devices and amount of data being used. This bigger project is represented in the Facilities Master Plan.

Current Considerations

All of our current wireless access points need to be replaced. We also need to add additional access points to Palm Crest Elementary where coverage is uneven and to La Canada High to meet the demands of increased usage. A request for proposals was released in February and 7 companies attended the site walks. 3 companies submitted formal bids: CDW-G, Digital Synergy, and Sky Technologies. Based on an evaluation rubric that included price, reference checks, timeframe, bid accuracy, and district experience, it has been determined Digital Synergy submitted the winning bid based on best price. This project will be scheduled for summer 2017 and should take 2-3 weeks.

Financial Implications

The overall cost of the project is $111,714.48. 40% of this expense is covered by our Erate funding and the remaining balance will be covered by developer’s fees.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the bid from Digital Synergy for the upgrade and expansion of the wireless access points.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the bid from Digital Synergy for the upgrade and expansion of the wireless access points.

Background

Both LCHS 7/8 and 9-12 began their work with Stanford’s Challenge Success initiative in the 2016-2017 school year. Challenge Success works with high performing schools and districts to help them recast a narrow definition for student success and implement programmatic changes which emphasize student health and wellness.

Current Considerations

Challenge Success research emphasizes the importance of “play time, down-time, and family time” in the lives of students.  It also cites the important role that adequate sleep plays in student learning, memory, and teens’ abilities to think, perform and react appropriately.  Compelling research demonstrates that later school start times for middle and high school students result in adolescent students getting more sleep on school nights.  Challenge success advocates for later school start times.  In line with this, SB 328 would mandate local educational agencies across California to start the school day no earlier than 8:30 a.m.  The attached resolution endorses the recommendations of Challenge Success, supports SB 328, and recognizes the significant health risks associated with adolescent sleep deficits – setting a district goal to start school at LCHS 7-12 no earlier than 8:30 a.m.

Financial Implication

There are no financial impacts associated with the Governing Board’s passage of the attached resolution.

It is recommended that the Governing Board discuss the proposed Resolution and vote to adopt it.

The Governing Board is requested to discuss the proposed Resolution and vote to adopt it.

BACKGROUND

This book is the latest edition of a widely used Advanced Placement (AP) European History textbook and is newly issued with a publication date of 2017.   

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

The Social Science Department committee reviewed several books and decided upon:

 A History of Western Society, 12^th Edition, © 2017, published by Bedford St. Martin’s Press.    

The book will be available for interested parents and community members to review at the District Office from May 9 through August 9, 2017. 

FINANCIAL IMPACT

The cost of this adoption is not to exceed $15,000. 

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the adoption of A History of Western Society, 12^th Edition, © 2017, published by Bedford St. Martin’s Press.   

This is a first read item.  The Governing Board is requested to review the adoption request of  A History of Western Society, 12^th Edition, © 2017, published by Bedford St. Martin’s Press.  This item will come back for approval at the next regularly scheduled Governing Board meeting.

Two resolutions to reduce particular kinds of certificated service were presented to the Governing Board at the March 14, 2017 meeting.  The resolutions recommended reductions of 0.2 FTE of the arts (ceramics) teaching sections, 0.8 FTE of the French & Spanish teaching sections, and 0.2 FTE of the English teaching sections at La Canada High School, all based on the decline of projected enrollment in these subject areas in school year 2017-18.

Based on further study and review of enrollment numbers since that time, the District has determined that the necessary enrollment numbers for English have been reached to maintain the 0.2 FTE in English, and therefore it is now being recommended that the reduction of the 0.2 FTE in English be rescinded.  In addition, enrollment numbers for French and Spanish classes have increased, such that the 0.8 FTE reduction is no longer necessary for the 0.8 FTE French/Spanish teacher and should also be rescinded.

Additional study of the projected enrollment numbers have confirmed that the 0.2 FTE reduction for arts (ceramics) is necessary.  Therefore this resolution is recommending the actuation of a reduction of 0.2 FTE in arts (ceramics) for the 2017-18 school year.

BACKGROUND

At the annual Governing Board organizational meeting on December 6, 2016, a Governing Board meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, August 15, 2017. 

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

A Governing Board calendar conflict requires that the Governing Board meeting on August 15, 2017 be changed to a mutually agreed upon date in August. 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There is no financial impact on the District for changing the Governing Board meeting date.

BACKGROUND

LCTV 2 is the second course in a three course pathway that will blend academic rigor and career and technical training in the field of video production. Students in LCTV 2 will experience both the creative and technical aspects of filmmaking and video production in conjunction with learning about historical and contemporary traditions and conventions. LCHS administration has worked with the teacher currently teaching the LCTV 1 course and funding has been secured to bring this course to LCHS students. The administration is making a recommendation to add this course to our offerings. 

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

Please see attached course description for LCTV 2.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The financial impact for this course will be in on-going equipment acquisition, maintenance, and replacement, materials acquisition for this course, and infrastructure upgrades to support this course and those that will follow in the video production pathway. We are grateful to the La Canada Flintridge Educational Foundation and State of California for providing funds that will bring this course to life. The teacher teaching LCTV 1 will be teaching this course.

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

BACKGROUND

Last year LCHS added PLTW - Introduction to Design course to its offerings.  This year they would like to add the second course, PLTW - Principles of Engineering (POE), which is a foundation course of the high school engineering pathway. This course will expose students to some of the major concepts that they will encounter in a postsecondary engineering course of study. Students will also learn how to document their work and communicate their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community. The administration is making a recommendation to add this course to our offerings. 

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

Please see attached course description for Principles of Engineering-Project Lead the Way II.    

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The financial impact will be in continued registration with Project Lead the Way, materials acquisition for this course, teacher training and infrastructure upgrades to support this course.   Staffing will come from the overall staffing allotment.

Background

During the 2016-17 school year, elementary school teachers have been reviewing and piloting a variety of ELA instructional materials and communicating their findings to site and district administration.  Upon review and consideration, they recommend Reach for Reading: National Geographic Learning for Kindergarten, California Journeys: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for grades 1-5 and California Collections: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for grade 6.  

Current Considerations

The elementary school teachers have reviewed a variety of textbooks and have decided upon:

    Reach for Reading: National Geographic Learning/Cengage Learning for Kindergarten;

    California Journeys: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for grades 1-5;

    California Collections: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for grade 6.

K-6 grade parents have been given the opportunity to review these textbooks as well and to provide input to the teachers and administrators. The recommended textbook(s) will be available for interested parents and community members to review at the District Office from April 18, 2017 through June 18, 2017. 

Financial Implications

We anticipate $350,000 - $400,000 for a 2017-18 elementary ELA adoption.  

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the adoption of:

     Reach for Reading: National Geographic Learning/Cengage Learning for Kindergarten;

    California Journeys: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for grades 1-5;

    California Collections: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for grade 6.

The Governing Board approve the adoption of:

     Reach for Reading: National Geographic Learning/Cengage Learning for Kindergarten;

    California Journeys: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for grades 1-5;

    California Collections: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for grade 6.

Background

Each year, the District is required by the State of California (Education Code Sections 41020-41020.8) to conduct an independent audit of all funds and activities under the control of the Governing Board. Based on this requirement by the State, as well as the need to have audited financials for other fiscal evaluations, a new contract is necessary.

Current Considerations

The current contract with Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co. LLP will expire at the end of this fiscal year. Audit contracts are typically set for three year terms with annual engagement letters.

Financial Implications

Fees for services will be $33,000 for fiscal year 2017-2018, $33,500 for fiscal year 2018-2019, and $34,000 for fiscal year 2019-2020.

It was requested that the Governing Board approve entering into a three-year contract with Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co., LLP  to act as Auditor for the District.

The Governing Board is requested to approve entering into a three-year contract with Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co., LLP  to act as Auditor for the District.

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 0410    Philosophy, Goals, Objectives and Comprehensive Plans: Nondiscrimination in District Programs and Activities

These policy revisions reflect current law and educational best practices.                     

Financial Implications 

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

It is recommended that the Governing Board adopt the recommended Board Policy revisions.   

It is recommended that the Governing Board adopt the recommended Board Policy revisions.   

Background

The District has practices related to funding travel expenses for staff. These relate to travel in regards to professional development, trainings, and student related travel. Planning, booking, reserving and reimbursing for travel are routine activities during the course of business.

Current Considerations

Based on recommendations from our auditors, best practices include a Board Policy related to travel expenses. BP 3350 is built off the standard CSBA policy with some modifications to reflect current practices as well as specific needs that may relate to the La Cañada Unified School District. The Administrative Regulation will address these as well.

Financial Implications

This Board Policy will not incur any additional costs to the current practices related to travel expenses.

It is recommended the Governing Board adopt Board Policy 3350, Travel Expenses.

The Governing Board is requested to adopt Board Policy 3350, Travel Expenses.

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

Background

On-going inadequate state funding has presented the District with the task of maintaining a balanced budget while meeting the needs of the students.  With the high cost of providing a summer school program to the students of La Cañada High School, the district decided to eliminate the program beginning with Summer School 2011.  A community committee approached the La Cañada Educational Foundation with a tuition based non-profit summer school program concept that would provide the needed summer school program.  The program provided a wide range of classes for full credit for 9^th – 12^th grade students.  The classes offered followed the District curriculum and California content standards.  The La Cañada Flintridge Educational Foundation is again planning to provide their 9^th-12^th grade summer school program.

Current Considerations

The attached 2017 Agreement for Use of School Property with the La Cañada Flintridge Educational Foundation is submitted for approval.  The agreement includes the cost of facilities use , technology support, and the educational materials associated with the classes offered.

Financial Implication

The Educational Foundation will fund administrative and technology support, will pay a facility use rate, and incudes fees for the use of educational materials.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the Agreement for Use of School Property between the La Cañada Unified School District and the La Cañada Flintridge Educational Foundation.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the Agreement for Use of School Property between the La Cañada Unified School District and the La Cañada Flintridge Educational Foundation.

Permission is requested to sell or recycle the following books:

 BACKGROUND

The district has adopted a new series of textbooks for Math and therefore, the above referenced titles will no longer be used by the district. 

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS  

Teachers across the school were asked to confirm that the pulled titles were no longer appropriate for the district’s math program.

 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

 There are no financial implications associated with this request.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

There are many books and other instructional materials that are no longer in use by our district.  With the new math adoption at 7-8 and ELA adoption at K-6, these materials are no longer aligned to the current curriculum.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

The District confirmed that the pulled titles were no longer appropriate for the district’s program.                                

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Disposing of these books causes no negative financial implications to the district.  If the district is able to sell any of the instructional materials, sales would have a positive financial implication.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the disposal (sell, recycle and/or discard) the textbooks listed.

The Governing Board is requested to approved the LCHS Special Activity request to attend the Marching Band and Color Guard WBA Championships in Clovis, California November 17 - 19, 2017.

The Governing Board is requested to approved the LCHS Special Activity request to attend LCHS Marching Band Camp - Cal Poly Pomona, August 8-11, 2017.

Background

Under current state law (Education Code 42603) the Governing Board of a school district may direct that moneys held in any fund be temporarily transferred to another fund of the district for payment of obligations under the following restrictions:

• No more than 75 percent of the maximum of moneys held in any fund during a current fiscal year may be transferred.

• The transfer shall not be available for appropriation or be considered income to the borrowing fund.

• Borrowing shall occur only when the fund receiving the money will earn sufficient income, during the current fiscal year, to repay the amount transferred.

• Amounts transferred shall be repaid either in the same fiscal year or in the following fiscal year if the transfer takes place within the final 120 calendar days of a fiscal year.

  Current Considerations

  Although in past years the District has had no need for interfund borrowing, the Los Angeles County Office of Education recommends that Governing Boards plan for this contingency prior to the beginning of each new fiscal year.

  Financial Implications

  Currently, there are no fiscal implications associated with approval of Resolution 18-16-17.  Additionally, no interfund borrowing would take place prior to specific Governing Board authorization.

   

It is recommended that the Governing Board adopt Resolution 18-16-17 providing for the temporary borrowing of cash between various District funds should that be needed to address any short-term/temporary cash-flow needs.

The Governing Board is requested to adopt Resolution 18-16-17 providing for the temporary borrowing of cash between various District funds should that be needed to address any short-term/temporary cash-flow needs.