• Student Recognitions

Background

There was a strong community presence at the February 27, 2018 Governing Board Meeting.  Stakeholders raised questions and concerns regarding student safety and security on the four LCUSD campuses in the aftermath of the tragic school shooting that took place at Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida on February 14, 2018.  In addition, community concerns regarding student safety and well-being were raised in relation to recent student arrests/suspensions and hospitalizations for controlled substances.  Concerns were also raised regarding reported threats to campus safety.

Current Considerations

Since the February 27, 2018 Governing Board meeting immediate actions have been implemented to augment and support safety and security on our campuses.  Communications with students, staff and parents have been on-going. Extensive planning ensured student safety and the integrity of the instructional day on March 14^th, the day student’s organized nationally in response to a call for student walk-outs by the Women’s March Youth EMPOWER.  Additionally, long-term planning in relation to facility and infrastructure upgrades have begun.  Tonight we will launch the application for the District-wide Safety and Security Task Force.  The Governing Board has directed staff to provide a comprehensive report on the actions, services and planning that has taken place or that is in process as a result of these issues and concerns.  Additionally, members of the LCUSD community have been invited to be present to continue to engage in this discussion with the Governing Board. 

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications associated with the Governing Board engaging in a discussion of student safety, security, health and well-being on LCUSD campuses.  Any direction from the Governing Board, however, to pursue facility upgrades or modifications, staffing increases, or programmatic additions or enhancements at LCUSD school sites will carry financial implications.

It is recommended that the Governing Board review the presentation by staff and engage in discussion of this topic, providing on-going direction to staff on this agenda item.

The Governing Board is requested to review the presentation by staff and engage in discussion of this topic, providing on-going direction to staff on this agenda item.

Background

The District will need services to support the planning and implementation of Measure LCF. Program Management services assist with the tasks of pre-construction planning, bidding, construction and completion of projects.

Current Considerations 

The District made requests for qualifications (RFQ) from firms to provide Program Management for Measure LCF. After staff review, panel interviews, and Board presentations, Linik Corporation was selected to provide Program Management Services. This contract will be a mutli-year agreement to be renewed each fiscal year for up to five years.

Financial Implications 

District shall pay Program Manager an amount not to exceed two million three hundred forty three thousand five hundred Dollars ($2,343,500.00) for all services contracted for under this Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective on March 21, 2018, and except as otherwise provided herein, will continue in effect until March 20, 2023. During the five year term of this Agreement, District shall have the option to renegotiate Program Manager’s staffing, scope, and fee on an annual basis. The first option to renegotiate vests on or about March 20, 2019

Background

The District desires to implement the District’s Proposition 39 Energy Expenditure Plan, approved by the California Energy Commission.  $824,243 has been received by the District to provide energy conservation measures districtwide.  Staff issued a request for proposals (RFP) on February 12, 2018 to qualified firms.  In response to the RFP, staff received five proposals.  The proposals were evaluated by a panel made of District’s staff and District’s consultant using a “Best Value” method.  The evaluation panel determined that Baker Electric’s proposal represents the “Best Value” based on the criteria listed in the RFP inclusive of price.  

By adoption of this resolution, the District will meet the requirements of the Government Code Section 4217.12, which allow the District to enter into an energy service contract provided that the Governing Board makes certain findings with respect to the anticipated cost of the project and to make that information available to the public.  Legal counsel has advised the District on how to comply with the Government Code Section 4217.12.  The District has met all the requirements that were necessary to implement this code section.  Pursuant to the statutory requirements, the District published Notice of the public meeting not less than two weeks prior to the District’s Board meeting.   

Current Considerations 

The approval of this resolution will authorize staff to execute the agreement with Baker Electric to install high efficiency LED lighting equipment and controls at each of the four school sites.  The total contract amount is $874,126.  Of that amount, $562,382 will be funded with Proposition 39 funds.  The remaining amount of $311,744 will be funded through reimbursement with Measure LCF funds.  

Financial Implications 

The contract is not to exceed $874,126. Funds will come from those restricted resources (Prop 39) provided by the state for this specific purpose, and Measure LCF.

It is recommended that the Governing Board adopt Resolution 11-17-18 Resolution to enter into an Energy Service Contract with Baker Electric Inc.

The Governing Board is requested to adopt Resolution 11-17-18 Resolution to enter into an Energy Service Contract with Baker Electric Inc.

BACKGROUND

    An election was held in the La Cañada Unified School District (the “District”) on November 7, 2017, for the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds of the District for various purposes in the maximum amount of $149,000,000 (“Measure LCF”).  The District now desires to issue its first series of bonds under Measure LCF in an amount not-to-exceed $30,000,000 (the “Bonds”).  The Bonds are being authorized for sale for the purpose of providing funds to finance projects approved by Measure LCF and to pay the costs of issuing the Bonds.

(a)        Bond Resolution.  This Resolution authorizes the issuance of the Bonds, specifies the basic terms, parameters and forms of the Bonds, and approves the form of Purchase Contract and form of Preliminary Official Statement described below.  In particular, Section 1 of the Resolution establishes the maximum aggregate initial principal amount of the Bonds to be issued ($30,000,000).  Section 4 of the Resolution states the maximum underwriter’s discount (.4%) with respect to the Bonds, the maximum legal interest rate on the Bonds, and authorizes the Bonds to be sold at a negotiated sale to Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (the “Underwriter”).  The Resolution authorizes the issuance of current interest bonds only; capital appreciation bonds are not authorized. 

(b)        Form of Purchase Contract.  Pursuant to the Purchase Contract, the Underwriter will agree to buy the Bonds from the District.  All the conditions of closing the transaction are set forth in this document, including the documentation to be provided at the closing by various parties.  Upon the pricing of the Bonds, the final execution copy of the Purchase Contract will be prepared following this form.

(c)        Form of Preliminary Official Statement.  The Preliminary Official Statement (“POS”) is the offering document describing the Bonds which may be distributed to prospective purchasers of the Bonds.  The POS discloses information with respect to among other things (i) the proposed uses of proceeds of the Bonds, (ii) the terms of the Bonds (interest rate, redemption terms, etc.), (iii) the bond insurance policy for the Bonds, if any, (iv) the security for repayment of the Bonds (the ad valorem tax levy), (v) information with respect to the District’s tax base (upon which such ad valorem taxes may be levied), (vi) District financial and operating data, (vii) continuing disclosure with respect to the Bonds and the District, and (viii) absence of litigation and other miscellaneous matters expected to be of interest to prospective purchasers of the Bonds.  Following the pricing of the Bonds, a final Official Statement for the Bonds will be prepared, substantially in the form of the POS.

(d)        Form of the Continuing Disclosure Certificate.  The form of the Continuing Disclosure Certificate can be found in APPENDIX C to the POS.  Effective July 3, 1995, all underwriters of municipal bonds are obligated to procure from any public agency issuing debt a covenant that such public agency will annually file “material financial information and operating data” with respect to such public agency through the web-based Electronic Municipal Market Access (“EMMA”) system maintained by the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (a federal agency that regulates “broker-dealers,” including investment bank firms that underwrite municipal obligations).  This requirement is expected to be satisfied by the filing of the District’s audited financial statements and other operating information about the District, in the same manner the District has filed in connection with prior bond issuances. 

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund resulting from the issuance of the Bonds.

Staff recommends approval of Resolution #13-17-18 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE LA CAÑADA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF LA CAÑADA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT (LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA) ELECTION OF 2017 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES A, AND ACTIONS RELATED THERETO

Background 

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

Current Considerations

As part of their Challenge Success Implementation Plans, site administration at the elementary and secondary levels created Homework Study Teams to review and discuss current homework practices and recommend revisions to existing Board Policy and other related documents. They met four times throughout the year to do this work and have been posting the meeting minutes on their websites to keep the community informed.  As part of this work, the Administrative Regulations and the District Guidelines on Homework have also been revised and will be implemented starting 2018-19 school year. These policy revisions reflect current research and educational best practices.                     

Financial Implications 

Background

In 2015 the Governing Board revised BP 5145.12 Search and Seizure.  The Board Policy came under review in relation to how canine searches were being conducted at La Canada High School.  The Board Policy amendments were designed to fully guarantee that students' 5th amendment rights were protected in the process of conducting canine searchers.  A recent incident raised concerns regarding the way this policy was implemented and canine searches at LCHS were temporarily suspended.

Current Considerations

Legal counsel to the District has advised to revise language within the current policy to not only comply with legal standards but also increase the effectiveness of the canine searches at LCHS.  The Administrative Regulations (AR) do not require Board approval, but due to a concern that was raised regarding the implementation of the AR, it is being brought to the Board for review.  The site administration would like to continue utilizing canine searches after Board Policy approval by the Governing Board.

Financial Implications

There are no immediate financial implications associated with this agenda item.

Background

LCUSD Board Policy (BP) 5117 and Administrative Regulations (AR) 5111, (AR) 5111.1, (AR) 5111.12, and (AR) 5117.1 all address Allen Bill and Inter-district Attendance.

Current Considerations

Overtime there have been changes in legislation and education code affecting Inter-district permits and Allen Bill policies for school districts.  Staff has been working with legal counsel to update and consolidate district Administrative Regulations to reflect these legal changes and also to reflect best practices and district priorities.  No changes to Board Policy 5117 are required. 

Financial Implications

It is recommended that the Governing Board review the revised Administrative Regulations.  The Administrative Regulations do not require Board action but are made available for Board review and comment.  It is requested that the Board provide staff with any recommendations for changes as a part of this discussion as the District is in its permit application season and would like to post both the updated Administrative Regulations prior to Spring Break.

It is recommended that the Governing Board review the revised Administrative Regulations.  The Administrative Regulations do not require Board action but are made available for Board review and comment.  It is requested that the Board provide staff with any recommendations for changes as a part of this discussion as the District is in its permit application season and would like to post both the updated Administrative Regulations prior to Spring Break.

BACKGROUND

LCHS and District administrators in collaboration with LCHS faculty have created courses as part of a Career Technical Education Engineering and Design Pathway. Two Project Lead The Way courses have been offered over the past two years and PLTW 3 will become the capstone course of this pathway. The administration is making a recommendation to add this course to our offerings.  

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

Please see attached course description for Project Lead the Way 3, Integrated Computer Manufacturing.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The financial impact will be in instructional material acquisition for this course.  The funding for this course will come from the Career Technical Education Incentive Grant (CTEiG).  

It is requested that the Governing Board approve the course description for Project Lead the Way 3, Integrated Computer Manufacturing. 

The Governing Board is requested to approve the course description for Project Lead the Way 3, Integrated Computer Manufacturing.

BACKGROUND

LCHS and District administrators in collaboration with LCHS faculty propose to offer Advanced Placement Physics 1 P. This course will replace Honors Physics 1 P offered to juniors and seniors in previous years. The administration is making a recommendation to add this course to our course offerings.  

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

Please see attached course description for Advanced Placement Physics 1 P.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The financial impact will be potential professional development expenses associated with Advanced Placement summer institute training for the teacher. The funding for this training will come from the site managed Advanced Placement account.  

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the course description for Advanced Placement Physics 1 P.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the course description or Advanced Placement Physics 1 P.

BACKGROUND

LCHS and District administrators have worked collaboratively to create a Career Technical Education Media Arts pathway for students in grades 9-12. LCTV 3 is the capstone course in a proposed three course pathway that will blend academic rigor and career and technical training in the field of video production. LCHS administration has worked closely with LCHS faculty to design this course. The administration is making a recommendation to add this course to our offerings, based upon student interest.  

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

Please see attached course description for LCTV 3.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The financial impact for this course will be the on-going maintenance of equipment and purchase of new insturctional materials and resources. The funding for this course will come from the Career Technical Education Incentive Grant (CTEiG).  

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the course description for LCTV3.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the course description for LCTV3.

Background

The LCUSD Governing Board previously adopted a resolution requesting Los Angeles County to call an election for general obligation bonds held on November 7, 2017.  Notice of the election was duly given and on November 7, 2017 the election was held and conducted for the purpose of voting on Measure LCF for the issuance of bonds to the District in the amount of $149,000,000.  Measure LCF received voter approval.

Current Considerations

The LCUSD Governing Board has received from the County’s Registrar of Voters/County Clerk-Recorder the Canvass Certificate and Official Statement of Results of the Bond Election.  The Canvass Certificate indicates that more than fifty-five percent of the votes cast on Measure LCF were in favor of issuing the bonds. The Governing Board desires that entry be made upon its meeting minutes that Measure LCF has been approved by more than fifty-five percent of the votes cast at the Bond Election and that all proceedings of the District in connection with the Bond Election have been accomplished according to law.

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications associated with this item, although Measure LCF will result in the issuance of bonds to the District in the amount of $149,000,000.

It is recommended that the Governing Board adopt Resolution 10-17-18 Entering Election Results into the Minutes and Certifying to the Board of Supervisors of Los Angeles County all Proceedings in the November 7, 2017 General Obligation Bond Election.

The Governing Board is requested to adopt Resolution 10-17-18 Entering Election Results into the Minutes and Certifying to the Board of Supervisors of Los Angeles County all Proceedings in the November 7, 2017 General Obligation Bond Election.

Background

The LCUSD Governing Board previously adopted a resolution requesting Los Angeles County to call an election for general obligation bonds held on November 7, 2017.  Notice of the election was duly given and on November 7, 2017 the election was held and conducted for the purpose of voting on Measure LCF for the issuance of bonds to the District in the amount of $149,000,000.  Measure LCF received voter approval.

Current Considerations

The LCUSD Governing Board is required to establish an independent citizens’ bond oversight committee in connection with the issuance of bonds under Measure LCF and to approve the Bylaws governing the Citizens’ Oversight Committee (COC).  The resolution to establish the COC along with its Bylaws and the Application for membership to the COC are contained in this action item.

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications associated with this item, although the COC will oversee the District’s accountability related to Measure LCF funds. 

The Governing Board is requested to adopt the Resolution, and approve the Bylaws and Application for the Citizen's Bond Oversight Committee. 

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

The Governing Board is requested to approve the LCHS Special Activity request to attend CIF STATE Swim and Dive at the Clovis Aquatics Center in Fresno, California May 17-19, 2018.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the LCHS Special Activity request to attend SEALFIT at UCSB July 24-27. 2018.

The Governing Board is requested to approved the PCR Special Activities request to attend Freedoms Foundation in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania Monday, May 14 - Friday, May 18, 2018.