Background 

Per the request of the Superintendent and at the recommendation of the Governing Board, the Executive Director of Special Education, Dr. Tamara Jackson, was asked to present on LCUSD’s guidelines regarding the identification, assessment, and instructional planning provided for students with dyslexia.  This was done in conjunction with a parent request to have a Governing Board meeting discussion item on dyslexia in October, given that October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. 

Current Considerations 

Tonight Dr. Jackson will provide a brief but thorough overview regarding eligibility and services related to students identified with dyslexia as a Specific Learning Disability. 

Financial Implications 

There are no financial implications associated with this informational presentation regarding the District’s guidelines dealing with the identification, assessment, and instructional planning for students with dyslexia.

It is recommended that the Governing Board review the Special Education presentation on dyslexia guidelines, engage in subsequent discussion inviting audience comments, and provide any on-going direction to staff as appropriate.

The Governing Board is requested to review the Special Education presentation on dyslexia guidelines, engage in subsequent discussion inviting audience comments, and provide any on-going direction to staff as appropriate.

Background 

The La Cañada Flintridge Educational Foundation (LCFEF) raises money from parents, individuals, and local businesses, and makes direct contributions to the District annually to benefit children enrolled in all levels of La Cañada schools. Tax deductible donations to the LCFEF help keep class sizes small, hire high school counselors, update technology, provide arts and music education and enhance campuses. 

Current Considerations 

Annually, the La Canada Flintridge Educational Foundation (LCFEF) provides a generous gift to the district which funds an over $2million dollar gap between program, services, and staffing needs, all of which go unmet by the current levels of Base Grant funding from the State of California. Directors representing LCFEF, its Current and Past Presidents, its Executive Director, and students are here tonight to present the annual gift to the LCUSD Governing Board. 

Financial Implication 

The financial implications associated with the LCFEF’s 2018 gift to the District are that programs and services not covered by State Base Grant dollars are funded.  The generous gift from LCFEF prevents the District from enacting lack of funds lay-offs with staff, increasing class sizes, and eliminating programs in art, music, drama, Elementary Spanish, counseling, technology, intervention – and many others.

It is recommended that the Governing Board review the LCFEF presentation and accept the Foundation’s 2018 gift from its annual fund.

BACKGROUND

Special Education is a program mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act (IDEA).  California laws comply with federal statues.

 California has divided regions of the state into Special Education Local Plan Areas (SELPAs).  SELPAs are large unified districts or consist of a specific group of local educational agencies (LEAs) charged with the responsibility of providing a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to qualified  students with special needs within its area.  Both federal and state special education funds at directed to the SELPA, and the member LEAs collaborate to meet the needs of its students and to devise a method for equitable distribution of funds.

The SELPA and LEAs must be in compliance with all state and federal special education laws.  Failure of an LEA to remedy required noncompliant items could result in withholding of funds from the entire SELPA and/or a deduction from the superintendent's salary. 

The first level of compliance is establishing and maintaining a Local Plan.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

This Local Plan contains statements from IDEA that briefly summarize major elements of IDEA.  It also includes the governance structure of the Foothill SELPA, the charter school policy, and a copy of the Interagency Agreement with Early Start.  Local school boards, the County Superintendent of Schools, and the State School Board must approve all items of the Local Plan.  All additional policies and procedures that define the way that the Foothill SELPA operates are maintained on file at the SELPA Office with copies in each LEA.  Each LEA supplements the Local Plan, SELPA policies and SELPA procedures with its own policies and procedures, such as parent and teacher handbooks.

The Local Plan, as required by state mandate, has been written by a committee comprised of staff and community members.  The Plan has received approval from the Special Education Division of the California Department of Education.

FINANCIAL IMPACT

Federal and state funding for Special Education is not adequate to cover local expenses.  The total Special Education budget is approximately $9 million, of which less than half is covered by state and federal funding.

BACKGROUND 

The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), is in its fourth year of implementation as the California statewide assessment of student achievement. The CAASPP program consists of several different tests. The computer-adaptive Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) summative assessments in English Language Arts and mathematics are administered in grades 3-8 and 11. Fifth, eighth, and twelfth grade students also piloted the new state test in science called the California Science Test (CAST). Students with special needs were administered the California Alternate Assessment (CAA) in English, math, and science.  

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

This presentation is intended to share the results of LCUSD’s student performance on the 2018 CAASPP. It will focus on the District’s CAASPP growth over time, and make reference to LCUSD CAASPP scores in context of California-wide achievement levels in comparison to the other high performing districts.  It will also explain how CAASPP results drive instructional practices and inspire continued growth.  

FINANCIAL IMPACT 

There is no financial impact to this discussion item.

It is recommended that the Governing Board review the public presentation of the 2018 CAASPP results and engage in subsequent discussion related to it.

The Governing Board is requested to review the public presentation of the 2018 CAASPP results and engage in subsequent discussion related to it.

Background 

The Superintendent prepares annual goals which are reviewed, revised and ultimately approved by the Governing Board.

Current Considerations

In Closed Session on September 25, 2018, the Governing Board gave direction on the Superintendent’s 2018 – 2019 goals.  Since 2011 the Superintendent has elected to make the goals public.  This presentation serves to inform the public of the Superintendent’s goals for 2018 – 2019.  The goals will also be published on the District’s website.

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications involved with the public presentation and discussion of the Superintendent’s goals.

It is recommended the Governing Board review the public presentation of the Superintendent’s goals, facilitate any subsequent public discussion, give direction for any changes or modifications, and take action to approve the goals.

The Governing Board is requested to review the public presentation of the Superintendent’s goals, facilitate any subsequent public discussion, give direction for any changes or modifications, and take action to approve the goals.

Background

At the annual organizational meeting in December the Governing Board approved the Board meeting dates for 2018. A calendar conflict was discovered for the Annual Organizational Meeting on December 11, 2018 meeting date.

Current Considerations

In order to resolve the calendar conflict, it is requested that the December 11, 2018 Governing Board meeting be changed to December 13, 2018.

Financial Implications

There is no additional cost to the District with this request.

It is recommended the Governing Board approve the change in Governing  Board meeting dates from December 11, 2018 to December 13, 2018. 

The Governing Board is requested to approve the change in Governing Board meeting dates from December 11, 2018 to December 13, 2018. 

Background 

The Facilities Master Plan identifies this project as a needed site improvement project at Palm Crest to be constructed as part of Measure LCF Bond Program.  At its workshop on January 29, 2018, the Board instructed staff to move forward with the planning of this project as a priority. The project is currently being designed by a licensed civil engineer who recommends that the District performs geotechnical survey of the site to determine the characteristics of underground soil conditions and to provide information for proper design on the project.   

Current Considerations 

This agreement is for consultant to perform detailed geotechnical survey of the proposed location of the sewer line and to provide related engineering report.  The total contract amount of $18,032 will be funded through reimbursement with Measure LCF funds.  

Financial Implications 

The contract is time and materials not to exceed $18,032. Funds will come from Measure LCF.

Background 

The Facilities Master Plan identifies this project as a needed site improvement project at La Canada High School to be constructed as part of Measure LCF Bond Program.  This project is part of the safety and security improvements planned for the site.  At its workshop on January 29, 2018, the Board instructed staff to move forward with the planning of this project as a priority for safety and security improvement. This project would replace existing door locks with new wireless locks that can be control via an access control software.  The access control system would allow site administrators to have maximum control over site access.  The system features the following: 

• Single database management – Provide for centralized assignment and management of access credentials/privileges.  Allow for quick activation and deactivation of proximity/key cards.

• Lockout/lockdown capabilities - Provide for locking all doors during an emergency with a click in the software interface.  Provide for future integration of physical panic button technology which can be placed in key locations in the school, making it easy to sound an alarm, lock all doors and more.

• Enterprise Network Solutions – Provide capabilities to manage all District sites remotely.

• Remote verification of locked/unlocked status of doors – System can be configured to lock and unlock doors at specific times (like the beginning and end of the school day) and can also monitor the status of each door (locked, unlocked). Staff members no longer have to walk around manually checking each door, saving time.

• Instant school emergency notifications – Ability to integrate with the school emergency notification system.

• Video surveillance integration – System would provide for future integration with video surveillance for enhanced security.

The District issued an invitation for formal bids in accordance with Public Contract Code 22000.  13 contractors were invited to bid on the project.  Additionally, advertisement for bids was published in La Canada Valley Sun, the Glendale News Press and five other general publications for bidding.  Staff received one bid in response to the invitation in the amount of $1,344,600.  The bid is determined to be responsive considering the design approach to the project.  However, in conjunction with the District’s security consultant, staff has examined the project specifications and has determined that certain changes to the specifications can be made that would provide the necessary functions of the project at a lower cost. Change Order No. 1 to the Project reflects value engineering cost reductions to be recommended as part of the project.  The bidder Ollivier Corporation is qualified to perform the work. 

Current Considerations 

Approval of this item would authorize staff to execute a contract with Ollivier Corporation is for the design and installation of the wireless locks and access control system.  

Financial Implications 

The contract is for lump sum $1,344,600. Funds will come from Measure LCF.

It is recommended that the Governing Board accept the bid from Ollivier Corporation for Bid No. LCF 18/19-04, Wireless Locks & Access Control System at La Cañada High School.

Background 

This Change Order is being issued to implement the value engineering cost reductions listed on the attached change order document.  In conjunction with the District’s security consultant, staff has examined the project specifications and has determined that certain changes to the specifications can be made that would provide the necessary functions of the project at a lower cost. Change Order No. 1 reflects the value engineering cost reductions to be implemented as part of the project.  The District and Contractor has mutually agreed to the proposed cost reductions. 

Current Considerations 

Approval of this item would authorize staff to execute Change Order No.1 to the contract.  

Financial Implications 

The Change Order No. 1 would reduce the contract amount by $346,395 from $1,344,600 to $998,205.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve Change Order No.1 to the Contract for Bid No. LCF 18/19-04, Wireless Locks & Access Control System at La Cañada High School.

The Governing Board is requested to approve Change Order No.1 to the Contract for Bid No. LCF 18/19-04, Wireless Locks & Access Control System at La Cañada High School.

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

The Governing Board is requested to approve the PCR Special Activity request to attend The Pilgrim in Dana Point, California January 17-18, 2019; January 24-25, 2019; and January 31 - February 1, 2019

The Governing Board is requested to approve the PCR Special Activity request to attend Pali Mountain in Running Springs, California December 3 - 7, 2018.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the LCE Special Activity request to attend Valley Forge in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania February 4-8, 2019.

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.