BACKGROUND: 

In order to provide LCUSD students with access to advanced level courses not currently offered at LCHS, we would like to partner with Pasadena Community College.  We have some students who perform two or three grade levels above their peers in mathematics and reach the highest level of math course offered at LCHS prior to their senior year.  These students have no other options but to take math courses off campus.  This partnership agreement will allow them to take college level courses at LCHS taught by PCC faculty and earn college credit.  

CURRENT CONSIDERATION: 

If approved by the Governing Board, LCHS may start offering a college level math course beyond Advanced Placement Calculus BC.  This agreement will be effective from March 12, 2019- June 30, 2029. The provisions of this agreement may be terminated, altered, changed, or amended by mutual consent of either the district or Pasadena Community College.  

FINANCIAL IMPACT: 

Background 

The Governing Board must approve all personnel appointments. Mr. James Cartnal was named as the interim LCHS Principal in December 2018.  A decision on position permanency or posting to fill the position is timely as we have entered into the optimal hiring season for local educational agencies. 

Current Considerations 

Over the past several months Mr. Cartnal has demonstrated his strong aptitude, enthusiasm, and dedication in the role of LCHS Principal.  The Governing Board has exercised due diligence in reaching out to stakeholders to assess the traits and qualities the community would like to see in the educational leader filling this position.  Feedback has indicated that Mr. James Cartnal is an outstanding candidate who will serve La Canada High School and the district well in this leadership role. 

Financial Implications 

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the appointment of Mr. James Cartnal as the La Canada High School Principal.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the appointment of Mr. James Cartnal as the La Canada High School Principal.

Background 

Questions and concerns regarding student behaviors, centering on the use of racial slurs and offensive language by student fans at LCHS basketball games, were raised previously in a 2017 league match and again recently in the CIF championship basketball game on February 23, 2019.  

Current Considerations 

The recent allegations have been the subject of an editorial and of news stories in the local papers causing extensive public discussion.  The LCHS Administrative team has conducted a comprehensive investigation, will issue discipline as findings warrant, and they have revised protocols and programs going forward to help ensure that such behaviors do not occur in the future.  As a school district which holds our responsibility to partner with parents to teach the values of kindness, inclusion, and dignity as preeminent, the Governing Board requested an agenda item to publicly review and discuss this matter. 

Financial Implications 

Background 

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is the accrediting commission for schools. Accreditation is integral to a school’s perpetual cycle of assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring, and reassessment based upon student achievement.  It fosters excellence in elementary, secondary, adult, and postsecondary education by encouraging school improvement through a process of continuing evaluation and recognizes, by accreditation, schools that meet an acceptable level of quality in accordance with established criteria. 

Current Considerations 

The 2018-2019 school year has been a WASC Self Study review year for La Canada High School.  LCHS has engaged throughout the year in the Focus on Learning process, producing an extensive self-study report.  The self-study report includes a Progress Report; a Student/Community Profile; Self-Study Findings in Organization, Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment and Accountability, School Culture; and the creation of a School-Wide Action Plan.  The WASC Visiting Team spent March 3-6, 2019 on the LCHS campus validating the LCHS 7-12 Self-Study.  The Team reported out its findings on March 6^th – celebrating many areas of strength and recommending strategic areas for focus.  The LCHS 7-12 Administration and WASC Coordinator Daisy Kim, along with the Focus Group Teacher Leaders, and the entire LCHS 7-12 certificated and classified staffs, are to be commended for an outstanding WASC process. 

Financial Implication 

There are no financial implications associated with this agenda item.

Background 

A request for proposal for School-Based Mental Health Services from Community Based Organizations/Providers of Mental Health Services was issued in November 2018 with proposals due on or before February 1, 2019.  In the proposal, the description of services indicated that the provider would design, develop, and deliver comprehensive, integrated, school-based counseling services for the 2019-2020 school year (and on-going as renewed) for students at LCHS. 

Current Considerations 

Two providers submitted proposals.  On February 27, 2019 interviews were held and both Mental Health Service Providers participated in an hour-long interview process.  By unanimous consensus, the interview panel recommended that the contract be awarded to CASSY (Counseling and Support Services for Youth) as the service provider.  

Financial Implications 

BACKGROUND 

The LCHS Science Chairperson and science faculty members have evaluated textbooks to be used for the newly redesigned Next Generation Science Standards class called Biology: The Living Earth.  After reviewing several textbooks, the teachers have selected The Living Earth, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2020. 

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

LCHS  Science teachers reviewed NGSS Biology textbooks and decided upon: 

California HMH Science Dimensions The Living Earth © 2020 —High School 

This textbook is a college preparatory textbook aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards. The book will be available for interested parents and community members to review at the District Office from March 11 to May 11, 2019.   

FINANCIAL IMPACT 

The cost of this adoption is not to exceed $30,000.

First Read - It is recommended that the Governing Board review and discuss the request to adopt the textbook  California HMH Science Dimensions The Living Earth © 2020 —High School.

First Read - The Governing Board is requested to review and discuss the request to adopt the textbook California HMH Science Dimensions The Living Earth © 2020 —High School.

BACKGROUND 

LCHS and District administrators in collaboration with LCHS faculty propose to offer Peer Support 2. This course will provide students who have completed Peer Support 1 with on-going skill development and supervision for delivering individual or group peer support. Students will gain experience in leadership and outreach activities in an effort to develop empathy, wellbeing, adaptive help-seeking and coping skills among students. 

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS 

Please see attached course description for Peer Support 2.           

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 

The financial impact will be the cost associated with offering this class in the master schedule, as well as compensation for the work required to complete the instructional plans for this course. 

BACKGROUND 

Staff members create new courses in consultation with their department chairperson.  The administration reviews all proposed new courses and is making a recommendation to add this course to our offerings.   

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS 

A new course, Vocal Ensemble, will be added to the Visual and Performing Arts Department offerings during the 2019-20 school year.  This course focuses on the beginning, developing singer and involves beginning content and instruction. Using a wide variety of skill appropriate challenging choral literature, this course is designed to introduce any student to the fundamentals of singing and music. Students will learn techniques to improve their individual voice, and demonstrate their knowledge of music theory, music reading, familiarity with music periods, composers and styles, concepts of interpretation, and overall performance skills learned throughout the class.  

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 

Staffing will come from the overall staffing allotment. 

BACKGROUND 

The LCHS Mathematics Chairperson and mathematics faculty members have evaluated textbooks to be used for the newly developed course, Mathematics for Financial Literacy. After reviewing several textbooks, the teachers have selected Financial Algebra: Advanced Algebra with Financial Applications, 2^nd Edition, © 2018, published by South Western Cengage Learning.  

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS 

The Mathematics Department members reviewed several books and decided upon: 

Financial Algebra: Advanced Algebra with Financial Applications; 2^nd Edition, © 2018, published by South Western Cengage Learning.  

The book will be available for interested parents and community members to review at the District Office from March 12 through May 12, 2019.   

FINANCIAL IMPACT 

The cost of this adoption is not to exceed $8,500. 

Background  

All LCUSD job descriptions require Governing Board approval.  A 2018-19 Superintendent’s Goal is to continue to reorganize and monitor district and site-level administrative positions.  In part, the on-going reorganization requires updated job descriptions to replace any which have become outdated. 

Current Considerations 

The former Executive Director of Pupil Programs and Services has been appointed as the LCHS Principal.  The appointment prompted a review of the existing job description prior to posting for hiring the position.  The attached job description has been updated to reflect all of the current and anticipated duties, responsibilities, and requirements related to the position. 

Financial Implications 

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the attached job description for the Director of Programs and Services.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the attached job description for the Director of Programs and Services.

Background

Each year, the District is required by the State of California (Education Code Sections 41020-41020.8) to conduct an independent audit of Measure LCF. The audit is composed of Financial and Performance components. These components address the fiscal accountability of the bond funds and they also confirm that the proceudres meet the requirements set forth by statute and the bond language. The Citizens’ Oversight Committee reviewed and accepted the audit and their last meeting

Current Considerations

Governing Board action is to receive and accept the audit report.

Financial Impact

The Governing Board is requested to accept the 2017-18 Bond Financial Audit Report.

The Governing Board is requested to accept the 2017-18 Bond Financial Audit Report.

It is recommended that the Governing Board declare and pass this resolution to reduce a particular kind of certificated service for the 2019-20 school year.

The Governing Board is requested to present and approve this resolution to reduce a particular kind of certificated service for the 2019-20 school year.

BACKGROUND 

Staff members create new courses in consultation with their department chairperson.  The administration reviews all proposed new courses and is making a recommendation to add this course to our offerings.   

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS 

A new course, Mathematics for Financial Literacy, will be added to the Mathematics Department offerings during the 2019-20 school year.  This course will engage students in learning and applying basic tools for responsible money management, including: saving, budgeting, consumer awareness, insurance, investing, avoiding debt, college and career planning, spending wisely, money and relationships, taxes and giving

Please see attached course description for Mathematics for Financial Literacy.  

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 

The financial impact will be in instructional material acquisition.  Staffing will come from the overall staffing allotment. 

The Governing Board is requested to approve the course description.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the course description.

BACKGROUND 

Staff members create new courses in consultation with their department chairperson.  The administration reviews all proposed new courses and is making a recommendation to add this course to our offerings.   

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS 

A new course, Music Technology and Recording Arts will be added to the Visual and Performing Arts Department offerings during the 2019-20 school year. This course will cover the study of acoustic science, digital multi-track recording and related techniques and will focus on the aesthetic qualities of sound production in the studio and live environment. It will analyze the impact of digital and analog audio technology as a vital part of communication in the world today. 

Please see attached course description for Music Technology and Recording Arts. 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 

Staffing will come from the overall staffing allotment. 

The Governing Board is requested to approve the course description.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the course description.

BACKGROUND 

Staff members create new courses in consultation with their department chairperson.  The administration reviews all proposed new courses and is making a recommendation to add this course to our offerings.   

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS 

A new interdisciplinary course, Oceanography, will be added to the Science Department offerings during the 2019-20 school year.  Oceanography is a laboratory science course that is targeted at giving students a complete and comprehensive understanding of ocean sciences. 

Please see attached course description for Oceanography. 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 

The financial impact will be in instructional material acquisition.  Staffing will come from the overall staffing allotment. 

The Governing Board is requested to approve the course description.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the course description.

Staff members create new courses in consultation with their department chairperson.  The administration reviews all proposed new courses and is making a recommendation to add this course to our offerings.   

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS 

A new course, The Living Earth (NGSS Biology) will be added to the Science Department offerings during the 2019-20 school year.  As the third high school class in a three course Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) sequence, the Living Earth will employ the NGSS 3D instructional model that asks students to learn core disciplinary ideas related to the field of biology, to examine these content domains through cross-cutting concepts, and to employ the science and engineering practices to explore phenomena related to the topics mentioned above.   

Please see attached course description for The Living Earth (NGSS Biology). 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 

The Governing Board is requested to approve the course description.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the course description.

Background 

Education Code Sections 35053(g), 42130, and 42131 require the Governing Board of each school district to certify at least twice a year (as of October 31^st and January 31^st) to the district’s ability to meet its financial obligations for the remainder of that fiscal year and for the subsequent two fiscal years.   

The certification by the Governing Board must be classified as follows: 

Positive:          A school district that, based on current projections, will meet its financial  obligations for the current fiscal year and two subsequent fiscal years. 

Qualified:         A school district that, based on current projections, may not meet its financial obligations for the current fiscal year or subsequent two fiscal years. 

Negative:         A school district that, based on current projections, will be unable to meet its financial obligations for the current fiscal year or subsequent fiscal year. 

Introduction 

District Budget for 2018-19 and Multi-Year Projection Scenarios 

The Governing Board, at its meeting on June 26, 2018, adopted the District’s Budget for 2018-19, and they reviewed multi-year budgetary projections through 2020-2021.  

Current Considerations/Budgetary Overview 

The Second Interim Report for 2018-2019 and the multi-year has some changes from the updated budget of June 2018 and the First Interim Report in December. 

Revenues:  

• The LCFF revenues anticipated per ADA increased by approximately $30,000 due to a slight increase in ADA for 2018-19. This took the LCFF revenues back to original budget. Federal revenues grew by a couple of thousand dollars for 18-19 and the two years upcoming. One-time revenues for 2018-19 are budgeted at $747,408. No one-time revenues are anticipated for the upcoming years.

Expenditures:

• Salaries and benefits were updated with actuals to date. They had a slight increase of about $140,000 above the 1^st Interim report. 

• Books, Supplies, and Materials increased approximately $135,000. These were primarily for instructional supplies. Services reflected an increase of just over $400,000 above 1^st Interim. These increases were in the in the areas of repairs and contracted services. 

• Transfers Out:  Transfers out for Deferred Maintenance reflect $335,000, and the ongoing transfer of $125,000 to retirement benefits remains the same as in the original budget. Approval of the 2^nd Interim will authorize these budgeted transfers to be processed.

Multi-Year Considerations:

• The out year estimates of revenue are predicated on the revenue and expenditure assumptions in the original budget and information released in the Governor’s Budget Proposal from January.  The Dartboard provided by School Services of California is the basis for budgeting upcoming years. Expenditures are adjusted to account for increases in Step and Column, benefits (including health and welfare and pension increases), and other factors. 

Special Note: Per the budget recommendation, a cash transfer of $60,000 from the Fund 40.0 to the Cafeteria Fund (13.0) is included in the 2018-19 budget to offset expenses beyond revenues in the Cafeteria Fund. This budget transfer will also be processed with approval of the 2^nd Interim.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the Second Interim Financial Report 2018-2019.  The Second Interim Report meets a positive certification.

Background 

At its meetings on 12/16/2013, 10/28/2014, 11/18/2014, 9/26/2017, and 10/30/2018 the LCUSD Governing Board discussed in open sessions its concerns regarding the Devil’s Gate Reservoir Restoration (Sediment Removal and Maintenance) Project, passing two resolutions which identified its concerns for student, staff, and community health as well as engaging in discussions regarding health, safety, and traffic impacts. 

Current Considerations 

The District has engaged environmental consultants to review the existing Health Risk Assessments and to provide expert guidance on potential remediation and monitoring measures.  Additionally, the District is working with legal counsel to evaluate the possibility of filing an amicus brief in the existing challenge to the Devil’s Gate Project which is currently pending.  The Governing Board has requested a standing discussion agenda item for the foreseeable future to provide an opportunity to update stakeholders regarding progress related to both courses of action. 

Financial Implications 

Currently, any financial implications to the District in relation to the the Devil’s Gate Reservoir Restoration (Sediment Removal and Maintenance) Project are unknown, however significant concerns regarding student, staff, and community health, safety, and traffic impacts remain.  Current expert and legal fees are estimated at $45,000.

It is recommended that the Governing Board discuss the topic of the Devil’s Gate Reservoir Restoration (Sediment Removal and Maintenance) Project, review staff’s update regarding progress related to work with the environmental consultants and with regards to a potential legal challenge, and provide on-going direction to staff for future actions and for community outreach plans over the next several months.

The Governing Board is requested to discuss the topic of the Devil’s Gate Reservoir Restoration (Sediment Removal and Maintenance) Project, review staff’s update regarding progress related to work with the environmental consultants and with regards to a potential legal challenge, and provide on-going direction to staff for future actions and for community outreach plans over the next several months.

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

The Governing Board is requested to approved the Every 15 Minutes program April 11 - 12, 2019.  

Background

LCUSD uses various contracts negotiated by other districts and educational entities for purchasing. This allows the District to procure equipment such as computers and other materials at an educational discount.

Current Considerations

The Monterey Country Office of Education signed a contract that LCUSD has the opportunity to use for our purchasing computers, servers, and other technology items. One partner, CDW-G, is able to offer discounts, a wide-ranging inventory, and fast shipping. They utilize the CALSAVE contract. Currently, the item being used with this contract is our firewall service subscription. This is one of our most expensive service contracts, but also most valuable as our Internet access has become an operational and instructional cornerstone.

Financial Implications

Potential savings on computer equipment, service contracts, and installations.

Background

FilmLA is a not-for-profit organization and the official film office of the City and County of Los Angeles, among an ever-increasing roster of local municipalities.  FilmLA works to streamline and enhance the on-location filmmaking process. Services include offering expedited permit processing, comprehensive community relations, and film policy analysis. 

Current Considerations

Requests for filming occur regularly over the course of each year. The filming events offer an opportunity to generate revenues that help the District if the timing is viable within the programmatic life of the school site. FilmLA is best qualified to manage the complexities of permitting and organizing the use of our facilities. This contract will add the La Cañada Unified School District to the list of government organizations that work with FilmLA to handle filming requests from production companies. The schedules at school sites make filming a challenge, so the frequency of our sites being used is minimal. This contract will provide that option for the District when scheduling permits. 

Financial Implications

There would be no immediate financial implications. Film L.A. would manage the film events and send us any revenues generated by the use of District Facilities. They do receive a portion of the fees as payment for processing.

Background

The District policy and administrative regulations on travel requires Governing Board approval for travel out of state. Five counselors from LCHS will attend the NACAC conference in Louisville, KY, September 25 - 28. This conference will provide sessions that focus on current trends in college counseling for all students at LCHS. The counselors attending will be able to collect current materials, and network with college admissions officers to gain valuable insights on advising students. 

Current Considerations

NACAC’s 2019 National Conference is an opportunity for us to fine-tune our skills, learn new techniques, network with peers, and learn about issues affecting the profession and the students and families we serve. We will learn new ways to enhance student interactions, which social, political or other issues or trends are affecting the field of college admission counseling, how to develop approaches to various audiences, and find out how our institution can benefit from using technology in various settings. With more than 140 educational opportunities, we will learn about best practices, success stories, tools, and practical solutions. This is especially beneficial and relevant as professional development because LCHS sends roughly 98% of its students to post-secondary institutions immediately after high school. Staying current in the field of college and career counseling is in keeping with meeting national standards and competencies set forth by both NACAC and ASCA (American School Counselor Association). 

Financial Implications

The cost per attendee is estimated at $1,200. This will cover registration, accommodations, and transportation. The total cost will be approximately $6,000. These resources will primarily come from the College and Career Readiness Grant and AP Site Funds if needed.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the out of state travel for five counselors to attend NACAC conference.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the out of state travel for five counselors to attend NACAC conference.

Specified contracts and bid divisions for Chapman Coast Roof Co. have been fulfilled and all punch list items have been completed on March 7, 2019.

Background

Due to the age of the 1996 Ford F250 pick-up truck, a new vehicle was purchased for the Landscape Crew. The 1996 Ford F250 is no longer needed in the maintenance fleet, and the cost of insuring and repairing the vehicle will not be the best use of resources. 

Current Considerations

The 1996 Ford F250 Pick up truck, VIN 1FTHF25HOTEB74766, is best disposed of as surplus property. The vehicle has been fully depreciated. Some revenue may be generated in the disposal of the property. 

Financial Implications

It is recommended the Governing Board declare the above item surplus equipment.

The Governing Board is requested to declare the 1996 Ford F250 surplus equipment.