Background

In the past, district’s were required to have technology plans on file in support of the ERate funding requirements which offer districts various telecommunication and infrastructure discounts. As that requirement faded and the LCAP rose to prominence, some districts abandoned what seemed to be a federal paperwork hoop. Our last technology plan expired in 2017. With the revision of the LCAP for 2019-2022,  the passage of Measure LCF, and the projected parcel tax renewal campaign, a need to align goals and priorities as well as prepare for the modernization and new construction visioning occurred.  

Current Considerations

The proposed 2019-2022 LCUSD Technology Plan presents six pillars: Teaching, Learning, Infrastructure, Assessment, Leadership, and Community. This is not based on a template as in years past, but instead represents the ideas and observations of the technology department and the plan writing team. For each pillar, there are five actions that represent goals to be carried out by the technology department. The plan also includes an open brainstorming template to bring in new actions for future years under the categories of quick wins, bold moves, and game changers. This plan is intended to be a guidepost, yet flexible in responding to the rapid pace of technology updates.  

To support this work at the student level, a new student technology committee is forming this fall to review the plan and offer reflections and insights along with the continuation of the Technology Oversight Committee that features staff and parents.  

Financial Implications

There are various implied expenses present in the plan from current operating costs in terms of both staffing the technology department to achieve the proposed goals as well as the annual costs for the systems used for instruction and management. Major expenses under infrastructure have Measure LCF as a funding source.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the LCUSD’s District Technology Plan as presented.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the LCUSD’s District Technology Plan as presented.

Background

During the 2018-2019 school year Superintendent Sinnette and the Governing Board of Education made reading intervention a priority with an increased focus on students who are at-risk for dyslexia.  Now retired Executive Director of Special Education and Psychological Services Dr. Tamara Jackson and school psychologist-on-special-assignment Nicole Pilarski researched the issue, identified and initiated a dyslexia screening process, selected an intervention curriculum, trained teachers and administrators, ultimately and developed a preliminary plan to be deployed during the 2019-2020 school year.   

Current Considerations

Dyslexia screeners were available for parents to complete as part of the enrollment process for all kindergarten, first, second, and third grade students and the results of the screeners were available at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year.  Elementary principals were consulted and the preliminary plan for deployment was fully developed as the 2019-2020 school year began.   

Financial Implications

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

Current Considerations 

In Closed Session on September 10, 2019, the Governing Board gave direction on the Superintendent’s 2019 – 2020 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 2019 – 2020.  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. 

Recommendation 

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 

LCUSD K-12 Core Literature List has been recommended by all Language Arts teachers at specific grade levels and approved by IPG/LLC, and the Associate Superintendent of Educational Services.  The list includes titles from the state core literature list as well as other titles.  When changes are made, the recommendations are approved first by IPG/LLC, the Associate Superintendent of Educational Services and then presented to the Governing Board.   

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS 

The attached document proposes a change (addition) to the core list recommended by the 12^th grade English teachers. Their recommendations are based on extensive research, discussion, and deliberation.  

FINANCIAL IMPACT 

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 Project and to provide expert guidance on potential remediation and monitoring measures. Since November 2018, the Governing Board has requested a standing discussion agenda item for the foreseeable future to provide an opportunity to update stakeholders regarding progress and the District’s related responses or activities. 

Financial Implications 

Currently, any financial implications to the District in relation to the Devil’s Gate Reservoir Restoration (Sediment Removal and Maintenance) Project are unknown, however concerns regarding student, staff, and community health, safety, and traffic impacts remain.  Current expert and legal fees are estimated at $90,000.

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 on progress working with the environmental consultants and with regards to legal challenges to the project, 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 on progress working with the environmental consultants and with regards to legal challenges to the project, 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 La Canada Elementary School Special Activity request to attend Pali Institute in Running Springs, California December 2-6, 2019.

The Governing Board is requested to approved the La Canada Elementary School Special Activity request to attend Time Capsule/Ocean Institute in Dana Point, California December 3-5, 2019,

The Governing Board is requested to approve the La Canada High School Special Activity request to attend the WBA Championships in Fresno, California Friday, November 22, 2019 to Sunday, November 24, 2019.  

The Governing Board is requested to approve the La Canada High School Special Activity request to attend the Crystal Springs Cross Country Invitational in Belmont, California Friday, October 11, 2019 to Sunday, October 13, 2019.  

The Governing Board is requested to approve the LCHS 7/8 Special Activity request to attend NatureBridge in Yosemite National Park February 16 - 21, 2020.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the LCHS Special Activity request to attend WGI Power Regionals in Las Vegas, NV March 14-16, 2020.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the LCHS Special Activity request to attend the LCHS Concert Choir Retreat at the Angeles Christian Camp in Palmdale, California Saturday, October 19 - Sunday, October 20, 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.

Background 

Pursuant to Board Resolution No. 14-18-19 dated May 14, 2019, the District accepted a bid from Chalmers Construction Services Inc., for Bid No. 18/19-08, La Cañada High School Band Room & Drainage Improvement.  During the course of construction of the project, the contractor encountered subsurface conditions at the parking lot that differs than conditions normally expected.  In addition, some design changes were required on the band room wall finishes to improve aesthetic of the room.  Also, the contractor was asked to complete the paving work in the evening to mitigate impact of the paving operations on the adjacent Children Education Center. The District’s project manager and architect reviewed the proposals from the contractor for the changes and negotiated the final pricing for the change order.  

Current Considerations 

This Change Order incorporates the various design changes to the plans, mitigates the differing site conditions, and provides reasonable compensation for the additional services, equipment, labor and supervision employed by the contractor for the changes.    

Financial Implications 

The specified contracts and bid divisions included in the Notice of Completion have been fulfilled and all punch list items have been completed as of the date referenced.  All work under these contracts was completed in conformance with the Facilities Master Plan.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the work completed as listed in the Notice of Completion and the issuance of all final payments