Background

Budget Update

After the signing of the State budget, there were adjustments to the LCUSD budget which is submitted before the State completes its budgeting process. Additionally, other factors become clearer as the fiscal year comes to a close. These are the revisions that will occur in the District Budget for 2015-2016. At the time of Unaudited Actuals, the formal budget changes will be submitted.

 Current Considerations

 Revenues adjusted upward. Increases in enrollment, additional dollars from the Education Foundation, and a small increase in other funds were offset by decreases in one-time dollars from the state and a small reduction in parcel tax. The net change was a positive $278,584.

 Expenditures were reduced by $83,875. This was based on a reduction in costs for liability insurance. The original budget had the past amount with a standard increase. The actual billing was less than anticipated.

 Fiscal Implications

The net change to the budget for 2015-2016 based on the information above is an increase in revenues of $287,584, a decrease in expenditures of $83,875 and an increase in the ending fund balance of $371,459.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the revisions to the 2015- 2016 budget for the La Cañada Unified School District.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the revisions to the 2015- 2016 budget for the La Cañada Unified School District.

Background

Contributions to a Routine Restricted Maintenance Account are required of a school district our size if we have received funds from the Schools Facility Program (SFP). Once funds from the SFP are received, contributions equal to 3% of General Fund expenditures are required for 20 years. Since 2009 the Routine Restricted Maintenance Account (RRMA) has had flexibility. Districts could reduce contributions to 1%. Those flexibility options expired on June 30, 2015. New legislation has set up a transition for districts to work back to the full 3% contributions. An Article from School Services of California is attached regarding that legislation. La Cañada Unified has always maintained the full 3% contribution to maintain our facilities.

Current Considerations

Many resources for the La Cañada Unified School District come through community support. Groups that contribute funds provide benefit to the district. These funds do increase the expenditures to our General Fund. This results in an increased contribution to the Routine Restricted Maintenance Account. LCUSD has continued the practice of contributing the 3% to the RRMA regardless the flexibility allowed by the state. Current practices include the 3% within the cash contribution making the purchasing power amount to 97%. When services or materials are provided, the 3% is above the cost basis.

Financial Implications

Any contributions toward products, services, or personnel would have a 3% cost to the District by requiring increased spending on maintenance. Contributions from these sources to the RRMA amount to $75,000 - $100,000 each year. This varies based on each year’s contributions.

BACKGROUND

The District wishes to hire a consultant, Marc Purchin, of Purchin Consulting, to provide services to District staff throughout the 2015-2016 school year.  The Consultant will provide staff and parents with conflict resolution support for the 2015-16 school year. Two consultants will facilitate a district-wide training entitled "Modeling a Culture of Team Building and Positive Communication for our Students” on Monday, August 10, 2015 from 8:30-10:45 a.m. Throughout the year, district employees, school sites and district offices, including the leadership team, will have a total of one hundred twenty five (125) hours of coaching time to support building capacity in the area of conflict resolution and positive communication.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

The District is asking the Governing Board to approve entering into an agreement with Purchin Consulting.  Completion of service per this contract will be June 30, 2016.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The cost of the consultant services is $19,500.  Total hours are set at 125 for districtwide consulting services.  Mediation and negotiation services for Special Education IEPs will be billed separately at the rate of $140 per hour.

It is recommended the Governing Board approve entering into an agreement with Purchin Consulting.

The Governing Board is requested to approve entering into an agreement with Purchin Consulting.

Background

In the early hours of July 21, 2015 several rooms at Palm Crest Elementary had windows broken. One room, Room 30, was entered, and a total of 39 iPads and a Mac-book were stolen. The Sheriff’s Department came and did a report. Currently a detective is assigned to the case, and District staff is working with the Sheriff’s Department.

Current Considerations

District staff is continuing to monitor for locations of the iPads. Any information is shared with the Sheriff’s Department. Additionally, security procedures are being reviewed and evaluated. Considerations of cameras, lighting, and alarm systems are being addressed. Passive security measures such as blinds, locking procedures, and other methods are being assessed and communicated to staff across the district.

Financial Implications

Estimated losses amount roughly $20,000. The District currently has bids for replacement. All damage to the classrooms has been repaired. The District is working with ASCIP, our property and liability insurance, to offset the cost of replacement. The deductible for the District is $10,000, so approximately half of the cost will be covered by insurance.

Discuss and review aspects of the burglary. Share concerns and areas for further consideration by District staff.

Discuss and review aspects of the burglary. Share concerns and areas for further consideration by District staff.

The painting project at La Cañada High School proceeded with few delays or difficulties. The plans were detailed and specific, however, as work progressed there were items that needed additional work. These discoveries resulted in four change orders for the project.

Current Considerations

In the process of doing preparation work additional issues were exposed. These included sandblasting and sealing to assure a good foundation for the paint, and additional concrete repairs. There were also additional areas railings that needed paint. These were added to the scope of the project.

 Financial Implications

This will be an additional cost of $9,530.20 beyond the bid of $430,000. This is a 2.2% increase and well within the change order limit of 10%. Funding for the change order will come from Fund 14.0.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the change orders for the La Cañada High School painting project.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the change orders for the La Cañada High School painting project.