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Background

In November 2017, the District was successful in passing Measure LCF, a $149,000,000 general obligation bond. The election was conducted as per Proposition 39. Pursuant to Section 15278 of the Education Code, the District was required to establish a Citizens’ Oversight Committee to satisfy the accountability requirement of the Proposition 39 bond election. 

The purpose of the Committee is to inform the public concerning the expenditures of bond revenue. The Citizens’ Oversight Committee bylaws state the committee shall present the Governing Board with an annual written report. 

Current Considerations

The Citizens’ Oversight Committee has prepared its annual report for review and acceptance by the Governing Board. 

Financial Considerations

It is recommended that the Governing Board accept the Citizens’ Oversight Committee annual report.

The Governing Board is requested to accept the Citizens’ Oversight Committee annual report.

Background

At an emergency meeting of the LCUSD Governing Board on Thursday, March 12, 2020, the Board voted to enact district-wide school facility closures effective on Friday, March 13, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to exercise its Local Educational Agency responsibility to ensure the health and safety of its students, staff, and families by engaging exigent measures to flatten the coronavirus infection curve.  Subsequently, at meetings of the LCUSD Governing Board, staff has prepared presentations to update the LCUSD Community regarding its actions and services in response to the COVID-19 related school facility closures and distance learning throughout the district.

Current Considerations

Since the last LCUSD Governing Board meeting, LCUSD’s Leadership Team has engaged in comprehensive planning for the reopening of its campuses for the 2020-2021 school year.  The Elementary and Secondary Reopening Review Committees have convened to make recommendations regarding the reopening plan. Tonight’s update will cover topics of interest related to reopening details for the 2020-2021 school year.  The goal is to bring a 2020-2021 Reopening Plan to the Governing Board on July 14, 2020 for adoption and approval.

Financial Implications

Background

On June 1, 2020, the LCUSD Governing Board had an unanticipated vacant seat with the resignation of Vice-President Ellen Multari.  At its May 19, 2020 meeting, the Governing Board determined that it would pursue a provisional appointment.  The Governing Board conducted interviews for the vacant seat on June 16 and June 17, 2020, and engaged in deliberations following the interviews.  At the conclusion of deliberations, it was moved, seconded, and approved 3:1 to not appoint any candidate to the position.

Current Considerations

Under Education Code section 5091(a) (1), the Board must, within 60 days of a Board vacancy, either order an election or make a provisional appointment to fill the vacancy.  LCUSD Board Bylaw 9223 memorializes this requirement. The Education Code also states that if the Board fails to make a provisional appointment or order an election within 60 days, the County Superintendent of Schools must call an election to fill the vacancy. (Ed. Code 5091(a)(2).)  Additionally, the Los Angeles County Office of Education communicated that if the Board did not make a provisional appointment to fill the seat, there would not be an opportunity to hold a special election due to the timing of the vacancy.  There are no eligible state election dates available on which to hold a special election before the remainder of the term expires and thus the seat, if not provisionally appointed, will remain vacant until filled at the regular election in November 2020.  Given these considerations, this agenda item serves as an opportunity for Governing Board discussion to clarify any misconceptions with the Public related to its vote on June 17, 2020 as well as an opportunity for the public to offer comments regarding the decision not to fill the vacancy.  After discussion, it is recommended that the Board vote to order an election, recognizing that the implications of its action will be that the vacancy will be filled by default due to timelines as a result of the upcoming general election on November 3, 2020.

Financial Implication

BACKGROUND

The District continues to assess developer fees for new or expanded residential construction and commercial/industrial development at rates approved by the Governing Board on April 17, 2018.  In January 2020, the State Allocation Board (SAB) approved an increase in Level I assessments: from $3.79/sq. ft. to $4.08/sq. ft. for residential construction, from $0.61/sq. ft. to $0.66/sq. ft. for commercial/industrial construction and to $0.17 per square foot for Public Storage within the boundaries of the District.

Subsequent to the receipt of notice of the SAB action, the District contracted with Jack Schreder & Associates to conduct a study regarding the District’s continued assessment of developer fees on new or expanded residential and commercial/industrial development at the new SAB rates.

Based on the Jack Schreder & Associates study, the District can justify the continued assessment of developer fees and at the SAB levels approved in January 2020.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

Previous to the preparation of this agenda item, staff prepared and began implementation of a next step activity that would pave the way, subsequent to Governing Board approval, for an increase in developer fee assessment.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Based on changing or expanded program offerings for students, Developer Fees previously collected have had a major and positive impact in support of the District’s modernization and new construction efforts.  The District’s justification for collection of “developer fees” lies in the need for modernization, as well as some new construction and reconstruction due to program growth and adjustment of program requirements.  These requirements are in addition to the potential for student growth reflected in the recent justification study.

Based on recent developer activity the fee change will result in approximately $10,000 - $12,000 additional revenue to Fund 25.0.

It is recommended that the Governing Board adopt Resolution 22-19-20 Increasing School Facility Fees (Developer Fees) as authorized by Government Code Section 65995 (b) 3.

The Governing Board is requested to adopt Resolution 22-19-20 Increasing School Facility Fees (Developer Fees) as authorized by Government Code Section 65995 (b) 3.

BACKGROUND

The LCHS Science Chairperson and science faculty have evaluated textbooks to be used for the newly adopted Forensic Science course. After reviewing several textbooks, the teachers have selected Forensic Science: Fundamentals and Investigations, 2nd Edition, by Cengage Unlimited.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

LCHS Science teachers reviewed Forensic Science textbooks and decided upon:

Forensic Science: Fundamentals and Investigations, 2nd Edition by Cengage Unlimited, 2016.  

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 June 30 to September 1, 2020. 

FINANCIAL IMPACT

The Governing Board is requested to review and discuss the recommendation to approve the adoption of Forensic Science: Fundamentals and Investigations, 2nd Edition by Cengage Unlimited, 2016 prior to the approval request at Second Read.

Public Contract Code (PCC) 20111 requires school district governing boards to competitively bid and award any contracts for goods and services involving an expenditure of more than $95,200 to the lowest responsible bidder.

Notwithstanding PCC 20111, PCC 20118 and Administrative Regulation 3311(g) state that without advertising for bids and upon a determination that it is in the best interest of the District, the Board may authorize District staff by contract, lease, requisition, or purchase order of another public corporation or agency, to lease data-processing equipment, or to purchase materials, supplies, equipment, automotive vehicles, tractors and other personal property for the District in the manner that the other public corporation or agency is authorized to make the leases or purchases from a vendor (piggyback).

Alternatively, if there is an existing contract between a public corporation or agency and a vendor for the lease or purchase of personal property, the District may authorize the lease or purchase of personal property directly to the vendor under the same terms that are available to the public corporation or agency under the contract.

Staff requests approval of the following resolution to provide authorization for the District to participate by piggyback in the contract for the purchase of the modular classroom buildings for Palm Crest Elementary.  The modular structures will be used for the new classroom building addition as part of the site overall master plan.

Approval of this item supports the site master plan for Palm Crest.

Financial Implications

The contract is not to exceed $10,355,680. Funds will come from Measure LCF.

It is recommended that the Governing Board adopt Resolution 19-19-20 for authorization to utilize a piggyback contract for the purchase of the modular buildings for Palm Crest Elementary School.

The Governing Board is requested to adopt Resolution 19-19-20 for authorization to utilize a piggyback contract for the purchase of the modular buildings for Palm Crest Elementary School.

At its meeting on August 13, 2019, staff recommended and the Board approved that the proposed new two-story building addition at Palm Crest Elementary School be a modular constructed building. The modular structure will be used for the new classroom building addition as part of the site overall master plan. As set forth in Resolution 19-19-20, staff has determined that it is in the best interest of the District to purchase the modular classroom building through the piggyback contract procured by the Reef Sunset Union School District pursuant. The District has completed design development plans for the project and is currently working in conjunction with the American Modular Systems to finalize and to submit the final design drawings to the Division of State Architect for plan review.

Staff requests approval of the agreement with American Modular Systems for the purchase of the modular classroom building for Palm Crest.  Approval of this item supports the site master plan for Palm Crest.

Financial Implications

The contract is not to exceed $10,355,680. Funds will come from Measure LCF.

Background

The previous lease agreement for the stadium field was established when the original artificial turf was installed. There were multiple amendments to the document over the years. The existing agreement was changed to a license rather than a lease based on recommendation from District counsel. The property will be used by the La Cañada High School programs. It is not surplus property. For this primary reason a license agreement was the recommended document. The license agreement for the stadium field was established in Spring of 2017. At present LAS/LOS ANGELES SURF SC is the user group associated with the current license agreement.

Current Considerations

The intent in Spring of 2020 was to go through a Request for Proposal as the current license agreement was set expire on June 30, 2020. This process was postponed due to the COVID 19 pandemic, and an updated license agreement will be extended through June 30, 2021.

Financial Implications

The Governing Board is asked to discuss and approve this license agreement renewal through June 30, 2021.

The Governing Board is asked to discuss and approve this license agreement renewal through June 30, 2021.

Background

During the past two years, LCHS 7/8 Science teachers have been piloting a variety of Science instructional materials and communicating their findings to site and district administration.  Upon review and consideration, they recommend: Accelerate Learning- STEMscopes CA NGSS 3D.      

Current Considerations

The 7/8 Science teachers have piloted a variety of materials and have decided upon: 

Accelerate Learning:  STEMscopes CA NGSS 3D.         

7/8 parents have been given the opportunity to review these textbooks as well and to provide input to the textbook adoption committee. The recommended textbook will be available for interested parents and community members to review at the District Office from May 20, 2020 through July 20, 2020.   

Financial Implications

BACKGROUND 

Executive Order (EO) N-56-20 was established on April 22, 2020, to address the impact of continued school closures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the local educational agencies’ ability to conduct meaningful annual planning, and the ability to meaningfully engage stakeholders in these processes.  

EO N-56-20 issued timeline and approval waivers for the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and Budget Overview for Parents as well as waving certain budgetary requirements. The Executive Order also established the requirement that a local educational agency (LEA) adopt a written report (COVID-19 Operations Written Report) explaining to its community the changes to program offerings the LEA has made in response to school closures to address the COVID-19 emergency and the major impacts of such closures on students and families.  

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS 

This presentation serves to inform the Governing Board and the public of La Canada Unified School District of the changes made to program offerings in response to school closures due to the COVID-19 emergency, and the impacts of such closures on students and families. The COVID-19 Operations Written Report will be submitted to the County Superintendent of Schools in conjunction with the submission of the adopted annual budget. The report will be posted on the LCUSD website.  

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 

There is no financial impact to this discussion item.

Introduction

The June budget adoption is considered a “place holder” budget because by necessity it is primarily based on estimates and assumptions as of publication. The 2019-20 data is “projected actuals”, the numbers are currently estimates since the year has not yet closed.  The 2020-21 State Budget has not been finalized, therefore the State revenues, program changes and other factors are not finalized.  The budget is built off the Governor’s May Revision. There will be many changes as the State budget is released. Additionally, since tax collection deadlines were postponed until July 15 due to the COVID 19 pandemic, there may even be changes later in the summer.

However, the June budget adoption is important not only to meet the State requirements but also to provide a general overview as to the fiscal health of the district.  The 2020-21 June budget for La Cañada Unified School District reflects the severity of the economic situation in the state, and the challenges of maintaining programs multiple years.

May Revise

On May 14, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom released his May Revise Budget.  Recent “Fiscal Reports” received from School Services of California, Inc. (SSC) provided the following summary of the Proposition 98 (K-12) portion of the Proposed Budget for 2020-21 that will have an impact on funding for the La Cañada Unified School District.

Current year revenue collections will not be fully known until after the July 15 deadline. The May Revise reflects a reduction to the LCFF over the 2019-20 allocation of 7.92%. This will result in a loss of $3.2 Million in State funding for LCUSD.

Budgetary Overview

This agenda item provides the following budgetary information:

• The 2019-20 Estimated Actuals and 2020-21 Budget Financial Report and multi-year projections through 2022-2023. (Attachment A)

• Revised Enrollment Projections   (Attachment B)

   

• District Budgetary Assumptions   (Attachment C)

   

• School Services of California, Inc.  Financial Projection Dartboard (Attachment D)

   

• Other Funds Estimated Balances  (Attachment E)

   

• 2019-2020 All Fund Summary  (Attachment F)

   

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the 2019-20 Estimated Actuals and 2020-21 Budget.

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

Background

A settlement agreement was reached regarding Student #20200526.

Current Considerations

The facts and circumstances, and a copy of the settlement agreement, are being withheld due to student privacy rights under 20 U.S.C. § 1232g and Education Code § 49060, et seq.  To avoid additional time and expense concerning this matter, the District settled the dispute.

Financial Implications

The total amount, not to exceed approximately $10,784 will be paid from the General Fund.

Background

An amended settlement agreement was reached regarding Student #20200602. 

Current Considerations

The facts and circumstances, and a copy of the settlement agreement, are being withheld due to student privacy rights under 20 U.S.C. § 1232g and Education Code § 49060, et seq.  To avoid additional time and expense concerning this matter, the District settled the dispute without admitting any liability.

Financial Implications

Background

A settlement agreement was reached regarding Student #20200601.

Current Considerations

The facts and circumstances, and a copy of the settlement agreement, are being withheld due to student privacy rights under 20 U.S.C. § 1232g and Education Code § 49060, et seq.  To avoid additional time and expense concerning this matter, the District settled the dispute without admitting any liability.

Financial Implications

The total amount, not to exceed approximately $29,225 will be paid from the General Fund.

Background

The District has specific needs related to legal documents and advice related to Measure LCF. Dannis Woliver and Kelley will be one of the firms available to provide those resources to the District. They will also be able to provide legal services in other areas of educational law.

Current Considerations

The District would like to have the extensive resources to get knowledgeable advice and information in respect to the use of bond dollars and the contracting of services for bond projects. This service agreement is valid July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 and will allow access to this firms specific skills related to construction and technology that will assist with a successful bond program.

Financial Implications

The rates for services are included in the contract, and an initial purchase order for services will be opened against Fund 40.0.

Background

The Facility Use Fee Schedule is reviewed on an annual basis.

Current Considerations

Beginning July 1, 2020, it is proposed that the current Facility Use fee schedule be increased by three percent (3.0%) as outlined in the attached fee schedule.