Due to the current COVID-19 crisis, changes have been made to the Brown Act by the Governor (Governor’s Executive Orders N-25-20 and N-2 9-20 – Brown Act Requirements)

Public comments on non-agendized and agendized items can be submitted on Tuesday beginning at 4:30 pm via the following link:

https://forms.gle/ggwEs7LmfMcHjddX7

Due to the current COVID-19 crisis, changes have been made to the Brown Act by the Governor (Governor’s Executive Orders N-25-20 and N-2 9-20 – Brown Act Requirements)

Public comments on non-agendized and agendized items can be submitted on Tuesday beginning at 4:30 pm via the following link:

https://forms.gle/ggwEs7LmfMcHjddX7

Background

For many years, LCUSD has contracted with Panorama Ed to administer annual surveys to gather feedback and assess progress on goals and priorities. Each year, a survey team reviews and refines the instrument in hopes of improving the acquisition and usage of the data. With the requirement of the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), districts are able to set local priorities along with the mandated state priorities. Multiple data points are needed to demonstrate progress on goals, actions, and services outlined in the LCAP. Many are collected through the annual Panorama Ed survey. The survey preparation process was quite extensive in terms of preparing data files for administration of the survey and reviewing the questions, and then the class time needed for the students to complete the surveys as they were done on paper. As the schools adopted the Chromebook program, we slowly moved away from paper and found it much easier to give the surveys. Last year was the first year we gave the survey to students 100% online.

Current Considerations

This year, the survey tool has become much easier to use in terms of district staff being able to create the survey start to finish. Panorama Ed has improved the process so that surveys can be given multiple times per year and surveys can be created internally from research-based question banks with the option to adjust the language as needed.

This school year, the survey team reviewed the new Back to School survey presented by Panorama Ed and chose to create a set of questions that would focus on health and safety protocols, academics, communication, student engagement, and student needs. Students in grades 3rd-12th and all staff were asked to complete the survey so that district and site staff could determine needs and help offer resources for the rest of the school year.

Financial Implications

Background

It is important to continually review and update the district’s board policies in order to stay on top of changing state requirements and/or district needs.

Current Considerations

As part of this continual review, the district has the following policy revision for the Board’s consideration:           

BP 0200          Educational Goals: Philosophy, Objectives and Comprehensive Plans                       

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications associated with the recommended Board Policy revisions. 

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 responsibilities to ensure the health and safety of its students, staff, and families.  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 pandemic related school facility closures, distance learning, and reopening progress.

Current Considerations

In October 2020 LCHS reopened its outdoor athletic facilities for 9-12 Athletic Skill Building and Conditioning according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Youth Sports Protocols.  LCHS Administration has been working with CIF Southern Section and their counterparts in the Rio Hondo League to plan phased reopenings of athletics where it is permitted, most significantly competitions in sports which may reopen in the most restrictive Purple Tier.  The LCHS Administrators in charge of athletics are in attendance this evening to present this update to the Governing Board and LCUSD Community.

Financial Implications

Background

Pursuant to Education Code (EC) 32280 every school in California is required to develop a comprehensive School Safety Plan to address safety concerns identified through a systematic planning process.  A School Site Council or safety planning committee shall review and update the plan. 

Current Considerations

The plans explain how each site has addressed the required key components.  All plans were approved by the School Site Councils to which community members, representatives from LCTA, CSEA, PTA, and student government were invited. We continue to follow the requirements as set forth in the categorical requirements, however, the categorical funding no longer exists under the new Local Control Funding Formula.  Components of the plans (as per Ed Code 32282) include the following:

1. Assessment of the current status of the school or school-related crimes
2. Child Abuse reporting procedures
3. Disaster procedure, routing and emergency
4. Policies related to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion and other school designated serious acts which would lead to suspension or expulsion
5. Procedures regarding teacher notification of dangerous students pursuant to EC 49079
6. Sexual harassment policy pursuant to EC 212.5
7. Provisions of any school wide dress code established pursuant to EC 35183
8. Procedures for safe ingress and egress to and from school
9. A safe and orderly environment conducive to learning
10. Rules and procedures pursuant to Chapter 1.2 of Title 15 of the Penal Code
11. Hate crime reporting procedures pursuant to Chapter 1.2 of Title 115 of the Penal Code

The plans will be in effect for the 2021-2022 school year.

Financial Implications

There is no financial impact to approving the School Safety Plans

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the Comprehensive School Safety Plans as presented.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the Comprehensive School Safety Plans as presented.

Background

This project would remove asbestos and lead paint in the old district office building, demolish the buildings and create a temporary parking lot for contractor staging and school staff. 

The District issued an invitation for formal bids in accordance with Public Contract Code 22000.  Fourteen contractors were invited to bid on the project.  Additionally, advertisement for bids was published in La Cañada Outlook and the Glendale News Press for bidding.  Staff received three bids in response to the invitation.  The lowest responsive bid of $322,500 was submitted by Interior Demolition Inc. Staff has determined that Interior Demolition Inc. is a responsible bidder.

Current Considerations

Approval of this item would authorize staff to execute a contract with Interior Demolition Inc. for Bid No. LCF 20/21-03, Hazardous Materials Abatement & Building Demolition at Palm Crest Elementary School

Financial Implications

Background

This project would replace and upgrade the main electrical service to the site, construct new ramp and stairs to the playground, and extend low voltage and electrical service to the future interim housing location on the playfield.

The District issued an invitation for formal bids in accordance with Public Contract Code 22000.  More than 40 contractors were invited to bid on the project.  Additionally, advertisement for bids was published in La Cañada Outlook and the Glendale News Press for bidding.  Staff received eleven bids in response to the invitation as follows:

As part of the District’s bid review process, staff reviewed all of the bid documents submitted by the apparent low bidder, RenewAge Energy Solutions (“RenewAge”), to ensure compliance with the Instructions to Bidders.  While RenewAge’s bid submittal was responsive with the Instruction to Bidders, staff review of the bidder’s references revealed poor performance on past public projects and that the information submitted by the bidder on prior projects was misleading and false. 

Section 1103 of the California Public Contract Code defines a responsible bidder as " ... a bidder who has demonstrated the attribute of trustworthiness, as well as quality, fitness, capacity and experience to satisfactorily perform the public works contract."

In Paragraph 33 of the Instruction to Bidders the District advises all bidders that: “Prior to the award of Contract, District reserves the right to consider the responsibility of the Bidder.  District may conduct investigations as District deems necessary to assist in the evaluation of any bid and to establish the responsibility, including, without limitation, qualifications and financial ability of Bidders, proposed subcontractors, suppliers, and other persons and organizations to perform and furnish the Work in accordance with the Contract Documents to District's satisfaction within the prescribed time.”

RenewAge submitted a document labeled Portfolio Presentation (Attachment A) to the District on January 21, 2021 listing fifteen project references.  The District used the project references submitted by the RenewAge as the basis for determining RenewAge’s past performance on public works projects.  The District contacted all the references and concluded that RenewAge is not a responsible bidder.

On January 26, 2021, the District advised RenewAge of the District’s intention to determine that RenewAge is not a responsible bidder based on the District’s investigations into RenewAge’s prior work performance; a copy of the District's notice is included as Attachment B. RenewAge did not respond to the District’s letter.  Accordingly, it is the District’s determination that RenewAge is not a responsible bidder and that the District shall proceed to award a contract for the Project to the next lowest responsive, responsible bidder.

Current Considerations

Approval of this item would reject the bid received from RenewAge Energy Solutions on the basis that RenewAge is not a responsible bidder; Accept the lowest responsive bid from Abny General Engineering Inc.; authorize staff to execute a contract with Abny General Engineering Inc., for Bid No. LCF 20/21-06, Palm Crest Elementary School – ADA Barrier Removal & Site Utility.  Abny General Engineering is a responsible bidder who has previously successfully completed two prior projects for LCUSD.

Financial Implications

Background

The District is currently preparing to start construction of some of the projects for the modernization of Palm Crest Elementary School.  It is a best practice for the District to test for the presence of asbestos and lead in older buildings during renovation project so that materials are not accidently disturbed and accidently exposed building occupants and construction workers to such materials.  Some of the buildings, specifically the Old District office have been found to contain asbestos and lead.  This agreement is to engage the services of an environmental consultant to monitor the abatement work to ensure the work is conducted in accordance with hazardous materials removal regulations.

Current Considerations

The approval of this item will authorize staff to execute the agreement with Alta Environmental to provide consulting services related to asbestos & lead abatement.  The agreement is a Time & Materials agreement for a Not-To-Exceed contract amount of $60,000, whereas the consultant will be paid for only actual work performed.

Financial Implications

Background

The District has established a prequalification process for contractors under Resolution 7-20-21. In order to simplify the process, it is the District’s desire to provide a single portal for district’s staff and contractors to keep track of the qualification process.

Current Considerations

This agreement is for the use of the Colbi Technologies software to allow for a paperless system for collecting and rating the information needed to prequalify contractors for designated Measure LCF projects.  The term of the agreement is renewable annually for up to five years.  The cost of the system is $10,500 per year plus an initial one-time implementation and setup cost of $2,500.  The cost of this agreement will be funded with Measure LCF funds. The uniform rating system established under Resolution 7-20-21 is modified as follows:  Exhibits A and B of Resolution 7-20-21 are replaced with Quality Bidders’ Prequalification Questionnaire, and Quality Bidders’ Scoring Summary respectively.

Financial Implications

It is recommended that the Governing Board review and discuss the Second Interim Financial Report 2020-2021 - First Reading and give any direction toward final read.

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

Background

LCUSD uses various contracts negotiated by other districts for purchasing. One of these contracts is for the CA K12 Irvine ISD Technology Equip and Peripherals Agreement signed on 2019-12-19.  The current contract was negotiated by Irvine Unified allows the District to purchase equipment such as computers and other materials through vendors like CDW-G. 

Current Considerations

We intend to use this contract to purchase new Chromebooks. During the pandemic, supplies have been difficult to acquire and vendors now have inventory. These devices will primarily support the K-4 classrooms and a small number of equity devices for families who cannot participate in the Chromebook program. Typically we see about 10% of students in grades 5th-12th request an equity loaner. Chromebooks typically have a 3-5 year lifespan.

Financial Implications

Background

Since the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978, Assistance League of Flintridge has sponsored a summer school program for La Cañada area students.  The program has provided a wide range of courses and has continued to grow during the past 30 plus years.  The Assistance League of Flintridge summer program now provides enrichment classes in grades 1 - 6. 

Current Considerations

The 2021 agreement for Assistance League of Flintridge Summer School program is being submitted for approval.  Assistance League of Flintridge classes are open to grades 1 through 6 and will be for four weeks. 

Background

The construction contract for the site utilities project at Palm Crest (Bid No. LCF 19/20-06) was awarded to Golden Sun Enterprise.  The project is completed.  The construction contract included a contract allowance of $100,000 which was not fully used during the course of the project.  This change order returns the unused allowance to the District.

Current Considerations

This Change Order deletes the remaining allowance from the contract amount pursuant to the Change Order clause of the agreement. 

Financial Implications

The contract amount is decreased from $465,777 to $451,909.47. The Measure LCF fund 21.1 will be credited.

Background

The construction contract for the fire line/Fire hydrant project at Paradise Canyon (Bid No. LCF 19/20-08) was awarded to Chalmers Construction Services.  The project is completed.  The construction contract included a contract allowance of $10,000 which was not fully used during the course of the project.  This change order returns the unused allowance to the District.

Current Considerations

This Change Order deletes the remaining allowance from the contract amount pursuant to the Change Order clause of the agreement. 

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