*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)

*Online public comments regarding agendized and non-agendized items can be submitted starting at 3 pm on Tuesday, April 27 using the following link:

https://forms.gle/8VRP7dh7Pa2eWJzAA

The President may limit discussion on each topic and each speaker if it appears that additional time is required to dispose of a particular concern or proposal. All public comments submitted using the online form will be made available to the Governance Board.

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

With Los Angeles County in the less restrictive Orange Tier, the required social distancing between students in classrooms during instructional time has been reduced from 6’ to 3’.  The change in the order from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health allows for greater student loading capacity in classrooms.  In response, District administration convened both the Elementary and Secondary Reopening Committees to review options with regard to expanding the in-person schedules at both the elementary and secondary levels.  After extensive review, the Elementary Reopening Committee recommended not to change the in-person schedule for the final month of the school year.  However, the Secondary Reopening Committee is recommending that in-person learners in grades 7-12 attend for 4 days per week, with Mondays remaining virtual for all students.  Their recommendation is for Senior, Junior, Special Education, and Learning Pod students to begin attending Tuesdays - Fridays on May 4, 2021.  Then, on May 11, 2021, all in-person learners in grades 7-12 would return for 4 days of in-person instruction per the Committee’s recommendation.  The presentation this evening will cover the main discussion points and logistical implications reviewed by both Reopening Committees.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Governing Board review the presentation by the Superintendent, engage in a discussion of the reopening topic, and provide direction to staff as appropriate.

It is recommended that the Governing Board follow the updated presentation by GGA and engage in questions and discussion regarding the latest plans based on feedback from the Board Retreat on April 15,2021.

LCUSD has contracted with GGA, the architectural firm who has conducted the site and program analysis for the Measure LCF Bond Program to be implemented at Paradise Canyon Elementary School. GGA has also been working with a PCY Community Advisory Committee on design and site planning options for the project. The project entails replacing end-of-life portable classrooms with new buildings as well as modernizing existing classroom buildings.

Today's presentation will incorporate the latest feedback from the Governing Board Retreat and the Community Advisory Committee meeting on Tuesday April 20, 2021 and allows the Governing Board to review the latest adjustments and to weigh in on next steps in advance of the pending Draft Report on the project.

Background

The state of California has proclaimed one day in May to be Day of the Teacher to bring attention to California teachers for their fine work and dedication.  In 1982, a California law was passed calling for the Day of the Teacher to be observed the second Wednesday in May each year.

Current Considerations

California public schools have been asked to set aside May 12, 2021, as Day of the Teacher to honor their teachers. However, to align with LCUSD's celebrations honoring our teachers during the week of May 3-7, LCUSD is recommending to approve a Week of the Teacher on the corresponding week. In an effort to express the District’s sincere appreciation of its entire certificated staff, it is being requested that the Governing Board declare May 3-7, 2021 as the Week of the Teacher. 

Financial Implications

There are no costs associated with this request.

Background
Annually, the State of California proclaims one week in May to be Classified School Employee Week to give special recognition to classified employees.

Current Considerations
This year, California public schools have been asked to set aside May 16-22, 2021, as Classified School Employee Week to honor their classified employees.

Financial Implications
There are no costs associated with this resolution.

Background

The LCUSD Special Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has worked since December 2020 to develop a Framework for the LCUSD DEI Initiative.  The attached LCUSD DEI Framework has been fully vetted by the DEI Special Committee and is recommended for adoption.  The DEI Framework was presented as an Information and Discussion agenda item to the Governing Board at its meeting on March 9, 2021 and as a First Reading agenda item at the Special Governing Board meeting on April 19, 2021.

Current Considerations

The LCUSD DEI Framework is being presented to the Governing Board for adoption this evening.  Updates to the Framework based on Governing Board feedback and DEI Special Committee review are present in the document. 

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

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:

In support of the new construction and modernization at Palm Crest Elementary, the site will need upgraded fiber for the existing buildings as well as new fiber lines for the new construction, copper cabling for the new classroom needs, and wireless infrastructure for the new building. Planning necessitates thinking about current and future needs with the campus as projects of this scope will be in place for 20-25 years using the cabling infrastructure. 

Current Considerations:

Digital Synergy has been selected as the winning bidder for the project. This  includes network switchgear, cabling, wireless equipment, and installation. Work will be completed  during the 2022 spring and summer. The bid process coincided with the federal erate application windows and qualifies for discounts in the category 2 funding.

BACKGROUND

CIF requests the attached form to be completed to affirm the Districts authorization to the Principal (Mr. Jim Cartnal) to represent La Canada High School and to provide guidance on matters related to athletics.

From the CIF Form: The education code gives the authority for high school athletics to high school governing boards. The code also requires that the boards, after joining CIF, designate their representatives to CIF leagues. This is a necessity! (Ed. Code 33353 (a) (1))

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

The presumption behind this code section is that the representatives of boards are the only people who will be voting on issues, at the league and section level, that impact athletics. If a governing board does not take appropriate action to designate representatives or this information is not given to Section offices within the required time frame, CIF is required to suspend voting privileges (CIF Constitution, Article 2, Section 25, p. 18) for the affected schools.

At the State Federated Council level, we will be asking that Sections verify that their representatives are designated in compliance with this Ed. Code section

Background

The Los Angeles County Office of Education provides financial support in processing
accounting transactions and reporting revenues and expenditures.  The cost of these
services is based largely on the Average Daily Attendance of the district.

Background

At its meeting on January 14, 2020, the Board approved Agreement with UltraSystems Environmental to
provide consulting services related to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the Palm
Crest Elementary School modernization project. UltraSystems prepared the Initial Study and the
Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) documents for the project. The Board approved the IS/MND
on September 29, 2020. The IS/MND includes a list of recommended mitigation measures (Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program) to be implemented during the construction of the project. This
amendment provides for continuing consulting services during construction on as-needed basis.
Additionally, the consultant will be preparing an addendum to the CEQA documents to update impact
and mitigation of a construction activity’s means and method.

Current Considerations

As required under the Agreement, the Basic Fees of the Agreement is being adjusted in accordance the
terms and conditions of the Agreement. The Total Contract Amount (Not-To-Exceed) is increased from
$150,000 to $225,000.