This item is intended to report to the Board on the Administration's preliminary work with BayCES, anticipated outcomes for addressing educational equity issues in the District, and to authorize the Superintendent to enter into a contract for services.

This discussion with the Board will provide orientation to the work already accomplished and projected work to be accomplished.

The Administrative Council met twice with BayCES consultants, once on November 10 and the other for a two day workshop with all administrators, psychologists and counselors in October. Both encounters impressed the participants as the consultants facilitated an organizational "think tank" about the culture and conditions of our schools in the context of the predictable outcomes that public education is experiencing throughout the country. The consultants modeled activities by which administrators can engage their faculties for the organizational introspection necessary to improve the performance of our students. BayCES operates as coaches rather than experts disseminating "best practices" or providing a menu of cookie-cutter strategies to address our issues.

The Administration is at a pivotal point with BayCES. The last Administrator's Council meeting concluded with the need to focus the work and energies on professional learning communities, a Strategic Goal, and now an understanding by all as the most effective strategy to address under-performing students. BayCES has provided the attached proposal to provide consultant coaches to each Principal to train their faculties and facilitate teams to function as a community of educators that address equity. An additional part of the proposal is to continue the training and coaching of the administrative leadership team, monitor progress of the larger organization, and carefully develop the engagement of parents.

The funding for the BayCES contract will come from designated fund balances (carry over funds from previous years). These one-time funds come from specific budget categories, Peer Assistance Review and Measure B.

Kenneth Ranella, Superintendent

Resolution 09.10.14 honoring Carl Jones on his retirement will be presented by the Board.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: the Board adopts Resolution 09.10.14

Carl Jones will soon retire from a long career with the Menlo Park City School District. Carl was initially employed by the District in 1994, and has worked as the Day Custodian at Laurel School for his entire fifteen years with the District. A presentation will be made by the Governing Board in honor of his tireless service to the District, and especially to Laurel School.

Superintendent Ranella will present a Study that he conducted with a Superintendent's Advisory Committee composed of Nancy Serrurier, Carol Orton and Terry Thygesen for discussion with the Board. No action will be taken.

Superintendent Ranella will present a Study that he conducted with a Superintendent's Advisory Committee composed of Nancy Serrurier, Carol Orton and Terry Thygesen for discussion with the Board. 

The Study is intended to review and analyze all of the ramifications of enrollment growth projected by a Projection Enrollment Consultant and verified by another professional. This Study is prompted by a decision of whether to extend the lease of the O'Connor campus with the German-American School that the Board of Education must make in January 2010.

Superintendent Ranella will give his monthly report to the School Board.

Superintendent Ken Ranella will report on the following items: 

1. Application process and further information about "Race to the Top"
2. Other

Ahmad Sheikholeslami, Director, Facility Planning & Construction, will provide an update of ongoing planning, design and construction efforts related to the Bond Program. 

Assistant Superintendent Jo Sauer Mitchell will present her report to the Board including a staff study on the K-8 enrichment and elective programs in the District.

Board members will report on recent activities.

Chief business Official Diane White will present an updated budget report. This report must be filed with the County Office of Education by December 15th.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: the Board approves certification of the First Interim Report for 2009-10.

A summary of the First Interim Report of 2009-10 is submitted in this packet for your approval. In addition to the General Fund Summary, it includes a Board Memorandum, Multi-year Projection, Fiscal Indicator Standards and Review, and Summary of Other Funds. A full packet, including the 104 pages generated by the State software, is available in the Business Office and will be on hand at the Board Meeting on December 8th. 

Per Education Code 41020.3, by January 31 of each year, the Board of Education shall review the Annual Audit for the prior year including audit exceptions, findings and recommendations.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: The Board approves the Audit Report - June 30, 2009.

Information concerning the consent items listed below has been forwarded to each Board member prior to the meeting for study. All items on the consent agenda are routine in nature and will be acted upon in one single motion. If any member of the Board, the Superintendent, or the public so requests, an items shall be removed from the consent agenda and will be placed on the regular order of business following the approval of the consent agenda for separate discussion and action.

EMPLOYMENT

RESIGNATION

This project includes replacement of non-energy efficient exterior lighting throughout the Oak Knoll campus. The work was part of the Facility Master Plan. The work is being completed as a small project as it will be more cost effective. District staff recommends ratification of the agreement.

The District is requesting a contract modification and augmentation in the amount of $30,100 for Patton and Associates for a total contract amount not to exceed $115,100. Patton and Associates provides consulting services related to State construction funding programs and eligibility. Patton and Associates has assisted the District in submitting documentation to the various State agencies to secure State funding. As of November 2009, applications have been successfully completed for the TERC, Laurel, Encinal and Oak Knoll Schools. $77,508 of the original budget set at $85,000 has been expended for the above projects. State funding applications remain for Encinal, Hillview and other work related to past applications. The services of Patton and Associates will be required through August 2010

District staff recommends approval of modification to the contract in the amount of $30,100 for a total contract amount not to exceed $115,100.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: The Board approves the Consent Agenda

Kenneth Ranella, Superintendent

The School Board will meet in Closed Session regarding Conference with Labor Negotiator Representative Kenneth Ranella re: All Bargaining Units (CSEA, MPEA, Unrepresented Employees) as per Government Code Section 54957.6.

The President of the Board will report out any actions taken in Closed Session.

The next Regular Meeting of the Board is scheduled for January 12, 2010, in the Board Room at 181 Encinal Avenue, Atherton, at 6:00 P.M.