The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by President Mack-Rose.  All Board members were in attendance with the exception of Trustee Sullivan.

This is an opportunity for the public to comment prior to the Board's consideration of any closed session agenda items. 

The Board recessed into closed session at 6:00 p.m.

The Board reconvened to open session at 7:02 p.m.

President Mack-Rose led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Members of the audience who wish to address the Board are asked to complete the yellow card available at the entrance and submit it to the Board's Administrative Assistant. Speakers who have completed the card will be called when the item is reached on the agenda or, for non-agenda items, during the Public Testimony. Cards are to be turned in before the item is reached on the agenda. Please note that the meeting is being recorded.

State law prohibits the Board of Education from taking any action on or discussing items that are not on the posted agenda except to A) briefly respond to statements made or questions posed by the public in attendance; B) ask questions for clarification; C) provide a reference to a staff member or other resource for factual information in response to the inquiry; or D) ask a staff member to report back on the matter at the next meeting and/or put it on a future agenda. (Government Code 54954.2(a)).

Parks and Recreation Commission representative Evelyn Gonzalez updated the Board on the activities of the Parks & Recreation Commission.  She passed out handouts from a recent report presented to the City Council.  Highlights included news that the Senior Center has been highly utilized and is generating revenue.  She shared goals set by the Parks and Recreation Department which included the desire to restore funding the Teen Jobs Program, the Cherry Festival, the Community Assistance Grant Program and the Aquatic Facilities Program.

Commissioner Gonzalez also announced that the May Run for the School will be on May 6, 2012. In addition to the re-opening celebration of the Marina par course, San Leandro residents can participate in the Bike San Leandro event, another health and fitness option happening that day.  She also called the Board's attention to a flyer from the Youth Advisory Commission (YAC) inviting the community to "Munching for Mini-Grants' at Porky's Pizza Palace on Tuesday, April 17.  While the  YAC does not fall under the Parks & Recreation Department, she thought the Board would be interested in knowing that its young members are trying to raise money to give an award to a local business that is the most youth-friendly.

Veronica Mandujano, San Leandro High School senior, addressed the Board regarding the District's reserves.  She was concerned about contrary comments made about the accessibility (or not), of those reserves to avoid budget cuts.  Because it is important to her that she keeps up on what is going on with the budget, she stated that she will continue to attend as many Board meetings as she can. Responding to Ms. Mandujano, President Mack-Rose clarified that the District does not have access to the required 3% reserve; however, anything above that percentage can be accessed.  She hoped that Ms. Mandujano received the handout about the reserves and offered to sit down with her to go over the information.  President Mack-Rose added that she appreciated that Ms. Mandjuano acknowledges that the work is ongoing and that accountability is important. 

Carol Delton, representing the San Leandro Teachers' Association (SLTA) on matters of budget and finance, along with Mark Hamilton, (SLTA) member, distributed a chart prepared for the Board regarding comparison of ending balances for the 09/10 and 10/11 school years.  Ms. Delton responded to several items raised at the last Board meeting including the $2.7 million fund balance reserve and fall sports program funding.  She also walked the Board through the comparative figures on the handout.  

• The Board of Education and  Superintendent presented a Certificate of Commendation to San Leandro High School junior Klarees Hansen for being selected as Eden Area Regional Occupational Program (ROP) "Student of the Month" for March 2012 in the Medical Careers Program. Klarees spoke of her internship at Saint Rose Hospital and of her ROP experience.  She said that she was planning to be a phlebotomist, adding "that it was good she doesn't get squeamish around blood."
  
  
• The Board of Education and Superintendent presented a Certificate of Commendation to San Leandro High School senior Osa Aihie for winning both the San Leandro  Rotary Club speech competition held on February 5, 2012, and the Hayward District Competition held on March 5, 2012.   As the District Level First Place Winner, Osa will go on to compete at the Regional Rotary Competition on March 23, 2012, at the HP Pavilion in San Jose.
  
  
• The Board of Education and Superintendent presented a Certificate of Commendation to San Leandro High School senior Arooj Haq for being named as one of 11 new members of the Alameda County Woman's Hall of Fame for the youth category.  In 1993, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, the Alameda County Health Care Foundation, and the Alameda County Commission on the Status of Women established a permanent Women Hall of Fame. The purpose of the Woman's Hall of Fame is to recognize outstanding women for their achievements and contributions to the overall well being of our county and its citizens.  Arooj is passionate about public health and advocating for human rights and supports nutrition, smart choices, and healthy relationships.  She is active in the Advocating Change Together program at Girls Inc.  and has always aspired to be a nurse, but because of a recent trip to the Middle East, she has decided to open a charity in the future to help women in her parent's native country Pakistan.

Goal #1:  Educate the Whole Child:  Ensure the academic, physical, social and emotional well being of every student

• The Board of Education and  Superintendent will present a Certificate of Commendation to Klarees Hansen for being selected as Eden Area Regional Occupational Program (ROP) "Student of the Month" for March 2012 in the Medical Careers Program.
  
  
• The Board of Education and Superintendent will present a Certificate of Commendation to San Leandro High School senior Osa Aihie for winning both  the San Leandro  Rotary Club speech competition held on February 5, 2012, and the Hayward District Competition held on March 5, 2012.   As the District Level First Place Winner, Osa will go on to compete at the Regional Rotary Competition on March 23, 2012, at the HP Pavilion in San Jose.
  
  
• In 1993, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, the Alameda County Health Care Foundation,  and the Alameda County Commission on the Status of Women established a permanent Women'  Hall of Fame. The purpose of the Woman's Hall of  Fame is to recognize outstanding women for their achievements and contributions to the overall well being of our county and its citizens.  Arooj is passionate about public health and advocating for human rights and supports nutrition, smart choices, and healthy relationships.  Haq is active in the  Advocating Change Together program at Girls Inc. Haq has always aspired to be a nurse, but because of a recent trip to the Middle East, she has decided to open a charity in the future to help women in her parent's native country. The Board of Education and Superintendent will present a Certificate of Commendation to San Leandro High School senior Arooj Haq for being named as one of 11 new members of the Alameda County Woman's Hall of Fame for the youth category.

The Board of Education received a presentation by Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services, Debbie Wong on the revision to Local Education Agency Plan (LEAP), in Response to District Program Improvement Year 3, Corrective Action 6.  As part of District Program Improvement Year 3 Corrective Action 6 status, the District was required to contract with a District Assistance Intervention Team (DAIT) to provide technical assistance to revise the Local Education Agency Plan (LEAP) which includes a report of findings and recommendations for improving areas identified by the needs assessment. On February 7, 2012, the District selected Napa, Solano, Contra Costa Educational Support Team as its DAIT provider. Assistant Superintendent Wong presented the recommendations and high leverage actions to be implemented based on our DAIT review process.   Highlights of the presentation included areas of strength (26 identified strengths) and areas of need (12 identified needs), and four high leverage actions to implement Corrective Action 6:

1. Develop and implement a District Accountability and Monitoring Plan
2. Ensure all students have access to scheduled, uninterrupted high quality instruction in core and intervention classes
3. Deepen the use of data from the data monitoring system to ensure that formative & summative data is available and used for instructional decisions
4. Continue to develop and implement specific efforts to build trust and communications between the home to school community

The plan was submitted to the State Department of Education by the required March 10, 2012, deadline and is pending review and approval by the Board. The District is now working with the  DAIT Provider on a systematic implementation plan that will address Corrective Action 6 High Leverage Actions.  The Board is required to take formal action to approve the plan. Once approved, the plan will be posted on the District's website.  

Goal #1: Educate the Whole Student: Ensure the academic, physical, social and emotional well being of every student

As part of District Program Improvement Year 3 Corrective Action 6 status, the District was required to contract with a District Assistance Intervention Team (DAIT) to provide technical assistance to revise the Local Education Agency Plan (LEAP) which includes a report of findings and recommendations for improving areas identified by the needs assessment. On February 7, 2012, the District selected Napa, Solano, Contra Costa Educational Support Team as our DAIT provider. Debbie Wong, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, will present the recommendations and high leverage actions to be implemented based on our DAIT review process.   The plan was submitted to the State Department of Education by the required March 10, 2012 deadline and is pending review and approval by the Board. The Board is required to take formal action to approve the plan. Once approved, the plan will be posted on the District's website.  

These items are presented for action at this time.  Some may have been reviewed at a previous meeting.

$700,000 Program Improvement and Categorical funds will be expended to implement the plan.

On November 15, 2011, the District was notified that it had advanced to District Program Improvement Year 3 Corrective Action 6. One of the requirements is to select a technical assistance provider called a District Assistance Intervention Team (DAIT).  On February 7, 2012, the District contracted with Napa, Solano, Contra Costa Educational Support Team as our DAIT provider.  This team has been working with the District to review our current 2009 Local Education Agency Plan (LEAP) needs and support us in the LEAP revision process, complete a report based on findings from the needs assessment, and make recommendations/high leverage actions for improvement.  We submitted the revised LEAP pending Board approval by the due date of March 10, 2012 to the California Department of Education.  

In review of our 2009 LEAP Addendum and needs assessment, the DAIT Team recognized the significant progress in implementing the plan and the efforts in integrating it into the District Instructional Focus Plan as a way to maximize academic progress.  However, upon the analysis of the District's needs assessment and the requirements of Program Improvement Year 3 Corrective Action 6, DAIT has identified four high leverage actions as the focus of improvement for the next three years (2012-2015).  These high leverage actions include:

1. The District will develop and implement a District Accountability and Monitoring Plan to ensure effective implementation of the District Instructional Focus/revised LEAP.
2. The District will ensure that all students have access to scheduled, uninterrupted high quality instruction in core and intervention classes.
3. The District needs to deepen the use of data from its data monitoring system to ensure that common formative and summative data are easily available to District and site users for instructional decisions, program placement/exit, instructional strategies, and professional learning communities.
4. The District needs to continue to develop and implement specific efforts to build trust and better communication between home and school community.

The Board of Education will consider approval of the revised 2012-2015 LEAP and its high leverage actions for improvement.

In January 2011, the Board requested a revision to our current Homework Board Policy 6154(a). Through an extensive process of working with teacher committees and soliciting feedback from parents and teachers, the Board Policy Committee is recommending a revised homework policy and guidelines. Debbie Wong, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services, provided a brief overview of the process and revisions for the Board of Education's review.  The key areas of revisions included:

• Updating language
• Including K-12 perspectives and flexibility
  • Number of minutes modified
  • Days of the week accommodates elementary student packets and project-based long term assignments
  • Minutes may or may not include reading
  • How to review and communicate homework progress
• Ensuring Ed Code 48205 compliance regarding excused and unexcused absences
• Recognizing the diversity of students learning:
  • Different rates
  • Section 504 accommodations
  • Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
  • Advanced Placement Course
  • Honors courses
  • Companion Courses

The Board thanked staff for the presentation.  Comments and suggestions from the Board included: 

• Overall I am a little disappointed. I was looking for more data-based reasoning.
• Homework at lower levels ineffective
• Less homework for primary levels and if homework is given it ought to be reading
• Be clear to the parents class requirements and homework expectations for AP, and Honors classes
• Proponent of homework, "Practice makes Perfect"
• "Ensuring make up assignments are completed in the time agreed to by teachers" (students need to be included)
• Homework is very important
• No clarification on how much time given to makeup assignments for excused absences
• Policy doesn't address reducing homework during STAR testing which can reduce student stress
• Be more specific regarding advance courses.  Sentence should read, "Advanced courses (such as Honors, AP, etc) will require additional homework
• Specific homework timeline not needed for AP classes, it would hamper the teacher's ability to teach the material and credit for AP classes are not based on the amount of homework but on the test results
• At lower levels try not to always assign a specific book for reading, but rather let the students' select a book of their choice
• Was disappointed that under "Teacher's Responsibility" the word "planning" was struck from the sentence "... to assign work that encourages student planning" and replaced with "responsibility"; and "Homework expectations will also be sent home in writing" was taken out
• Needs to be a real distinction between elementary, middle and high school
• Reading needs to be expected
• Not to exceed four days of homework per week needs clarification
• Ask teachers to look at standardizing homework to make it meaningful
• Need to be more explicit about our expectations on reading for the primary levels

PUBLIC COMMENTS

• Carol Delton commented that from her experience, families are shocked to learn that a couple of hours of homework at high school each night is expected.  To her, the purpose of homework "is for students to develop self responsibility for mastery of material."
  
• Evelyn Gonzalez commented on the time frame guidelines recommended in the policy, stating that from her experience with her own children, what a teacher thinks a student can do in 10 minutes may not be the same for others to do in that timeframe, adding that "when you stick to closely to minutes we are not serving our kids."

Goal #1: Educate the Whole Student: Ensure the academic, physical, social and emotional well being of every student

In January 2011, the Board requested a revision to our current Homework Board Policy 6154(a).  Through an extensive process of working with teacher committees and soliciting feedback from parents and teachers, the Board Policy Committee is recommending a revised homework policy and guidelines.  Debbie Wong, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services, will provide a brief overview of the process and revisions for the Board of Education's review.

After the presentation, the Board directed staff to continue the revision process and return for approval at a future Board meeting.

On January 18, 2011, Educational Services staff presented a Board of Education Workshop on the District's Homework Policy that included current research related to homework, research on homework guidelines from the National Education Association and Parent Teacher Association, and comparison of our current policy to California School Board Association and neighboring district policies.  What we discovered was that our current policy was similar to these policies and that the research recommendations and other perspectives were limited or variable from "no homework" to "more homework". The Board directed staff to make minor revisions.  The revision process timeline included:

May-September 2011:  Board Policy Committee approves timeline and process

• Principals reviewed policy and process
• Principals met with teachers to review current policy, revision process and procured feedback for minor revisions
• Solicit Task Force representation

October - December 2011

• Convened secondary task force-10-19-11
• Convened elementary task force-10-26-11
• Convened combined task force-12-7-11
• Board Policy Committee reviewed task force recommendations-12-13-11

January-March 2012

• Principals and District staff met with every school site for additional feedback
• Principals and District staff met with parent groups for additional feedback
• Board Policy Committee reviewed additional feedback and prepared final recommendations-2-29-12
• Board of Education Review and Discussion-3-6-12

After Board Approval:

• Communicate revised policy with stakeholders
• Prepare policy for Parent Handbook and website for fall 2012
• Assess implementation

The Key Areas of Revisions included:

• Updating language 
• Including K-12 perspectives and flexibility: 
  • number of minutes modified
  • days of the week accommodates elementary student packets and project-based long term assignments
  • minutes may or may not include reading
  • how to review and communicate homework progress
• Ensuring Ed Code 48205 compliance regarding excused and unexcused absences
• Recognizing the diversity of student learning:
  • Different rates
  • Section 504 accommodations
  • Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
  • Advanced Placement Courses
  • Honors Courses
  • Companion Courses

The Board Policy Committee has reviewed all feedback in order to draft final recommendations for Board Policy 6154(a) Homework Policy and Guidelines for the Board of Education's consideration.

Assistant Superintendent Business & Operations Song Chin-Bendib; Michael Murphy, Director of Measure B and Bond Projects, and Kurt Weidmann, Program Manager, Harris & Associates, provided an update on Measure B and Measure M. The presentation included the following:

• A macro level overview of cash flow and scheduling for both bond measure programs
• Measure B modernization projects taking place during the summer of 2012 at multiple school sites
• Measure M projects: the SLUSD Pacific Sports Complex & Burrell Field, and the Pool facility and Field replacements at San Leandro High School. 
• Modular and/or portable buildings analysis in the District
• Review of priority list of Measure B Savings projects in relation to other potential projects
• Excerpt from Measure A 1997 School Facilities Bond Implementation and District Wide Master Plan regarding modular and portable units

Trustee Prola suggested taking a look at using some of the extra money to replace some or all of the portables at Washington and bring back the numbers to the Board Facilities &  Technology committee. 

At 9:22 p.m. the Board took a brief break and returned to open session 9:25 p.m.

Goal #5: Ensure Safe and Well Maintained Facilities

Assistant Superintendent Business & Operations Song Chin-Bendib; Michael Murphy, Director of Measure B and Bond Projects, and Kurt Weidmann, Program Manager, Harris & Associates, will provide a presentation to the Board of Education an update on Measure B and Measure M. The presentation will include the following:

• A macro level overview of cash flow and scheduling for both bond measure programs
• Measure B modernization projects taking place during the summer of 2012 at multiple school sites
• Measure M projects: the SLUSD Pacific Sports Complex & Burrell Field, and the Pool facility and Field replacements at San Leandro High School. 
• Modular and/or portable buildings analysis in the District
• Review of priority list of Measure B Savings projects in relation to other potential projects

Trustee Sullivan reported receipt of the following emails between March 8, 2012, and March 20, 2012:  From Jon Sherr regarding "Board Goes Forward with Cuts"; from Senator Corbett regarding "Senator Corbett Calls for Seismic Safe Schools"; from CSBA regarding "California Voting Rights Act," "California School News," and "How will the latest mandate reform proposal affect your district"; from Sheila Jordan regarding "Join the First Annual Science & Engineering Fair," and "ACOE Spring Newsletter, Science, Health Job Fair and More"; from Veronica Sanchez regarding "Garfield's Parent Bulletin"; from Cynthia Vincent regarding"Marathon Bus Service," and "AC Transit Buys America"; from Robin Michel regarding "San Leandro High School Student, Osa Aihie wins First Place in Rotary Speech Competition and to Compete at Regionals," "Save the Date: April 21, 2012, Spring Forum," "Press Release: Burrell Field the Next Chapter," and "The San Leandro Scholarship Foundation Invites You to the"Dollars for Scholars" Dinner on Thursday, April 19"; from Gabriela Juarez regarding EAROP Newsletter"; from Lycette Kintanar regarding ACSBA Meeting April 19, 2012," and "CIF/NCS"; from Unique Holland regarding "ACOE 2nd Annual Job Fair, April 5, 2012"; from Mike Katz-Lacabe regarding "SLHS Student Arooj Haq to receive at City Council Meeting for her Induction into AC Women's Hall of Fame"; and Myrna Hernandez regarding "Washington Newsletter."

Student Board Member Jack Martin updated the Board on activities at the San Leandro High School campus and the Fred T. Korematsu campus. Highlights included:

• Last week the Associate Study Body hosted a meeting at lunch regarding the budget cuts. SLTA President Jon Sherr and a few teachers provided some very helpful information
• March 16, the school held their Spring Blood Drive, noting that many students participated
• WASC was visiting the campus last week
• Boys vollegball beat Castro Valley
• Prom is coming up in a couple of months

Mark Hamilton, on behalf the San Leandro Teachers' Association Executive Board, read a brief statement that was published to their members recently bringing them up to date on what is happening with regards to the budget, the budget process, use of reserves and restoring programs in San Leandro.

Superintendent Cathey provided the following report:

• March 14 was Latino Achievement Night Part I, where more than 700 people were in attendance to recognize students from Jefferson, McKinley, Roosevelt, Washington, Bancroft Middle School, Lincoln and San Leandro High School/Fred T. Koremastu Campus.  Part Two will be next Tuesday, March 27, at 7 p.m. at John Muir,  where students from Garfield, Madison, Monroe, Wilson, Muir Middle School, Adult School and San Leandro High School/Fred T. Korematsu Campus will be recognized.
• Thursday, March 22, 7 p.m. in the Arts Education Center, is the San Leandro High School Orchestra Festival, 7 p.m.
• Friday, March 16, was the First Annual District Wide LGBTQ All Family Alliance Potluck Dinner at Zocalo's Coffee House.   Assistant Superintendent Debbie Wong reported that sixty-five folks were in attendance including Trustees Katz-Lacabe and Carey as well as a representative from Wilma Chan's office.  
• Superintendent provided an update on plans for a community Q & A at the Arts Education Center. At this point, Saturday, May 5, is the only Saturday available. The Board would rather have it sooner rather than later, so the Superintendent said that she would book the May 5 date; however, would continue to look for the earliest weeknight and propose some dates in the CS. Consensus was to hold 2 meetings this year.

Trustee Prola reported that the Facilities & Technology committee met on March 7 and discussed ground breaking for Burrell Field, signage for the Pacific Sports Complex and Lincoln High School campus, the water and energy audit to be done by Alameda County Office of Education, and the student artwork that will be displayed at the Washington Elementary School playground.  There was a major discussion of the seismic assessment report that was recently completed, stating that out of 108 buildings, 70 were rated satisfactory to good; none were rated dangerous or unacceptable except for an Adult School storage unit.

Trustee Mack-Rose reported that the Finance Committee met on March 7 and reviewed the 2011-2012 Second Interim Report and other relevant fiscal information. 

Trustee Almonte reported that the Governing Board met on Thursday, March 1, 2012, and approved the minutes of the Meeting of February 21, 2012, Bill Warrants, Personnel Action items, listed donations, contract for the Youth Enrichment Services Collaborative Grant for the2011-2012 School Year, contract with VTD for auditing for he 0212-2012, 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 school years, roster of public agencies filing, Second Interim Budget Report for the 2011-2012 school year, the adoption of Resolution 408:  Week of the  School Administrator, and Resolution 409: Authorizing Signatures Payroll Warrants and Disbursements, and Resolution 410: Authorizing Signature Official Documents and Reports.

The following consent item was pulled from the Consent Calendar: 

• 16b - 2011-12 NPS/A Contracts (Prola)
• 18a - The Pacific Sports Complex and Burrell Field Signage, Brick Veneer, and Fence Details (Mack-Rose)

Trustee Mack-Rose noted that there was a revision to the classified Personnel Report and that a revised Personnel Report was made available to the public and the Board.

The consent calendar was approved as amended.

Approve the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on March 6, 2012.

The Single School Plan for Student Achievement (SSPSA) is a comprehensive action plan to raise the academic performance of all students and all statistically significant subgroups to the level of performance goals established under the California Academic Performance Index and the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. There are many components of the SSPSA including: data analysis and identified needs, curriculum and instruction, assessment and accountability, opportunity for learning and equal access, professional development, school culture, engaging families and community, leadership and school planning, school-based programs and the budget allocations associated with the action plans. California Education Code sections 41507, 41572, and 64001 and the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) require each school to have a current SSPSA. Schools are required to submit their 2-year plans (2011-2013) seeking Board approval. At the same time that San Leandro High School was developing their SSPSA, they were also conducting a self-study in preparation for their Western Association for School and College (WASC) accreditation review and visit which is scheduled to take place from March 18-21, 2012. Integrating the work of the two plans caused a delay in finalizing and submitting the SLHS 2011-2013 Single School Plan for approval to the Board of Education. The plan has been approved by the SLHS School Site Council. 

The plan for the school is on file for review by the public at the District Office at 14735 Juniper Street in the Office of the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services.

Trustee Prola pulled this item by mistake.  She meant to pull consent item 17c - Contracts for Amounts $5,000 or less for Fiscal Year 2011-2012. 

New non-public school placement contracts for the school year 2011-2012.

It was noted that while this item has already been approved; staff would look into Trustee Prola's concern using ASB funds for teacher training.  Assistant Superintendent Chin-Bendib will research the regulations. 

This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar.

The Board of Education previously approved the schematic design for the San Leandro Unified School District Pacific Sports Complex and Burrell Field on September 7, 2011, which included site signage to be further developed.

At the March 7, 2012, Facilities and Technology Committee, AEDIS Architecture and Planning presented designs for consideration. The site signage includes the following site signage placement:

• Entry Gate Signage
• Tickets
• Concessions (on both the Main and Baseball Plaza)
• Dedication Plaque Signage
• Electronic Marquee Signage
• Scoreboard Signage
• Football Field Center Logo
• Football Field End Zone Lettering

The Facilities and Technology Committee also reviewed the colonnade fence design details, and options for brick veneer.  The Committee requested that new artwork be created for the football field center logo, but moved to recommend all other signage.  The Committee also selected one brick veneer for recommendation, which is being presented with a second choice for the Board?s consideration. 

The Board is requested to review Facilities and Technology recommendations and approve the following:

• Various signage as presented above
• Fence design details
• Brick veneer

Prior to taking action, Trustee Katz-Lacabe asked if there was any consideration to looking at another oil extraction tax 1572 as well.  Trustee Mack-Rose suggested that they could consider Initiative 1572 for the November election.  

Adopt Resolution #12-24 in Support of Initiative 1522 Tax Oil to Fund Education K-12 Through College and University.

Resolution No 12-24 in Support of Initiative 1522 Tax Oil to Fund Education K-12 Through College and University

Districts across the state of California have been hit with catastrophic budget cuts for five straight years in a row.  In San Leandro those cuts have equaled approximately $11,000,000.  While there was some federal stimulus money to help stave off some of the cuts, this money was one time and is now dried up.  The Board of Trustees has had to make decisions that have reduced or fully eliminated programs that are critically important to our students and our community.  They have consistently dipped into the reserves to save programs and staff.  They have had to cut or eliminate programs and staff at every level in order to balance the budget for the current year and two subsequent years as required.  This is their fiduciary responsibility.   These cuts have not come without great pain and sacrifice for so many and the decisions by the Board have not for one minute been taken lightly.  Recently we had three students at San Leandro High School go on a week-long hunger strike to demonstrate that our school system is starving.  We literally cannot do without the essential programs that have already been cut and that are scheduled to be cut for next year.  The Board has committed to using a substantial portion of our one time funds (reserves) to help, but those funds are not enough to spare all that needs to be spared. 

While the Board continues to pursue the cuts slated to take place on July 1, 2012, they are also pursuing every avenue to enhance the revenue stream to the District.  They continue to explore the feasibility of a local parcel tax in November.  They continue to make their voice heard in Sacramento.  They continue to work with our partners to do what they can to bring back proper funding to education. 

One additional step, is to adopt Resolution No 12-24 in support of Initiative 1522 Tax Oil to Fund K-12 through College and University Education.  Initiative 1522 proposes amendments to the Revenue and Taxation Code, relating to California Public Education, Kindergarten through Grade 12, and post-secondary education.  In direct response to the San Leandro High School students participating in the week-long hunger strike and on behalf of all of the students in the San Leandro Unified School District, the Board will discuss and consider adopting Resolution #12-24 in Support of Initiative 1522 Tax Oil to Fund Education K-12 Through College and University.

Trustee Mack-Rose clarified that one-time (reserve) funds would be used to restore the San Leandro High School fall sports program.

At the Board of Education meeting held on February 28, 2012 the Board took action to reduce or eliminate numerous essential programs, services, and staff in order to fulfill their fiduciary responsibility to submit a balanced budget to the Alameda County Office of Education by the March 15 deadline.  This action was taken after much discussion, many budget presentations, and passionate testimony by staff and members of the public.  The Board has committed to using a substantial portion of the one-time reserve funds to help minimize the impact of the cuts.  The one-time funds are not sufficient to save all programs. 

The Board believes firmly in the negotiations process and has completed the legal requirements needed to enter into negotiations with each bargaining group.  The Board is encouraged that our bargaining groups are willing to complete their legal requirements so that formal negotiations can begin promptly and agreements reached that may help stave off some of the cuts slated to take place by July 1, 2012. 

The Governor?s proposed budget includes a tax initiative that may go before the voters in November.  Unfortunately, the results of that tax initiative will not be known until after the November election and become effective in January if the tax initiative does not pass.  This reality has forced the Board to have a contingency plan which includes drastic cuts to programs, services and staff if the Governor?s tax initiative (or some similar tax initiative) does not pass. 

One of the drastic cuts scheduled to be made includes the elimination of the Athletic Program at San Leandro High School and both Middle Schools.  The results of the tax initiative will not be known until after the end of the Fall sports season and staff must begin working now on such things as:  extensive pre-planning and organizing, communication with pre-season and regular season teams we are already scheduled to play, conditioning of athletes, etc. Teams from other leagues are greatly impacted if the Fall season is cancelled now that the schedule has already been established.  

The high school and Booster Club are working hard to fundraise to save the sports program.  Staff is requesting that the Board consider using one-time funds to allow the Fall sports program to take place.  If the governor?s tax initiative does not pass and the fundraising effort is not successful, then the Board will proceed with the elimination of the winter and spring sports programs.  It is estimated that the cost of the Fall sports is $80,000. The district will be in compliance with Title IX requirements.  

At this time we are not recommending reinstatement of the middle school Fall sports programs. 

The school community at Washington Elementary School is always looking for ways to improve the esthetics of the school site, making it a more inviting place to come and learn. Creating that environment in partnership among the students, families and staff at the school develops a sense of ownership and pride on school grounds. 

Over the last few years, staff has written grants and has worked with community partners, such as the After School Education and Safety Program (ASES), the Dad?s Club, Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and Leadership San Leandro to create more green spaces around the school providing for various learning opportunities and beautification improvements. 

This proposal by the Washington Elementary school is about art work of made wooden cutouts. The wooden cutouts will be provided by the Dad?s Club and will be painted by the students at ASES. The students at ASES provided the Dad?s Club with a list of cutouts they hoped to see around the school. Once the cutouts are painted, the Dad?s Club will attach the cutouts to the fence along Breed Avenue and Euclid Avenue. This project is not covered by the Joint Operations Support Committee (JOSC) agreement as it is paid by the Washington Elementary School Dad?s Club. There is no financial impact to the District.

Trustee James attended the WASC meeting at San Leandro High.  On Monday, he attended a Common Core Workshop in Hayward,  stating that this summer Hayward Unified is putting together a teacher task force to implement/pilot some of the common core for next year.  He has been sharing the resources with the Superintendent. 

Trustee Prola attended the Latino Achievement Night at Bancroft, where Michael Alonzo was the student speaker.  She also attend the WASC meeting at Lincoln, where the WASC team was very receptive.

Trustee Sullivan thanked all those who were able to help her celebrate her "special birthday" on March 17, St. Patrick's Day.

Trustee Almonte announced two special events: 

1. 1. 1. "Special Kids Day" a free event for children, adults and families of those with emotional,  developmental, and physical disabilities will be May 12, from 10-3 p.m., at the De Luna Ranch in Brentwood.   The event is being sponsored by the Lions Club District 4-C3
      2. Remote Area Medical (RAM), an organization that provides medical services including vision, dental, and more is holding a 4-day free clinic from March 22-March 25, 2012, from 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Oakland Coliseum

Trustee Carey attended the Business Academy Awards at the Marina Community Center and the All Family Alliance at Zocolo's.  He thanked the Superintendent's staff for making the Board documents available on the website; however, the documents should be clearly labeled under "Budget News" for easier access to the public.  

Student Board member Martin announced that a letter has been drafted (with over 100 students signatures) to send to Senator Ellen Corbett. 
 

• Regular Board Meeting ? April 3, 2012 
• Regular Board Meeting ? April 17, 2012 
• Regular Board Meeting ? May 1, 2012 
• Tentative Board Work Session - May 8, 2012 
• Regular Board Meeting ? May 15, 2012 
• Regular Board Meeting ? June 5, 2012 
• Regular Board Meeting ? June 19, 2012 
• Special Board Meeting ? June 26, 2012

The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m.