The meeting was called to order by President Mack-Rose at 6:01 p.m.  It was noted that all Board members were present with the exception of Trustees Katz-Lacabe and Sullivan. 

There were no public comments concerning items on the closed session agenda.

The Board recessed into closed session at 6:02 p.m.

The Board reconvened at 7:11 p.m. 

At the time of the motion to approve the agenda, Trustees Katz-Lacabe and Prola were not present.

Approve the Special Board meeting agenda for July 31, 2012.

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 President. 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)).

To address emergency funding necessary to bridge the funding gap created by the State?s drastic budget cuts to public education and the district in particular, the district has considered a potential parcel tax.  In December, the district commissioned The Center for Community Opinion to conduct a poll to assess the degree of support of the community for a potential parcel tax.  That polling was conducted in February, 2012.  The results of that survey showed that the community strongly supported our schools and that they needed more information about school funding and needs. 

Since that time, the district has launched an extensive outreach effort to engage parent groups, the business community, service organizations, city leaders, etc. in understanding the financial situation of the district and to identify high priority programs to preserve and protect.  Additionally, the district conducted surveys and sent a community mailer seeking input from stakeholder groups regarding their program priorities. 

In June, the District commissioned Godbe Research to conduct a follow-up tracking poll to assess potential voter support for a tax measure.  The survey was administered in mid-July.  Bryan  Godbe, President of  Godbe Research, presented the findings of the tracking survey.  The presentation included highlights related to:  the tax amount at which voters will support a potential measure; projects, services, and program priorities for which funds might be used and other key survey results.  Catherine Lew, President of The Lew Edwards Group, discussed recommendations and options for Board consideration as we move forward. 

Staff also provided the Board with important information for consideration as the Board discusses tracking poll results and the Lew Group recommendations moving forward.  This information included:  cost of an election, potential 75 word question, potential parcel tax project list, length of the parcel tax, timeline, etc.  This information was incorporated into a draft Tax Measure Resolution which was distributed to the Board for review and discussion at the meeting.  Highlights of the presentation included:

Summary of  Top Community Priorities for a San Leandro USD Local Education Funding Measure:

• Protect and maintain core academic math, science and reading programs (83% much/somewhat more likely)
• Protect student safety (80% much/somewhat more likely)
• Keep school libraries open (80% much/somewhat more likely
• Retain high quality teachers (79% much/somewhat more likely)
• Any measure proposed should be focused on community priorities for parcel tax funding, with guaranteed fiscal accountability.

Fiscal Accountability Recommendations:

• A San Leandro Unified Measure should not exceed $39 per single family residence and should include the following provisions:
  • Ensuring all money goes to local schools and cannot be taken by Sacramento
  • A 5-year sunset
  • Annual financial audits and Citizens Oversight
  • Exemptions for seniors
  • No money for administrator salaries

Following the presentation, the Board asked clarifying questions which were addressed by the presenters and staff. 

PUBLIC COMMENT

• John Jermanis applauded the Board and school district for improving the facilities;  getting bond measures passed; building the ninth grade campus; and fields and pools.  He encouraged the Board to think seriously about putting the ballot measure on in November, and give the community an opportunity to hear the story and make a determination as to whether they are willing to make that financial commitment.
• Jon Sherr, President of the San Leandro Teachers' Association (SLTA) thanked Ms. Lew and Mr. Godbe for the report, adding that SLTA is committed to making this a success and would like  to see it on the ballot in the November.
• Jason Toro, a parent in the district, appreciated the District's willingness to stand up for our kids and community.  
• Pauline Cutter read a a personal statement from Mayor Cassidy (not necessarily representing the City Council) where he spoke about the most important issue facing San Leandro, the funding disparity, and how we get our public schools out of the fiscal crisis that they are in and, in turn, help make San Leandro shine.  He called upon the school board to place a parcel tax on the November 2012 ballot,  and add San Leandro to the list of school districts where families move because of the quality of education their children receive and local businesses thrive, and by and large are found in communities who have adopted parcel taxes."  Following the Mayor's sentiments, Ms. Cutter agreed it was time to place a parcel tax measure on the November ballot.

Goal #2:  Ensure the Financial Stability and Efficiency of the District
To address emergency funding necessary to bridge the funding gap created by the State?s drastic budget cuts to public education and the district in particular, the district has considered a potential parcel tax.  In December, the district commissioned The Center for Community Opinion, to conduct a poll to assess the degree of support of the community for a potential parcel tax.  That polling was conducted in February, 2012.  The results of that survey showed that the community strongly supported our schools and that they needed more information about school funding and needs. 

Since that time, the district has launched an extensive outreach effort to engage parent groups, the business community, service organizations, city leaders, etc. in understanding the financial situation of the district and to identify high priority programs to preserve and protect.  Additionally, the district conducted surveys and sent a community mailer seeking input from stakeholder groups regarding their program priorities. 

In June, the District commissioned Godbe Research to conduct a follow-up tracking poll to assess potential voter support for a tax measure.  The survey was administered in mid-July.  Bryan  Godbe, President of  Godbe Research, will present the findings of the tracking survey.  The presentation will include highlights related to:  the tax amount at which voters will support a potential measure; projects, services, and program priorities for which funds might be used and other key survey results.  Catherine Lew, President of The Lew Edwards Group, will discuss recommendations and options for Board consideration as we move forward. 

Staff will also provide the Board with important information for consideration as the Board discusses tracking poll results and the Lew Group recommendations moving forward.  This information will include:  cost of an election, potential 75 word question, potential parcel tax project list, length of the parcel tax, timeline, etc.  This information has been incorporated into a draft Tax Measure Resolution which will be distributed to the Board for review and discussion at the meeting. 

Superintendent Cathey explained that staff was seeking direction to move forward with continued conversations with stakeholder groups and for specific language and priorities to be incorporated into the final Tax Measure Resolution and associated Exhibits which will be presented to the Board for possible approval, following a Public Hearing, at the Board meeting on Tuesday, August 7, 2012, which will be meeting the 90-day notification deadline.  

The Superintendent walked the Board through the various components of the resolution.  It was the consensus of the Board to direct staff to continue to bring together stakeholder groups to discuss the best options for the District moving forward. Additionally, the Board directed staff to return on August 7, 2012, with a draft resolution for a potential parcel tax measure.

To address emergency funding necessary to bridge the funding gap created by the State?s drastic budget cuts to public education and the district specifically, the district is considering placing a parcel tax measure on the November ballot.  The Board of Trustees received information related to the results of a tracking poll that was administered in July by Godbe Research to determine:  1)  tax tolerance options, 2) priority programs and services to preserve and protect, 3)  and other key survey results.  Additionally, the Board received recommendations and options for moving forward from the Lew Edwards Group.  Staff also presented the Board with information related to the cost of an election, the 75 word question, potential parcel tax project list, length of a parcel tax, and timelines, etc. 

At the July 31, 2012 meeting, the Board will be presented with a draft Tax Measure Resolution to review and discuss.  The draft resolution will be distributed to the Board of Trustees and be available to the public at the meeting and will contain all the necessary components required of a potential ballot measure.  This meeting will provide the Board with the opportunity to discuss each of the key components of the resolution. 

Staff is seeking direction from the Board for specific language and priorities to be incorporated into the final Tax Measure Resolution and the associated Exhibits which will include, but are not limited to:

• The need for a tax measure
• Programs and services to be preserved and protected
• Use of the funds
• Order of election
• Senior Citizen and Persons with Disabilities Exemption
• Collection of the Tax
• Reporting and Oversight
• Filing of Order of Election
• Formal Notice
• Conduct of Election
• Appropriations Limit
• Ballot Arguments
• Official Actions
• Effective Date
• Summary of Measure (Exhibit A)
• Full Ballot Tax (Exhibit B)
• Formal Notice of Special Tax Election (Exhibit C)
• Other sections as required

The final Resolution will be presented to the Board for approval, following a Public Hearing, at the Board meeting scheduled for August 7, 2012.  The community is encouraged to share their comments and opinions.  The deadline to submit the necessary documentation to the County is August 8, 2012.

Trustee Carey commented that he will be attending the high school summer school graduation ceremonies tomorrow night at the San Leandro High School cafeteria.

Trustees James thanked City staff, San Leandro Teachers' Association, and community members for their support of the District's efforts to place a parcel tax on the ballot. He also commented that the Drowning Darrells were the East Bay Swimming League Champions. 

Trustee Katz-Lacabe also thanked the City Council for their support and former City Manager John Jermanis, who continues his work on behalf of the citizens of the City.

Trustee Prola commented on a recent communication from the California School Boards Association asking districts for their support of the Governor's tax initiative.  She asked for and received consensus to draft a resolution in support of schools and bring it to the Board for approval at the August 21 Board meeting.

Trustee Sullivan echoed the comments of the previous trustees thanking those present for their support. 

Trustee Almonte commented that it is exciting to see the support for a parcel tax, adding that the District will "work hard toward its success." 

Trustee Mack-Rose commented that she is continuing to work with the San Leandro Education Foundation (SLED) to engage our business community and take them through our performing arts center.  Tomorrow, August 1, is "Eat Out for Education" and Friday, August 3 is "First Friday" at Drakes benefiting SLED. Next week is the kick off for "Safe Routes to School" event. She also announced that August 10 is the deadline to file papers for contested seats on the school board and August 15 is the deadline for uncontested seats, adding that there are four seats up for election on the San Leandro Board of Education.

• Regular Board Meeting - August 7, 2012
• Regular Board Meeting - August 21, 2012
• Regular Board Meeting - September 5, 2012 (Wednesday)
• Special Board Meeting - September 11, 2012 (District Office)
• Regular Board Meeting - September 18, 2012
• Regular Board Meeting - October 2, 2012
• Tentative Board Meeting/Work Session - October 9, 2012 (District Office)
• Regular Board Meeting - October 16, 2012
• Regular Board Meeting - November 6, 2012
• Tentative Board Meeting/Work Session - November 13, 2012
• Regular Board Meeting - December 4, 2012
• Special Board Meeting - December 11, 2012 (District Office)
• Regular Board Meeting - December 18, 2012 (if needed)
• Regular Board Meeting - January 15, 2013
• Regular Board Meeting - January 29, 2013
• Regular Board Meeting - February 5, 2013
• Tentative Board Meeting/Work Session (District Office)
• Regular Board Meeting - February 26, 2013
• Regular Board Meeting - March 5, 2013
• Special Board Meeting - March 12, 2013 (District Office)
• Regular Board Meeting - March 19, 2013
• Regular Board Meeting - April 2, 2013
• Regular Board Meeting - 16, 2013
• Regular Board Meeting - May 7, 2013
• Tentative Board Meeting/Work Session - May 14, 2013 (District Office)
• Regular Board Meeting - May 21, 2013
• Regular Board Meeting - June 4, 2013
• Regular Board Meeting - June 18, 2013
• Special Board Meeting - June 25, 2013 (District Office)

• Regular Board Meeting - August 7, 2012
• Regular Board Meeting - August 21, 2012
• Regular Board Meeting - September 5, 2012 (Wednesday)
• Special Board Meeting - September 11, 2012 (District Office)
• Regular Board Meeting - September 18, 2012
• Regular Board Meeting - October 2, 2012
• Tentative Board Meeting/Work Session - October 9, 2012 (District Office)
• Regular Board Meeting - October 16, 2012
• Regular Board Meeting - November 6, 2012
• Tentative Board Meeting/Work Session - November 13, 2012
• Regular Board Meeting - December 4, 2012
• Special Board Meeting - December 11, 2012 (District Office)
• Regular Board Meeting - December 18, 2012 (if needed)
• Regular Board Meeting - January 15, 2013
• Regular Board Meeting - January 29, 2013
• Regular Board Meeting - February 5, 2013
• Tentative Board Meeting/Work Session (District Office)
• Regular Board Meeting - February 26, 2013
• Regular Board Meeting - March 5, 2013
• Special Board Meeting - March 12, 2013 (District Office)
• Regular Board Meeting - March 19, 2013
• Regular Board Meeting - April 2, 2013
• Regular Board Meeting - 16, 2013
• Regular Board Meeting - May 7, 2013
• Tentative Board Meeting/Work Session - May 14, 2013 (District Office)
• Regular Board Meeting - May 21, 2013
• Regular Board Meeting - June 4, 2013
• Regular Board Meeting - June 18, 2013
• Special Board Meeting - June 25, 2013 (District Office)