A reception was held prior to the Special Board meeting to honor and recognize Trustees Hermy B. Almonte, Morgan Mack-Rose, and Carmen Sullivan, whose terms were ending.

During the reception, Senator Ellen Corbett and Karina Rivera, Supervisor Assistant to Supervisor Wilma Chan presented each of the distinguished Trustees with a special Resolution recognizing them for their dedication to pubic education, our district, students and families.

At the conclusion of the reception, the meeting was called to order by President Mack-Rose at 7:03 p.m.  It was noted that all Board members were present.

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

Approve the Special Board meeting agenda for November 13, 2012.

Following the reading of the Legal Statement, President Mack-Rose noted that the Board would be recessing into Closed Session following the Open Session, returning to Open session to take action on two Expulsion terminations.

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)).

There were no public comments regarding the closed session agenda. 

Evelyn Gonzalez, District representative to the Recreation & Parks Commission reported on staffing changes occurring in the City's Recreation & Parks Department, noting that Joann Oliver and Louie Despeaux are retiring. Breyanna Riggsbee will be taking Joann's position.  She also provided a brief update on the Weight of the Nation screening and panel discussion back in September, acknowledging the work of City Councilmember Michael Gregory, adding that San Leandro is gaining a reputation as a proactive city when looking at health and fitness.  She also highlighted two upcoming events: 

• "San Leandro's Got Talent Show", a talent show jointly sponsored by the City's Youth Advisory Commission (YAC) and the San Leandro Library's Teen Advisory Group (TAG) will be on February 7, 2013, at the San Leandro Library and will feature performers ages 13-18.
• The Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration/Oratorical Festival will be on Monday, January 21, 2012, 10 a.m. at the Marina Community Center and will offer various activities for children between the ages of 6 through 17.

There were no public comments regarding non-agenda items.

The Board and Superintendent recognized Trustee Hermy B. Almonte with a  Resolution of Appreciation of his four years of service on the Board of Education from 2008-2012 and for his service as Clerk of the Board in 2010-2011; and Board Vice President from 2011-2012. 

The Board and Superintendent recognized Trustee Morgan Mack-Rose with a Resolution of Appreciation for her four years of service on the Board of Education from 2008-2012 and for her service as Board President for two terms from 2010-2011 and 2011-2012. 

The Board and Superintendent recognized Trustee Carmen M. Sullivan with a Resolution of Appreciation for her four years of services on the Board of Education from 2008-2012 and for her service as Clerk of the Board from 2011-2012.

Superintendent Cindy Cathey thanked each of the Trustees for their "...ongoing commitment and dedication to the education and welfare of all students..." noting that each has "earned the respect and admiration of all who have worked with them."

A lovely hand-painted glass apple crafted in the glasswork technique known as  ""millefiori," was also presented to the outgoing Trustees as a token of esteem and appreciation. By grouping numerous multicolored canes and embedding them in a handblown layer of clear glass, the glassmaker produces a vibrant bouquet symbolic of a diverse school community.

San Leandro Ciity Mayor Stephen Cassidy and City Councilmember Pauline Cutter (both former San Leandro Unified Board of Education Trustees) also presented each of the Trustees with Certificates of Commendation and deep appreciation to them for their collaboration with the City, and their service to the schools and the community. 

• The Board and Superintendent will recognize and honor Board of Trustee Hermy B. Almonte with a Resolution of Appreciation for his four years of service on the Board of Education from 2008-2012 and for his service as Clerk of the Board in 2010-2011; and Board Vice President from 2011-2012.
  
  
• The Board and Superintendent will recognize and honor Board of Trustee Morgan Mack-Rose with a Resolution of Appreciation for her four years of service on the Board of Education from 2008-2012 and for her service as Board President for two terms from 2010-2011 and 2011-2012.
  
  
• The Board and Superintendent will recognize and honor Board of Trustee Carmen M. Sullivan with a Resolution of Appreciation for her four years of service on the Board of Education from 2008-2012 and for her service as Clerk of the Board from 2011- 2012.

Sheila Lawrence, Director of Student Support Services gave a presentation on the results of the 2011-12 California Healthy Kids (CHKS) Survey Results.  The CHKS Survey is administered every two years to grades 5, 7, 9 and 11, and focuses on alcohol and other substance use; violence and safety, and physical and mental health.  The data is used to help school districts identify and reduce risky behaviors, develop interventions, promote learning and health programs.  Included in the survey results:

• Comparison of marijuana, alcohol and cigarette use during the last 30 days (when survey was administered) shows that the percentage of use in SLUSD is below the state and national numbers
• Data show that our fifth graders are experimenting with alcohol at a high rate
• Use of cigarettes has gone down; however, marijuana use is going up
• Next steps include:
  • Identifying strategies to address the highest priority needs and incorporate into School Safety Plans and Single School Plans
  • Continue to implement and strengthen district-wide alternatives to the suspension and expulsion process
  • In January 2013 a new law AB 1729 will require alternative methods of correction before suspension
  • Renew the TUPE Cohort grant w/ACOE, which will focus more on alcohol and marijuana prevention

The Board raised clarifying questions and concerns around the dramatic drop occurring among the 9th graders in "caring relationships" and "school connectedness" and how that compared to the percentages before the FTK campus was built, and what is the correlation between the academic performance of our students and the California Healthy Kids Survey results, which were addressed by the Board.  

Debbie Wong, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services, and Jamaal Kizziee, one of the District's two Alameda County Behavioral Health Consultants, provided an update on the District's efforts to systematize Behavioral Tiered Intervention to support students' socio-emotional and behavioral health. The presentation also included updates to the new Office of Student and Family Wellness.  The systems approach to address the needs of the whole child: academic, physically, and socio-emotionally health is a tiered approach that focuses on:

• Academic: District Instructional Plan through professional Learning Communities
• Behavioral Supports:  Full Service Community Schools approach to provide coordinated programs and services to students and families

District efforts include:

• • Anti-Bullying Training for all employees
  • Creating safe schools for all students, families, and staff
  • IEP and Section 504 training and implementation
  • Student Support Services Monthly Check-ins with secondary administrators
  • Roosevelt School Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) Pilot
  • Professional Learning Communities
  • Opened the District's Office of Student and Family Wellness (Intentional partnerships with Alameda County Center for Healthy Schools and Communities)
  • Coordination of Services Team (COST) Process (a coherent and systematized referral process to problem solve issues related to student academic progress)
  • Full Service Community Schools

The Board thanked staff for the presentation, stating that this is very exciting. 
At the conclusion of the presentation, the Board took a short break.   

Trustee Sullivan reported receipt of the following emails from October 17, 2012, through November 13, 2012:  From CSBA regarding "California School News: Election Countdown, Support for Props 30 and 38," "CSBA Delegate Assembly meeting November 28-29"; from Dr. Webinars regarding "Sexting and Texting Do's and Don'ts Students Need to Know Webinar," and "Impulse Control Skills and More Grades K-8"; from Veronica Sanchez regarding "Garfield Newsletter"; from Cynthia Vincent regarding "Wilkins, New Bart Director"; from Luan Truong regarding "National Conference on School Discipline 2013"; from Sheila Jordan regarding "Celebrate Sikh Awareness Month," and "Save the Date: Bay Area Leadership Forum 2013, January 9, 2013"; from Ling King regarding "John Muir Haunted House October 31"; from the Broadmoor Beacon regarding "Newsletter Nov/Dec"; from Lew Brentano regarding "A Sustainable Model Program to Improve School Climate and Academic Achievement"; from Chevron in California regarding "Your invited:  Partnering for a brighter California"; from Garry Grotke regarding "Carnival Reflections and Thanks"; from SLHS Athletic Program regarding "Tommy T's Fundraiser, Friday, November 16th"; from Myrna Hernandez regarding "Washington Newsletter"; from Georgette Jackson regarding "McKinley Newsletter"; from JK Thomas and Associates regarding "Using Technology in Your Classroom, We want your Thoughts"; from Myrna Hernandez regarding "Washington Parent News"; from Robin Michel regarding "Don't miss SLHS AEC Presents, "The Miser" November 9," and "Davis Street Holiday Food and Toy Program"; from Ebado Ismail regarding "November Newsletter Bancroft Middle School"; from SLED regarding "Ghirardelli Pledges $45,000 to SLED," "Eat Out for Education November 7," and "SLED Welcomes Mitch Huitema to the Board of Directors"; from Sheriff Rocky Medeiros regarding "Sharing Positive thoughts on working with the HS Cross County Coaches and students on a trip to MT Sac in LA"; from Cindy Cathey "A Heartfelt appreciate and thank you for the work and support for Measure L"; from Maria Carvalho regarding "Lincoln High Newsletter"; and from Carol Delton regarding "Congratulations and 2 more Mundane Matter."

There were no Union Representative reports.

Superintendent Cathey reported that Measure L was at 66.44% as of 4:30 p.m. today. The DAIT providers continue to visit our schools and do Learning Walks with us, noting that at the high school recently,  the Math Department chair and one teacher joined them. This week will be Day 3 and Day 4 of the Elementary PLC training. The week of November 19 is the Thanksgiving Holiday break.  The last week of November will be our Federal Program Monitoring Review, adding that based on other Districts, this visit will greatly impact Assistant Superintendent Debbie Wong and her team. 

The following items were pulled from the Consent Calendar:

• 10j - 2012-2013 Non-Public School/Agency Contracts (Prola)
• 11a - Contracts for Amounts $5,000 or Less for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 (Prola)

With those exceptions, the Consent Calendar was approved as amended.

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

The proposed Joint Powers Agreement has no financial impact from the current agreement. 

Approve the Eden Area Regional Occupation Program Joint Powers Agreement for a four-year term beginning July 1, 2013, and ending June 2017. 

Up to $10,000 to be funded by the GEAR UP Grant

Approve the Memorandum of Understanding Between the San Leandro Unified School District and Achieve Learning and Resource Center, Inc. for SAT Prep at San Leandro High School for the 2012-2013 School Year

As part of GEAR UP grant's goals to support 11th grade students in their successful path towards college, Achieve Learning and GEAR UP would like to partner to create an academy to increase the number of students who successfully take and score high on the SAT test, which will increase students' competitiveness for four-year colleges.

This program, free to students, would begin in December 2012 and consist of an orientation for students and parents, a pre and post test and a 7-week academy. The 7-week academy will run from January 2013-March 2013 and will culminate with students taking the SAT Exam on March 9, 2013. The academy will prepare students to do well on the SAT by teaching strategies and content that have been proven to increase SAT scores. This program will serve approximately 100 students.

The estimated cost of Achieve Learning?s services is $10,000 from the GEAR UP grant which covers: the proctoring and scoring of the diagnostic test, twenty-four tutor hours for approximately 100 students, full SAT prep binders for each student, post-test copies and scoring, all tutoring materials, calling parents of absent students, and helping to program all students to take the March 9^th SAT. The cost equivalent of $100 per student is an exceptional price as most families, on their own, would pay triple the cost for such a prep course.

 

Beginning in November 2011, through the guidance from Supervisor Wilma Chan's office, the District has been the fortunate recipient of a partnership with Alameda County Health Care Services Agency School Health Services Coalition, which is newly named Center for Healthy Schools and Communities (CHSC).  The District was provided two behavioral health consultants who implemented a District needs assessment and developed 12 recommendations for health and wellness supports in the District.  This memorandum of understanding will formalize the partnership with CHSC and continue our efforts in providing school-based health and wellness supports throughout this year.

As we continue our efforts towards a full service community school approach with an outcome of a school-based health center, this intentional partnership is vital as CHSC and the District forge ahead in integrating programs and services to our schools.  Through this MOU, CHSC will continue to allocate 2 full time behavioral health consultants to the District to operate the Office of Student and Family Wellness for:

• mental health services, consultation, case management
• training for staff and families
• coordination of all services and programs from community-based organizations
• conducting focus groups with families
• coordinating and supporting the Coordination of Services Team (COST)
• revising and formalizing protocols for Child Protective Services reporting, suicide intervention, and 5150 procedures
• implementing Story Bridges program for ACE
• collaborating on start up of a school-based health center

CHSC will allocate $224,870 to support this work. The District will need to provide a District liaison to work with CHSC, provide workspace for all services and programs at school sites, office equipment for CHSC staff, and utilize the Alameda County prevention and early intervention grant towards the work of the Office of Student and Family Wellness.

A Lincoln High School senior is requesting an exemption from meeting the Physical Education course requirement based on District Board Policy 6142.7 and Education Code 51241, where said student qualifies under temporary exemption from physical education under the following condition:

• The student is ill or injured and a modified program to meet his/her needs cannot be provided.

The senior has an attached physician's letter indicating medical conditions that preclude participation in physical education for the school year, and as a senior, is on track to graduate this June.  The student will make up these credits with elective courses.

John Muir Middle School is seeking in contract with Dr. Anthony Muhammad, renown middle school practitioner in the implementation of the Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) process to provide a follow up staff training on December 19, 2012 for deepening implementation on the school climate and culture, guaranteed curriculum development, formative assessment system, and strengthening the academic intervention system based on student needs. Dr. Muhammad will provide his middle school expertise by working directly with the PLC Coaching Academy participants and the math department.  He will also provide focus on the implementation of school wide interventions.
 

Responding to Trustee Prola, Assistant Superintendent Wong said that the reason that the cost of the contract with TLC Child & Family Services was so high was because it includes room and board, unlike the other two contracts.  

New non-public school placement contracts for the school year 2012-2013.

A concern was raised by Trustee Prola regarding a $200/hr contract for Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning and Parent Engagement and how this program is different from the previous years, asking if we have data with regards to the effectiveness it has made to our students learning and test scores.  Assistant Superintendent Wong stated that unlike the District-wide training, this contract focuses on assisting with the implementation of the Wilson's Elementary School's instructional focus with their Leadership Team and Principal, specifically Pillars 2 and 4 Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning and Parent Engagement.  

Another concern was raised by Trustee Mack-Rose around the intent of the summary spreadsheet for contracts $5,000 or less, and whether the cost is cumulative by vendor or individual, or is it by "program" in the case of the San Leandro Boys and Girls Club who offers many different programs. It was suggested that the Board revisit and reaffirm the intent.

On July 19, 2011, the Board approved an agreement with Vista Environmental Consulting, Inc. for hazardous materials assessment, testing, and monitoring for Measure M projects in the amount of $15,291.

At the time of contract award, the abatement design, remediation observation/inspection and remediation observation final reports were purposely excluded from the scope of services, as the scope of hazardous materials consulting services were not be known until after the initial samples were taken and the testing results were received back from laboratory.

After award of the original contract and initial testing results were received and analyzed by the testing laboratory and the consultant, the following testing & removals were found to be necessary:

• Testing for lead in soils along I-880 at Pacific Sports Complex & Burrell as part of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND)
• Observation of removals of asphaltic pavement containing asbestos at Pacific Sports Complex & Burrell necessary for demolition of existing parking lot
• Testing for presence of asbestos in existing cinder track soils at San Leandro High School for determination if the asbestos reached action levels and posed risk to students and staff
• Testing for presence of contaminates in existing grass sod and soils at San Leandro High School for determination for landfill selection
• Testing and observation of removals for garden pesticides at existing San Leandro High School fenced off garden.  Note: pesticide contamination was found to be greater than fenced off area.

The costs for the abatement design, remediation observation/inspection and remediation observation final reports are now known:

• Measure M: Pacific Sports Complex & Burrell Field is $24,963. This will be funded by the Project Contingency.
• Measure M: SLHS Swim Center and Fields is $34,487. This will be funded by the Project Contingency.
• Measure B: SLHS Grading & Drainage Project, which includes the hazardous soils at high school scope, is $38,145. 

The total amount for Amendment #01 is $97,595.

Agreement Summary

Assistant Superintendent Song Chin-Bendib explained that this is the last phase of the Measure B savings projects. Harris & Associates developed a proposal for the last phase of Measure B savings, titled "consideration of update priorities for Measure B savings projects," which was approved by the Board on August 21, 2012,  

The proposal by Harris & Associates is $1,364,753, or 5.90% of the total budget cost of $23,144,500. The industry standard for program, projects and project management is about 6% to 10%, noting that the cost of this contract is proportionally lower than previous contracts with Harris & Associates, who have worked with the District on our bond projects for approximately seven years.  This discount fee is a reflection of our long-term professional relationship and expresses the value Harris & Associates places on our continuous professional relationship.  

In addition, the Assistant Superintendent stated that it is much more efficient for the District to have the same Project Management (PM) and Project & Construction Management (CM) firm to oversee our construction projects.  Harris & Associates staff know all the stakeholders well, are familiar with the physical attributes of the school sites, and have worked with other CM firms under contract with the District.

As part of the Measure B and Measure M implementation process, the District has conducted a thorough and extensive review to search for Program Management (PM) and Project & Construction Management (CM) firms. Harris & Associates has consistently been one of the top contenders and eventually was selected to manage the District bond programs.

Harris & Associates has provided, and continues to provide, skilled technical and professional services on the management of the District?s bond programs.

Below is a historical summary of the contract costs with Harris & Associates for Measure B, Measure M and Measure B savings Phase I, Program, Project and Construction Management services. (Please note that some CM services were contracted with other Construction Management firms):

The attached contract with Harris & Associates is for Phase II (last phase) Measure B savings projects. These projects were not on the original scope of Measure B or Measure M, and are only made possible from savings resulting from Measure B projects completed under budget and on time; grants received from the State; redevelopment matching funds for the Fred T. Korematsu gymnasium, miscellaneous donations to the bond program, etc.

Harris & Associates developed a proposal for the last phase of Measure B savings projects, and the project list was approved by the Board on August 21, 2012, titled ?consideration of updated priorities for Measure B savings projects?. The proposal by Harris & Associates is $1,364,753, or 5.90% of the total budget cost of $23,144,500. The industry standard for program, project and project management is about 6% to 10%.

The cost of this contract is proportionally lower than previous contracts with Harris & Associates, who has worked with the District on our bond projects for approximately seven years. This discounted fee is a reflection of our long-term professional relationship, and expresses the value Harris & Associates  places on our continuous professional relationship.

Additionally, it is much more efficient for the District to have the same PM and CM firm to oversee our construction projects. Harris & Associates staff knows all the stakeholders well; are familiar with the physical attributes of the school sites; and have worked with the other CM firms under contract with the District.

Harris? staff continues their practice of billing the District for 8 hours per day, with no cost to the District beyond the 8-hour day.

Trustee Katz-Lacabe commented that he attended the Bay Area Science Festival at both locations: AT&T Park and the Santa Rose Fairgrounds.  Describing it as a "fabulous experience for kids,visitors get to experience so many different things such as handling the human brain, dissecting squid, extracting your own DNA, and looking at sun spots to name a few.

The Board recessed in Closed Session 9:37 p.m. President Mack-Rose said that when the Board returns to Open Session, they will take action on Student Expulsions.

The Board returned to open session at 10:32 p.m. It was noted that at 10:20 p.m.,on a motion made by Trustee Katz-Lacabe and seconded by Trustee James, the Board meeting was extended to 10:45 p.m. by a 7-0 vote. 

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

Approve the recommendation to expunge the expulsion record for student E14-09/10. Therefore, all records associated with the expulsion will be expunged from the student's school and District record. 

Approve the recommendation from the Director of Student Support Services for readmission from expulsion for student E25-10/11, who has satisfactorily completed the rehabilitation plan and is eligible to return to a comprehensive program.

• Regular Board Meeting - December 4, 2012
• Special Board Meeting - December 11, 2012 (City Council Chambers)
• Regular Board Meeting - December 18, 2012 (CANCELLED)
• Regular Board Meeting - January 15, 2013
• Regular Board Meeting - January 29, 2013
• Regular Board Meeting - February 5, 2013
• Tentative Board Meeting/Work Session - February 12, 2013 (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 - April 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)

The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 p.m.