The Board meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by President Prola.   It was noted that all Board members were present.

There were no public comments on closed session items.

The Board recessed into closed session at 6:30 p.m.

Williams Properties, a California General Partnership, and Prudential Properties, a  California Limited Partnership v. The San Leandro Unified School District, et al., County of Alameda Superior Court Case No. RG13662223.

Approve the agenda for the Regular Board meeting held on March 5, 2013.

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)).

John Muir Middle School was recognized by the  Board of Education and the Superintendent for being revalidated as an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Demonstration School through fall 2015.  Muir belongs to an elite group among more than 4,800 AVID schools nationwide who are honored with this distinguished status.  John Muir Middle School is one of only 120 AVID national demonstration middle schools nationwide. Only 2% of middle schools across the country have received Demonstration School honors. In addition, John Muir is the only national demonstration school in Region 4 (which includes Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Solano counties.)

Belen Magers, Principal; Stacy Kaplan, Vice Principal; and teacher Zachary Griffith, along with AVID students gave a presentation on AVID with each student sharing a reflection on what the program has meant to him/her personally.  Mr. Griffith said that "All students volunteer for AVID," describing the commitment students make to working hard in order to learn the skills necessary to be ready for college and succeed. Several students spoke of the messy state of their school binders before learning how to become organized.  Others spoke of learning how to organize ideas for writing essays, or learning how to ask questions. Others also mentioned losing their homework prior to AVID, and one student said that after learning how to be organized his GPA is almost a 4.0. Another student raised his English grade from F's to A's and several spoke of AVID helping them to get over their shyness through the team building activities and tutorials.  

There were no public comments on non-agenda items.

Song Chin-Bendib, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, provided a brief update on the last series, Series B of Measure M and Measure B General Obligation Bond. Included in the update was a Program timeline for both Measures.

The District Financial Advisor, Ruth Alahydoian of KNN Public Finance, provided general information on the sale of the General Obligation Bonds, Series B. Detailed information will be provided in April or May, which is prior to the issuance of the bonds. Some of the highlights presented were:

• Measure B and Measure M project timelines & cash needs
• Recently introduced legislation affecting school bonds
• Current bond market conditions & potential to refinance existing bonds 
• Financing schedule for bond issuance

Goal #2: Ensure the Financial Stability and Efficiency of the District

Goal #5: Ensure Safe and Well Maintained Facilities

Song Chin-Bendib, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, will provide a brief update on the last series, Series B of Measure M and Measure B General Obligation Bond. Included in the update will be a Program timeline for both Measures.

The District Financial Advisor, Ruth Alahydoain of KNN Public Finance will provide general information on the sale of the General Obligation Bonds, Series B. Detailed information will be provided in April or May, which is prior to the issuance of the bonds. Some of the highlights to be presented by Ruth are:

-      Measure B and Measure M project timelines & cash needs

-      Recently introduced legislation affecting school bonds

-      Current bond market conditions & potential to refinance existing bonds

-     Financing schedule for bond issuance

Goal #2: Ensure the Financial Stability and Efficiency of the District

Goal #5: Ensure Safe and Well Maintained Facilities

Song Chin-Bendib, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, will provide a brief update on the last series, Series B of Measure M and Measure B General Obligation Bond. Included in the update will be a Program timeline for both Measures.

The District Financial Advisor, Ruth Alahydoain of KNN Public Finance will provide general information on the sale of the General Obligation Bonds, Series B. Detailed information will be provided in April or May, which is prior to the issuance of the bonds. Some of the highlights to be presented by Ruth are:

-      Measure B and Measure M project timelines & cash needs

-      Recently introduced legislation affecting school bonds

-      Current bond market conditions & potential to refinance existing bonds

-     Financing schedule for bond issuance

Debbie Wong, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services and Mike Walbridge, Director of Curriculum and Instruction provided an update on the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and shared the transition plan to prepare our schools for implementation in 2015. According to Director Mike Walbridge, one of the big shifts in mathematics is to change to the former goal of having eighth grade students take Algebra 1.  Now the plan is for all eighth grade students to take Eighth Grade Math CCSS (a rigorous hybrid of pre-Algebra and Algebra standards), although Mr. Walbridge pointed out that an accelerated path to Algebra is still possible for eighth grade (and seventh grade) students.  What has changed is that the API penalty for eighth grade students not taking Algebra has ended.  

At the conclusion of the presentation and comments, the Board took a break at 8:32 p.m. and reconvened at 8:39 p.m. 

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

Debbie Wong, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services and Mike Walbridge, Director of Curriculum and Instruction will provide an update on the new Common Core State Standards and share the transition plan to prepare our schools for implementation in 2015.

The San Leandro Unified School District held a public hearing regarding the San Leandro Unified School District's Initial Proposal to the California School Employees Association Local Chapter #94. 

On a motion made by Trustee Katz-Lacabe and seconded by Trustee Rosato, the public hearing was opened regarding the San Leandro Unified School District's Initial Proposal to the California School Employees Association Local Chapter #94 by a 6-0 vote. Trustee L?pez was absent from the vote.

There were no public comments. 

On a motion made by Trustee Katz-Lacabe and seconded by Trustee James, the public hearing was closed by a 6-0 vote. Trustee L?pez was absent from the vote.

Government Code Section 3547 requires the Board of Education to present all initial proposals of exclusive representatives and of public school employers at a public meeting. Thereafter these proposals shall be public records. This public hearing is for the San Leandro Unified School District to present its initial proposal for reopener negotiations with the California School Employees Association Local Chapter #94.

The San Leandro Unified School District held a public hearing regarding the San Leandro Unified School District's Initial Proposal to the Teamsters Union Local No. 856/Alameda Building Trades Council. 

On a motion made by Trustee Katz-Lacabe and seconded by Trustee James, the public hearing was opened regarding the San Leandro Unified School District's Initial Proposal to the Teamsters Union Local No. 856/Alameda Building Trades Council. by a 7-0 vote. 

There were no public comments.

On a motion made by Trustee Katz-Lacabe and seconded by Trustee James, the public hearing was closed by a 7-0.

Government Code Section 3547 requires the Board of Education to present all initial proposals of exclusive representatives and of public school employers at a public meeting. Thereafter these proposals shall be public records. This public hearing is for the San Leandro Unified School District to present its initial proposal for a successor agreement with the Teamsters Union Local No. 856/Alameda Building Trades Council.

The San Leandro Unified School District held a public hearing regarding the San Leandro Unified School District's Initial Proposal to the San Leandro Teachers' Association.

On a motion made by Trustee Katz-Lacabe and seconded by Trustee Toro, the public hearing was opened regarding the San Leandro Unified School District's Initial Proposal to the San Leandro Teachers' Association. by a 7-0 vote. 

There were no public comments.

On a motion made by Trustee James and seconded by Trustee Carey, the public hearing was closed by a 7-0.

Government Code Section 3547 requires the Board of Education to present all initial proposals of exclusive representatives and of public school employers at a public meeting. Thereafter these proposals shall be public records. This public hearing is for the San Leandro Unified School District to present its initial proposal for a successor agreement with the San Leandro Teachers' Association.

Trustee Carey reported receipt of the following emails from February 26, 2013, to March 4, 2013:  From Mary Patterson regarding "Classified Vacancies"; from Georgette Jackson regarding "McKinley Bulletin; from Carol Delton regarding "Measure B Allocation for District Office Renovation"; from Mike Katz-Lacabe regarding "Public Bulletin on Missing Madison Child"; from Mia Ousley regarding "The Broadmoor Beacon - March/April 2013"; from Myrna Hernandez regarding "Washington Newsletter"; from Veronica Sanchez regarding "Garfield Newsletter for March 1, 2013"; from Steven Goldston regarding "Thanks"; from Sukhi Khaira regarding "Finance Committee Agenda - Monday, March 4, 2013," and "Facilities and Technology Committee Agenda - March 6, 2013"; from Elaine Tesorero regarding "Weekly Bulletin March 4-March 8, 2013"; from Kristen Yasukawa regarding "Celebrate Nutrition Month - March 2013"; from Ebado Ismail regarding "March 2013 Bancroft Banner Newsletter"; from Robin Michel regarding "Board Meeting Highlights: February 26, 2013. 

Jon Sherr, SLTA President, commented on the excellent presentation on AVID given by the Muir staff, stating that AVID allows kids to stay with a core group of friends and be challenged as well as "building confidence and self-esteem which leads to responsibility."  He thanked the Board members for attending the Alcosta Board breakfast. Mr. Sherr also acknowledged and thanked Superintendent Cathey for her dedication to our District.

He raised concern with regards to the shortage of para professional substitutes and encouraged the school board to raise the salaries to the point where we can recruit a pool of candidates.

Another concern raised by Mr. Sherr was around safety, and thanked the Board Policy Committee for listening about the 24-hour notification to teachers for visitations which will give the parent/guardians a positive experience when they come to the school. He was also concerned to learn that at some of the elementary schools teachers cannot lock their doors from the inside.  In addition, he said that the cameras at the high school are not working and need to be fixed.

Additional SLTA updates included:

• SLTA has been having site meetings regarding the new Superintendent search, asking the members to think about what characteristics, skills, and traits they would like to see in a new superintendent
• SLTA will be sunshining their initial proposal to the District based on wages and health benefits
• Continuing with their series of staff developments, tonight's program dealt with stress. The next one will focus on an examination of teenage suicide, and in about a month the members will be hosting the film "Straightlaced"
• Scholarship fundraising has begun, noting that in the past they have raised $5000 overall for our graduates
• A new CTA staff representative has been assigned to their unit. Her name is Nicole Love

Superintendent Cathey provided clarification regarding Burrell Field and the electronic bill board, stating that the District will proceed, as directed by the Board, with a RFP process. Currently the District is reviewing the documents and hopefully the request for RFPs will be posted on the website, and advertised in the newspaper soon to begin the process. We are looking at it as revenue generation for the Pacific Sports Complex and Burrell Field. The Policy Committee has made their first review of the policy, making it possible to have advertising in the District. Based on committee's input, staff will be bringing back the policy to their March 13, 2013, meeting for further review and vetting. 

Assistant Superintendent Debbie Wong and she attended the San Leandro Education Foundation (SLED) Board meeting on Saturday, March 2, adding that she really appreciated their thoughtful approach in asking what our sites and District needs are as they pursue grants and donations. 

DAIT visits for our Program Improvement continue.  At the conclusion, the DAIT providers will provide the District with a summary report. 

Tomorrow night, Wednesday, March 6, is "Eat Out for Education"  and the San Leandro High School Coaches Crab Feed will be Saturday, March 9.

Trustee James reported that the Finance Committee met on March 4, 2013.  The committee discussed and reviewed the 2012-2013 Second Interim Report, budget impacts such as substitutes' pay, Special Education cost increases, Common Core (materials and technology), and the Affordable Care Act. In addition they received an update on cash handling and the Associated Student Body (ASB) process.

The following item was pulled from the Consent Calendar:

• 15a - Closure of the Evergreen Avenue Gate at the Southeast Corner of the San Leandro High School Baseball Field (Rosato)

With that exception, the Consent Items were approved as amended. 

$3,300 split between both Roosevelt and Washington Schools:

• Roosevelt will use their site EIA budget
• Washington will use their site Title I budget

Roosevelt and Washington Schools would like to enter into a contract with High Expectations Parental Service to provide each school with the following training and facilitation services:

1. A 90 minute staff meeting on ?Talking to Parents/Families of African American Children? (joint presentation on March 18^th)
2. One parent education night done in both English and Spanish on the use of Academic Language hosted at each school
3. Three joint meetings for the African American Advisory Committee of Roosevelt and Washington Families before the end of the school year (March, April and May)

Both schools will split the flat fee.

As part of our Federal Program Review process, the District is required to revise and update portions of our Board Policy and Administrative Regulations on Uniform Complaint Procedures. Just recently, we were informed that additional revisions needed to be made. The following are the required additions to the policy:

• Page 1: add "marital or parental status" to those areas included that are protected by the uniform complaint procedures
• Page 1: Ed Code 49013 added by AB 1575 mandates districts to adopt policies to use the uniform complaint process if a district is alleged to violate the prohibition against requiring students to pay fees, deposits, or other charges as defined by Ed Code 49010 unless authorized by law
• Page 2: replace confidentiality statement with CSBA model policy language for better clarity.
• Page 3: Add language clarifying the differences between Uniform Complaint Procedures and Williams Complaints Procedures

The changes in the Administrative Regulations are as follows:

• Page 1: Add mandated language to cover the prohibition regulations requiring students to pay fees, deposits, or other charges for participating in educational activities
• Page 2 (f): Add language indicating copies of the uniform complaint procedures are available free of charge
• Page 4: In Step 1: filing a complaint, add language regarding student fees
• Page 6: Add language to provide a means for ensuring the privacy rights of individuals involved are protected.  Also, added language to cover student fees

In the Exhibit on Page 1 of the complaint form:

• Added two more areas where a uniform complaint may be filed: Title IX and Student Fees

Once approved, the revised Board Policy, Administrative Regulations, and Exhibit will be sent to the California State Department of Education to resolve the Federal Program Monitoring finding.

PUBLIC COMENTS

The Board heard from the following neighbors regarding the closure of the Evergreen gate located at the South East corner of the high school: 

• Richard Cook and Sylvia Riley objected to closing the gate as their families use the track, and they have never had any safety concerns.  They urged the Board to reject closing the gate, suggesting keeping the gate open during the day and locking it at night
  
• Al Frates and Francine Kring reiterated their concerns that vandalism; dogs ruining the grass area; cars blocking neighbors' driveway; school kids cutting classes and using the gate, etc. have become a safety issue for the neighborhood, stating that they circulated a petition and gathered 76 signatures from the neighbors bordering the entrance around and near Evergreen Avenue who are asking that the Board consider permanently closing the gate.

Following public comments, the Board members shared their thoughts: 

• Trustee Rosato said that he visited the area and found that the neighborhood questions and concerns were credible, and made a motion which was seconded by Trustee James to table this item until further input from students, District and City staff, and the community could be heard.
• Trustee L?pez also visited the area and was concerned about the safety of the public and students and emergency vehicle access should the gate be closed, which staff said they would look into.
• Trustee Katz-Lacabe was curious how the situation could be solved without closing the gate and agreed to table action until they get more information. 

Responding to comments regarding securing the gate at night only, Superintendent Cathey said that the District has tried locking the gate at night and opening it in the morning; however, it's impossible and unrealistic with the current staff that the District has.  She also mentioned that because the gate is currently closed for construction, people are getting used to accessing the school at a different entrance, adding that the Principal is in favor of locking the gate. 

Following the discussion, the Board tabled this item until the first meeting in April. 

On November 2, 2010, the San Leandro voters approved Measure M, the $50.1 million school facilities bonds to improve aging and deteriorating sports fields and facilities. One of the major marquee projects identified in the Measure M language is the San Leandro High School Swim Center, Track and Field Project, which is currently under construction.

Discussion over whether or not to allow access onto the campus from the southeast corner of baseball field at Evergreen Avenue has resulted in a petition signed by neighbors (some 73 signatures) advocating for the closure of the gate.

At the last Board Facilities & Technology Committee meeting on Wednesday, February 20, 2013, a group of five citizens attended to present their case to the Committee. One home owner cited many reasons to shut down the access, including:

• Safety issues and vandalism
• Dogs ruining the grass area
• Cars from those visiting the campus and using this entrance blocking neighbors? driveways
• School kids using this egress point to cut classes

The Facilities & Technology Committee, staff and the SLHS administrators acknowledge and share these same concerns, and agree with the petition to close down access from this corner, with the safety issue being of paramount importance.  With the renovation currently taking place at the campus, and installation of a brand new grass field, this is an opportune time for the District to permanently close the southeast access to the campus.

If approved, staff will start the process of sending notices to the impacted area and surrounding neighbors regarding the closure, with notification by April 2013.

Approve bond contracts on the attached spreadsheet which are for amounts $15,000 or less for fiscal year 2012-2013.

Approval of bond contracts for small amounts comes up each fiscal year as a discussion item. Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations has researched with three separate legal counsels regarding the process to approve professional consultant contracts in general, and especially in relation to the size of the contract. Each of these legal counsels has advised that the District formally present any contract for professional services to the Board for approval regardless of the amount. A contract is in place when it has an ?offer?, ?term(s)?, and ?acceptance?. 

Using the programmer of Accountability (construction software), staff developed an appropriate format for construction related service contracts under $15,000, which is the standard threshold for construction related services. This was approved by the Board of Education on October 16, 2012.

Attached is the ?Summary Spreadsheet for Bond Contracts $15,000 or Less.? The spreadsheet will be provided to the Board at every board meeting, if there are any contracts falling under this category. Detailed contract information or cover pages will not be part of subsequent Board Packets, but will be available for questions or inspection upon request. 
 

The Board received for review the investment report for the month December, 2012.

The Board received for information the Notice of Exemption for the John Muir Middle School Track and Athletic Fields Replacement and the Woodrow Wilson Elementary School Play Structure Replacement Project. 

Trustee Tora, piggybacking on a comment made by Superintendent Cathey regarding different revenue mechanisms for Burrell Field, asked for and received consensus to develop a broader plan for revenue generation options for Burrell Field.  Robin Michel, Communication Outreach Specialist, Measure B, clarified that has been several discussions between staff members and community stakeholders around different opportunities for revenue generation, adding that staff will compile information and materials into a comprehensive package that would allow sponsorships and fundraising. 

Trustee Rosato commented that he had an opportunity to be a judge at the state qualifying rounds for forensics at James Logan High last Saturday, describing the students as "just awesome."

Trustee L?pez attended the City Council meeting yesterday where City funding for Pac 1 and Pac 2 at the sports complex was on the agenda for consideration. 

Trustee Katz-Lacabe commented on the City Council meeting, noting that while the process might have been "a bit messy", the City Council unanimously voted to grant the City Manager the authority to negotiate a MOU with the school district.  In addition the Council expressed willingness to spend general fund money on maintenance and operations on Pac 1 & Pac 2. He also reported that he attended the NCS basketball championship game. While the team lost, he offered kudos to the team and is looking forward to recognizing and honoring them for their accomplishments at an upcoming Board meeting. 

Trustee James commented that this month is "Healthy Nutrition Month" encouraging everyone to "eat healthy". 

Trustee Prola attended the semi-final basketball game, reporting that the team has advanced as the "wild card" in the tournament and the game will take place in the San Leandro High School gym tomorrow night.  She attended a presentation at Bancroft Middle School on Safe Route to Schools, noting that they honored the winner of the "Golden Sneaker" contest, with a new bicycle and helmet. Trustee Prola said that she met with the Superintendent and after looking at the number of meetings that have been schedule recently, she announced the following Board meeting date changes: 

• The Brown Act training will be postponed until the summer or fall
• March 19 Board Meeting/Community Forum tentative timeline:
  • Closed Session - 6:00-6:30 p.m.
  • Open Session/Community Forum - 6:30-8:00 p.m.
  • Recess into Closed Session - 8:00 p.m. for a training on expulsion with Dora Dome
  • April 2 Board Meeting has been rescheduled as it falls during Spring Break
  • April 9 - Board Meeting at City Hall - 6:00 closed session
  • April 16 - Tentative Board Meeting

Trustee Prola thanked Trustee L?pez for volunteering to be the alternate on the Facilities/Technology Committee, adding that the meetings are held in the evenings at 5:30 p.m. at the District Office.

• Special Board Meeting - March 12, 2013 (District Office)
• Regular Board Meeting - March 19, 2013 including a Community Forum on Budget - John Muir Middle School
• 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)

• Special Board Meeting - March 12, 2013 (District Office)
• Regular Board Meeting - March 19, 2013 including a Community Forum on Budget - John Muir Middle School
• 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 Board meeting was adjourned at 9:52 p.m.