The meeting was called to order by President James at 6:00 p.m.  It was noted that all Board members were present.

There was no Public Testimony on Closed Session Items.

The Board recessed into Closed Session at 6:01 p.m.

The Board reconvened to Open Session at 7:02 p.m.  

President James led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

The Board approved the agenda for the Regular Board Meeting held on October 21, 2014.

Approve the agenda for the Regular Meeting held on October 21, 2014.

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)).

• Mark Hamilton, counselor at Muir and Bancroft Middle Schools, addressed the Board on the need for additional support services, such as school social workers, more nurses, and more counselors.   In his opinion, the safety, well-being and academic success of our students and the strengthening of their families are the critical issues this year.  He urged the Board to consider doing what is best for our students and families.
  
  
• Carol Delton, Special Education Department Co-chair, at San Leandro High and Special Education teachers Felicia Latone, and Rebecca Wildman,, addressed the Board regarding the hiring of qualified para educator support.  Citing areas of needed services, the speakers stressed that the lack of support in the classroom compromises the efficiency of the overall program and the safety of the students and staff.
  
  
• Emily Dich, San Leandro High School senior, and member of the Youth Science Fair Committee, addressed the Board regarding the upcoming Science Fair in January 2015 and S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics).  She explained that the goal of the committee is not only to promote the Science Fair, but to gain awareness and interest for S.T.E.A.M. which gives students the potential and opportunities to go beyond their expectations, and promotes the five "Cs": Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, Civic Awareness and Engagement, and Critical Thinking. She encouraged the Board to support the Science Fair, adding that a date and additional information to follow.
  
  
• Troy Wesley raised a concern regarding a possible abusive situation in the San Leandro Unified School District. Following Mr. Wesley's comments, President James thanked the speaker for coming forward and asked that he join Dr. Mucetti, in the foyer of the City Chamber, to further discuss this matter.

The San Leandro Unified School District (SLUSD) expressed their gratitude to Dr. Pat Kennedy and Mike Kennedy from OSIsoft and Jim Morrison from Lit San Leandro for their donation of over $600,000 to SLUSD and their help securing the $5,000,000 QZAB loan.  The proceeds from their donation and the loan are being used to make critical infrastructure upgrades, including joining the Fiber Loop! The Board of Education presented them with a plaque reading, "In Deep Appreciation For Your Generosity and Support in Providing Our Students with 21st Century Skills."

The San Leandro Unified School District would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Pat Kennedy and Mike Kennedy from OSIsoft and Jim Morrison from Lit San Leandro for their donation of over $600,000 to SLUSD and their help securing the $5,000,000 QZAB loan.  The proceeds from their donation and the loan are being used to make critical infrastructure upgrades, including joining the Fiber Loop! 

Mr. Ruben Aurelio, Assistant Director of Technology, Assessment, Research, and Evaluation, presented the changes made to the district assessment system and elementary report cards. 

With the advent of the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium system and the full implementation of the Common Core State Standards, students now must be well versed in taking assessments online. Mr. Aurelio explained how our newly adopted interim assessments will support students' ability to perform on the State mandated assessments and further provide teachers with real time formative & summative assessment data to inform instruction. 

In addition to the presentation on the new assessment system, Mr. Aurelio presented the changes made to the elementary report card. The new report card incorporates the shift to Common Core State Standards as well as 21st Century Competencies.

The Board raised concerns that the standard descriptions under the academic categories such as, under "Math" i.e. Operations and Algebraic Thinking, Number of Operations in Base Ten, may be difficult for parents to understand.  

Superintendent McLaughlin responded by saying that this is why parent-teacher conferences are so important.  This is the time where the teacher can walk the parent through the report card, step-by-step, and explain what the standards mean. 

Jason Toro, Manager, Student Health & Wellness Center provided a presentation on the process for naming the, soon to open, school-based health center located at 2251 Bancroft Ave. in San Leandro.

Mr. Toro said that the Student Health & Wellness Center is slated to open in the spring of 2015.  In preparation, Mr. Toro said that the Board of Education will name the facility, in accordance with the process outlined in Board Policy 7310, similar to the process used for naming the Fred T. Korematsu campus, prior to its opening in the fall of 2010. Highlights included:

• SLUSD Board Policy 7310 stipulates that the Governing Board shall name schools or individual buildings in recognition of:
  • Individuals, living or deceased, and entities, that have made outstanding contributions, including financial contributions, to the school community
  • Individuals, living or deceased, who have made contributions of statewide, national, or worldwide significance
  • The geographic in which the school or building is located
    
• The process would be:
  • Assemble a Citizen Advisory Committee
  • Gather community input
  • Identify short lists of names
  • Disseminate a community ballot,
  • Receive Board approval

The Board thanked Mr. Toro for the presentation and is looking forward to selecting a name, adding that the ninth grade naming process was very successful, where the District received 73 entries from the community.

Jason Toro, Manager, Student Health & Wellness Center will provide a presentation on the process for naming the, soon to open, school-based health center located at 2251 Bancroft Ave. in San Leandro, per School Board Policy 7310.

Trustee Rosato reported receipt of the following emails from October 10, 2014, through October 21, 2014:  From Sukhi Khaira regarding "Facilities & Technology Committee Agenda for October 15, 2014"; from Mary Patterson regarding "Classified Vacancy"; from Jonathan Sherr regarding "Important SLTA Bargaining Message"; from Camani Woods regarding "4 Year Plan, San Leandro High School"; from Thesia Naidoo regarding "Agenda Item, 10B, (COPS Grant)" from Peter Von Oosting regarding "Agenda Item, 10B"; from Patrician Quinby regarding "Bancroft Chronicle and Bancroft Times"; from Diana Foster regarding "Please Refuse the COPS Grant"; from Katie Woodruff regarding "NO to COPS Grant"; from Katherine Murray, "It's Time for a Raise"; from Drt G regarding "Counselors Over COPS"; from Lynda Campfield regarding "We need more $$$"; from Thomas Morse regarding "Urgent: Competitive Contract with SLTA"; from Valarie Sowers regarding "Show Us What We Are Worth"; from Lynzcey R Klein regarding "SLUSD Teachers Deserve a Raise"; and from Mark Hamilton regarding "Student Support Services, Job #1."

School Board member Anna Martin updated the Board on activities at the San Leandro High School main campus and the Fred T. Korematsu campus. Highlights included:

• Friday, October 17 was the Homecoming Dance, where approximately 300 students turned out, the largest attendance since 2007
• October 13 was the Annual Collage and Career Night with over 50 colleges and roughly 1,000 people in attendance
• Wednesday, October 29, Latinos Unidos is presenting a Dia De Los Muertes Festival in the school cafeteria from 5-9 p.m. There will be performances, altar displays, activities, food and music
• Thursday, October 30, is the Jefferson Services Annual Marathon. The run will start at noon and return at 3 p.m. to San Leandro High School

Anita Waldron, San Leandro Teachers' Association (SLTA) Vice President and Bargaining chair, and Bancroft Middle School teacher, prefaced her report by thanking the Board and District for their support during the unsettling time at Bancroft and the swift appointment of Ms. Thomas, as Vice Principal.

She reported that October 7 was the New Teacher Orientation at The Englander, where thirty-five teachers, site reps, SLTA Executive Board and Board Trustees James and Prola met and received information regarding evaluations, contracts and Ed. Code. The teachers also received a new SLTA T-shirt.

She also mentioned that SLTA President Jon Sherr, along with several members of the community spoke at the City Council meeting about the SROs and the COPS grant. They would like to see the City and District come to some kind of compromise regarding the funding, saying "that 23% from the grant and the remainder from the District is a heavy load." 

Ms. Walton said negotiations are continuing and hoped that they could come to an agreement soon. She distributed a 2013/2014 comparison sheet and how teacher compensation in San Leandro Unified compare to other Districts in Alameda County.

Superintendent McLaughlin again thanked Dr. Pat Kennedy and Mike Kennedy from OSIsoft and Jim Morrison from Lit San Leandro, saying, "Giving a few plaques does not highlight all the work that went into the QZAB application."  He thanked staff, and Bond Director John Dominguez, for the role they played in securing the QZAB funds. 

The Superintendent took time to address some of the priorities expressed by various individuals during public comment, saying that one aspect of the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) process is the engagement of LCAP parents/guardians in providing input and feedback. This will be facilitated through the formation of a Parent Advisory Committee (PAC).   Each site will nominate two parents from their site level parent leadership groups. The meetings are scheduled for November 3, January 12, 2015, March 2, 2015, and April 13, 2015, from 6:00-7:30 p.m.  He also noted that with regards to the Visual & Performing Arts piece, the LCAP PAC will have an important role in developing the next LCAP, which means that just because a program did not get in the 2014-2015 LCAP does not mean that it will to be included in the following year.  He used an example of how much the San Leandro community values the performing arts, and how staff is having discussions about future programing.

He reminded the Board that Beautification Day is Saturday, October 25, from 9-12 p.m. and hoped to see of them there.

The Superintendent concluded his report by addressing the COPS grant and how important school safety is, adding that last year as we worked on the strategic plan, the one area of focus that kept coming up was: "we want our schools to be safe." He said that the Board and staff balance issues on a daily basis: special education, counselors, programs and extracurricular activities, and school safety. 

Trustee Prola reported that the Facilities & Technology Committee met on October 15, 2014. The committee discussed and approved a MC2 Maintenance and Scheduling Software, and discussed a Sunpower Solar project at San Leandro HIgh School and Bancroft Middle School, as well as Lease Lease-Back agreements with BRCO Constructors Inc. for voluntary seismic upgrades project. 

Trustee Rosato reported that the Mid-Alameda County Sp. Ed. Local Plan Area (MACSELPA) meeting planned for October 20 was postponed due to the selection of a new Interim SELPA Director. 

The Board approved the Consent Calendar.

Following the approval of the Consent Calendar, the Board took a break at 8:06 p.m. and returned to Open Session at 8:15 p.m.

These items are considered routine and may be enacted by a single motion. At the request of any member of the Board, any item on the consent agenda shall be removed and given individual consideration for action as a regular agenda item.

Adopt Resolution #14-49 to declare equipment surplus and/or obsolete due to the age and condition of the designated equipment.

N/A

Board of Education

Facilities & Technology Committee - October 15, 2014

All work required of the contractor, Rodan Builders, for the Madison Elementary School Restroom project has been performed and is now complete.  Retention is scheduled to be released based on the time frames prescribed by the Public Contract Code.

The project was completed on August 15, 2014.  The project team included Sim Architects, Inc. (Architectural Design) and Harris & Associates (CM).

Mike McLaughlin, Ed.D., Superintendent

PUBLIC COMMENT

The Board heard from Richard Mellor, Evelyn Gonzalez, Christine Scobee, Jessica Siebert, Cynthia Chandler, Liz Torres, Mia Ousley, who spoke in opposition to approving the COPS grant, where the District is being asked to contribute $1.7 million for the SRO officers. The speakers felt that this was a poor use of school district funds, and by budgeting for the officers would mean major cuts elsewhere, and money diverted from the classroom could potentially fund resources for students. 

Following public comments, the Board shared and discussed their perspective regarding allocating $1.7 million over four years for SROs. Student Board member Martin did not agree with having more SROs on the campus, adding that this sends a bad message to the students.

Superintendent McLaughlin agreed that these dollars are a heavy burden on the District budget, and we would love to place these dollars in the classroom; however, "safety is important and we cannot operate without the minimum of two SRO's in our District."

Trustee James noted that with a deadline of December 24 for the City to decide whether they will accept the grant and hire more officers, he asked that the Board table their decision at this time, giving the Superintendent and City Manager time to meet and discuss an agreement that the District can accept and then bring the item back to the November meeting.   

With that, the Board approved to table the COPS Grant until the November 18, 2014, Board meeting.

The Board approved Contracted Services Agreement Between San Leandro Unified School District and Mount Hermon Outdoor Science School for Madison Elementary School for Outdoor Education, March 23-27, 2015.

The Board approved Memorandum of Understanding Between Alameda County of Education and San Leandro Unified School District for Project EAT as it Relates to a Nutrition Education and Physical Activity Program for 2014-2015. 

The Board approved the San Leandro Student Health & Wellness Center Naming Process.

The Board approved Readmission from Expulsion (12-13 #66, Ordered from Tracy Unified).

Responding to Trustee Prola, the Superintendent confirmed that the Board policy applies for any school-sponsored event, whether it's during the school year or not.

The Board adopted Revisions to Board Policy 6153 for School-Sponsored Field Trips. 

The cost of services is funded through Measure B, the November 2006 School Facilities General Obligation Bond Election.

The Board of Education

The Board approved Project #14-14 a Lease-Leaseback Contract with BRCO Constructors Inc. for the Voluntary Seismic Upgrades Project at the following sites: the PDC building at the Madison Elementary School, the San Leandro Adult School Administration Building at 2255 Bancroft Avenue in San Leandro. 

Facilities and Technology Committee: October 15, 2014

N/A

On February 4, 2014, the Board of Education received a presentation from Philip J. Henderson, Attorney at Law, Orbach Huff Suarez & Henderson LLP, on the Lease-Leaseback (LLB) Construction Project Delivery Method Available per Education Code Section 17406, which the District will use to deliver some of the bond construction projects in 2014. The basic structure of the LLB is as follows:

• District leases real property to a builder for $1 (site lease)
• Builder constructs facility, then leases the facility back to the district?this is the ?leaseback? component (facility lease)
• District makes payments for construction costs:
• Tenant improvement payments during construction
• Lease payments after construction
• The construction terms and conditions are part of an exhibit to the facility lease
• Title to the new facility vests in the district as lease payments are made
• District makes lease payments for a period of time and then has the option to make a balloon payment to the builder to buy out the facilities lease

One of the benefits of using a LLB delivery method is that if a district has had trouble with a contractor, or even a sub-contractor, this method allows more control for who is selected.  A district accepts the Best Value as opposed to the low bidder, and while the LLB is not designed as a cost saving tool, districts can level the cost impact by adding completion. Many districts have found that there are fewer performance issues using this method.

LLB contracts are still school district public work contracts and the builder must pay prevailing wages, a payment bond is required, as well as DSA approval and Field Act compliance. 

Staff requested that three of our preapproved LLB general contracting firms submit proposals on this project on September 12, 2014. The firms were BRCO Constructors Inc., Strawn Construction and Jeff Luchetti Construction Inc. On September 29, 2014, the district received two proposals: BRCO ($375,000) and Strawn ($571,832).  Staff is recommending that the Board of Education approve the contract with  BRCO Constructors, which was the low bid. (Jeff Luchetti Construction Inc. declined to complete the proposal for unspecified reasons).

Mike McLaughlin, Ed.D., Superintendent

The cost of services is funded through Measure B, the November 2006 School Facilities General Obligation Bond Election.

Board of Education

The Board approved Project #14-15 a Lease-Leaseback Contract with BRCO Constructors Inc. for the Voluntary Seismic Upgrades Project at the following sites: for the Davis Street Child Care Centers located at Garfield Elementary School and Jefferson Elementary School, the Broadmoor Child Care Center and Farrelly Pool located at the Roosevelt Elementary School.

Approve the contract with BRCO Constructors, Inc., in the amount of $497,000 for Project #14-15, funded through Measure B.

Facilities and Technology Committee4: October 15, 2014

N/A

On February 4, 2014, the Board of Education received a presentation from Philip J. Henderson, Attorney at Law, Orbach Huff Suarez & Henderson LLP, on the Lease-Leaseback (LLB) Construction Project Delivery Method Available per Education Code Section 17406, which the District will use to deliver some of the bond construction projects in 2014. The basic structure of the LLB is as follows:

• District leases real property to a builder for $1 (site lease)
• Builder constructs facility, then leases the facility back to the district?this is the ?leaseback? component (facility lease)
• District makes payments for construction costs:
• Tenant improvement payments during construction
• Lease payments after construction
• The construction terms and conditions are part of an exhibit to the facility lease
• Title to the new facility vests in the district as lease payments are made
• District makes lease payments for a period of time and then has the option to make a balloon payment to the builder to buy out the facilities lease

One of the benefits of using a LLB delivery method is that if a district has had trouble with a contractor, or even a sub-contractor, this method allows more control for who is selected.  A district accepts the Best Value as opposed to the low bidder, and while the LLB is not designed as a cost saving tool, districts can level the cost impact by adding completion. Many districts have found that there are fewer performance issues using this method.

LLB contracts are still school district public work contracts and the builder must pay prevailing wages, a payment bond is required, as well as DSA approval and Field Act compliance. 

Staff requested that three of our preapproved LLB general contracting firms submit proposals on this project on September 12, 2014. The firms were BRCO Constructors Inc., Strawn Construction and Jeff Luchetti Construction Inc. On September 29, 2014, the district received two proposals: BRCO ($375,000) and Strawn ($571,832).  Staff is recommending that the Board of Education approve the contract with  BRCO Constructors, which was the low bid. (Jeff Luchetti Construction Inc. declined to complete the proposal for unspecified reasons).

Mike McLaughlin, Ed.D., Superintendent

Trustee Rosato hoped that all the elementary schools will have a opportunity to participate an Outdoor Education program. 

With that, the Board approved the Contracted Services Agreement Between San Leandro Unified School District and the YMCA at Camp Arroyo for Woodrow Wilson Elementary School or Outdoor Education March 4-6, 2015. 

Responding to Trustee Lopez, Superintendent McLaughlin explained that all of these programs are available to each school. Selection of the program is left up to each site and is funded entirely through grants, fundraising and donations, with Trustee Katz-Lacabe adding that it was his understanding that all the elementary schools offer an Outdoor Education program to their 5th graders. 

The Board approved the Contracted Services Agreement Between San Leandro Unified School District and the YMCA at Camp Arroyo for Jefferson Elementary School for Outdoor Education March 2-4. 2015.  

The Board received for information the Williams Uniform Complaint Procedures (including Valenzuela Settlement Requirements) Quarterly Report: July-September 2014.

The regulations of the Williams lawsuit settlement require school districts to complete ?Quarterly Complaint? reports that document the number of complaints for textbooks and instructional materials, teacher vacancies and misassignments, and facilities conditions. Additionally, effective January 2008, as a result of settlement with the California State Department of Education, districts are required to implement the Valenzuela Settlement Legislation (Assembly Bill 347). This legislation requires that districts offer services for two consecutive years following grade twelve to students who did not pass the CAHSEE by the end of their 12th grade. Additionally, the legislation requires that students and families have the opportunity to file a complaint against the District for not fulfilling this requirement. Notification regarding the complaint process is integrated into the Williams Complaint form which is posted in every secondary classroom as required. For the period July-September 2014, the District did not have any complaints.

The Board received for information the Investment Report of the month of July 2014.

The Board to review the investment report for the month of July 2014.

Non Applicable

Board of Education

Trustee Prola asked for and received consensus to recognize San Leandro High School teacher and coach Jack "Iron Man" Nelson who has been raising money for school sports, scholarship and other programs for 24 years. His final fundraising marathon will take place on Thursday, October 23.  

The Board will discuss, review, and consider the items on the San Leandro Board Consensus Report. 

Board Bylaws 

At the February 25, 2014, at the request of Trustee Rosato, it was the consensus of the Board to include an on-going list of items that the needed additional information or action on the agenda so that follow-up would be completed in a timely manner.  The Consensus Request Summary spreadsheet is attached for your information. The spreadsheet will be provided to the Board at every Board meeting for continued review and consideration.  Detailed information regarding items on the spreadsheet will be attached as it becomes available.   

Mike McLaughlin, Ed.D., Superintendent

Trustee Carey reminded the Board that Tuesday, November 4, was Election Day.

Trustee Rosato attended the College and Career Night on October 13 at the high school.

Trustee Prola attended the New Teacher Orientation.  She also attend the Comedy Night at the Bal Theatre benefiting the Davis Street Family Resource Center where they raised over $60,000. There was a Trivia B last weekend.  She asked that the Board meeting be adjourned in memory of Bill McCammon, former Fire Chief of San Leandro, and the husband of Rose Johnson, the Director of the Davis Street Center. On October 23 there will be a school boards candidates' forum at the San Leandro Library at 6:00 p.m.

Truste Lopez hoped that the Oakland Symphony will be practicing at one of our school soon.

Trustee Katz-Lacabe announced that the Bay Area Science Festival begins on Thursday, October 23, noting that the highlight of the event will be on November 2 when AT&T Park will be transformed into an outdoor and indoor science museum. Admission is free. He encouraged everyone to attend. He also asked that the Superintendent let the teachers know. Roosevelt Elementary School had a successful Fall Festival, adding that he filled in at the last minute in the "dunking booth", where a remarkable child dunked him on an average of one out of three throws, every time he came back to play the game.  He reported that his team in the Trivia B placed 4th this year, unlike last year where they placed 2nd.  He announced that San Leandro High School's production of a Midsummer Night's Dream opens on October 31. Trustee Katz-Lacabe would also like staff to look into increasing the stipend for Board members which is currently $240/month. 

Trustee James will be attending a Cross-Country meet at Mount Sac this weekend, so he will be unable to participate in Beautification Day cross country meet.

• Regular Board Meeting - November 4, 2014 Cancelled
• Regular Board Meeting - November 18, 2014
• Regular Board Meeting - December 2, 2014
• Regular Board Meeting - December 9, 2014
• Regular Board Meeting - January 13, 2015
• Regular Board Meeting - January 27, 2015
• Regular Board Meeting - February 10, 2015
• Regular Board Meeting - March 10, 2015
• Regular Board Meeting - April 7, 2015 Cancelled
• Regular Board Meeting - April 21, 2015
• Regular Board Meeting - May 5, 2015
• Regular Board Meeting - May 19, 2015
• Regular Board Meeting - June 2, 2015
• Regular Board Meeting - June 23, 2015

• Regular Board Meeting - November 4, 2014 Cancelled
• Regular Board Meeting - November 18, 2014
• Regular Board Meeting - December 2, 2014
• Regular Board Meeting - December 9, 2014
• Regular Board Meeting - January 13, 2015
• Regular Board Meeting - January 27, 2015
• Regular Board Meeting - February 10, 2015
• Regular Board Meeting - March 10, 2015
• Regular Board Meeting - April 7, 2015 Cancelled
• Regular Board Meeting - April 21, 2015
• Regular Board Meeting - May 5, 2015
• Regular Board Meeting - May 19, 2015
• Regular Board Meeting - June 2, 2015
• Regular Board Meeting - June 23, 2015

The meeting was adjourned at 9:13 p.m. in memory of former Alameda County Fire Chief Bill McCammon, who passed away on Monday, October 13.