MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE SOLEDAD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT DISTRICT OFFICE BOARD ROOM 1261 METZ ROAD, SOLEDAD, CA 93960 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015 I. OPENED BUSINESS 5:30 PM A. Called Public Session to Order B. Roll Call Mrs. Marie Berlanga, President Mrs. Gloria Ledesma, Vice-President - ABSENT Mrs. Jodi Massa, Clerk Mr. Fabian M. Barrera, Trustee Mr. Jaime Fernandez, Trustee Dr. Rupi Boyd, Secretary to the Board C. Approved the Closed Session Agenda MOTION TO APPROVE CLOSED SESSION AGENDA BY: Marie Berlanga SECONDED BY: Jodi Massa AYES: Mr. Barrera, Mrs. Berlanga, Mr. Fernandez, Mrs. Massa NAYS: None ABSENT: Mrs. Ledesma D. Allowed for Public Comment on Closed Session Topics E. Immediately Adjourned to Closed Session II. CLOSED SESSION A. Personnel 1) Assignments/Reassignments/Resignations/Leaves/Terminations/Layoffs 2) Pending Litigation a. Jane Doe vs. Soledad Unified School District File No. 2543.91325 b. Francisco Salmeron vs. Soledad Unified School District c. Harold Handy vs. Soledad Unified School District 3) Negotiations with CSEA
Page 2 III. RECONVENED TO OPEN SESSION 7:01 p.m. A. Pledge of Allegiance led by the Soledad High School NRJOTC Color Guard B. Report of action taken in closed session The Board took the following action in closed session by a vote of 4-0 with Mrs. Ledesma absent Appointed the following certificated personnel: Employee Position Site Maria Coronado Psychologist DW Sharon Madsen Teacher MSMS Sean Ponsi Teacher SHS Katherine Ricketts Occupational Therapist DW Sandra Cante Teacher JF Andre Firme Teacher JF Ashley Martinez Teacher SHS Danelle Mercer Counselor MSMS Kathryn Ramirez Teacher JK Maria Zamora Espinoza Teacher SHS Anne Sanchez Teacher SHS Teresa Terry Teacher Secondary Kirk Cooper Counseling & Assessment Coordinator SHS Marisela Chavez Substitute Teacher DW Lorena Chavez Substitute Teacher DW Michelle Ross Learning Director MSMS Patricia Moreno Principal JF James Showalter Garcia Family Student Support Coordinator MSMS Fernando Cubias Director of Fiscal Services DW Eric Rodriguez Plant Manager SHS Approved the Teacher on Waivers or Permits Name Position Type of Credential Nicholas Twichell Teacher STSP Grade Site Ed Code (If applicable) P.E. & Social SHS Science Jesus Fernandez Teacher STSP Math MSMS Beatriz Mosqueda Teacher STSP 1 st Grade SV Mariela Perez Teacher STSP K FL
Page 3 Name Position Type of Credential Eliana Trujillo Teacher STSP Grade Site Ed Code (If applicable) Social Science SHS MSMS Timothy Miguel Teacher STSP Social Science Samantha Barrera Teacher STSP P.E. SHS Cynthia Reyes Teacher STSP 3 rd FL Appointed the following classified personnel: Employee Position Site Ava Castillo Cafeteria Clerk SV Daisy Alcala Accounts Payable DO Erika Alvarez Instructional Aide SDC FL Cindy Hernandez Instructional Aide III SDC MS Monica Morlet Instructional Aide IV JF Cristal Valencia Instructional Aide III SDC FL Monica Martinez Classified Sub DW Johanna Uribe Classified Sub DW Veronica Rodriguez Classified Sub DW Rosi Gonzalez Classified Sub DW Sofia Meza Classified Sub DW Carlos Villagomez Classified Sub DW Adolfo Rodriguez Classified Sub DW Lawrence Fernando Classified Sub DW Laura Alapisco Classified Sub DW Stephanie Cardona Classified Sub DW Resignations/Terminations/Retirees Employee Position Site Action Eff. Dates Magda Campos Teacher JF Resigned 07/27/15 Jorge Rodriguez Computer Instructional Aide SHS Resigned 07/28/15 Soledad Zamora Instructional Aide III RSP FL Resigned 07/30/15 Hilda Perez-Laguna Food Service Worker I SHS Resigned 07/31/15 Francisco Gutierrez Custodian II/Bus Driver MOT Resigned 07/29/15 Carlos Fuentes Custodian II/Bus Driver MOT Resigned 08/15/15
Page 4 C. Approved the Board Agenda MOTION TO APPROVE AGENDA BY: Fabian Barrera SECONDED BY: Jaime Fernandez AYES: Mr. Barrera, Mrs. Berlanga, Mr. Fernandez, Mrs. Massa NAYS: None ABSENT: Mrs. Ledesma IV. COMMUNICATIONS A. Oral Communications 1. Audience Mr. Fur Quintero, Mr. Joe Rusconi and Kevin Sitko, members of the Football Chain Gang, who helps get the football fields ready for the games; inducted Trustee Fernandez into their team and presented him with the official shirt and safety vest. Mr. Quintero stated that they love what they do and the referees also like how they help out at the games. He also recognized local companies who sponsor them and their uniforms: Braga Ranch, Soledad Auto Parts, BP Packing, and Jim/Beverly Willits. They also thanked Coach Berlanga for his support. President Berlanga thanked them for volunteering, being so dedicated and professional. The Board appreciates all they do for the students. 2. Summer School Principals Reports Dr. Boyd reviewed some of the key points of the summer school reports. 3. Direction and Guidance from the Board on the sewer system for the new Main Street Middle School Mr. Nieto reviewed the new school construction budget regarding sewer connections: Soft Costs $2,766,356 Hard Costs $33,738,919 Bell Tower - $600,000 Escalation - $300,000 Total Budget -$37,405,275 Note No Contingency in Hard Cost. Proposed Sewer Line: Approximately 480 Feet of 8in line installed to Monterey Street. Two Manhole Covers 6 House Lateral Ties in. Trenching and Patching.
Page 5 Encinal Street sewer costs: Design, Engineering, & Permits - $23,000 Construction Cost - $80,000 Contingency - $5,000 Total - $108,000 Budget after proposed changes: Current Budget - $37,405,275 Sewer Cost - $108,000 Total with Sewer Upgrade - $37,513,275 Mr. Nieto asked the Board for Direction on the sewer line at the new Main Street Middle School. The line needs to be upgraded either with a lift or via connections from Market Street to Monterey Street (approximately 480 ft.) Mr. Nieto explains the options and said the lift pump is basically a big pit. It would cause a bad odor. Trustee Barrera said that if we install a lift, he sees high maintenance and potential issues in the future, so his recommendation was to go with upgrading the street line connection. The Board was unanimously in favor of installing the lines on Monterey Street and Mr. Nieto was given direction to
Page 6 begin talks with the City to upgrade. (President Berlanga left at 7:18 p.m. due to back issues 4. Recognized Ms. Denney for winning $25,000 from Best Buy Contest Ms. Denney Dr. Moreno, Principal at Jack Franscioni Elementary, publicly recognized Ms. Denney for having submitted and winning a $25,000 grant for technology for Jack Franscioni Elementary. Ms. Denney encouraged everyone to enter contests, even if you think you are not going to win, you might like her. Ms. Denney introduced her colleagues who joined her at the meeting: Bridget Scruggs, Angela Freeman, Alxis De La Rosa, Chris Freeman, and Catherine Cisternino-Thompson.. 5. Board Member comments Trustee Fernandez welcomed everyone back and commended Ms. Kleinhofer for a great job this summer and filling so many of the open positions. Trustee Barrera asked how many summer youth workers. Dr. Boyd said there were seven students and stayed all summer. He also welcomed back all new staff and administrators. Trustee Barrera congratulated Captain Gomez for being recognized as Veteran of the Year for 2015 and asked that the Board recognize him at the next Board Meeting. Trustee Massa wished everyone a happy new school year. She said there are lots of new faces, veteran s faces and welcomed them, and also reminded all that it s all about the kids. Followed by a five (5) minute recess B. Administrator s Reports 1. End-of-Year Special Education Report C. Superintendent s Reports 1. Williams Lawsuit Report There were no complaints filed under facilities, textbooks, or credentials for this period. 2. Facilities Update Report & Opening of School Dr. Boyd reported that staff is getting all schools ready for the first day of school. The MOT Department was very busy this summer painting schools, upgrading Gabilan Office, amongst other things. Dr. Boyd commended Mr.
Page 7 Nieto and his staff for their hard work. Dr. Boyd also said we were fully staffed for the school year. 3. Other: Dr. Boyd reported that she met with Mr. Jack Franscioni earlier in the day as he had questions on the agenda. She reviewed some of the backup of the agenda and showed him all the backup report. Mr. Franscioni was under the impression that we were violating the Brown Act. Dr. Boyd shared with Mr. Franscioni that we are in compliance and our attorney has reviewed our agenda format, including tonight s agenda. Dr. Boyd is looking into electronic agendas. She also received a request by individuals to broadcast the Board meetings. However, our bandwidth does not support this right now, but we are looking into it. V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Routine business transactions, annual renewal of programs, bid agreements, notices of public hearings and proclamations. 1. Approved the minutes of regular meeting of July 16, 2015 2. Approved the List of Bill Warrants for June 2015 and July 2015 3. Ratified for Sharon Madsen, Teacher, to attend an out of state conference for Project Lead the Way for the Gateway Program July 27-31, 2015 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas 6. Approved an Agreement with Youth Music Monterey for the 2015/2016 school year 7. Approved an Agreement with Brandman University for the Premier Partners Scholarship Program for the 2015/2016 school year 8. Approved an Agreement with Brandman University for the School of Education Dean s Scholarship Program 9. Approved the Supervised Internship Agreement with Brandman University, Monterey Campus for the 2015/2016 school year 10. Approved an Internship Credential Program Agreement with National University for the 2015/2016 school year 11. Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with San Jose State University
Page 8 for the Internship Program 12. Approved an Agreement with CSM for E-Rate Compliance Services 13. Approved Course for Ag Mechanics for Soledad High School 14. Approved the School Bus Routes for 2015/2016 School year Trustee Fernandez asked to pull item #4 for further discussion Trustee Massa asked to pull item # for further discussion and clarification MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR WITH EXCEPTION OF ITEM #4 AND #5 BY: Fabian Barrera SECONDED: Jaime Fernandez AYES: Mr. Barrera, Mr. Fernandez, Mrs. Massa NAYS: ABSENT: Mrs. Berlanga, Mrs. Ledesma Discussion: Trustee Fernandez had a concern that the SRO agreement is for full salary of 12 months when we only have the SRO for 10 months. He said we do not have them for summer school. He was also concerned about who would be evaluating the SRO. Dr. Boyd said it would be the Chief of Police. Trustee Fernandez asked how the Chief would know how he is working out. Dr. Boyd said that the District would have to provide the Chief with feedback. Trustee Fernandez also ask that we have an SRO that wants to be an SRO. Sometimes officers get assigned where they don t necessarily want to do and they will be dealing with high school level. Dr. Boyd said he spoke to the Chief about this and he said the officers fill out what they re preferences are and they get sent to a 2-week training to be an SRO. Dr. Boyd said she spoke to Chief Sills about having two full time SRO s but the City does not have the money to fund them and we also cannot fund another full time. Trustee Barrera said he agreed with Mr. Fernandez, and he asked that the district make it clear that he should be present at summer school. Maybe he could teach safety, staff development, and invite him first day to meet all staff (like today); gang awareness. He said there were many things we can use him for. Dr. Boyd will set up a meeting with the Chief to discuss the concerns. Trustee Fernandez asked if the SRO has done any trainings for staff at Soledad High. Ms. Austin said no. Ms. Swift, Principal at Main Street, said he has at the middle school and during summer school. Dr. Boyd said that the City has a shortage of staff. The SRO also goes to elementary schools. That is why we need two SRO s. She said that she did bring up training of security personnel, but law enforcement is different with positive behavior strategies. But they can work more towards resolutions and identify triggers. Ms. Cisternino-Thompson, learning Director at Jack Franscioni said that the SRO does visit the elementary school. She mentioned how he supported her during summer school when they called him when an individual was flying a drone over the school when students were out on the yard. Officer Holguin has been very helpful.
Page 9 Trustee Barrera, said in speaking of drones, how were we addressing this issue. Dr. Boyd said that new legislation just came out and would be bringing a Board Policy for a first reading. The Board agreed to recommend approval of the SRO agreement, otherwise, we the City cannot assign and SRO for the District and we need him for safety reason. The Board agreed with the condition that these concerns are addressed with the Chief. 4. Approved the Agreement with the City of Soledad for a School Resource Officer for the 2015/2016 School Year MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR #4 BY: Jaime Fernandez SECONDED: Fabian Barrera AYES: Mr. Barrera, Mr. Fernandez, Mrs. Massa NAYS: ABSENT: Mrs. Berlanga, Mrs. Ledesma Discussion: Trustee Massa asked Ms. Estrella if these were two different sex education program; how are they the same and different and how we decide which students go where. Ms. Estrella, Director, said that one program is Cuidate is an evidence based program which provides information, it s a one day, one time training and will take place at MSMS. Be Proud Program will be offered at Soledad High School, and will include CEC. This program involves more role-playing, will teach appropriate ways to use props and selfselection. Also, the one-day, one time workshops will make students eligible for gift cards. Both are evidenced based and how students will be selected will be by parent notification and permission slips have to be turned in. Aidee Aldaco will be overseeing both programs. 5. Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Monterey to facilitate the Cuidate and Be Proud! Be Responsible! Program MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR #5 BY: Jodi Masa SECONDED: Fabian Barrera AYES: Mr. Barrera, Mr. Fernandez, Mrs. Massa NAYS: ABSENT: Mrs. Berlanga, Mrs. Ledesma B. Personnel Items 1. Acceptance and recognition of letter related to the Soledad Clerical Employees Association (SCEA) joining the Classified School Employees Association (CSEA) MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR BY: Fabian Barrera SECONDED: Mr. Fernandez AYES: Mr. Barrera, Mr. Fernandez, Mrs. Massa NAYS: ABSENT: Mrs. Berlanga, Mrs. Ledesma
Page 10 Public Comment on LCAP: Trustee Barrera asked if the LCAP had been reviewed and approved by the County Office of Education. The answer was affirmative and recommended Board approval. C. New Business Action Items 1. Approved the revised Local Control Action Plan (LCAP) MOTION TO APPROVE REVISED LCAP BY: Fabian Barrera SECONDED: Jodi Massa AYES: Mr. Barrera, Mr. Fernandez, Mrs. Massa NAYS: ABSENT: Mrs. Berlanga, Mrs. Ledesma Public Comment on Resolutions: There were no comments. VI. RESOLUTIONS A. No. 8-01-15 Approval Regarding District Representatives to the Joint Powers Authority MOTION TO APPROVE NO. 8-01-15 BY: Fabian Barrera SECONDED: Mr. Fernandez AYES: Mr. Barrera, Mr. Fernandez, Mrs. Massa NAYS: ABSENT: Mrs. Berlanga, Mrs. Ledesma B. No. 8-02-15 Designating Authorized Agents to Sign School Orders MOTION TO APPROVE NO. 8-02-15 BY: Fabian Barrera SECONDED: Jaime Fernandez AYES: Mr. Barrera, Mr. Fernandez, Mrs. Massa NAYS: ABSENT: Mrs. Berlanga, Mrs. Ledesma C. No. 8-03-15 Signature Authorization to Release Funds for Student Council, Cafeteria, and Revolving Accounts MOTION TO APPROVE NO. 8-03-15 BY: Fabian Barrera SECONDED: Jaime Fernandez AYES: Mr. Barrera, Mr. Fernandez, Mrs. Massa NAYS: ABSENT: Mrs. Berlanga, Mrs. Ledesma VII. NEW ITEMS OF BUSINESS Trustee Fernandez followed-up on Trustee Barrera s comments and congratulated Captain Pedro Gomez on being selected as the Veteran of the Year for Monterey County.
Page 11 Trustee Barrera also asked the District to look into bringing back the Districtwide Science and Art Fairs. Trustee Barrera also commented on broadcasting the board meetings and how it was a great idea. The City broadcasts their meetings but they have a contract with Charter Communications who provided all the equipment. The equipment is very costly. If we can do on smaller scale, he approves it. Dr. Boyd also commented on a meeting Mr. Guzman and Trustee Massa attended with the Historical Society. Trustee Massa spoke positively about the meeting and how they discussed creating an MOU with them to create a partnership to align their displays with our curriculum so that covers points for our students on particular topics. It would also create field trips for students to go the historical Society and see about certain display every year. The high school social studies classes would benefit with great research projects. For example, students could get information on specific soldiers from Soledad and at the end of their research; students would present the research to the family of that soldier. Dr. Boyd said that there is a museum in town and students do not have to travel far to see one. Mr. Guzman also said that the Historical Society has a wealth of information and archives. They have pictures dating back to 1850 including the old Main Street and they represent some of the district s history. Interestingly, Dr. Boyd said that the new Main Street will be located on the same site location of the original Main Street. Mrs. Turner, New Teacher/Support Coordinator, said that one of the shifts that teachers should be doing is creating assignments for first-hand knowledge documentation, artifacts, speak with people who had first-hand knowledge of events. Mrs. Turner stated that Ms. Margaret Jacobson, previously member of the Historical Society, had approached her back when students began making their Senior Projects (Family Tree), and she said that the Historical Society would be more than happy to obtain the projects if the students did not want them. But the students all wanted to keep their projects. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m. Board approved: September 9, 2015