Acton Agua Dulce Unified School District

School Board Meeting Minutes

ACTON-AGUA DULCE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees Acton, California MINUTES - Regular Meeting MEADOWLARK SCHOOL Thursday, February 12, 2009 (Teleconference with Board Member Deborah S. Rocha) Location: The Fleet and Family Support Center 190 Radford Blvd Pensacola, Florida The closed session portion of the Regular Board meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Board will open session portion of the Regular Meeting at 7:30 p.m.

1.0 CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING

1.1 Called to order by at 6:30 p.m.

2.0 ROLLCALL

2.1 Members present: Leona Sexton (President) X Larry H. Layton (Vice President) _X_ Deborah S. Rocha (Clerk) by Teleconference Mark Distaso (Member) _X_ Ron Bird (Member) _X_ Action 3.0 APPROVE/ADOPT AGENDA FOR REGULAR MEETING It is recommended that the Board of Trustees adopt, as presented, the agenda for the Regular Board Meeting of February 12, 2009.

Action 4.0 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS The Public has a right to comment on any items on the closed session agenda. Members of the public will be permitted to comment on any other item within the Board's jurisdiction during section 11.0, Public Participation at Board Meetings. February 12, 2009

1 Action 5.0 ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION The Board will consider and may act on any of the closed-session matters listed in Agenda Item 17.0

6.0 RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING Reconvene to Regular Session at _7:52_p.m.

6.1 Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by: _Ms. Mc Clendon_

7.0 PUBLIC HEARING Public Hearing 7.1 Enclosure Public Hearing and Comment on District's Initial Proposals to Reopen Article 16 (Evaluation Procedures) and Article 23 (Peer Assistance and Review Program The Board will receive input for the District's Proposal to reopen Article 16 (Evaluation Procedures) and Article 23 (Peer Assistance and Review Program) Close Hearing at _7:54_p.m. No Comments Action

7.2 Adoption of District's Initial Proposals to Reopen Article 16 (Evaluation Procedures) and Article 23 (Peer Assistance and Review Program) It is recommended that the Board adopt the District's Initial Proposal to Reopen Article 16 (Evaluation Procedures) and Article 23 (Peer Assistance and Review Program). Moved by Mr. Distaso Seconded by Mr. Bird Ayes_5_ (5,0,0) Dr. Halperin- Regarding a time line, we are opening up an additional article so we can initiate the new evaluation system for the teachers. The evaluation tool changed, so the language in the contract also had to change to coordinate with the new tool. We are looking at the end of this year, going in to next year as a timeline.

8.0 CONSENT AGENDA Action

8.1 It is recommended that the following Consent Agenda items be approved: Moved by Mr. Distaso Seconded by Mr. Layton Ayes_5_ (5,0,0) February 12, 2009

2 CM

8.2 Minutes of Regular Meeting January 22. 2009 CM

8.3 Warrant Register Ms. Rocha wanted to specifically ask about the Warrant Register for Modular Classes from Paradise Construction for Vasquez High School. in the amount of $44,450. and she wanted confirmation that it was for the twelve classrooms that we just purchased. Ms. Rocha also wanted to ask about the School Facility Planning in the amount of $10.685 on page 9. and what services this check includes. With regards to the twelve classrooms. Dr. Halperin answered that it was actually for six locatable. with two classrooms in each. and in reference to the School Facility Planning amount. she was answered by Dr. Halperin that it was an old bill from back in October/November. or before. for complete analysis of modernization and capital needs at each of the sites. not including Meadowlark. and what the costs are. Ms. Rocha also questioned the leased building payment of $4.009.40. on page 9. for Vasquez High School and thought that we were done leasing. She was answered no and was informed on the buildings that were still being leased. CM

8.4 Purchase Order Report #08-09.10 CM

8.5 Human Resources Report CM Enclosure

8.6

2008-2009 Consolidated Application Part II for Funding Categorical Aid Programs CM

8.7 Approval and acceptance of District Initial proposal on Evaluation and PAR Article in AATA Collective bargaining agreement

9.0 PRESENTATIONS

9.1 15 Minute Program Kristina McClendon & Rosemary Oppenheim Ms. Oppenheim introduced the four young ladies that were participating in the "15 Minute" program for their Senior Project. which we will be hosting April 23rd and 24th. 2009. They are Makila Estrella. Devin Welch. Jennifer Haldeman. and Christina Mc Clendon. Ms. Mc Clendon -The program is designed to have high school students make mature decisions when alcohol and driving are involved. There will be a simulated car crash in front of the school. The following day students. teachers. parents. and volunteers will have an assembly. highlighting the events of the previous day. as well as motivational speakers. They were requesting the use of the gym at Vasquez High in order to save the expense of having to transport the students to another site and felt the integrity of the program would be lost in transporting from one site to another.

Unfortunately. due to liability reasons. the Board was not able to approve this. After all the Board's efforts to get the gym opened over the years, nothing has been approved, except for the use of the gym in inclement weather. February 12, 2009

3 Enclosure Action Waiver Action Enclosure Discussion Action Enclosure February 12, 2009

10.0 BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

10.1 Emergency Waiver The Board is asked to consider approval of the J-13A, Emergency For loss of ADA due to school closures on December 17,18 & 19, 2008, because of snow and ice. Moved by Mr. Layton Seconded by Mr. Distaso Ayes_5_ (5,0,0) Mr. Bird inquired as to the length of time it would take to get this approved. Dr. Halperin advised that we first had to file with the county and then the county files with the state, and we are filing as early as possible. Timeline is unknown, but hopefully soon.

10.2 Budget Adjustment for 2008-2009 for 2nd Interim Report It is recommended that the Board approve the budget adjustments for 2008-2009 in accordance with the 2nCl Interim Report. TABLED

10.3 Resolution #08.09.15 of the Board of Trustees of the Acton Agua Dulce Unified School District It is recommended that the Board adopt Resolution #08-09.15 declaring that the Acton-Agua Dulce Unified School District adamantly opposes further cuts to education funding and supports broad local budget flexibility to help school districts prioritize the resources they have to best serve the needs of their students. Moved by Mr. Distaso Seconded by Mr. Bird Ayes_5_ (5,0,0) Dr. Halperin reported that in his discussions with numerous Superintendents, they understand about the budget, but one main issue is that they want the flexibility with the restricted money they currently have coming in. If they can roll over the restricted money and make it more flexible to be able to use, then they would at least have some maneuverability in regards to their budget. We have addressed that issue ourselves. We have a restricted side, a dedicated side, and money we get from the state. At this point in time, flexibility is the name of the game.

4 Action Enclosure contract Action Enclosure

11.0

10.4 Amendment to contract for Services with Caldwell Flores Winters, Inc. It is recommended that the Board approve the amendment to the For Services with Caldwell Flores Winters, Inc. Moved by Mr. Distaso Seconded Mr. Layton After some discussion it was TABLED until February 24,2009, allowing legal to look at the agreement in context with the original contract.

10.5 Waiver of Audit Penalties It is recommended that the Board approve the request to the State Board of Education to waive the fiscal penalties set forth for a school district that fails to maintain the prescribed minimum number of instructional minutes for the school year. Moved by Mr. Distaso Seconded by Mr. Bird Ayes_5_ (5,0,0) Ms. Buechner related the instructional minutes had already been modified at Agua Dulce and Meadowlark Schools and those we need to increase by 7 minutes for the next two years. By modifying the elementary schools and asking for waiver for not having enough minutes, we will save $40,000.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS Ms. Malesky stated they had their PTO Meeting at Vasquez High and have been having the teachers come in and present their "wish list" and what they would like, preferably an amount they want. She also had a question come up as to whether or not a claim was ever filed/paid for the fire that was in the Science lab approximately four years ago. Dr. Halperin advised that he would have to look into that, as it was before his time. Ms. Thompson wanted to thank the Board in reference to allocating the funds to Agua Dulce School- there was now paint on the walls and buildings, and it was looking good. They have formed a committee and will keep the Board updated. Mr. Laporchio inquired as to what the process is in getting the work done at Agua Dulce School. Mr. Distaso explained that the Board would need to have the priority list and the estimated cost, and the Board would take it from there. February 12, 2009

12.0 BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT Information as of 02/09/09 Agua High Dulce Desert Meadowlark Vasquez Current Student Count Klnderqarten 44 68 First 50 62 Second 48 66 Third 55 66 Fourth 47 72 Fifth 49 95

Sixth 1 144 Seventh 157 Eighth 148 Ninth 127 Tenth 135 Eleventh 129

Twelfth 117 Other Programs Home School 1 Opportunity Program 27 Virtual Academy 61 Total 294 449 429 597 October-08 CBEDSCount Kindergarten 45 69 First 51 62 Second 47 64 Third 58 65 Fourth 50 70 Fifth 49 98 Sixth 1 149 Seventh 161 EiQhth 154 Ninth 137 Tenth 143 Eleventh 135 Twelfth 124

Home School Opportunity Program 35 Virtual Academy 42 Total 301 464 428 616 # Increase or Decrease SinceCBEDS -7 -15 +1 -19 February 12, 2009

13.0 CORRESPONDENCE/PROPOSALS/REPORTS

13.1 Report by Superintendent Dr. Halperin reported that he had some extremely good news for this District. From Standard and Poor's, after an approximate 2 hour long presentation, we received an unbelievable AA minus rating for this District to go out and sell bonds. He was very pleased and it means that we possibly will not have to have insurance, saving the District money again. And the fact that we had a single series bond going out, also played a major role in that. Dr. Halperin wanted to thank Caldwell Flores in all of their support and wanted to deliver that good news.

With regards to the gym, Dr. Halperin advised he did get a proposal from Flewelling and Moody. They said it would cost $40,000 to start the process, a cost of $100,000 to retrofit the gym and another $100,000 in architectural fees. Dr. Halperin told them no.

13.2 Reports by Principals and Director of Business Services Ms. Oppenheim, Vasquez High School Principal, reported on the VHS Star testing. She gave results of the testing, indicating that we were down 12 points on the Star testing. The scores were "embargoed" because less than 85% of students responded to the life science portion. She reported that Mr. Jorgensen contacted the District representatives with ETS to determine why our scores were embargoed, and to determine what remedies were available. He was referred to AAU and Mr. Bernstein confirmed we had not met the required 85% for Life Science by 10th grade test takers, and were 2% short with regard to 9th grade student test takers. This was due to six students being put in the wrong category and six students opting out of the test, with parental authorization.

The timeline for appeal had passed in November 2008. As a result the testing was changed because we were not the only school that this happened to. Ms. Oppenheim met with those that coordinate the programs for College of the Canyons and the meeting was extremely productive. We are now going to be changing our course offerings to better meet the needs of our students. All students will be guaranteed admission when they apply at our school site, except that the ninth and tenth grade will not have the same guarantee, due to the content of a course. The Professor will make the determination whether a ninth or tenth grader can take their class. Mr. Shanefield reported that a corrected joint use agreement had been submitted to the L. A. County Department of Parks and Recreation and has been signed by the Superintendent, allowing the District to use Acton Park for sports, and Parks and Recreation the use of specific School District Facilities. February 12, 2009

7 Mr. Shanefield's report included the following: • Vasquez locks have been re-keyed. • Repair of cracked electrical outlets at Agua Dulce School completed • Agua Dulce School items to be completed during winter break: repair slippery ramps/holes in ramps, repair/replace ramp skirting, repair cement bench in playground, plaster repairs inside classrooms, replace worn ceiling panels, repair leaking drinking fountains, paint curbs in upper parking lot, repair fencing at tree near water tanks • Items to discuss with Mr. Antierie- exterior painting of buildings, TV upgrades in classrooms, new/used portable classrooms, new/used portable restrooms, technology upgrades The committee has concluded that the remaining items on their list be done by an outside professional. We will be gathering estimates during the upcoming weeks for those items.

13.3 Reports by Employee Organizations

13.4 Report by Student Representative Ms. Mc Clendon reported that they were still looking for someone to work in the Library during the lunch hour and wanted to know how much they would be willing to pay a teacher to do it. Dr. Halperin and the Board brought up that it would involve contract issues for a teacher. It was suggested to repost the job in the local papers. • Submitted book acquisition list to the Country Journal • March 8, 2009 deadline to donate books. • Drop off at Vincenzo's Pizza in Aqua Dulce or Perkin Up in Acton • Eight students represented Vasquez High School at the L.A. County Academic Decathlon 2009. • Paul Vasquez- Gold Medal in Social Science, Bronze Medal in Economics for Nick Day, Nick Loporchio, and Chelsea Stewart, Bronze Medal for Chelsea Stewart in Art, a Silver Medal for Molly Smith in Art and Economics, and she was the highest scoring member on our team. Ms. Mc Clendon took a Silver Medal in Essay, Speech, and Interview. • Vasquez High School Team- First place for Most Improved Team and was ranked 35 out of 55 Schools, and 4th in its division. • Girls Soccer undefeated at 21/0 • February 19th CIF Home game at 3:00 p.m. • ACS earned $400 • March-Service Club doing Awareness Month

13.5 Communication with Town Councils No report February 12, 2009

13.6 Committee Reports Education Committee Facilities Committee Budget Committee Creative Funding for Campus Improvements Committee District Master Plan Committee Joint Use Committee

13.7 Reports by Board Members Mr. Distaso brought up the Agua Dulce Facility list and reiterated that the District is waiting for the committee to come up with a list of the larger items that need to be addressed, the hope is they engage the Principal to discuss with Dr. Halperin and Mr. Shanefield. We need a spending plan on how to get the work done. In regards to the High School, Mr. Distaso is constantly asked why we haven't started constructing anything yet. The Board needs to make sure we have consensus on how to move forward. We need to share with the community what is going to be done and that has to be done through an update of our Design Plan that was completed by Flewelling and Moody in April 2007. The site plan needs to be shifted to reflect where school is going to be built, and have a nice entrance design. We need to involve architect to update buildings and square footage so we can share that with the community. Mr. Distaso also asked the Board members to consider, so that the public is aware, killing this whole retrofitting of the gym, more money, more design, and put it to bed, and to take the VHS update off the Superintendent's Report. Mr. Shanefield reported that he has been approached with regards to purchasing the gym by several interested parties, including charter schools, and even a private party. Mr. Layton added if we keep the gym and want to become a Charter School, we would have immediate use of the gym. Mr. Bird reiterated that the gym needs to be available to the students during inclement weather. Ms. Sexton announced she had attended a New President Work Shop and it was very informative and attended the one on the Brown Act. Mr. Shanefield and Ms. Sexton reviewed costs outlined in Mr. Shanefield's report on the portables with Ms. Rocha for clarification.

13.8 Discussion by Board Members February 12, 2009

14.0 DISTRICT ORGANIZATION AND BOARD OPERATIONS

14.1 For Board Reference: Current District Committee Members Education Creative Funding for Campus Improvements David LeBarron Lisa Harmon Kathy Howald (Chair) (Chair) Deborah Jauregui- Lillian Smith Rocha Jean WriQht Facilities District Master Plan Ron Bird Tana Lampton Kathy Howald (Chair) Michael Hughes (Vice Chair) (Board Liaison) Mark Distaso Mike Foster Paul Sexton (Board Liaison) Curtis Garrick Sandy Madsen Cari McLane Deborah Jauregui-Rocha Budget Joint Use Committee Michael Hughes Mark Distaso Leona Sexton (Board Joanne Archer (Chair) (Board Liaison) Liaison) Cynthia Pattison Jacki Smith Gaylen Barlett Renee Godinez Scott Griffin Kathy Howald Mike Hughes John James Jim Jennings Lee Jennings Tim Jorgenson Charleen Klein Cory Lovers Cari McLane Bob Milewsky Dick Morris Vicky Moss Sharon Roberts Laura Skorich Lillian Smith Peg Spry (ALTERNATE) Barbara Stoner Kelly Teno Pam Wolter (ALTERNATE) Norm Hickling (Liason for supervisor Michael Antonovich

15.0 FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Education Foundation Discussion - Discretion of Education Enhancement Funds Alignment of District Curriculum Formulation of Board Policy District Facility Planning Modernization Budget Caldwell Flores Amended Agreement Recognize District coach and teams Updates to Community Re: High School Recognize Decathlon Coach and Teams

16.0 CALENDAR February 16-20, 2009 Special Board Meeting, 7:00 P.M., Acton School No School, President's Break February 24, 2009 March 12, 2009 Board Meeting, 7:30 P.M., Meadowlark School February 12, 2009

17.0 CLOSED SESSION The Board will consider and may act on any of the following items in closed session. Any action taken in closed session will be reported in open session as required by law. Closed Session may be called at any time during a formal meeting by motion of the Board of Education for the purpose of discussing a personnel problem, a pupil problem, land purchase, consultation on a legal problem with an attorney, and with employee organizations in regard to salaries and/or fringe benefits. All formal action involving such matters must be made in an open meeting. A. Government Code section 54957:

1. Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Reassignmenti Non-reelect B. Student Matters (With respect to every item of business to be discussed in closed session pursuant to Education Code 35146 and 48918)

1. Administrative Hearing Panel The Board will hear and take action on Administrative Hearing Panel recommendations for student expulsions. The Board may also hear and take action on requests to extend expulsions, revoke suspended expulsions and requests to uphold or not to uphold the suspended expulsions from other district. Action

17.1 Report of Action Taken in Closed Session The Board will report any action taken in closed session as required by law. Moved by Mr. Distaso Seconded by Mr. Layton a. Student #08.09.002556- Amend the wording to expel and to suspend the expulsion. Moved by Mr. Layton Seconded by Mr. Bird Ayes_3_ (3, 1, 1 Abstention) b. Student #08.09.002666 Expel c. Student #08.09.001928 Expel February 12, 2009

18.0 ADJOURNMENT Action

18.1 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees adjourn at _9:52_ p.m. Moved by Mr. Distaso Seconded by Mr. Layton Ayes_5_ (5,0,0) Respectfully submitted, Secretary to the Board President Vice President Clerk Member Member February 12, 2009

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