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MEADOWLARK-AGUA DULCE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees Meadowlark, California MINUTES - Regular Meeting Meadowlark School Thursday, March 12, 2009 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.
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2.0 Action 3.0 Action 4.0 Action 5.0 March 12, 2009 CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING
1.1 Called to order by at 6:00 p.m. ROLLCALL
2.1 Members present: Leona Sexton (President) Larry H. Layton (Vice President) Deborah S. Rocha (Clerk) Mark Distaso (Member) Ron Bird (Member) x X X Absent X 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 24, 2009. 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 12.0, Public Participation at Board Meetings. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION The Board will consider and may act on any of the closed-session matters listed in Agenda Item 17.0
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6.0 RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING Reconvene to Regular Session at 7:30 p.m.
6.1 Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by: Ms. Mc Clendon
7.0 RECOGNITION MEADOWLARK SCHOOL SCIENCE OLYMPIAD TEAM
7.1 The Board of Trustees would like to recognize the Meadowlark School's Science Olympiad Team The Board recognized the s" Grade Science Olympiad Team from Meadowlark School, that won the Gold Medal in the Los Angeles County Competition on February 28,2009. The following students received the highest score in Meadowlark's history: Emily Hammonds, Andrea Kalogeras, Tonya Beatty, Kelsey Bauer, Amanda Singlehurst, Ambree Sanders, Maddie Wilson, Cameron Bates, Kimberly Guzman, Gavin Abercrombie, Ethan Abercrombie, Carl Foster, Stephanie Moore, Madeline Kestler, Tanner Gibson, Natalie Wilson, Sam Fox, and Kelli Johnson. The coach for these students was Mr. Pelham.
8.0 PRESENTATIONS
8.1 Caldwell Flores Winters Inc.- Ernesto Flores In relation to the AA- rating the District has, he congratulated the District and advised that our District was among "an elite group" and he praised Dr. Halperin for all of his work and efforts in bringing about the change. Mr. Flores advised that if we waited to sell the bonds, over time the rating would possibly change and there could possibly be a greater cost for the bonds. Mr. Flores went over the fluctuation of the markets and discussed having the money when we are ready to build verses having to sell quickly in order to get the money and possibly not getting the best interest rate. He advised that Stone and Youngburg had been selected to sell the bonds, as they are very aggressive and they were going to advertise to the Acton-Agua Dulce community the opportunity to purchase the bonds. Mr. Flores also related that it was their company's policy to check with the county treasurer for advice about selling the bonds and they had done this for 25 years. The Board directed Mr. Flores to go ahead with the sale of the bonds with Mr. Flores assuring the Board that he would look for the best time and rate to sell. Consensus was 3 to 1
9.0 CONSENT AGENDA
9.1 It is recommended that the following Consent Agenda items be approved: Moved by Mr. Layton Seconded by Mr. Bird Ayes_4_ (4,0,1)
9.2 Minutes of Regular Board Meeting February 12, 2009
9.3 Minutes of Special Board Meeting February 24,2009 Ms. Rocha noted one correction on page 2, "Pledges" should read "Budget". March 12, 2009
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9.4 Warrant Register Ms. Rocha, page 3, EIA money regarding the library. Ms. Rocha had a question on page 1 regarding a warrant for Pacifica Services in the amount of $19,231.91. She was answered, by Dr. Halperin, that this was part of the $210,000 (the total package to bring all portables to the high school) and was for services provided for moving of portables and making sure things were done to specs, and they were just now billing us. There were some extra things in there because they helped us with the electrical and some of the layout, and some of the asphalting, and some of the extra things that had to go along with it, other than just bring in the portables. In answering Ms. Rocha on how the money got so big, Dr. Halperin expressed it was because it all had to be individually done. Ms. Rocha asked about the parking lot striper at VHS, rental fees. She thought we bought one. She was answered that we just now bought one. On page 7, she asked about the amount of $26,701.87 for legal fees and how did the amount get so big. She would like to see us be more careful and would like to discuss this in the future. Dr. Halperin answered that incorporated into these costs were mandated costs on negotiations on Special Education and some of our personnel issues. Ms. Rocha's last question, on page 9, have we done a cost analysis for transportation, i.e. maintaining a company car versus using a personal car and reimbursing the legal amount per mile. The cost of the warrants are more than $2,000 just for bus parts and truck parts. Dr. Halperin stated that they did look at outsourcing, and the problem with outsourcing is the fact, because we are small, there is no insurance rate. He is trying for grants to get more buses. Ms. Rocha, for the record, we need to talk about when that threshold is reached, that this is not a good thing to do anymore. CM
9.5 Purchase Order Report #08-09.11 CM
9.6 Human Resources Report Ms. Rocha asked in regarding the consent change in Budget from one position to another position (Campus Supervisor Aide to Library Aide), if this is a grant. Ms. Rocha clearly said she didn't want the money coming out of the General Fund. Dr. Halperin stated that all we are doing is qualifying the money we are going to use, because the qualification to use that money is to have a plan. We will make sure it is funded under Categorical. Ayes_4_ (4,0,1) CM
9.7 Donations ITEM DONATED BY ESTIMATED VALUE Kristy Swanson $50.00 Patricia L. Antieri $125.00 Television-Sanyo 20" Remote Control Color TV Scholastic Books New 25 March 12, 2009
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10.0 BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT Information as of 03/12/09 Agua High Dulce Desert Meadowlark Vasquez Current Student Count Klnderqarten 44 58 First 52 60 Second 47 65 Third 56 66 Fourth 47 72
Fifth 49 94 Sixth 1 141 Seventh 158 Eighth 146 Ninth 125 Tenth 134
Eleventh 128 Twelfth 116 Other Programs Home School 1 Opportunity Proqram 29 Virtual Academy 64 Total 296 445 425 597 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 -5 -19 -3 -19 March 12, 2009
4 Action Enclosure Action Enclosure Report Enclosure March 12, 2009
10.1 Acton-Agua Dulce Unified School District 2009-2010 School Calendar It is recommended that the Board approve the Acton-Agua Dulce Unified School District 2009-2010 School Calendar. The Board reviewed the calendar submitted by Ms Van Ornam and Ms. Marrone. School will start on August 31, 2009. This start date will not interfere with the Antelope Valley Fair. It allows for one snow day. Summer School begins on June 22, 2009. Ms. Rocha, for the record, re: Open House- If there is anyway you are going to be changing this, please come back to the Board to make sure it is not conflicting with any Board meetings. Moved by Mr. Bird Seconded by Mr. Layton Ayes_4_ (4,0,1)
10.2 Tort Claim It is recommended that the Board approves the rejection of a claim filed by Williams Scottsman Inc. for back pay, damages, etc., received from Howard Goodman and Law Offices of Howard Goodman regarding leased portable trailers. Moved by Mr. Layton Seconded by Ms. Rocha Ayes_ 4) (4,0,1)
10.3 Review the Second Interim Financial Report for 2008-2009 Ms. Buechner, Director of Business Services Ms. Buechner reviewed the 2nd Interim Budget Assumptions. Ms. Buechner advised that we would be meeting our financial obligations and filing for a positive certification, although we would barely make the required 3% reserve with what we have on hand. Ms. Rocha noted that the Board had made cuts, but did not lose any quality programs. The personnel cuts were due to declining enrollment, not the budget. Ms. Rocha also noted that we maintained class size reduction. Mr. Bird questioned the payment of COP's and Ms. Buechner stated there was a payment from last year and it overlapped, but she was going to transfer it out.
5 Action Action Enclosure Action Discussion Information Enclosure
10.4 Accept the Second Interim Financial Report for the 2008-2009 School Year It is recommended that the Board approve the Second Interim report for the 2008-2009 school year. Moved by Mr. Layton Seconded by Mr. Bird Ayes_4_ (4,0,1)
10.5 Budget Adjustment Summary for Deferred Maintenance Fund Match It is recommended that the Board approve to increase the Deferred Maintenance match to the state maximum. Moved by Mr. Bird Seconded by Mr. Layton Ayes_4_ (4,0,1)
10.6 Budget Transfer for Deferred Maintenance Fund Match It is recommended that the Board approve the transfer of the Deferred Maintenance Fund Match from fund 01.0 to fund 14.0. Moved by Mr. Bird Seconded by Mr. Layton Ayes_4_ (4,0,1)
10.7 Vasquez High School Library Proposed VHS library setup budget and estimate continuous expenditures As presented by Kristina McClendon and Jennifer Haldeman, 2009 Senior Project. Ms. Mc Clendon shared their budget as to what they need to finish and maintain the library. They have been in contact with the Data Base Company. They finished the book donation process with the community. They are moving shelves from Acton School to Vasquez on Saturday and then they will finish setting up all the books. They still need to buy books.
11.0 PERSONNEL Discussion Action March 12, 2009
11.1A Consideration and possible approval of Resolution 08.09.18 of Reducing or Eliminating Certain Certificated Services for the 2009- 2010 School Year. It is recommended that the Board approve the Resolution 08.09.18 of Reducing Or Eliminating Certain Certificated Services for the 2009- 2010 School Year. Ms. Rocha, for the record: It is important that we acknowledge and celebrate our successes. We have moved forward in a budget crisis time to maintain our programs in our District. We have been very frugal and we have been very proactive to make sure we keep maintaining class size reduction, work spending cuts at the high school, and we have cut from the top down. We did that at the last Board meeting. I voted, reluctantly, to cut positions. It's not my first desire to do.
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12.0 March 12, 2009 I think it's important to recognize the leadership that we've had in how we have cut already and we're doing the bare minimum here. With the report that Ms. Buechner gave us, we're still solvent and we're not in trouble financially, and we're still moving forward. I feel really uncomfortable and badly that we have to do this. We have taken the very minimum. Our local Districts have done substantially worse than us. We are still maintaining class size reduction and a lot of our quality programs. I think that is really important to recognize. Mr. Bird added that none of these cuts are directly attributable to the budget. It is strictly attributed to the declining enrollment in this District and we have no control over that. Moved by Mr. Bird Seconded by Ms. Rocha Ayes_4_ (4,0,1)
11.1 B Consideration and possible approval of Resolution 08.09.19 Determination of Tie Breaking Criteria for 2009-2010 It is recommended that the board approve the Resolution 08.09.19 Determination of Tie Breaking Criteria for 2009-2010. Moved by Mr. Layton Seconded by Mr. Bird Ayes_4_ (4,0,1)
11.1.C Agreement with Office of Administrative Hearings It is recommended that the Board approve the Agreement with the Office of Administrative Hearing for services. Moved by Mr. Layton Seconded by Mr. Bird Ayes_4_ (4,0,1) Dr. Halperin answered Ms. Rocha that the funds come out of the General Funds. It is mandated cost. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS None
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13.0 CORRESPONDENCE/PROPOSALS/REPORTS March 12, 2009
13.1 Report by Superintendent • Vasquez High School progress Dr. Halperin stated that regarding the property that was swapped, he is currently working to get the property certified by the State by working with CFW. It is considered new property and is not "grandfathered" regarding the Environmental Impact Report. We did an EIR prior, in 2007, so we are using the same company that we used in 2007, Earth System, which reduces our cost significantly. They have all of the information. They are re- certifying on the CCR and on the geological hazard report. Hopefully, that will be completed in the next two weeks. We can then send to CDE. Dr. Halperin is looking over the final draft on the RFQ's and those will be going out Monday or Tuesday of next week. Dr. Halperin also advised that they are continuing to follow up on our "Bully Intervention Workshops". This is the third or fourth one we are having over the entire District. We have now brought in the CTA again to do an "Intervention Workshop 101". We have included the High Desert! Vasquez High School staff, and now we've also include the elementary staff along with Classified staff who wish to attend. It will be held on March 18, 2009. Dr. Halperin also presented a proposal by Hoffman Construction regarding Agua Dulce School. It is not the list, but it is a construction proposal. Mr. Shanefield will present the information when he does his report.
13.2 Reports by Principals and Director of Business Services Mr. Shanefield- MOT Report Mr. Shanefield shared conceptional drawings with the Board of two models liked by Mr. Bird and himself, one being a school in Newhall. The models they are looking at will house 500-600 students, for our first phase. The two buildings incorporate classrooms, science rooms, art rooms, multi purpose room, and cafe and administration. Dr. Halperin related that the RFQ's were going out next week for an architect familiar with modular, steel frame construction with the DSA, and they had 30 days to respond. The next steps would be to pick an architect, design blue prints, and submit to DSA for approval. The time frame would be 1-2 months for design and approximately 6 months for DSA approval. They are looking at Lease-Lease backs, as we would be working on their money, they take all responsibility with DSA, and it expedites the process. Agua Dulce School- We continue to move forward with the repairs, continuing with the painting of the exterior. He presented an estimate from Hoffman Construction, but felt the maintenance team could do a lot of the work thus reducing the cost. He answered Ms. Rocha's inquiry as to the parent's statements that none of the work on the list had been completed, by saying that we have not received the list that they were asked to present to the Board. Dr. Halperin concurred with Mr. Shanefield that the committee was supposed to submit a priority list of repairs to the Board and the Board will look at the budget and prioritize from there.
8 March 12, 2009 Dr. Halperin stated that we have to look at what we can do and what we have to bid out. There are DSA requirements involved in some of these things and some of this work can be completed by our maintenance team. High Desert- Our District maintenance team and coaches were able to have the JV Girls softball field ready for their first game. He also stated that his maintenance team had to do repairs in the boys' restroom after some vandalism had occurred, i.e. repair broken tile and reinstall a partition. Vasquez High School- We have received the first list from the Fire Department about repairs and I reviewed it with the County Fire Inspector. We are currently addressing some of the items on the list, which include: the fire system, missing ceiling tiles, bookcases and furnishings in the entry ways must be secured, extension cords, and other trip hazards.
13.3 Reports by Employee Organizations
13.4 Report by Student Representative Ms. Mc Clendon reported: • Girl's Soccer went all the way to the CIF finals, that's the farthest they've ever gone at our school • Other sports, softball, baseball, volley ball, swim starting • VHS Service Club going to Agua Dulce School to read to students • Next week Fitness week • Cheer/Mascot tryouts post phoned • Decathlon tryouts next week • March 16th_ Student class fund raiser tryouts at Route 66 5-9 p.m. • March 17th/18th Testing for High School (CA High School Entrance Exam)
13.5 Communication with Town Councils
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 Ms. Rocha wanted to recognize publicly the transportation memos that have been coming home. She thinks they are great, very clear, very informative, and they come in a very timely manner. It is very comprehensive, very nicely laid out. She wanted to ask that we bring back the issue of the temporary maintenance position that is due to expire in April.
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13.8 Discussion by Board Members
14.0 DISTRICT ORGANIZATION AND BOARD OPERATIONS
14. 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 Jaureaui-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 Alignment of District Curriculum Formulation of Board Policy District Facility Planning Modernization - Credit toward Matching funds and Federal funds Temporary Part Time Employee
16.0 CALENDAR March 26, 2009 Board Meeting, 7:30 P.M., Meadowlark School Board Meeting, 7:30 P.M., Meadowlark School April 9, 2009 April 13-17, 2009 Spring Break, No School March 12, 2009
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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: DisciplinelDismissal/Release/Reassignment/ Non-reelect
2. Public Employee: Performance Evaluation Title: Psychologist/Director of Special Services B. Government Code section 54957.6
1. Conference with Labor Negotiator Agency designated representatives: James B. Fernow, Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost
17.1 Report of Action Taken in Closed Session The Board will report any action taken in closed session as required by law. Ms. Sexton- The Board took action in closed session to non re-elect five certificated employees. The vote was 4 yes, one was absent. Ms. Sexton- The Board took action in closed session to release three temporary certificated employees. The vote was 4 yes, one was absent.
18.0 ADJOURNMENT March 12, 2009
18.1 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees adjourn at 9:55 p.m. Moved by Ms. Rocha Seconded by Mr. Layton Ayes_4_ (4,0,1)
11 Respectfully submitted, Secretary to the Board President Vice President Clerk Member Member March 12, 2009
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