What does the PISA report tell us about US education? Video Clip

Not the worst, not dropping off the edge of a cliff, in fact, US education can learn different lessons from the PISA international test results published every 3 years. See this illuminating video to learn more from the American Federation of Teachers. Nations who work WITH teacher's unions are often also nations whose students score highly. Here's the link: AFT YouTube clip "What does the PISA Report tell us about US education?"

Dec 9th Board Mtg Highlights from OEA: Staff Children in OUSD item discussed.

December 9, 2013 Board Meeting Highlights

Video of first 90 minutes including election of officers and staff children in OUSD Schools

Dani Jurichko and Sandy Borneville recognized as Employees of the month.

Consent calendar adopted (exception item D)

Trustee Moran nominated Trustee Severson as president of the Board (selected).

Trustee Moran and Trustee Krompholz were nominated as vice president of the Board. Trustee Butler pointed out that Trustee Moran has twice served as a previous officer and the Board guidelines indicate that an experienced trustee who has not served as an officer shall have the opportunity. Trustee Moran, Rossiter and Severson voted to elect Trustee Moran as VP.

Trustees determined which Trustees would serve on which committees.

Interdistrict transfers for the employees’children:

Trustee Butler supported the attendanc of employees’ children in our schools and had engaged in extensive research of the Education Code and policies in districts throughout Contra Costa. The following school districts accommodate the children of employees attending their schools: Martinez, Mt. Diablo, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Moraga, Acalanes, and Lafayette.

Mr. Moran expressed concern that if a district favors one group it automatically excludes others. He requested more information. Trustee Rossitor asked for historical information. Mrs. Farrell reported that the majority of teachers’ children who apply are accepted. Since ’09-10 there have been 5 denials and 1 retraction.

Trustee Severson asked if requests are site specific. That stipulation varies.

Teachers, Emily Cashen, Barbara Gunderson, Sue Boudreau, Charles Shannon, Erin Miller, Adam Miller, and Paula Lopez spoke in support of interdistrict transfers.

Ms Gunderson pointed out that at one time state law supported the interdistrict transfers. When that door closed, the Education Code supported interdistrict transfers. OUSD once did so as well and the Board was asked to reinstate.

A Glorietta parent encouraged the board to admit the children of teachers and provided a letter to the Board.

Teacher, Debra Jokish’s son was denied attendance for her child although told upon hiring that her child would be able to attend.  She spoke in support of those teachers’ children who have/will come after her son. 

William Hudson, citizen, spoke in support and is “amazed” that the teachers’ children are not readily admitted.

Trustee Krompholz spoke in support of admitting the children of district employees.

Trustee Rossitor referred to the issue as a “process concern” and expressed unease about legal challenge.

Trustee Severson referred to legal counsel.

Matt Moran would like to see multiple policies and expressed concern about families who buy/rent within the district in late August. In closing he stated that he would like to support the employees’ children.

CDE: District Transfers Laws regarding intradistrict and interdistrict transfers

First Period Interim Report ‘13-14: the Board approved a positive financial status extending through 2015-16.

Furniture for new district office: Board aproved budget of close to $69,000. Mr. Silvas reported that some pieces from previous office will be recycled. The furniture will be purchased from the Sam Clar company.

Mr. Hudson from Friends of Wagner Ranch inquired as to the possibility of a restroom facility in the Nature Area and a more permanent roof than currently exists in the cooking area. FWR underwrites staffing for programs in Nature Area. Inquired about a defined budget, matching funds, materials for possible projects there.

Trustee Rossitor expressed interest in replacing the 11 portables in the district.  The Facilities Task Force budget does not iclude replacing portables b/c of feedback from task force meetings. Other items received the earmarked funds.

Lengthy discussion about items on Task Force Facilities list.

Columbia Training for K-5:

Use of funding from Common Core budget to support spring training approved.

 Common Core Expenditure Plan

Mrs. Marshall identified that the preliminary budget had been composed through OTEC, the Coordination Council, the Curriculum Committee and a teachers’ survey.

$200.96 per student based on 2012-13 enrollment

$499,995.00 to be spent by 7/15/13

Develop and adopt an expenditure plan, explain at public meeting, adopt at future meeting

Funds may be used in three categories: instructional materials, professional development. integration through tech-based instruction including infrastructure, band-width, connectivity, support, software

Preliminary Funds distribution:

39% professional development

52% technology

9% instructional materials

2013-15: $44,234.00  ELA, math, both subjects integrated into Common Core, report card development, software programs

$196,010.00: Columbia , “other” training, teachers collaborating together”

 ELA, math, science, tech training

$259,751.00: technology; focused on infrastructure, equipment, installations software

Charles Shannon spoke to increased time devoted by teachers to developing Common Core units without compensation and the lack of available materials for transition/Common Core. Charles encouraged looking at other funding sources for technology due to high percentage earmarked for that area.

10:00 pm: consensus to continue Board Meeting. Trustee Moran departed.

Communication: Trustees attended CSBA Conference

Dr Jaconette thanked Trustees for attending and thanked Trustee Rossitor for her tenure as previous Board President.

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted by,

Colleen Sullivan

OEA VP