9/8/14 Trustees Meeting Highlights

Video Link Part 1 Part 2

Public comment: Letterfrom resigning OIS math teacher, Rebecca Trautman, who is entering the corporate arena. Main point is the minimal salary and appreciation teachers receive in OUSD and in comparison to many surrounding districts. (Also see resignation letter from Kristen Neilsen from June 2014.)

“Unaudited  Actuals Financial Report: Closing financial report for the 2013-14 school year; approval needed by 9/15.

$590,789 carry-over into 14-15 school year has resulted in an increase in the General Fund Unrestricted Undesignated Fund Balance. This increase is a normal ocurrence for the OUSD. Both revenue increases and expenditure decreases cause the Undesignated Balance to be higher than estimated at budget adoption

Federal revenues were $104.00 more than estimated in June.

Other state revenues were $3,101.00 higher than our estimated actuals.

Other local revenues totaled $50,951.00 more than June 2014. This increase is attributed to the increase in both unrestricted and restricted lottery funding based on our Annual Attendance. This category also includes increases in funds received from Interest income and Parent Club/BASC donations.

Certificated salaries were lower by $34,918.00.

Benefits decreased by $18,388.00.

Books/supplies decreased by $319,187.00.

Services and other operating expenditures decreased by $501,293.00. This decrease was comprised of unspent dollars in the following areas: professional development (Common Core Standards), special services contracts, field trip expenditures and general expense categories which included telephone/communications, postage, legal fees, external audit, and rental/leases.

Capital Outlay decreased $40,152.00

Other outgo came in under budget by $95,182.00

Classified salaries increased by $85,829.00.

Ending balance is estimated at $4,553,774.00 at Budget Adoption however as of the closing, the balance has increased by $1,059,498.

Senate Bill 858

“Gov. Brown signed SB 858 which will require school districts to spend their assigned and unassigned account balances down to no more than 2-3 times the minimum level of statutory reserves. The statutory minimum for school district reserves ranges from 1 to 5 percent depending on district enrollment.”

OUSD reserves currently = 28% 0f the budget.

Approval by Board: 4 yes and I abstain

Parcel Tax Oversight Committee is currently a 2-year term. Some committee members have suggested a four-year or staggered terms to support transition.

Discussion about 5-member committee with staggered terms.  Approved: Tyson Kromholz and Julie Rossitor will serve on this committee and it will be a four-year term.

First Reading of Administration Regulation 5117: Inter-district transfer attendance; proposed addition to Regulation 5117: The following stipulation will be added to item 11 in this regulation. “When the student is the child of an employee of the school district who works at least 20 hours per week, in order to attract and retain high quality employees.” An application must still be made contingent on space available, however improved consideration will be given to the children of staff.

Approved

* OEA President expressed appreciation for the decision and pointed out that a more timely revision would have been appreciated.

Board Policy 6011 Academic Standards

This Board Policy is being revised to reflect district practice for full implementation of the Common Core Standards. Includes standards, articulation of standards, curricular areas, staff expectation for communication to parents, staff development, student assessment.

Approved

The following Board Policy revisions were approved.

Board Policy 6162.51 State Academic Achievement Test

Remove 10^th grade for science testing

students with disabilities may take an alternative test in accordance with student’s IEP.

6174: ELL in first 12 months of language acquisition may be exempted from the English Language portion of the test.

6142.91: English Language Arts Framework

6142.92 Math Framework

* OEA President pointed out that “real-life” math materials are needed for teachers

5123: Promotion/Acceleration/Retention

“When any student is recommended for retention, the Supt. or designee shall offer an appropriate program of remedial instruction to assist the student in meeting grade-level expectations.”

* OEA President asked for clarification of how that goal would be achieved; no response.

5144 Discipline: maintaining a positive school climate: the strategies (listed in the policy) shall focus on providing students with needed support, communicating clear, appropriate, and consistent expectations and consequences for student conduct; and ensuring equity and continuous improvement in the implementation of district discipline policies and practices.”

* OEA President pointed out that these practices are identified as being determined by administrative staff and teachers appear to be excluded from the process.

*Trustee Butler pointed out that the previous OUSD policy included administrators and teachers and the current revision excludes teachers.

Kathy Marshall announced this year that every school will have a school climate goal.

AR 5144 Site level school rules for students (includes suspension, expulsion and bullying)

*OEA President spoke to rules determination per site composiion including only one teacher. The teacher representation is limited.

Dr. Jaconette stated that schools may use School Site Councils to review policies and are encouraged to use more site representation.

Ed Silvas reported on the summer capital improvements at school sites.

Mr. Silvas thanked the teachers for their patience during all the construction.

Primary playground field area at Glorietta will be seeded and soil added during Thanksgiving vacation.

OPEB Irrevocable Trust. This relates to the requirement that the district pay life-time supplemental medical $ to retired OUSD employees (all categories). The annual cost is about $400,000.00 per year. There are survivor benefits for both retired and active employees. This practice has been in place in OUSD since the mid eighties.

Acalanes has a OPEB trust administrated by CALPERS (36% return on investment) and Moraga, Lafayette and Walnut Creek do not have OPEB Trusts. Discussion item.

Board Policy 3513.3 Tobacco Free Schools

OUSD receives a TUPE grant and must therefore adopt a tobacco free policy for sites, district property including sports events. Discussion item.

Dr. Jaconette complimented OIS, DR and Glo for their BTSN presentations.

Tuesday, Sept. 30^th ribbon cutting for city field and D.O.

Session for Trustees’ election candidates, Tuesday September 16^th; DO presents info to candidates