OEA Meeting with Dr. Jaconette, March 11, 2014

o When will negotiations begin?  OEA would like to get started.  12:00-3:00 is a preferred time.

Possible Dates for Negotiations:

·      April 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25

·      April 29, 30 & May 2

·      May 15

·      May 20, 22, 23

o April 15^th Meeting to provide input on the Local Control Accountability Plan. 

How will this meeting be structured? 

The District will have 4 people listening to members of our Executive Board give input on the Local Control Accountability Plan

What type of input should OEA be providing?

According to Dr. Jaconette, this meeting is OEA’s only opportunity to give input to the District regarding the 8 areas of the Local Control Accountability Plan.

Is this our only opportunity to give input? 

According to Dr. Jaconette, this meeting is OEA’s only opportunity to give input.

Who will be at this meeting? 

OUSD Attendees:          Joe, Kathy, Lorreen, Brian & Ed

OEA Attendees:              Charles, Colleen, Allison, Katherine

o Site Reps are being told that our Special Education caseloads are high and a real challenge for Spec. Ed. Teachers. 

How can the District address this? 

OEA would like to have Brian Inglesby attend our next Rep Council meeting to talk about this issue.  Joe said Brian can attend our Rep Council meeting as long as he is present as well.

o How can our Kindergarten teachers and other members give input on who provides RTI services, what these services look like, and when they happen?  In addition to this, how can members give input on extending the Kindergarten day?

Joe said the Curriculum Committee may take a look at this at some point but not sure when.

o RTI is not equitable across grades or schools and is not consistently provided for both ELA and Math.  What are the District’s plans for making RTI a program that is fully implemented for those students not meeting OUSD Standards?

Joe said the Curriculum Committee will be discussing this at some point but not sure when.  It also sounded as though the District Leadership Team will discuss this as well.

o OEA Leadership heard the Health Advisory Committee has been set up to convince our membership not to continue funding the retiree health benefit program with CALPERS. 

What is the purpose of this Advisory Committee? 

Loreen said the purpose of this Advisory Committee is to look at more affordable Health Care Programs for consideration.

We have a health benefits expert who was invited to this group.  However, he has not been contacted. 

Loreen needs his contact information.

When will this group be meeting? 

Loreen is trying to schedule this with all participants.

o A member was told the District was not longer allowing new job shares to be established and will only honor those that already exit. 

How will the District respond to any proposal for a new job share? 

Joe said job shares would be considered on a case-by-case basis.

o Technology purchases are occurring at all our sites and being funded by our Parent Clubs.  What are the Districts’ plans for ensuring equity?

Joe said the Curriculum Committee will be discussing this at some point but not sure when.

o Our Tech staff will occasionally go into our rooms and do things to our hardware without letting us know ahead of time.  This work is occasionally done when we are out of our classrooms.  What is the Districts’ protocol?

Joe will discuss this

o Through consensus of the School Board, the Inter District Transfer issue was going to be brought back for discussion/action.  When will this issue be brought back to the Board?

Joe’s only comment was that he and the Board heard OEA say this needs to be on the next Board meeting agenda.

o Field trip money – What do teachers do if they have collected excess funds? What if not enough money? Please advise. 

Joe advises teachers to talk with their Principal about collecting field trip money.  He also said teachers can let parents know, without naming any individuals, the need for additional funds.  All surplus field trip money will roll over from year to year and be used to fund students who were not paid for by their parent(s).  If a fieldtrip is cancelled then Joe said teachers are to talk with their Principal about refunding parents.

o Grandparents Day at our schools is taking up too much instructional time. What about TB clearance?  Could this happen during a holiday class party?

Joe will address this issue another time.

o Special Reserve (Fund 17)

This Special Reserve Fund was set up years ago and Parcel Tax Funds were deposited into this account.  This Fund is in addition to the 9% reserves the Board has set aside for economic uncertainties.  These parcel tax funds have been use for past deferrals.  OEA Leadership is disappointed with the District for not having an oversight committee review the purpose for spending these funds and making sure expenditures are aligned with parcel tax requirements.

o Teacher of the Month – May teachers make suggestions for teacher of the month?

Joe said teachers may nominate colleagues by emailing their Principal.

o Joe is curious about a question of priorities.  He is wondering how teachers would feel about K-3 class size increasing to 24 to 1.  Under our Local Control Funding Formula, only class size 24 to 1 is funded so OUSD would lose money if we stayed at class size 20 to 1.  The loss of funds could potentially impact the amount of money OEA could negotiate.

OEA will get member input on this issue.

Board Highlights from 1/13/14 Meeting: OEA reports

 Video link to Board Meeting 1.13.2014
Charles Shannon, OEA President invited the School Board Members to the 2/8/14 CTA breakfast.

Employees of the Month: Mike Agers (OIS), Pam Chang IA (SH)

Minutes:  Trustee Butler requested that committee assignments be included in the minutes for the purpose of public transparency. Approved 3-2 (Trustees Krumholz, Butler and Severson approved).

This item was presented as the last item of the evening, however I have chosen to move it to the front of the minutes as it concerns OEA membership. (CS)

Under the PERS benefits “umbrella,” OUSD pays a lifetime $50.00 per month medical supplement to its retirees. About half the Contra Costa districts have these benefits. Loreen Farrell presented this information to the Board with the interest of ending the ongoing supplemen optiont via restructuring the districts benefits with PERS or a new provider. At this point it is unclear whether current retirees would be “grandfathered” and continue receiving the medical supplement. Trustee Moran expressed concern that lifetime benefits will eventually encroach on general fund.

A committee will be formed with OEA and management representation to study the issue. OEA has requested the option of selecting an outside expert who may assist all involved in making a sound decision. To be continued.

Annual Financial Audit Report by Cichella and Tokunaga

The accountants found that OUSD is compliant in its financial accounting as of the close of June, 2013. Available reserve should be at 3%. The auditor found that the school district has reserves of 20%. Report approved 5-0

Interdistrict Transfer Policies

Strustee Butler asked how many transfers accepted from 2012-2014

Employee requests:

2009 – 2010:  23 applied, 21 approved

2010 - 2011:  17 applied, all accepted

2011 – 2012: same as above

2012  - 2013: 15 applied, all accepted

2013 – 2014:  15 applied, all acceptd

Lottery process if more applicants than spaces available, however the lottery includes all requests (employee, locally employed, out-of-district)

Trustee Butler and Trustee Krumholz suggested that “random” (lottery) in ed code could be after a priority. Trustee Butler extensively researched districts in our county in terms of acceptance of employees’ children. Found many other districts to be more conducive.

OEA President pointed out that Pulte Homes has stated in its public documentation that priority will be given to those working in Orinda for a minimum of one year for consideration of below market rate homes. Why may that agency publicize its priority w/o concern for legal action?

An OIS teacher requested priority for teachers.

An OIS employee: out of district students who attend Miramonte are notified of acceptance in April and May and questioned why OUSD waits until the end of August to notify applicants of admittance or denial

Local citizen: asked about fiscal impact

Former student spoke in favor of priority

OIS teacher reminded the district that positive news reports about OUSD are preferable. Private schools recruit teachers at 5-year increments. Employees’ children attending school in OUSD is a strong incentive to remain.

Trustee Severson stated that the OUSD policy was legally challenged and that legal counsel for the district has recommended against any change in policy.

Trustee Butler pointed out that the legal challenge was about the Allen Act, not interdistrict transfer of employees’ children. Trustee Krumholz stated that because the interdistrict transfer has not previously been challenged he is less concerned about that possibility. He sees the opportunity as an amenity that will attract teachers to the district. Trustee Rossiter spoke in favor of the AcalanesUHSD policy where employees’ children are given priority. Trustee Severson, as Board President requested that more legal detail be provided and recognized the Board consensus is for employee support if possible. Dr Jaconette spoke to his concern about possible liability for the district. He also noted that the CCCOE often finds in favor of the child during a transfer appeal.

Common Core Funds designations:

Instructional materials increased from 9% to 19% ($94,345.00)

Staff Development increased from 32% to 49% ($245,860.00)

Technnology reduced from 59% to 32%  ($159,750.00)

CCF is a one-time funds and the allocation is based on enrollment. The aportionment is for two years and must be spent by July 2015.

Technology $ reduction will be supported via Pulte facities funds.

Bandwidth will be a general fund expense; $34,000.00 per year

The OEA Prsident and VP thanked Mrs. Marshall for revisiting and adjusting the percentages for expenditures and emphasized the significant efforts of the district teachers who are creating their own CC transition materials.

Board approved 5-0

 Mr Silvas recommended that the district bandwidth be increased from 100MB to 200MB for the district office at the cost of $22,228.56. Bandwidth is equally available to all school sites, where bandwidth is currently 50MB and will increase to 100MB. Board approved 5-0

Energy planning for the district: use Prop 39, solar and energy efficiency funds

Newcomb, Anderson and McCormick Company

Energy planning, energy efficiency, and solar = $69,970.00

W/o solar = $41,775.00.  Approved total contract 5-0

RGM  Assoc. Project Management

Mr. Silvas recommended RGM, a company that has provided past positive service to OUSD. The purpose is to use the company to manage the Facilities Priority List.

$523,500.  –  close to $700,000. Projects are expected to take more than one year to complete.  Trustees expressed concern about cost although consider $130.00 per hour for a project manager as a fair rate. Trustee Krumholz pointed out that the amertization equals a full time employee for two years. Approved rate structure 5-0.

Will later approve contract.

Corovan Moving

This company moved the DO to the current location. Mr. Silvas is recommending the same company to move to new district office location: $8,060.38

Approved 4-1 abstention

Mr. Inglesby recommended Goldbook, an online tool that enables a teacher to view student profiles for IEP students and create a differentiated goal with tools and resources to achieve that goal. Goals are measured 3-4 times per year. The program correlates to elec. IEP docs. Goldbook was piloted this fall. Mr. Inglesby reported a positive response from teachers who used the program. Common Core funds can support the adoption purchase.

Approved 5-0

Portables (discussion item): the Board reuested information about costs to buy out the current 14 leased portables and also the cost to replace 31 portables throughout district.

American Modular Gen 7 portables are highly sustainable, energy efficient and meet CHPS and LEED standards for Green Schools. Installed on a 5” slab foundation with steel frame and meet CA seismic regulation. 14 leased = $4,081,200.00.

17 owned = $6,156,000. Solar may be an option on rooftops. There is interest by the Board to improve the portables’ quality in the district. Cost is a significant factor. Discussion to be continued.

Board reports:

Trustee Butler: Advocacy Day meetings

Trustee Severson: bus report

Superintendent Report: complimented business office re: audit, 1/22 state budet meeting at CCCOE

Trustee Butler suggested reviewing school climate/discipline at school sites and requested information about principal’s evaluations

Respectfully submitted by,

Colleen Sullivan

OEA VP

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