Board Highlights June 23d, 2014

Video Link

Speak Up Be Safe Program (SUBS) Carol Sheenan, Director

·      Increases communication

·      Provides strategies to be safe

·      Reduces high risk behavior

·      Engages teachers

·      Reinforcement learning sessions

·      Teacher is in the classroom the entire time

SUBS DATA

·      3,500 students have been served in 2013-14 throughout Lamorinda

·      1,100 students in Orinda have participated

·      6 opted out

·      80 Teachers from 3 districts answered survey

·      85% of Orinda Teachers would recommend the SUBS program

·      266 Parents from 3 districts completed survey and support the program

SUBS Program for 2014-15

·      Continue to provide SUBS program in Lamorinda

·      Improvements – More small group discussions and games.

·      Always open to feedback

·      Improve communication between schools and parents/caregivers

·      More information will be provided to parents in 2014-15

·      Take home information will go home to parents

SUBS Discussion

·      Sara - Is there autonomy for Orinda to make decisions?

·      Kathy - Lafayette has an elementary teacher on the steering committee

·      Kathy - There’s also a Psychologist on the steering committee

·      Kathy - Another classroom teacher could participate

·      Sara – She wants a classroom teacher on the committee

·      Sara – Is there a Board member on the steering committee?

·      Sara – There have been parent concerns

·      Sara – How was this program chosen?

·      Sara – Who developed the curriculum?

·      Sara – What’s the review of the curriculum?

·      Sara – What curriculum changes will be made?

·      Sara – What is the process for modifying the curriculum?

·      Sara – I would like to see all the survey responses/comments

·      Carol – One time assemblies are not the most effective way to present this information

·      Carol – We are more than happy to modify the curriculum

·      Carol – All of the comments from the survey were provided

·      Matt – Smaller group instruction is better

·      Chris – What can we do to better prepare teachers for individual interactions?

·      Charles – There are other forms of harassment not being addressed such as harassment towards the LGBT community

Local Control Accountability Plan (Kathy Marshall)

·      Up for Board Approval

·      There have been a few changes due to County Office Feedback

·      Now you will see a clear link between the single school plan and the LCAP

·      The Coordinating Council was identified as the Parent advisory group

·      Other stakeholder groups were included

·      EL, low income, and foster youth action steps were highlighted (More clarity for sub-groups)

·      Where can our support for expenditures be found?  I Put an * and include anticipated expenditures.

·      Needs of targeted students were emphasized

·      Words were added to clarify parts

·      The county reviewed changes and ready to accept the LCAP

·      By August 15^th, the County will approve the LCAP

·      Julie – How often will we have to review the LCAP?  Kathy - Progress checks will occur annually. 

·      Julie – How often will modifications be made? 

·      Loreen – I will check and get back with you.

·      Sara – When will Site Plans be aligned with the approved LCAP? 

·      Kathy – Either in September or October

·      Kathy – Each school will present site plans that are aligned with the LCAP

2014-15 Adoption of the Budget

·      The 2014-15 budget was presented at our last Board of Trustees meeting, on June 14,

·      Board Approved Unanimously

Resolution 14-17 for Budget Transfers

·      Board Approved Unanimously

AM Woo Construction, Inc (Proposed Amendment) for S.H. Restrooms

·      An RFP was sent out to Am Woo Construction, Inc.

·      $41,600 to remodel Sleepy Hollow bathrooms

·      Work will be completed before school starts in the fall

BC Construction Contract

·      $49,900 to reconstruct a retaining wall on the Kindergarten playground at Glorietta

·      Board Approved Unanimously

Best Contracting, Inc. for OIS & Del Rey Canopy Roofs

·      Ed – Cost is $450,000

·      Sara – Need better monitoring to avoid an unsafe situation

·      Charles – With the canopy roofs being so dangerous, I would hope there would be better monitoring in the future

·      Board Approved Unanimously

Enterprise Roofing for Wagner Ranch Roofing

·      Ed - Enterprise Roofing Cost is $379,281

·      Charles – I appreciate the added energy efficiency by using a lighter color roof to help reduce the heat gain inside the buildings.

·      Board Approved Unanimously

Board of Trustees Meeting Schedule (Dr. Jaconette)

·      Sara would like to change the date of the last Board meeting

·      Joe says we need a Board meeting in early August

·      Board Approved Unanimously

Consent Item G, Page 202

·      Change in Title III Funding

·      Board Approved Unanimously

Consent Item F – Amendment to BaySci Agreement (Page 40)

·      BaySci Partnership is an elementary based program

·      8 districts participate

·      7 applied this year

·      Board Approved Unanimously

Consent Item R - Williams Uniform Complaints Quarterly Report

·      Sara - Air Conditioning needs to be an immediate priority in some locations such as our computer labs

·      Board Approved Unanimously

Discussion Item B – Parcel Tax Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee Appointment (Loreen Farrell)

·      Chris – Would we like to stagger appointments?

·      Chris – Should there be a 2-year or 4-year commitment?

·      Julie – How do we fill those vacancies?

·      Loreen – No one expressed not wanting to continue on this committee.

·      Sara – Why are there only 5 people on this committee?  I would like 7 members on this steering committee.

·      Sara - Acalanes has a higher number of people on a similar steering committee.

·      Julie – Why do we need 7 members on this committee?

·      Chris – Would a bigger number of people be an impediment for scheduling dates? 

·      Loreen – Yes.  We tried to get all 5 to attend but things happen. 

·      Matt – The committee felt a 5-member committee was enough.

·      Sara – Greater participation is healthy.

·      Sara – Were you thinking of keeping the same 5?

·      Chris – With people wanting to stay, I suggest increasing the commitment to 4 years.

·      Meeting dates:  December/January and end of June

·      Chris – What would be a good beginning term date? 

·      Loreen – March/April

·      Chris – What do you think about April 1^st?

·      Sara – I’m not clear

·      Chris – Loreen will have the committee make suggestions for length of term and staggering the terms.

Discussion Item C – Board Policy/Administrative Regulation 7214 – General Obligation Bonds

·      This policy has been updated to reflect the new law (AB182) that requires greater transparency for the use of capital appreciation bonds and other bonds that allow for compounding of interest.  It also reflects the new law (SB 581) that requires that the performance and financial audits be submitted to the citizens’ oversight committee at the same time they are submitted to the District.  It also requires the Board to respond to all findings, recommendations, and concerns within three months of receiving the audits.

·      Sara – This looks fine

Information Item

·      Board Member Expense Report

Board Reports

·      Matt – Thanked Board members for being at the OIS promotion.

·      Sara – She also thanked Board members for being at the OIS promotion

Superintendent Update

·      Joe – We’re waiting for the elevator inspection before moving into the new district office.

Future Agenda Items

·      OPEB

·      Governance Handbook

·      Facilities Priority List

·      Fall - SUBS

Board Meeting Highlights 6.9.2014 from OEA

video link from start to Action Items
Part 2
Budget presentation to end of mtg

NB: Trustees names abbreviated Tyson Krumholz TK, Sarah Butler SB, Chris Severson CS, Matt Moran MM, Julie Rossiter JR.

Employees of the month honored: Patsy McAteer, certificated staff, Joe Born, classified staff.

Golden Bell Award to retirees: Linda Kam, Allen Dickson, Angie Edwards, Karlen Harriman, Carolyn Lyon, Susan Rodriguez, Helen Walker, Gloria Yruel

During public comment, OEA President Charles Shannon spoke regarding the intense heat in the classrooms during high temperature days.

Terra Verde Renewable Energy Plan (inc. discussion of AC in classrooms)

A/C discussion about how various districts are financing it, plus discussion of energy efficiencies needed to get Prop 39E funding. Big push on air conditioning from TK and SB especially. The consultant stated it is possible to get ac installed over the summer. The Prop 39E funding is for reimbursement and would be likely if the projects are properly put out for bid and folded in with energy efficiency projects like solar.

Terra Verde contract approved: 5:0

Resolution 14-14: 3 board member vacancies will be open for election in November 2014. Approved 5:0

Resolution 14-16 in support Educate Our State: OUSD supports protecting the local schools revenue act.  CA legislature directed the county auditor to take property tax revenue allocated to schools and give to local governments to compensate for decreased vehicle licensing funds collected by the state. The state was/is supposed to compensate schools for lost property tax revenue from its General Fund, which is heavily dependent on income tax. The lack of reliable funding caused school districts to have insufficient deferred state funds.

Dr. Severson sees these resolutions as “meaningless” b/c the state legislature doesn’t listen and it will take many signatures to move forward. Approved 4: 1 CS abstention

SELPA is moving. SELPA is a consortium of 15 districts + the county office of education (Special Education Local Plan Area). The CCCOE will no longer be the administrative office for SELPA. ByronUSD will now be the administrative unit. Adopt admin. unit change; Approved 5:0

Renovation of school restrooms: $419,000.00 to renovate restrooms at all sites except SH b/c summer school is scheduled at SH. SH will be addressed in 2015.

Various restrooms at the three sites will receive new sinks, toilets, partitions, floor/wall tiles, light fixtures

WR only stall partitions.

Trustees Krumholz and Butler asked to see scope of work and work schedule.

Discussion by TK and SB about the need for more information as part of their fiduciary responsibility to the public. MM “Sarah, don’t you trust the staff?”

Discussion of how to include Sleepy Hollow restrooms: Summer school is held there (which is why they are not included) but this was the site with the most parent complaints to the Facilities Task Force. (Unclear if any action is to be taken here.)

 Charles Shannon commented that students at GL want stalls with partitions that go all the way down to prevent bullies taking pictures under the stall partitions, that the primary bathrooms are dark and students are frightened to go in there, and that soap gets on the floor and is very slippery with water spills. The ‘walk through’ by district maintenance staff and the contractor did not include any input from students and staff who use the restrooms.

Approved: Severson, Rossitor, Moran

Opposed: Butler

Abstain: Kromholz

LCAP Plan Revisions by Kathy Marshall: based on input from various groups and public

For example: include Orinda subgroups:  disabilities, African Amer, Hispanic, Asian,  Caucasian-Filipino, Latino

Parent surveys indicated that 80% of parents responded: I understand the grade level academic standards for my child.

State requires adding drop-out and expulsion rates. For Orinda this is 0.

Added plans that incorporate LCAP i.e. inclusive curriculum plan

Budget Report by Lorene Farrell: 2,456 students expected for the 2014-15 school year, 28 unduplicated students.  “For the first time in a long time our budget outlook is positive. Although under the LCFF funding plan we are still below our 2008-09 funding.”

Increase 1FTE at DR,  Glo,  SH. 

“The May Governor’s Revise showed an increase in the district contribution to CalSTRS effective July 1.  The proposal has been incorporated into the district budget however the good news is efforts are under way by several organizations to delay or modify this proposal. The increase may begin in the ‘14-15 school year.” Revenue limit increase of a little over $2 million dollars between this year and next year.

37% of the budget continues to be from the local community. Charles Shannon thanked EFO, the Parents’ Clubs and parent volunteers for their continuous support of our schools.

Discussion of a ‘Liability Fund’ brought up by Julie Rossiter. Loreen Farrell stated that unless it was set up as an irrevocable trust, that it would still appear in the budget. This is for ‘unfunded mandates’ but this needs clarifying. Unclear why the district would want to set aside more money, as we have an excess of funds of about 2 million currently.

2013-14 District Goals by Dr. Jaconette: 4 major goals

Academic achievement, fiscal, curriculum, technology. Dr. Jaconette presented a written report to the Trustees regarding accomplishments in the four areas.

Charles Shannon commented that the report highlights the contribution of teachers to the success of the district goals and the many hours applied by teachers within and outside of contract time.

2014-15 draft of  Board of Trustees Meeting Dates – Jewish and Christian holidays accounted for this time. Upcoming to approve the budget is June 23d. Then August 11^th.

Agenda Items: SB requested Site discipline be put on the agenda. (Earlier, CS stated it would be put into the ‘agenda pile’ and would not commit to when it will come up.)

CalSTRS and the May Revise

Written by Ann Katzburg (Communications Committee) and Guy Moore (Retirement Committee)

CalSTRS – Why are we in this predicament?  Why is there not enough money to fully fund teacher retirements?   California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS)  was at 110% of funding in 2000 which guaranteed sufficient funds  for current and future  retirees. The unfunded liability is currently somewhere to the tune of $70 billion dollars.   Since the early ‘70’s, employees have contributed 8% towards CalSTRS,  and districts have been contributing 8.25% -  16.25% of your gross pay is contributed to CalSTRS.  And it’s not enough.

The number of retirees is large … and increasing.  Baby boomers are retiring.  And add in this: teachers in California have the highest longevity of any industry group in the state.  Teachers don’t smoke; we’re educated; we eat right; we live a long time.

But the real reason for the current shortfall is the GREAT RECESSION.  It hit us hard!  Between the dot.com bust of 2001 and the 2008 world economic turmoil, CalSTRS’ diversified investments took a huge hit.  Know this.  Politically, there are many forces that would like nothing better than to see California abandon all defined benefit pensions for government employees and teachers.  Many years ago, corporate America promoted the 401(k) plan, a supplemental retirement account designed to work in conjunction with corporate defined benefit plans.  Then, corporations discovered that they would be better off getting rid of defined benefit plans completely.  When a defined benefit plan is underfunded, this is a huge liability to a corporation.  Corporate America jettisoned defined benefit plans.  Now, teachers and government employees are still covered by defined benefit plans.  Now, corporations do not look as appealing as the government or teacher professions in terms of retirement security.  Corporate America is not pleased with this state of affairs.

But teachers are.

Teachers NEED a defined benefit program to guarantee a secure retirement. It is one of the main assets provided to our profession.  Teachers do not make a lot of money, nor do we participate in Social Security. But we do contribute to our State Retirement System.  However, because of the recent decline in our economy, CalSTRS finds itself with an underfunded liability that is increasing exponentially every day.  Experts are predicting that the fund will fail in 2040 … unless we do something to fix it.

We need to save the system for retirees, future retirees, people entering the profession and the future of public education. CalSTRS and CTA have been working on solving this problem for 10 years.  We have a HUGE opportunity right now.  The governor and the state legislators are finally able and willing to tackle the situation in ways that benefit teachers and their families.  The current economic situation in California and political environment have aligned to make this the time to confront and solve this difficult issue. 

What is happening?  In the governor’s May Revised Budget Proposal, Gov. Brown has outlined a formula to tackle the unfunded liability.

The State currently contributes 3.04% to CalSTRS.  The proposed agreement is to boost this contribution to 6.3%.  CTA was astonished by this generous increase in the state’s contribution; it exceeds all expectations.

Members currently contribute 8% of their gross salary. Over time, the contribution will increase to 10.25%. 

The employer, the school district, currently contributes 8.25%.  That percentage will increase to 19.1% over the next 7 years.

The CalSTRS overhaul was the big surprise of the May Revision.  No one expected the governor to tackle this at this time.  While this was unexpected, the timing makes sense. Our state revenues continue to grow.  Gov. Brown believes that the time has come.  CTA agrees.  The highest rate of increase to districts per year over the next seven years is 1.6%.  As not every employee is a member of CalSTRS, the anticipated impact on most districts is below 1.6% per year.

This opportunity to save our pensions is essential to the survival of our profession and to public schools as we know them today.  As the budget conversation evolves with our legislators, we will be informing you of any new developments.

When we know it, you’ll know it.