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September 23, 2020

SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

REDWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Redwood City, California

APPROVED MINUTES OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

September 23, 2020

REGULAR BOARD MEETING VIA TELECONFERENCE

  1. Call to Order

President Lawson called the closed session meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom Teleconference Meeting. 

Present at the Closed Session Meeting: President Janet Lawson, Vice-President Alisa MacAvoy; Trustees María Díaz-Slocum, Cecilia I. Márquez, and Dennis McBride, and Superintendent Baker. 

Others Present: Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Wendy Kelly.

  1. Oral Communication on Closed Session Items Only

None.

3. Closed Session 6:00-7:00p.m.

3.1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: One Case.

4. Reconvene to Regular Session at Approximately 7:00p.m.

4.1 Roll Call

4.2 Report Out on Closed Session from 9.23.20

President Lawson reported that the School Board received information in the Closed Session and no action was taken. 

  1. Welcome

5.1 Welcome

President Lawson welcomed those present. The School Board dispensed with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Others Present During the Regular Board Meeting: Wendy Kelly, Linda Montes, Priscilla Aquino-Dichoso, Don Dias, Will Robertson, Jorge Quintana, Antonio Pérez, Kyle Brumbaugh, Antonio Pérez, Patricia Ortiz, Patricia Pelino, Andrea Garen, Martin Cervantes, Itzel Ramírez, Gonzálo Cordova, and many others.

  1. Changes to the Agenda

Vice-President MacAvoy requested to move 12.1 subsequent to Oral Communication. 

Vice-President MacAvoy requested that Action Items 14.4, 14.5, 14.8, and 14.9 be moved to Consent.

  1. Approval of Agenda

The board approved the agenda as amended, (Díaz-Slocum, McBride; 5-0).

  1. Oral Communication

None. 

*** Community/Staff Recognition

12.1 Recognition of Staff Who Have Reached a Longevity Milestone with the Redwood City School District

The School Board and Superintendent Baker honored staff members in the Redwood City School District who have reached a longevity milestone. The School Board, Superintendent Baker and the audience were presented with a video showcasing each honored staff member. 

Each staff member honored and recognized received a Certificate of Recognition and a pin via mail.

  1. Public Hearing
    • Public Hearing on Learning Continuity and Attendance for 2020-21

Liz Wolfe, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services addressed the School Board by stating that all LEAs are required to complete the Learning Continuity Plan, hold a public hearing and approve the LCP on or before September 30th. At that time, the approved LCP will be submitted to the San Mateo County Office of Education for feedback (not approval).

Items to be addressed in the 2020-21 LCP are:

General information (a description of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has on the RCSD community);

An overview of the stakeholder engagement process, including outreach to specific stakeholder groups;

An explanation of any in-person instructional offerings, current or planned;

An explanation of numerous facets pertaining to the district’s distance learning program:

- Continuity of instruction;

- Ensuring adequate devices and connectivity;

- Assessment of student participation and progress;

- Professional development that supports successful distance learning;

- A description of changing roles and responsibilities of staff members due to COVID-19;

- A description of the supports for pupils with unique needs (English Learners, pupils with exceptional needs, foster and homeless youth;

- Actions that RCSD will take to address learning loss;

- A description of how RCSD will monitor and support mental health and social and emotional well-being of pupils and staff during the school year;

- An overview of the procedures for tiered reengagement strategies for students who are absent from distance learning and how RCSD will provide outreach to students and their parents or guardians;

- A description of how RCSD will provide nutritionally adequate meals for all pupils.

Several opportunities for input into the contents of these various elements of the 2020-21 LCP have been provided to district staff and community. In addition to subcommittee meetings, staff and parent webinars, and board meetings, a representative stakeholder team was brought together for two focused opportunities for specific inputs on August 31 and September 7. DELAC members reviewed the draft LCP and provided input on September 14.

Speaker’s Cards:

Ben Packer, Roy Cloud School parent, stated that the information presented during the Public Hearing was great! Mr. Packer expressed that it is great to see that students with higher needs are being prioritized. Mr. Packer thanked the School Board, Superintendent Baker and Cabinet members for all of their hard work. 

The School Board and Superintendent Baker thanked Assistant Superintendent Liz Wolfe for all of her hard work and dedication to the Learning Continuity and Attendance for 2020-21.

  • Public Hearing Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 4110 Regarding Sausal Corporation’s Use of Unlisted Subcontractor

Dannis Woliver and Kelley attorney, Lauren Charneski addressed the School Board by opening a Public Hearing concerning an agreement entered into between the Redwood City School District Bond Program Team and Sausal Corporation. 

In California, subcontractor listing laws, commonly referred to as the Subletting and Subcontracting Fair Practices Act, are in place to promote fairness and prevent “bid shopping” on public works projects. Generally, any subcontractor whose subcontract is more than 0.5% of a general contractor’s bid needs to be identified (i.e., listed) at the time of bidding.

In connection with the District’s Orion Alternative School (formerly John Gill School) Modernization and New Building Project, the District awarded a contract to general contractor Sausal Corporation, which had bid $10,628,000. At the time of bidding, Sausal did not list a subcontractor for glazing work on the Project. Following the contract award, Sausal represented to District staff that it would self-perform the glazing work. However, Sausal subsequently entered into a subcontract with an unlisted glazing subcontractor, National Glass, in the amount of $401,606. 

Per Public Contract Code Section 4107 of the Subletting and Subcontracting Fair Practices Act, subcontracting with an unlisted subcontractor in excess of 0.5% of the general contractor’s bid is not permitted. Here, 0.5% of Sausal’s bid is $53,140. The $401,606 National Glass subcontract exceeds that 0.5% limit.

Because Sausal entered into a subcontract with an unlisted subcontractor for more than 0.5% of Sausal Corporation’s bid to the District, the Subletting and Subcontracting Fair Practices Act permits the District to, following a public hearing on the matter, consider:

  • Canceling its contract with Sausal for the above-referenced project; or
  • Assesing a penalty against Sausal in an amount of not more than 10% subcontract with National Glass.
  1. Bond Program Consent Items (Action Required)

The board approved the Bond Program Consent Items (McBride/Díaz-Slocum; 5-0), taking the following action:

10.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Measure T Bond Program $20K and Under Items Tracking List 
10.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Kennedy Middle School Modernization Project Cal-Pacific Construction Change Order #4 

10.3 Recommendation re: Approval of Roosevelt Elementary School Modernization Project CalState Construction Change Order #1 
10.4 Recommendation re: Approval of $240,000 Movements from Site Projects to Program Administration Project for Covid-19 Safety Compliance Officers (SCO)

10.5 Recommendation re: Approval of Touchless Plumbing Fixture Replacement Proposals for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) and Roy Cloud School with CAW 

10.6 Recommendation re: Approval of Touchless Plumbing Fixture Replacement Proposals for Various Sites with Kitchell 

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

11. Bond Program Action Items (Action Required)

  • Recommendation re: Consideration of 1) Cancelling Contract with Sausal Corporation for the Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) Modernization and New Building Project, or 2) Assessing a Penalty Against Sausal Corporation No More than 10% of Sausal Corporation’s Subcontract with National Glass

The School Board approved to assess a 5% penalty of the value of the contract (MacAvoy/Márquez; 5-0).

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

13.1 6-8 Science Curriculum Pilot Process

Larissa Walder, Science Staff Development Coach addressed the School Board by presenting the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) curriculum pilot program for grades 6-8. 

In August, 2016, staff development prepared NGSS middle school science curriculum materials that aligned with the integrated model to supplement core science curriculum. These materials were selected to assist RCSD in its transition from 1998 CA Science Content Standards to the 2013 Next Generation Science Standards for California Public Schools (CA NGSS). Middle school science teachers were trained on the supplemental curriculum in 2016 - 2017, as units were integrated into existing science curriculum.

In June, 2020, teachers were asked to continue their work with the Science Curriculum Adoption Committee to assist RCSD in selecting curriculum materials for piloting. Teachers were selected from school sites representing diverse constituents across RCSD and from different grade levels.

14. Discussion Items

  • Discussion on Covid-19

Superintendent Baker and the School Board continued a discussion about distancing learning and the probability of returning to in person learning. 

Public Comments: 

Whitney Glockner Black, Roosevelt parent, expressed concerned about the easy access to YouTube videos containing sexual and inappropriate content. Ms. Glockner Black stated that the staff and administration have been supportive of her feedback. Ms. Glockner Black commented that she would like to make sure that technology devices are only to be used for educational purposes and not entertainment reasons. 

In response to Ms. Glockner Black’s commented, Director of Technology Kyle Brumbaugh, stated that he has started to look into the issue. Mr. Brumbaugh expressed that there are 3 different settings for moderation on YouTube and added that RCSD is on the more restrictive mode. Mr. Brumbaugh stated that Securely currently has a tool that would allow parents to monitor their children’s activity on their mobile device. 

Catherine Stuart, Mandarin Immersion Program parent, stated that she does not want her child to go back to school until there is a vaccine. Ms. Stuart expressed that she would like for all students and staff to be safe. 

Michelle Gayliardi, parent of an SDC child, expressed that distance learning is not going well. Ms. Gayliardi stated that she has a 9th grader at Sequoia High School and has been challenging. Ms. Gayliardi added that her child has a difficult time keeping a mask on and does not know how to social distance. Ms. Gayliardi added that as hard as it is, she thinks returning to school is not worth it! She supports distance learning until the end of the school year.

Kristy Herrera, RCSD teacher, stated that the Sequoia Union High School District is planning to return in January. Ms. Herrera expressed that the possibility of moving students once again will strain bonds with their teachers and will cause emotional distress. Ms. Herrera encouraged the School District to continue on a distance learning plan.

Sandie Hoover, RCSD teacher, commented that she wrote an email to the School Board about her concern with returning to in person learning. Ms. Hoover commented that young children have a lot of bathroom accidents, they cry and often times, staff need to help with wiping their noses or helping them go to the restroom. Ms. Hoover expressed that everyone in TK classrooms are at a high risk. 

Keri Yen, RCSD parent, expressed her support of returning to school.

Cameron Hoffman, RCSD parent, expressed his support for in person learning.

Alison Oldford, RCSD parent, stated her support for in person instruction and commented that are many success stories of students that have returned to school. 

Brian Crawford, RCSD parent, thanked the teachers for all of their hard. Mr. Crawford commented that everyone is struggling with distance learning, especially the youngest ones. Mr. Crawford stated that one of his sons loves school, but lately he has been having a hard time. Mr. Crawford urged the School Board to continue being proactive and continue working with teachers to return to school in a safe manner.

Janelle Allen, RCSD parent, would like to continue distance learning. Ms. Allen urged the School Board to wait until the flu season is over to reopen the School District.

Jennifer Wenzel, RCSD teacher, expressed her concern about returning to school. Ms. Wenzel stated that over 580,000 students have tested positive for Covid-19. Ms. Wenzel urged the School Board and Superintendent Baker to keep families and staff at home safely.

The School Board and Superintendent Baker thanked parents, teachers and staff for their comments and questions. 

  1. Consent Items

*** Note: Vice-President MacAvoy requested that Action Items 16.1 16.2, and 16.3 be moved to Consent.

The board approved the Consent Items (MacAvoy/Díaz-Slocum; 5-0), taking the following action:

15.1 Recommendation re: Approval of the Agreement between the Redwood City School District and Citizen Schools for the Fiscal Year 2020-21
15.2 Recommendation re: Approval of the Agreement between the Redwood City School District and the YMCA of Silicon Valley for the Fiscal Year 2020-21

15.3 Recommendation re: Approval of Additional Vendors to be Included with Non- Public School (“NPS”)/Non-Public Agency (“NPA”) Master Contract

16.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Personnel Changes for 2020-21
16.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Management Reclassification

16.3 Recommendation re: Approval of Personnel Report

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

16. Action Items (Action Required)

16.4 Recommendation re: Discussion and Approval of Board Policy 6157 – Distance Teaching and Learning

The School Board discussed and approved the Board Policy 6157 – Distance Teaching and Learning (Márquez/MacAvoy; 5-0).

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

  1. Board and Superintendent Reports

17.1 Report from Board Members and Superintendent

Vice-President MacAvoy reported attending a San Mateo County School Boards Association retreat. Vice-President MacAvoy commented that there would be a Kent Awards ceremony on Friday, October 23rd. 

Trustee Márquez reported attending the Superintendent’s Advisory Council meeting. 

Trustee McBride did not have a report. 

Trustee Díaz-Slocum did not have a report. 

President Lawson reported attending the LCAP Steering Committee meeting, in addition the Climate Committee meeting with the Redwood City Teachers Association. President Lawson commented that there had been a great conversation with the Redwood City Teachers Association. President Lawson also reported attending virtually the Coffee with the Superintendent at Clifford. 

Superintendent Baker reported attending many of the same meetings as the board members. 

  1. Information
  • Information on San Mateo County Investment Fund – August 2020

There were no comments or questions from the School Board or Superintendent Baker.

  1. Correspondence

All board members reported receiving many emails regarding distance learning.

  1. Other Business/Suggested Items for Future Agenda

Trustee McBride requested that the Director of Technology provide a presentation on technology security. 

  1. Board Agenda Calendar

21.1 Changes to the Board Agenda Schedule

There were no changes to the schedule of board agenda items.

  1. Adjournment (Action Required)

The board adjourned the meeting at 10:39 p.m. (Díaz-Slocum/McBride; 5-0).

María Díaz-Slocum, Clerk