March 9, 2022
REDWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Redwood City, California
APPROVED MINUTES OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
March 9, 2022
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
1. Call to Order
President Díaz-Slocum called the Closed Session to order at 6:15 p.m.
Present at the Closed Session: President María Díaz-Slocum, Vice-President Cecilia I. Márquez; Trustees Janet Lawson, Mike Wells, and Alisa MacAvoy; and Superintendent Baker.
Others Present: Wendy Kelly, Deputy Superintendent and Ilana Parmer Mandelbaum, Deputy County Counsel.
2. Oral Communication on Closed Session Items Only
3. Closed Session – 6:15 p.m.
3.1 Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (§54956.9): Martínez v. Redwood City School District
3.2 CSEA Negotiations Update
3.3 Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal Release (§54957)
4. Reconvene to Regular Session at Approximately 7:00 p.m.
4.1 Roll Call
4.2 Report Out on Closed Session from February 9, 2022
Report out on Closed Session 3.1 – President Díaz-Slocum reported that the School Board discussed the settlement offer and accepted counsel’s proposal.
Report out on Closed Session 3.2 – President Díaz-Slocum commented that the School Board received a CSEA negotiations update.
Report out on Closed Session 3.3. – President Díaz-Slocum reported that the School Board received information from staff and no action was taken.
5. Welcome
5.1 Welcome
President Díaz-Slocum welcomed those present. The School Board dispensed with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Others Present During the Regular Board Meeting: Wendy Kelly, Liz Wolfe, Don Dias, Will Robertson, Jorge Quintana, Antonio Pérez, Kyle Brumbaugh, James Frazier, Jesse Marcus, Carlos Reyna, Itzel Ramírez, Gonzálo Cordova, Eliana García, and many more attendees.
6. Changes to the Agenda
Trustee Wells requested to move Action Items 14.6, 14.7, and 14.8 to Consent.
7. Approval of Agenda
The board approved the agenda as amended, (MacAvoy/Wells; 5-0).
8. Oral Communication
Erik Mendoza, Technology Department, addressed the School Board by reading a letter written by Ryan Siu on behalf of the entire Technology Department. Mr. Mendoza expressed that when staff were asked to shelter in place, the Technology Department was asked to come back to the office to provide customer support to families, teachers and staff. Furthermore, the Technology Department offered support via Zoom, according to Mr. Mendoza. Mr. Mendoza commented that staff in the Technology Department put their lives at risk, as well as their families. Mr. Mendoza asked the School Board for support and asked to incentivize them as teachers were for their offered support during the shelter in place period.
Ryan Siu, Technology Department, addressed the School Board and Superintendent Baker by stating he has worked for the school district for 12 years. Mr. Siu expressed that he and the Technology Department are not attempting to compare themselves to teachers; however, during the shelter in place period, Mr. Siu commented that a large part of the teachers’ success was in part due to the support they received from the Technology Department. Mr. Siu highlighted that from March 2020 through August 2021, the Technology Department risked their lives and the lives of their families to provide a high-level support to teachers, the Human Resources Department, and the Special Education Department. Mr. Siu asked how the obligation of the Technology Department differed from teachers. Mr. Siu asked the School Board to consider additional compensation for the Classified Staff in the Technology Department.
Maria Stockton, Clifford School, commented that when Classified Staff were asked to return to work in person, they were not offered additional compensation incentives as teachers did. Ms. Stockton expressed that the district used to be a pleasant place to work in; however, she feels as if her work is invaluable.
Anna Solorio, Roy Cloud Office Manager, addressed the School Board by reiterating that she sent a letter to the School Board and Superintendent Baker where she asked for support. Ms. Solorio highlighted that Classified Staff should be as valuable as teachers. Ms. Solorio clarified that Classified Staff asked for additional compensation for the days they were requested to return for work. Ms. Solorio commented that Classified Staff have been regarded as essential workers many times; however, she does not feel as valuable as teachers.
In response to the public comments, Deputy Superintendent Wendy Kelly, thanked each one of the speakers and expressed she would like to meet with each Classified Staff member. Deputy Superintendent Kelly commented that there was some misinformation she would like to clarify.
Johanna Rasmussen, RCSD parent, addressed the School Board by stating her son was assaulted at school for the third time. Ms. Rasmussen expressed that administration agreed to supervise her son during lunch and recess; however, a group of students managed to surround him to bully him and assault him. Ms. Rasmussen asked Superintendent Baker and the School Board for support in order to resolve this matter.
9. School/Community Reports
9.1 Information on Financial Audit Report for RCSD for 2020-21 School Year
Nathan Edelman, CPA with Eide Bailly LLP, addressed the School Board with a presentation pertaining to the Redwood City School District’s audit findings.
Mr. Edelman concluded that the Redwood City School District is in compliance and in reference to the Measure T Bond funds, the School District has spent the funds according to the ballot language.
Mr. Edelman thanked the Redwood City School District for their immediate communication and attention to detail when it pertains to audited items. Mr. Edelman mentioned he enjoys working with the Redwood City School District.
The School Board, CBO Aquino-Dichoso and Superintendent Baker thanked Mr. Edelman and his team for all of their work during the audit.
10. Bond Program Consent Items (Action Required)
The board approved the Bond Program Consent Items (Márquez/Wells; 5-0), taking the following action:
10.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Bond Program Consent Items
10.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Measure T Bond Program Tracking List for Items Under $20k
10.3 Recommendation re: Approval of Off-Site Concrete and Asphalt Proposal at Hoover Community School with Dryco
10.4 Recommendation re: Approval of Outdoor Classroom Landscaping Proposal at Hoover Community School with Scapes
10.5 Recommendation re: Approval of Special Testing and Inspection Project Authorization Form #18.3 at Taft Community School with Ninyo and Moore
10.6 Recommendation re: Approval of STEM Furniture Proposal at Henry Ford School with Campbell Keller
10.7 Recommendation re: Approval of Kitchen Equipment Upgrades Proposal at Hoover Community School with Beals Martin
10.8 Recommendation re: Approval of Structural Strengthening Construction Agreement for 3150 Granger Way Site with EE Gilbert
President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes) Vice-President Márquez (Ayes) Trustee Lawson (Ayes) Trustee Wells (Ayes) Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes) 11. Bond Program Action Items (Action Required) None.
12. Discussion Items
12.1 Discussion of Moving the Use of Masks in Schools from “Required” to “Strongly Recommended”
Superintendent Baker opened the discussion on moving the use of masks in schools from “required” to “strongly recommended” by providing a PowerPoint presentation, which showcased the safety measures taken by the Redwood City School District and the equipment inventory available for distribution, such as masks and Covid-19 antigen rapid tests.
Speaker’s Cards:
Erinn Washburn, RCSD music teacher and RCTA President, thanked Superintendent Baker and administration for the presentation. Mx. Washburn commented that the School District should continue to strongly recommend the use of masks, as the use of masks has not been lifted in medical facilities, long term/senior facilities, and public transportation. Mx. Washburn expressed their concern about many staff and students who would return home to possibly some immunocompromised family members after a long day of being at school, which could put their immunocompromised family members at high risk. Mx. Washburn asked the School District to remain united with the Teacher’s Association in order to reach an agreement for the safety of teachers, students and staff.
All School Board members thanked Superintendent Baker and administration for the presentation and expressed that in the upcoming weeks, staff and students were going to make personal decisions about mask wearing and reminded everyone to be cognizant and respectful of each and every one’s choice.
13. Consent Items
The board approved the Consent Items (MacAvoy/Márquez; 5-0), taking the following action:
13.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Consent Items
13.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Disposal of Obsolete Technology Assets
13.3 Recommendation re: Approval of Disposal of Obsolete Equipment
13.4 Recommendation re: Denial of Claim
13.5 Recommendation re: Approval of the Amended Agreement between the Redwood City School District and Envisioneers/Citizen Schools Extended Learning Program (Community Schools)
14.6 Recommendation re: Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy 3311 – Bids 14.7 Recommendation re: Approval of Addendum to 2021-2022 Measure U Application for Orion Alternative Mandarin Immersion 14.8 Recommendation re: Approval of Non-Public School (“NPS”)/Non-Public Agency (“NPA”) Master ContractsPresident Díaz-Slocum (Ayes) Vice-President Márquez (Ayes) Trustee Lawson (Ayes) Trustee Wells (Ayes) Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes) 14. Action Items (Action Required) 14.1 Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolution 27, Reduction or Elimination of Certificated Services for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 – attachment The School Board adopted Resolution 27, reduction or elimination of certificated services for fiscal year 2021-2022 (MacAvoy/Lawson; 5-0). President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes) Vice-President Márquez (Ayes) Trustee Lawson (Ayes) Trustee Wells (Ayes) Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes) 14.2 Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolution 28, Release and Reassignment of Certificated Administrator(s) The School Board adopted Resolution 28, release and reassignment of Certificated Administrator(s) (Wells/Márquez; 5-0). President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes) Vice-President Márquez (Ayes) Trustee Lawson (Ayes) Trustee Wells (Ayes) Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes) 14.3 Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolution 29, Reduction of Certain Classified Services for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 The School Board adopted Resolution 29, reduction of Certain Classified Services for fiscal year 2021-2022 (MacAvoy/Wells; 5-0). President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes) Vice-President Márquez (Ayes) Trustee Lawson (Ayes) Trustee Wells (Ayes) Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes) 14.4 Recommendation re: Approval of Release of Temporary Teachers The School Board approved the release of temporary teachers (Lawson/Márquez; 5-0). President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes) Vice-President Márquez (Ayes) Trustee Lawson (Ayes) Trustee Wells (Ayes) Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes) 14.5 Recommendation re: Approval of Personnel Changes for 2021-2022 The School Board approved Personnel Changes for 2021-2022 (MacAvoy/Lawson; 5-0). President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes) Vice-President Márquez (Ayes) Trustee Lawson (Ayes) Trustee Wells (Ayes) Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes) 14.9 Recommendation re: Approval of Agreement between Redwood City School District and Illuminate Education Services for the eduCLIMBER Software License The School Board approved the agreement between Redwood City School District and Illuminate Education Services for the eduCLIMBER Software License (Márquez/Wells; 5-0). President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes) Vice-President Márquez (Ayes) Trustee Lawson (Ayes) Trustee Wells (Ayes) Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes) 14.10 Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolution 30, Authorizing Electronic Meetings of the Board of Trustees During a State of Emergency Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(e) The School Board adopted Resolution 30, authorizing electronic meetings of the Board of Trustees during a State of Emergency pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(e) (Lawson/MacAvoy; 5-0). President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes) Vice-President Márquez (Ayes) Trustee Lawson (Ayes) Trustee Wells (Ayes) Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes)
15. Board and Superintendent Reports
15.1 Report from Board Members and Superintendent
Trustee Lawson attended a Wellness Committee meeting, a Chamber of Education Committee meeting, a Bond Program Team meeting and a North Star Forward Committee meeting.
Trustee Márquez attended the Superintendent’s Advisory Council Committee meeting, a Food Service Committee meeting, and a North Star Forward Committee meeting.
Trustee Wells attended a Bond Program, an MTSS meeting, and an audit exit meeting.
Trustee MacAvoy reported visiting Henry Ford and participated in a meeting with Congresswoman Jackie Speier.
President Díaz-Slocum attended a Food Service Committee meeting and expressed contentment at seeing Human Resources filling positions within the Child Nutrition Services Department. President Díaz-Slocum commented that CNS is informing the RCSD parent community about the fresh fruits and vegetables being offered to students.
Superintendent Baker reported attending many of the same events as other board members. Superintendent Baker commented that he and Assistant Superintendent Liz Wolfe attended a meeting at Stanford University where they discussed math pathways for students. Superintendent Baker added that Sequoia Union High School District is working collaboratively with local community colleges, San Francisco State, CAL State East Bay to offer college coursework for high school students. Superintendent Baker highlighted that this program is considering extending these services to 8th grade students. In addition, Superintendent Baker reported attending an RCEF meeting.
16. Information
16.1 San Mateo County Office of Education Review of RCSD First Interim Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2021-2022
There were no comments or questions from the School Board and Superintendent Baker.
17. Correspondence
President Díaz-Slocum reported receiving emails from staff and parents.
18. Other Business/Suggested Items for Future Agenda
There were no suggested items for future agendas.
19. Board Agenda Calendar
19.1 Changes to the Board Agenda Schedule
There were no changes reported.
20. Adjournment (Action Required)
President Díaz-Slocum thanked the Technology Department for their assistance during the board meeting. The board adjourned the meeting at 8:35p.m. (MacAvoy/Wells; 5-0).
Janet Lawson, Clerk