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January 22, 2020

JANUARY 22, 2020

REDWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Redwood City, California

APPROVED MINUTES OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

January 22, 2020

  1. Call to Order

President Lawson called the closed session meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. at the District Office, 750 Bradford Street, Redwood City. 

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

Others Present: Wendy Kelly, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources; Ilana Parmer Mandelbaum, Deputy County Counsel. 

  1. Oral Communication on Closed Session Items Only
  1. Closed Session 6:00-7:00p.m.

3.1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(2): One potential case 3.2 CSEA Negotiations Update 3.3 RCTA Negotiations Update Closed Session convened at 6:00pm. 

  1. Reconvene to Regular Session at Approximately 7:04p.m.

4.1 Roll Call

4.2 Report Out on Closed Session from 1.15.20

4.2 President Lawson reported that on January 15’s Closed Session, Administration provided the School Board with an update on both CSEA and RCTA negotiations.

4.3 Report Out on Closed Session from 1.22.20

Closed Session Item 3.1: President Lawson reported that the School Board denied the government claim.

Closed Session Item 3.2: President Lawson reported that the School Board received an update on CSEA Negotiations.

Closed Session Item 3.3: President Lawson reported that the School Board received an update on RCTA Negotiations.

  1. Welcome

5.1 Welcome

5.2 Pledge of Allegiance

President Lawson welcomed those present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

  1. Changes to the Agenda

Trustee McBride requested to move Information Item 15.2 subsequent to Oral Communication.

Additionally, Trustee McBride requested that Action Items 13.1 and 13.2 be moved to Consent. Furthermore, Trustee McBride requested that Consent Item 12.1 be moved to Action.

  1. Approval of Agenda

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

  1. Oral Communication

Maria Stockton, CSEA President, addressed the School Board by noting that the Classified Staff has had numerous demands; however, the School District has not provided feedback to the Classified Staff. Ms. Stockton also addressed an issue with the school calendar and expressed her desire for a School Board member to participate in the Calendar Committee with CSEA to look at different options. 

Katie Goetz, RCSD parent, thanked the School Board for endorsing Schools and Communities First and their endless support! Ms. Goetz encouraged School Board members to sign the presented petition. Furthermore, Ms. Goetz commented that there shouldn’t be a ski week for students due to the lack of childcare availability. 

**Note: Trustee McBride requested to move Information Item 15.2 subsequent to Oral Communication.

15.2. Information on Financial Audit Report for RCSD for 2018-19 School Year

Nathan Edelman, CPA at Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co., LLP, addressed the School Board and Superintendent Baker by expressing that the Redwood City School District financial statement are accurate. Mr. Edelman added that the District did a great job in closing the books. 

Trustee McBride thanked Mr. Edelman for all his hard work and great input on RCSDs staff. 

Mr. Edelman thanked the RCSD Business Department staff for their support and providing auditors with all they needed during the audit. 

  1. School/Community Reports

9.1 Bond Program Update

Will Robertson, Program Manager at RGM and Associates – Measure T Bond Program Team, provided the School Board and Superintendent Baker with an update on the Bond Program construction progress. 

  1. Bond Program Consent Items (Action Required)

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

10.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion School Kindergarten Playground Perimeter New Asphalt Proposal with Dryco

10.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion School Picnic Tables and Umbrellas Purchase Proposal with NSP3

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

  1. Bond Program Action Items (Action Required)

11.1 Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolution 14, Approval of Clifford School Ground Mounted Solar System Division of the State Architect (DSA) Exemption

Will Robertson, Program Manager for RGM Kramer, Inc. – RCSD Measure T Bond Program Team addressed the School Board by stating that this action item was no longer needed. Mr. Robertson requested from the School Board that this agenda item be pulled from the agenda. The School Board did not vote on this item.

11.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Bond Program Budget Movement from Program Contingency to Energy Efficiency Projects

The School Board approved the Bond Program Budget Movement from Program Contingency to Energy Efficiency Projects (Díaz-Slocum/McBride; 5-0).

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

11.3 Recommendation re: Approval of Solar Operation and Maintenance Agreement Change Request #2 with REC Solar

The School Board approved the Solar Operation and Maintenance Agreement Change Request #2 with REC Solar (MacAvoy/Márquez; 5-0).

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

  1. Consent Items

Note: Trustee McBride requested that Action Items 13.1 and 13.2 be moved to Consent. Furthermore, Trustee McBride requested that Consent Item 12.1 be moved to Action. 

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

12.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Field Trip Request to Año Nuevo Natural Preserve, Garfield School

12.3 Recommendation re: Approval of Field Trip Request to Año Nuevo Natural Preserve, Roosevelt School

12.4 Recommendation re: Approval of Agreement between the Redwood City School District and the YMCA of Silicon Valley for the Fiscal Year 2019-20

12.5 Recommendation re: Approval of Agreement between the County of San Mateo and Redwood City School District (Redwood City Community Schools)

12.6 Recommendation re: Approval of Agreement between the Redwood City School District and National Urban Alliance 12.7 Recommendation re: Approval of Agreement between the Redwood City School District and United Through Education, Inc. (Hoover School)

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

12.9 Recommendation re: Approval of Addendum to 2019-20 Measure U Application for Orion and Mandarin Immersion at the John Gill Campus

12.10 Recommendation re: Approval of Addendum to 2019-20 Measure U Application for Kennedy Middle School

12.11 Recommendation re: Approval of Revisions to Administrative Regulations 1312.4 – Williams Complain Procedures 12.12 Recommendation re: Approval of Revisions to Board Policy and Administrative Regulations 1312.3 – Uniform Complaint Procedures

12.13 Recommendation re: Approval of Revisions to Board Policy 5022 – Student and Family Privacy Rights

12.14 Recommendation re: Approval of Revisions to Board Policy and Administrative Regulations 6174 – Education for English Learners

12.15 Recommendation re: Approval of Disposal or Sale of Obsolete Equipment 13.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Connect Community Charter School Preliminary Space Offer

13.2 Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolution 15, Resolution of Findings and Approval of Rocketship Redwood City Prep Preliminary Space Offer

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

13. Action Items (Action Required)

12.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Renaming the 555 Avenue del Ora site, formerly known as John Gill Elementary School, as Orion Alternative Elementary School and the Mandarin Immersion Program as Mandarin Immersion at Orion Alternative

President Lawson began the discussion on Action Item 12.1 by accepting speaker’s cards.

Speakers:

Tiernan Weaver, student at Mandarin Immersion Program at Orion Alternative School suggested that the School Board name the school after a female Chinese American astronaut or a female African American leader. Tiernan listed the following recommendations: Marian Anderson, Mary Burnett Talbert, Shirley Anita Chilsholm, Althea Gibson, Dorothy Height, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and Phillis Wheatley.

Robyn Hayes, RCSD parent, addressed the School Board by commenting she had moved to Redwood City from Singapore last year and expressed having met amazing parents within the Redwood City School District community. Ms. Hayes further commented that she recognizes all the hard work that has been put in naming the Orion School and Mandarin Immersion Program at the John Gill Campus. Nonetheless, Ms. Hayes strongly feels that naming the John Gill School campus, Orion Alternative School, would implicate a disservice to the other two existing communities: Mandarin Immersion Program and John Gill School. Ms. Hayes encouraged the School Board to vote on a name that would solidify the Orion School, John Gill School and Mandarin Immersion Program community.

Sophie Zugnoni, RCSD parent, commented that 8 years ago, when her child was born, she had a dilemma. Ms. Zugnoni wanted a school that could offer a well-rounded education in a diverse environment. Ms. Zugnoni commented that she grew up in Africa and speaks French, Cantonose, and Malagasy. Ms. Zugnoni expressed that the Mandarin Immersion Program exceeded her expectations and further commented that she opposes to the name Orion Alternative School. Ms. Zugnoni encouraged the School Board to vote on a name that could build a new society for global citizens. Paul Zugnoni, RCSD parent, commented they have two children in the Mandarin Immersion Program and after a couple of visits to the campus, he and his wife were convinced it was a great program! Mr. Zugnoni commented he has shared his experience with friends, co-workers and neighbors and further expressed that he does not wish for the Mandarin Immersion Program to be named an alternative school. Mr. Zugnoni expressed he would like to keep the name simple and crystal clear.

Amy Huang, RCSD parent, commented she has a kindergarten student in the Mandrain Immersion Program and does not have any connection with the Orion and/or John Gill name. Ms. Huang expressed that the Orion Alternative School name sends a confusing message to families that are interested in the Mandarin Immersion Program. Ms. Huang encouraged the School Board to vote on a name that considered the future and success of the program and its education.

Shana Hackworth, Orion Alternative School parent, commented that she does not have an opinion about the name of the school and would like to make everyone happy. Ms. Hackworth expressed that it would be best for the School Board to discuss the name of the school and table the vote for a future board meeting.

Shannon Petrello, Orion Alternative School parent, addressed the School Board by stating that she would like for the School Board to vote on a non-white man name for the school.

Julia Feng, Mandarin Immersion Program parent, commented that branding is extremely important for the continued success of the program. Ms. Feng further added that school administrators from China came to visit the Mandarin Immersion Program and it was liked best, amongst neighboring competitors. Ms. Feng expressed that naming the school Orion Alternative School would hurt both programs.

In response to Ms. Feng’s comment, Trustee McBride asked Ms. Feng what name would she propose the Mandarin Immersion Program be changed to?

In response to Trustee McBride’s question, Ms. Feng recommended that the School Board vote on Redwood City Mandarin Immersion Program as a choice in renaming the Mandarin Immersion Program.

Christina Hsu, Mandarin Immersion Program parent, thanked the School Board for their leadership and commented that it is important that administration unify the campus that is John Gill. 

Furthermore, Ms. Hsu commented that it is important that both the Orion Alternative School and the Mandarin Immersion Program distinguish themselves. Ms. Hsu further added that the Mandarin Immersion Program linked to Orion Alternative School is confusing and that having both programs in one name was confusing. Ms. Hsu encouraged the School Board to vote on a name that gave the Mandarin Immersion Program its own identity.

Superintendent Baker recommended that the School Board move forward with naming the school, Orion Alternative Elementary School.

President Lawson commented that she was unsure of the Mandarin Immersion Program being its own school, as it was under the same CDE Code as Orion Alternative School. 

In response to President Lawson’s comment, Trustee McBride asked what would it take for the Mandarin Immersion Program to have its own CDE Code?

In response to Trustee McBride’s comment, Superintendent Baker commented that the Mandarin Immersion Program would need to have its own SPSA, budget and site plan.

Hester Chan, Mandarin Immersion Program parent, addressed the School Board with her concern regarding the renaming of the Orion Alternative School/Mandarin Immersion Program. Ms. Chan commented that as a pioneering parent, she put a lot of work into opening a second kindergarten classroom. Ms. Chan expressed concern about Orion moving to the John Gill campus, which she feels could potentially be the Mandarin Immersion Program’s situation in the future. Ms. Chan opposed to having the Mandarin Immersion Program be named Mandarin Immersion Program at Orion.

In response to Ms. Chan’s comment, Trustee Díaz-Slocum reiterated that there are no plans for the Mandarin Immersion Program to move to a different school site.

Trustee Díaz-Slocum made a motion to split Action Item 12.1 in two separate parts: 1. The naming of Orion Alternative School, 2. The naming of the Mandarin Immersion Program.

Vice-President MacAvoy made a motion to name the former John Gill school site Orion Alternative Elementary School which is in line with what the Board had already approved during the Planning for Our Future community engagement process in November 2019.

Trustee McBride voted, nay, as he felt there was insufficient community outreach for the renaming of the John Gill School campus. (Díaz-Slocum/MacAvoy; 4-1)

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Nay)

Per the discussions, Vice-President MacAvoy recommended that the naming of the Mandarin Immersion Program be discussed at the site level and tabled for a final vote at a future board meeting. The other Board members agreed.

  1. Board and Superintendent Reports

14.1 Report from Board Members and Superintendent

Trustee MacAvoy reported touring KIPP Excelencia and commented that she had a nice tour! Furthermore, Trustee MacAvoy reported attending Home for All Working Group. Trustee MacAvoy commented that she, Superintendent Baker, and Board President Lawson met with a Stanford University team to discuss partnership ideas. Trustee MacAvoy commented that there will be a future joint meeting with Sequoia Union High School District and Stanford University.

Trustee Díaz-Slocum did not have a report.

Trustee Márquez did not have a report.

Trustee McBride thanked Nathan Edelman, CPA from Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co. LLP for providing the Redwood City School District with great feedback! Trustee McBride added that Mr. Edelman has worked with large school districts such as San Francisco and Oakland and he spoke highly of the Redwood City School District. Furthermore, Trustee McBride acknowledged Crossing Guard, William Stratford for keeping students safe. 

President Lawson requested that a recognition for crossing guards in the Redwood City School District be agendized for a future board meeting. President Lawson reported attending a meeting with Superintendent Baker, Trustee MacAvoy and Stanford University personnel. 

Superintendent Baker reported attending many of the same events as School Board members. Superintendent Baker commented that he and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Wendy Kelly visited Roosevelt School and Hoover Community School to meet with teachers and school staff over lunch to discuss any comments, concerns, and/or questions they had. Superintendent Baker also reported meeting with Armando Sánchez from Heart of America.

  1. Information

15.1 Information on San Mateo County Investment Fund – December 2019

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

15.2 Information on Financial Audit Report for RCSD for 2018-19 School Year

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

  1. Correspondence

Trustee Díaz-Slocum reported receiving many emails from the Orion Alternative School community about renaming the school.

Trustee McBride reported having a conversation with a parent about their child not getting in to North Star Academy. 

  1. Other Business/Suggested Items for Future Agenda

Superintendent Baker commented that the Measure H Committee and Volunteer recognition had been scheduled for the February 5th board meeting.

Superintendent Baker added that on February 26th, a Discussion Item on inter-district transfers would be added to the agenda.

President Lawson requested that a recognition for all the District crossing guards be agendized for a future board meeting.

  1. Board Agenda Calendar

18.1 Changes to the Board Agenda Schedule

There were no changes to the board agenda schedule. 

  1. Adjournment (Action Required)

The board adjourned the meeting at 8:27 p.m. (Márquez/MacAvoy; 5-0).

María Díaz-Slocum, Clerk