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March 18, 2020

MARCH 18, 2020

REDWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Redwood City, California

APPROVED MINUTES OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

March 18, 2020

  1. Call to Order

President Janet Lawson called the special board meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Redwood City School District (“RCSD”), 750 Bradford Street, Redwood City.

All board members were present via tele-conference. 

  1. Welcome

President Janet Lawson welcomed those present. The School Board dispensed with the recital of the pledge.

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

Others Present: Wendy Kelly, Don Dias, Jorge Quintana, Kyle Brumbaugh.

  1. Changes to the Agenda

President McBride requested to move Action Item 10.2 to Consent.

  1. Approval of Agenda

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

  1. Oral Communication

None.

  1. Bond Program Consent Items (Action Required)

No Bond Program Consent Items for approval.

  1. Bond Program Action Items (Action Required)

No Bond Program Consent Items for approval. 

  1. Discussion Items
  • Discussion on COVID-19

Superintendent Baker addressed the School Board with a discussion related to Covid-19. Superintendent Baker expressed that he and his staff have worked diligently in communicating with the community about the preventive measure being taken by the Redwood City School District. Superintendent Baker added that Governor Newsom had expressed during his press conference that school would be closed until Fall 2020; however, Superintendent Baker stated that he would was not authorized to make such a decision. Superintendent Baker reiterated that he would take the advice from the San Mateo County Health Department and let families know ahead of time in order for them to plan accordingly.

Furthermore, Superintendent Baker reported that the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative had donated 500 hotspots for families to utilize for distance learning. Superintendent Baker commented that the Technology Department would continue to work closely with RCSD parents to plan staggered pick up times in order to avoid crowds at the District Office.

In addition, Superintendent Baker stated that Assistant Superintendents Linda Montes and Wendy Kelly have been working with Staff Development to send homework packets to students. Superintendent Baker commented that some families have felt like there is a lot of homework being assigned to students; however, Superintendent Baker added that homework packets were being sent home while staff worked on distance learning plans with teachers and principals.

Vice-President MacAvoy commented that several school districts have adopted resolutions to give their superintendents authority and jurisdiction to make decisions regarding distance learning and safety. 

In response to Vice-President MacAvoy’s comment, Superintendent Baker said he has been able to communicate effectively and timely with each school board member.

All board members were in agreement to hold a special board meeting to adopt a resolution, which would provide Superintendent Baker with authority and jurisdiction to make emergency decisions for the well-being of the Redwood City School District students, staff, and community.

  1. Consent Items (Action Required)

Note: Trustee McBride requested that Action Item 10.2 be moved to Consent.

10.2 Recommendation re: Approval of eRate Category 2 – Network Equipment, Request for Proposals

The School Board approved the eRate Category 2 – Network Equipment, Request for Proposals (McBride, MacAvoy; 5-0)

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

  1. Action Items (Action Required)
  • Recommendation re: Approval of Student Instructional Calendar for 2020-21 and 2021-22

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Wendy Kelly presented a 2-year calendar for 2020-21 and 2021-22. In March of 2019, CSEA ratified the contract. In the update the School District added language to the contract, Article 9.1 that said that prior to October 1st of each school year, the School District would provide CSEA with a draft of the calendar. By November 1st CSEA, would provide the School District with their in-lieu holidays. Furthermore, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Wendy Kelly commented that the calendars were ratified in 2019 and in May 2019. Human Resources produced a 2021 and 2022 calendar and gave them to CSEA and RCTA to review. In November 2019, CSEA gave their 2 in lieu holidays and the final calendar was given to both unions in December 2019. Both unions reviewed the calendars and RCTA was favorable of the calendars. CSEA expressed concern about the February holidays and that the school year would end four days later. Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Wendy Kelly contacted County Counsel and it was confirmed that the School District abided by the rules.

The School Board approved the student instructional calendar for 2020-21 and 2021-22 (MacAvoy, Díaz-Slocum; 5-0).

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

11. Board and Superintendent Reports

President Lawson did not have a report.

Vice-President MacAvoy did not have a report.

Trustee Díaz-Slocum did not have a report.

Trustee McBride reported working with a Santa Clara County developer who owns a number of restaurants and would like to provide meals for families.

Trustee Márquez did not have a report.

Superintendent Baker commented that the District Office has been closed due to Covid-19; however, the Payroll Office remains open. Superintendent Baker expressed that RCSD staff have started working remotely from home.

12. Information 

12.1 Information on San Mateo County Investment Fund – February 2020 There were no comments and/or questions from School Board members and Superintendent Baker.

13. Correspondence Trustee MacAvoy reported receiving many questions from the RCSD community about Covid-19 and the steps the Redwood City School District will be taking to guarantee safety.

14. Other Business/Suggested Items For Future Agenda  Trustee MacAvoy requested that the next board meeting be done via Google Meet or Zoom.



15. Board Agenda Calendar 15.1. Changes to the Board Agenda Schedule Superintendent Baker commented he would like to hold a board meeting next week to adopt a resolution related to Covid-19. 16. Adjournment (Action Required)

The board adjourned the meeting at 8:06 p.m. (Márquez, Díaz-Slocum; 5-0).

 

María Díaz-Slocum, Clerk