March 10, 2021
MARCH 10, 2021
REDWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Redwood City, California
APPROVED MINUTES OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
March 10, 2021
REGULAR BOARD MEETING VIA TELECONFERENCE
- Call to Order
President MacAvoy called the Closed Session meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom Teleconference Meeting.
Present at the Closed Session Meeting: President Alisa MacAvoy, Vice-President María Díaz-Slocum; Trustees Cecilia I. Márquez, Janet Lawson, Mike Wells, and Superintendent Baker.
Others Present: Deputy Superintendent Wendy Kelly.
- Oral Communication on Closed Session Items Only
None.
- Closed Session 6:00-7:00pm
- Closed Session for Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Retention (Government Code §54957) (2 Cases)
- Reconvene to Regular Session at Approximately 7:00pm
- Roll Call
- Report Out on Closed Session from 3.10.21
President MacAvoy reported that the School Board received information from administration and accepted their recommendation.
- Welcome
- Welcome
President MacAvoy 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, Liz Wolfe, Catherine Stuart, Maria Stockton, Jude Noyes, Ana Lague, Anna Solorio, Sue Jorgenson, Michelle Territo, Tracey Pitter, Pam Barasch, Indra Hernández, Stephanie Chen, Shana Hackworth, Gonzálo Córdova, and Itzel Ramírez.
- Changes to the Agenda
- Changes to the Agenda
Trustee Wells requested that Action Items 14.2 and 14.3 be moved to Consent.
President MacAvoy requested that Action Item 14.8 be moved to Consent.
- Approval of Agenda
The School Board approved the agenda as amended, (Díaz-Slocum, Lawson; 5-0).
- Oral Communication
Anna Solorio, Office Manager at Roy Cloud School, addressed the School Board and Superintendent Baker by thanking them for giving her an opportunity to speak. Ms. Solorio commented that she sent a letter to the School Board requesting support from the School Board and Superintendent Baker. Ms. Solorio asked the School Board and Superintendent Baker if Classified staff could receive a similar compensation as teachers have received for in-person instruction, as they have continued to work on site. Ms. Solorio stated that there has been an increase in job responsibilities and urged the School Board and Superintendent Baker to consider a compensation for Classified staff.
Sue Jorgenson, librarian at Taft Community School, commented that she was happy to follow Ms. Anna Solorio’s comment. Ms. Jorgenson stated that she has participated in the Equity Committee and expressed that her comment was based on an equity standpoint. Ms. Jorgenson further added that while teachers have been receiving three different stipends, it is fair that Classified staff receive compensation for working hard in an attempt to get schools ready for reopening. Ms. Jorgenson stated that there is a great discrepancy between pay. Ms. Jorgenson urged the School Board and Superintendent Baker to consider additional compensation for Classified staff.
In response to Ms. Solorio and Ms. Jorgenson’s comments, Deputy Superintendent Wendy Kelly commented that administration was still undergoing negotiations and could not have a discussion on the matter. Deputy Superintendent Kelly commented that Classified staff are hourly employees, whereas teachers are on a salary schedule. Deputy Superintendent Kelly encouraged Classified staff to fill out a timesheet if they are working additional hours.
- School/Community Reports
- Scholastic Bloom Hybrid Plant Projects (7th and 8th Grade Science at Clifford
School)
President MacAvoy addressed the School Board, Superintendent Baker and members of the public by introducing Michelle Territo, 7th and 8th grade science teacher at Clifford School.
Ms. Territo presented to the School Board and Superintendent Baker a Scholastic Science Plant Mash Up Contest from her 7th grade science class. Ms. Territo stated that the contest was a creation of hybrid plants that help solve problems within the community. Furthermore, Ms. Territo also showcased a slide show from her 8th grade science class which showed force and motion, energy transfer and simple machines through the eyes of Rube Goldberg.
President MacAvoy, the entire School Board and Superintendent Baker thanked Ms. Territo and her students for a terrific presentation!
- Bond Program Update
Will Robertson, RGM and Associates Program Manager for Measure T Bond Program, provided the School Board with an update of the bond program construction throughout various school sites in the district.
- Bond Program Consent Items (Action Required)
The Board approved the Bond Program Consent Items (Díaz-Slocum/Márquez; 5-0), taking the following action:
10.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Measure T Bond Program Tracking List of Items Under $20K
10.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Architect Construction Administration (CA) Fee Add Service Proposals for Garfield and Taft Schools with HED
10.3 Recommendation re: Approval of Security Guard and Fire Watch Services Proposal for Roosevelt School with Metro
10.4 Recommendation re: Approval of Landscaping Proposal for Hoover School with Marina
10.5 Recommendation re: Approval of Additional California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Oversight Proposal for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with SCS Engineers
10.6 Recommendation re: Approval of Fencing Proposal for Adelante Selby School with VS Fencing
10.7 Recommendation re: Approval of Roy Cloud School Modernization and Barrier Removal Project with Mar Con Builder, Change Order #3
10.8 Recommendation re: Approval of Taft Community School New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework Project Bid Package G with Beals Martin, Change Order #7
President MacAvoy (Ayes)
Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee Lawson (Ayes)
Trustee Wells (Ayes)
- Bond Program Action Items (Action Required)
None.
- Discussion Items
12.1 COVID-19 and Reopening Update
Superintendent Baker and the School Board continued a discussion about distance learning and an update of the reopening plan.
Assistant Superintendent Liz Wolfe, provided the School Board and Superintendent Baker with a PowerPoint presentation, which provided further information about in-person learning, distance learning, and an update of the reopening plan.
Principal Noyes started his presentation by expressing that the Clifford School staff community is very excited for students to return to campus. Principal Noyes commented that teachers have been busy planning and added that once schedules were finalized, they would be shared with administration and the parent community. Furthermore, Principal Jude Noyes provided the School Board and Superintendent Baker with information regarding Clifford School’s in-person instruction, hubs and pod’s attendance
COVID-19 Vaccine Update:
Superintendent Baker commented that as of March 4th, all Redwood City School District staff had been offered access to a vaccine through the San Mateo County Office of Education and the San Mateo County Health Department.
District Planning: Spring Reopening Expansion and 2021-22 School Year:
Superintendent Baker commented that on March 4th, the Redwood City School District signed a new MOU with the Redwood City Teacher’s Association. Subsequently, the School District sent out a survey to the community.
Discussion
Superintendent Baker stated that he and Assistant Superintendent Liz Wolfe will meet with principals to start working on schedules.
Speaker’s Cards:
Pam Barasch, teacher at Henry Ford School, addressed the School Board and Superintendent Baker by stating that this year has been more challenging than she ever expected. Ms. Barasch further added that vaccines are here and soon students and staff will be returning to school. Ms. Barasch commented that she would like to travel and have a safe trip away. Ms. Barasch stated that she will quarantine for 10 days upon her return and asked if these are the same expectations in place for students and their families?
In response to Ms. Barasch’s comment, President MacAvoy commented that she would try and get clarity from the County regarding the restrictions for travel during Spring Break and return requirements for staff and students if they have traveled.
Indra Hernández, teacher at Child Development Center, thanked the School Board and Superintendent Baker for allowing her a few minutes to speak. Ms. Hernández asked if staff needed to continue adhering to the 6 feet apart guideline and asked if all social gatherings should continue to be postponed? Ms. Henández stated that CDC teachers were asked to meet with a group of parents and was simply addressing this matter with the School Board and Superintendent Baker to obtain further clarification. Furthermore, Ms. Hernández asked if the Wellness Survey should be filled out on a daily basis? Ms. Hernández expressed that she knows of staff being on campus on Wednesdays when no one should be there.
In response to Ms. Hernández’s comments, Deputy Superintendent Kelly said she would personally reach out to her to further discuss her questions and concerns.
Stephanie Chen, RCSD parent, asked the School Board and Superintendent Baker why was there a discrepancy in reopening plans for school sites? Ms. Chen commented that for equity concerns, she believes that all school sites should be returning to in-person instruction in a similar manner.
In response to Ms. Chen’s comment, Superintendent Baker commented that the Redwood City School District is a district of choice and many schools have requested to submit their own reopening plan.
In further response to Ms. Chen’s comment, President MacAvoy replied that there have been parents that have requested that school sites refine their own plan to return to school.
Shana Hackworth, RCSD parent, stated that she appreciates the reopening plan for the fall and commented that she likes that there will be a choice to either do in-person instruction or the virtual academy. Ms. Hackworth asked if students that have a Schools of Choice placement, would they lose their placement if they decide to move forward with the virtual academy?
In response to Ms. Hackworth’s comment, Superintendent Baker replied that he would propose for next school year only that students in a Schools of Choice placement would not lose their spot. Superintendent Baker has not yet officially finalized this proposal with administration and will be presented to the School Board for approval at a future board meeting.
Trustee Wells commented that it is great to hear about the progress going on at all the school sites. Trustee Wells congratulated the School District on the excellent distribution of vaccines. Trustee Wells thanked Deputy Superintendent Kelly, RCTA, and the negotiations team for all of her hard work with negotiations and also thanked Superintendent Baker and Assistant Superintendent Liz Wolfe for meeting with principals individually to make sure class schedules are aligned with the community’s needs.
Trustee Lawson stated that the School District has been working really hard to bring students back for in person learning. Trustee Lawson expressed that she has been able to experience having a student doing in-person learning, one in a hub, and another doing distance learning. Trustee Lawson commented that her sons are doing well in all the different settings. Trustee Lawson also added that it would be helpful to clarify who would need to quarantine, if they decide to travel.
Vice-President Díaz-Slocum expressed that it would be helpful if the Superintendent of Schools, Nancy Magee sent a communiqué detailing the guidelines for quarantining subsequent to spring break. Vice-President Díaz-Slocum thanked the School District for making sure that everything is running smoothly. Vice-President Díaz-Slocum commented she plans to visit schools once it is safe because she would love to see the students.
Trustee Márquez commented that the Redwood City School District has come a long way in ensuring that its staff community, as well as its student community remains safe. Trustee Márquez thanked the Redwood City School District staff for all of their hard work and personally thanked Eliana García and Kyle Brumbaugh for being present at all the board meetings.
President MacAvoy commented that she would like to echo all of the comments from all board members. President MacAvoy commented that the School District is providing a choice to the community, whether to return in-person or via the virtual academy.
In closing, Superintendent Baker clarified that if a parent does not submit a survey, it does not mean they will be automatically placed under the “distance learning” category. Superintendent Baker assured parents that a staff member would contact them to follow up about filling out a survey.
- Consent Items (Action Required)
The Board approved the Consent Items (Lawson/Wells; 5-0), taking the following action:
**Note: Trustee Wells requested that Action Items 14.2 and 14.3 be moved to Consent. President MacAvoy requested that Action Item 14.8 be moved to Consent also.
13.1 Recommendation re: Approval of February 24th Board Minutes
13.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Local Interagency Agreement(s) to Provide Education and Training to Credentialed Candidates
13.3 Recommendation re: Ratification of Warrant Register, February 1, 2021-February 28, 2021
13.4 Recommendation re: Approval of Disposal of Obsolete Technology Assets
13.5 Recommendation re: Approval of 2020-21 Measure U Application for Rocketship Redwood City Prep
13.6 Recommendation re: Approval of 2020-21 Addendum to Measure U Application for Roosevelt School
13.7 Recommendation re: Approval of 2020-21 Addendum to Measure U Application for Taft School
14.2 Recommendation re: Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy 1340 – Access to District Records
14.3 Recommendation re: Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy 3280 – Sale, Lease, Rental of District-Owned Real Property
14.8 Recommendation re: Approval of Third Amendment to Agreement between Redwood City School District and the National Urban Alliance
President MacAvoy (Ayes)
Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee Lawson (Ayes)
Trustee Wells (Ayes)
- Action Items (Action Required)
- Recommendation re: Approval of the 2020-21 Second Interim Budget Report for RCSD
The School Board approved the 2020-21 Second Interim Budget Report for the Redwood City School District (Díaz-Slocum/Wells; 5-0).
President MacAvoy (Ayes)
Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee Lawson (Ayes)
Trustee Wells (Ayes)
**Note: President MacAvoy mentioned that due to Board Policy, all board meetings needed to adjourn by 10:00pm. President MacAvoy made a motion to extend the board meeting to 10:45pm.
The School Board approved to extend the board meeting to 10:45pm (Lawson, Wells; 5-0).
President MacAvoy (Ayes)
Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee Lawson (Ayes)
Trustee Wells (Ayes)
14.4 Recommendation re: Approval of CBEST Waiver for Substitute Teachers for 2021
The School Board approved the CBEST Waiver for Substitute Teachers for 2020-21 (Lawson/Wells; 5-0).
President MacAvoy (Ayes)
Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee Lawson (Ayes)
Trustee Wells (Ayes)
14.5 Recommendation re: Approval of Release and Reassignment of Certificated Administrative Personnel
The School Board approved the release and reassignment of Certificated Administrative Personnel (Díaz-Slocum/Lawson; 5-0).
President MacAvoy (Ayes)
Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee Lawson (Ayes)
Trustee Wells (Ayes)
14.6 Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolution 16, Determination of Order of Employment for Certificated Employees for Elimination of or Reductions in Particular Kinds of Services for Fiscal Year 2021-22 and Approval of the 2020-21 Certificated Seniority Report
The School Board adopted Resolution 16, Determination of order of employment for Certificated Employees for elimination of or reductions in particular kinds of services for Fiscal Year 2021-22 and approval of the 2020-21 Certificated Seniority Report (Wells/Márquez; 5-0).
President MacAvoy (Ayes)
Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee Lawson (Ayes)
Trustee Wells (Ayes)
14.7 Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolutions 17 and 18, Reduction or Elimination of Certificated Services for Fiscal Year 2020-21
The School Board adopted Resolutions 17 and 18, Reduction or elimination of Certificated Services for Fiscal Year 202-21 (Lawson/Díaz-Slocum; 5-0).
President MacAvoy (Ayes)
Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee Lawson (Ayes)
Trustee Wells (Ayes)
- Board and Superintendent Reports
- Report from Board Members and Superintendent
Vice-President Díaz-Slocum reported attending a virtual Budget Committee meeting.
Trustee Wells reported attending a virtual Bond Committee meeting,
Trustee Lawson reported attending a virtual Bond Committee meeting, a Workforce Housing Committee meeting, and she also attended a Policy Committee meeting with President MacAvoy.
Trustee Márquez reported attending a virtual Budget Committee meeting and attended the Hoover Cafecito.
President MacAvoy reported attending the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee meeting. President MacAvoy also reported having a conversation with the Redwood City Education Foundation Executive Director, Jason Galisatus. President MacAvoy expressed that she had invited Mr. Galisatus to provide the Redwood City School Board with an update on the Redwood City Education Foundation at a future board meeting. Furthermore, President MacAvoy reported attending virtually many California School Boards Association meetings. President MacAvoy also attended a virtual meeting on Equity and attended a Board Policy Committee meeting.
Superintendent Baker reported attending many of the same meetings as School Board members and also attended a Superintendent’s Advisory Council meeting.
- Information
There were no information items.
- Correspondence
Trustee Lawson reported receiving emails about the new fencing placement at some school sites.
President MacAvoy reported receiving emails about the RCSD Reopening Plan.
- Other Business/Suggested Items for Future Agenda
President MacAvoy requested that an update from the Redwood City Education Foundation be added to the Schedule of Board Agenda Items.
Superintendent Baker confirmed that there would be a Study Session on Equity on March 24th at 6:00pm.
A Closed Session was confirmed for March 24th at 5:30pm.
- Board Agenda Calendar
- Changes to the Board Agenda Schedule
None.
- Adjournment
The board adjourned the meeting at 10:39 p.m. (Márquez/Lawson; 5-0).
Cecilia I. Márquez, Clerk