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April 14, 2021 Regular Meeting

REDWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Redwood City, California

APPROVED MINUTES OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

April 14, 2021

REGULAR BOARD MEETING VIA TELECONFERENCE

1. Call to Order

President MacAvoy called the Closed Session meeting to order at 7:00 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: Janet Mueller from Dannis Woliver and Kelley, Dominic Dutra from 3-D Strategies, Deputy Superintendent Wendy Kelly. 

  1. Oral Communication on Closed Session Items Only

None.

  1. Closed Session 6:00-7:00pm

3.1 Conference with Real Property Negotiators

Property: 3150 Granger Way, Redwood City

Agency Negotiators: Dominic Dutra, 3D Strategies; Janet Mueller, DWK

Negotiating parties: RCSD and Wagner Schoolhouse LLC

Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment for lease

3.2 CSEA Negotiations Update

3.3 RCTA Negotiations Update

  1. Reconvene to Regular Session at Approximately 7:00pm
  • Roll Call
  • Report Out on Closed Session from 4.14.21

Report Out on 3.1 - President MacAvoy reported that the School Board received information from staff, consultants, and counsel and agreed on the proposed recommendation to move forward.

Report Out on 3.2 and 3.3 – President MacAvoy reported that the School Board would convene after the regular board meeting adjourned to continue Closed Session. 

  1. 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, Itzel Ramírez, Diane Prystas, Nathan Edelman, and 54 additional attendees. 

  1. Changes to the Agenda
  • Changes to the Agenda

President MacAvoy requested that a continuation of the Closed Session be added to the end of the board meeting. 

Trustee Wells requested that Information Item 16.1 be moved on the agenda subsequent to the Bond Program Action Items.

  1. Approval of Agenda

The School Board approved the agenda as amended, (Díaz-Slocum, Wells; 5-0).

  1. Oral Communication

Maria Stockton, Clifford staff, addressed the School Board and Superintendent Baker by requesting that all Classified staff be given an opportunity to speak directly to the School Board and Superintendent Baker. Ms. Stockton expressed that often, Classified staff ask questions and they are told by administration that they cannot answer their questions as the School District is currently in negotiations. Ms. Stockton noted that Classified staff have been acting as essential workers since the School District reopened and she finds it unfair that teachers were given additional compensation for returning to in-person teaching. Ms. Stockton requested that the School Board and administration acknowledge and recognize all the hard work from Classified staff.

  1. School/Community Reports
  • Roy Cloud School’s Social Emotional Learning Program during the 2020-21 School Year

President MacAvoy addressed the School Board, Superintendent Baker and members of the public by introducing Principal Diane Prsytas from Roy Cloud School.

Principal Prystas presented to the School Board and Superintendent Baker a presentation on Roy Cloud’s social and emotional learning program. 

President MacAvoy, the entire School Board and Superintendent Baker thanked Principal Prystas, the Roy Cloud School staff community for their wonderful leadership and work!

  1. Bond Program Consent Items (Action Required)

The Board approved the Bond Program Consent Items (Lawson/Wells; 5-0), taking the following action:

10.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Seat Wall Proposal with Casey Fogli for Hoover School

10.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Measure T Bond Program Tracking List for Items Under $20K

10.3 Recommendation re: Approval of Flooring and Carpentry Add Service Proposals for the Child Daycare Center (CDC) at Garfield School with Enviroplex

10.4 Recommendation re: Approval of Storm Drain Proposals for Garfield School with MK Pipelines

10.5 Recommendation re: Approval of Special Testing and Inspection Project Authorization Form (PAF) #18-1 for Taft School with Ninyo and Moore

10.6 Recommendation re: Approval of Additional California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Air Monitoring Project Authorization Form #31-5 for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with Ninyo and Moore

10.7 Recommendation re: Approval of the Proposal to Refresh the Track for Kennedy Middle School with Scapes

10.8 Recommendation re: Approval of Plumbing Fixture Modifications Proposal for the Child Daycare Center (CDC) at Garfield School with O.C. McDonald

10.9 Recommendation re: Approval of Covid-19 Safety Compliance Officer (SCO) Amendment #1 for Active Construction Sites with The Safety Guys

10.10 Recommendation re: Approval of Asphalt Replacement Construction Agreement for Clifford School with Silicon Valley Paving

10.11 Recommendation re: Approval of the Interim Housing (IH) Landscape Restoration for Roosevelt School with TD Builder

10.12 Recommendation re: Approval of Exterior Ramp Proposal for Clifford School with Ap and Deck

10.13 Recommendation re: Approval of Kindergarten Play Structure Agreement for Garfield School with Park Planet

10.14 Recommendation re: Approval of Electric Bus Chargers Purchase Agreement for the Maintenance Yard at 601 James Avenue with BTC

10.15 Recommendation re: Approval of American Disability Act (ADA) Path of Travel and Handrail Proposals for Clifford School with Dryco

10.16 Recommendation re: Approval of Electric Bus Chargers Non-California Energy Commission (Non-CEC) Oversight Support Proposal for the Maintenance Yard at 601 James Avenue with Sage

10.17 Recommendation re: Approval of Temporary Parking Lot Proposal for Garfield School with Duran & Venables

10.18. Recommendation re: Approval of Parking Lot Expansion Architect Agreement for Kennedy Middle School with HED

10.19 Recommendation re: Approval of Architect Add Service Proposal for Hoover School with CSDA

10.20 Recommendation re: Approval of the Modernization Project for Roosevelt Elementary School with Calstate Construction, Change Order #4

President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee Lawson (Ayes)

Trustee Wells (Ayes)

  1. Bond Program Action Items (Action Required)

None.

  1. Discussion Items
  • Information on Financial Audit Report for RCSD for 2019-20 School Year

Nathan Edelman from Eide Bailly LLP provided the School Board and Superintendent Baker with a brief financial audit report for the Redwood City School District comprising the 2019-20 school year.

Mr. Edelman reported to the School Board and Superintendent Baker that the Redwood City School District financial statements are presented fairly. Mr. Edelman expressed that it is a pleasure working with the Redwood City School District and all staff members comply with any auditing requests.

The School Board and Superintendent Baker thanked Mr. Edelman for his presentation.

12.2 Spring Expansion of School District January Reopening 

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. 

Superintendent Baker commented that there has been a total of 3,950 in-person learning students and there are 2,719 students continuing distance learning. A total of 6,669 students are being currently served in the Redwood City School District. 

Principal Prystas reported out on Roy Cloud School and commented that they are currently serving a total of 667 students. 505 students have returned to campus for in-person learning and 162 students continue to do full distance learning. 

Deputy Superintendent Wendy Kelly provided the School Board and Superintendent Baker with information regarding new guidelines from the San Mateo County framework. The Redwood City School District is in the planning stage of moving from 6 feet to 3 feet. Nonetheless, there needs to continue being a distance of 6 feet between a teacher’s desk and students. 

Superintendent Baker reiterated that for the 2021-22 school year, all students are expected to return for in-person instruction. Superintendent Baker noted that he has decided not to move forward with the Virtual Academy. Superintendent Baker added that administration is looking into offering independent study for those families that do not feel safe returning to in-person learning. 

Speaker’s Cards:

Polina Segalova, RCSD parent, addressed the School Board and Superintendent Baker by thanking them for all the hard work this past year. Ms. Segalova asked, is the School District working with any other partners to start discussions about bringing back after school programs to accommodate working parents?

In response to Ms. Segalova’s question, Superintendent Baker replied that administration needs to make sure there is enough space in order to allow for physical distancing. Superintendent Baker commented that the Redwood City School District would not run any after school programs, but would be open to working with partners and other outside entities to ensure working parents have options.

Catherine Stuart, Mandarin Immersion Program parent, addressed the School Board and Superintendent Baker by asking what would happen if they want to stay in independent study in the fall? Furthermore, Ms. Stuart asked if a vaccine is available for children, will it be a requirement for students?

In response to Ms. Stuart’s comment, Superintendent Baker replied that he would speak to other school sites to see what independent study would look like in the fall. In response to her question about vaccines for children, Superintendent Baker answered that vaccines cannot be required for students until it is mandated by law. 

The School Board thanked Superintendent Baker, administration and staff for all of their hard work and leadership and for continuing to keep them informed about the next steps in the reopening plan.

  1. Consent Items (Action Required)

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

13.1 Recommendation re: Approval of March 24th (Update on the Equity Consciousness Committee) Board Minutes

13.2 Recommendation re: Approval of March 24th (Regular Board Meeting) Board Minutes

13.3 Recommendation re: Approval of Nomination of Parent Elena Levina to the San Mateo County SELPA's Community Advisory Committee/Resource Parent Council (CAC/RPC) for a 2-Year Period

13.4 Recommendation re: Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy 0430 – Comprehensive Local Plan for Special Education

13.5 Recommendation re: Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy 3551 – Food Service Operations/Cafeteria Fund

13.6 Recommendation re: Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy 5142 – Safety

13.7 Recommendation re: Ratification of Warrant Register, March 1, 2021 – March 31, 2021

13.8 Recommendation re: Extension of the Agreement for Food Service Management between Sodexo America, LLC and Redwood City School District to Fiscal Year 2021-22

13.9 Recommendation re: Approval of Local Interagency Agreement(s) to Provide Education and Training to Credential Candidates

President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee Lawson (Ayes)

Trustee Wells (Ayes)

  1. Action Items (Action Required)

14.1 Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolution 20, Reduction of Certain Classified Services for Fiscal Year 2021-22

The School Board adopted Resolution 20, reduction of Certain Classified Services for Fiscal Year 2021-22 (Márquez/Lawson; 5-0).

President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee Lawson (Ayes)

Trustee Wells (Ayes)

14.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Additional Personnel Needed for 2020-21

The School Board approved additional personnel needed for 2020-21 (Wells/Lawson; 5-0).

President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee Lawson (Ayes)

Trustee Wells (Ayes)

14.3 Recommendation re: Approval of Classified General Leave Request(s)

The School Board approved the release and reassignment of Certificated Administrative Personnel (Márquez/Díaz-Slocum; 5-0).

President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee Lawson (Ayes)

Trustee Wells (Ayes)

  1. Board and Superintendent Reports
  • Report from Board Members and Superintendent

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

Trustee Wells reported attending the LCAP meeting and expressed that Assistant Superintendent Liz Wolfe had done a great job organizing the meeting. 

Trustee Díaz-Slocum attended a Coffee with the Superintendent event, together with Trustee Márquez. 

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. 

  1. Information

Per Trustee Wells, Information 16.1 was moved to Discussion 12.1. 

  1. Correspondence

President MacAvoy reported receiving emails from parents about the RCSD Reopening Plan.

  1. Other Business/Suggested Items for Future Agenda

The School Board and Superintendent Baker discussed changing some dates for the June board meetings. The School Board and Superintendent Baker agreed that June 16 and 23 would remain on the calendar, adding a special board meeting on June 30th and later determining whether to keep or remove the June 2nd board meeting.

  1. Board Agenda Calendar
  • Changes to the Board Agenda Schedule

 None.

  1. Adjournment

The School Board, Superintendent Baker, Deputy Superintendent Kelly, and CBO Aquino-Dichoso went back into Closed Session at 9:20 p.m.

The school board adjourned the meeting at 10:27 p.m. (Márquez/Lawson; 5-0).

 Cecilia I. Márquez, Clerk