April 22, 2020
APRIL 22, 2020
REDWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Redwood City, California
APPROVED MINUTES OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
April 22, 2020
REGULAR VIRTUAL BOARD MEETING
- Call to Order
President Janet Lawson called the virtual closed session meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Present at the virtual closed session meeting: President Janet Lawson, Vice-President Alisa MacAvoy; Trustees María Díaz-Slocum, Cecilia I. Márquez, and Dennis McBride, Superintendent Baker.
Others Present: Patricia Pelino, Special Education Department Director; Ilana Parmer Mandelbaum, Deputy County Counsel; Rosendo Padilla, Deputy County Counsel.
- Oral Communication on Closed Session Items Only
None.
- 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 Closed Session convened at 6:00pm.
- Reconvene to Regular Session at Approximately 7:00p.m.
4.1 Roll Call
4.2 Report Out on Closed Session from 4.22.20
4.2 President Lawson reported that the School Board accepted the advice of legal counsel.
- Welcome
5.1 Welcome
5.2 Pledge of Allegiance
President Lawson welcomed those present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
- Changes to the Agenda
There were no changes made to the agenda.
- Approval of Agenda
The board approved the agenda as submitted, (Márquez, Díaz-Slocum; 5-0).
- Oral Communication
None.
- Bond Program Consent Items (Action Required)
The board approved the Bond Program Consent Items (McBride/Díaz-Slocum; 5-0), taking the following action:
9.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Administration Building and Parking Lot Project Change Order #7 with Beals Martin for Kennedy Middle School
9.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Parking Lot Expansion Change Order #2 with Tri Valley Excavating for Adelante Selby
9.3 Recommendation re: Approval of New Gymnasium and Modernization Project Package D Change Order #1 with Atlas Pellizzari for Hoover Community School
9.4 Recommendation re: Approval of Modernization Project Change Order #1 with Cal-Pacific Construction for Kennedy Middle School
9.5 Recommendation re: Approval of Modernization Project Change Order #1 with Cal-Pacific Construction for Henry Ford School
President Lawson (Ayes)
Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)
Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee McBride (Ayes)
- Bond Program Action Items (Action Required)
10.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Agreement for Abatement Construction with ATI at Hoover Community School
The School Board approved the agreement for abatement construction with ATI at Hoover Community School (McBride/MacAvoy; 5-0).
President Lawson (Ayes)
Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)
Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee McBride (Ayes)
10.2 Recommendation re: Approval of New Gymnasium and Modernization Project Package G Change Order #2 with Beals Martin, Inc. for Hoover Community School
The School Board approved the new gymnasium and modernization project package g change order #2 with Beals Martin, Inc. for Hoover Community School (Díaz-Slocum/Márquez; 5-0).
President Lawson (Ayes)
Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)
Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee McBride (Ayes)
10.3 Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolution 24, Approval of Energy Management System (EMS) Upgrades Sole Source Resolution and Agreements with Siemens
The School Board adopted Resolution 24, approval of energy management system (EMS) upgrades sole source resolution and agreements with Siemens (MacAvoy/Márquez; 5-0).
President Lawson (Ayes)
Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)
Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
Trustee Márquez (Ayes) Trustee McBride (Ayes)
10.4 Recommendation re: Approval of Agreements for Energy Management System (EMS) Intrusion and Security Camera System Design with Siemens
The School Board approved the agreements for energy management system (EMS) intrusion and security camera system design with Siemens (MacAvoy/Márquez; 5-0).
President Lawson (Ayes)
Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)
Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee McBride (Ayes)
10.5 Recommendation re: Approval of Construction Management Consultant Fee Reconciliation Proposals with RGM Kramer
The School Board approved the construction management consultant fee reconciliation proposals with RGM Kramer (Díaz-Slocum/Márquez; 5-0).
President Lawson (Ayes)
Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)
Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee McBride (Ayes)
11. Discussion Items
11.1 Discussion on COVID-19
Superintendent Baker provided the School Board with an update regarding the safety measures the Redwood City School District is taking during the shelter in place order.
Community Schools Director, Patricia Ortiz commented that she has been working diligently with RCSD partners, such as Second Harvest to provide food distribution for families. Ms. Ortiz commented that she has received support from Director of Facilities Martin Cervantes and Bond Program Director Don Dias to monitor incoming traffic at designated school sites for food pick-up.
Director of Technology, Kyle Brumbaugh stated that he has been working with his department to continue issuing Chromebooks and hotspots for families that need them.
Superintendent Baker expressed that he will be attending meetings with neighboring district superintendents and administrators at the San Mateo County Office of Education to discuss distance learning protocols and planning for when school districts are able to reopen.
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Wendy Kelly indicated that the Human Resources Department has been working with the Facilities Department to develop a schedule for deep cleaning.
The School Board thanked Superintendent Baker, administrators and staff for all of their hard work during the shelter in place order.
Speaker’s Cards: Teresita Carlos, addressed the School Board by thanking all the teachers who have been doing an outstanding job with their students!
Kevin Sugar, RCTA President, addressed the School Board by emphasizing how necessary it is to continue committing to the agreement that has been signed in the past. Mr. Sugar commented that he appreciated the positive comments from the community, families, and staff.
11.2 Discussion of Revisions to Board Policy 5131 – Conduct
11.3 Discussion of Revisions to Board Policy 5145.9 – Hate Motivated Behavior
11.4 Discussion of Revisions to Board Policy and Administrative Regulations 6143 – Courses of Study
11.5 Discussion of Revisions to Board Policy and Administrative Regulations 6145.5 – Student Organization and Equal Access
Assistant Superintendent Linda Montes discussed items 11.2 through 11.5 with the School Board and Superintendent Baker and expressed that each of those items had been modified to reflect some requested changes from the School Board.
Assistant Superintendent Linda Montes commented that the Board Policy Committee reviewed and made the requested changes before presenting the board policies to the School Board for consideration.
- Consent Items
The board approved the Consent Items (McBride/Márquez; 5-0), taking the following action:
12.1 Recommendation re: Ratification of Warrant Register, February 1, 2020 – February 29, 2020
12.2 Recommendation re: Measure T Citizens Bond Oversight Committee Membership and Duration/Term of Services
12.3 Recommendation re: Extension of the Agreement for Food Service Management between Sodexo America, LLC. And Redwood City School District to Fiscal Year 2020-21 12.4 Recommendation re: Approval of Agreement between the County of San Mateo and Redwood City School District (Redwood City Community Schools )
12.5 Recommendation re: Approval of Agreement between the City of Redwood City and Redwood City School District (Redwood City Community Schools)
12.6 Recommendation re: Approval of Renewal of Agreement between Dreambox Learning and Redwood City School District 12.7 Recommendation re: Approval of Measure U Addendum #2 for 2019-20, Connect Community Charter School
President Lawson (Ayes)
Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)
Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee McBride (Ayes)
13. Action Items (Action Required)
13.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Permanently Renaming the 170 Selby Lane in Atherton site, currently on file with the California Department of Education as Selby Lane Elementary School, as Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion School
Superintendent Baker addressed the School Board by stating that he would like to move forward with the recommendation of naming the 170 Selby Lane site, Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion School. Superintendent Baker added that after discussing the recommendation, he felt the name, Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion School would honor both schools. Superintendent Baker commended Principal Warren Sedar and Assistant Principal Leslie Daniele for their great leadership throughout the process of renaming the 170 Selby Lane site.
Trustee Márquez commented that as a parent of the Adelante/Selby Spanish Immersion School, she did not want to be biased; however, renaming the school is a hard decision for her as a board member and parent.
Trustee Márquez stated that as a board member, she feels torn between the recommendation of Superintendent Baker and with what the community wants. Trustee Márquez reiterated that it is unfortunate that not everyone is going to be content with the decision made regarding the renaming of the school.
Speaker’s Cards:
Michelle Smith, Adelante/Selby parent, addressed the School Board by thanking the Adelante/Selby parents for their remarkable work! Ms. Smith commented that at the last meeting, she advocated for the Adelante/Spanish Immersion School name, but after the meeting she spoke to other parents and her own children and many felt that the name should be completely different. Ms. Smith recommended that the name Unidos be considered for renaming Adelante/Selby. Ms. Smith reiterated that the name Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion does not define the current community. Ms. Smith thanked the School Board and Superintendent and commented that she appreciates all the work put into the renaming of the school site.
Rita Melton, teacher at Adelante/Selby, reiterated Michelle Smith’s comment and thanked Superintendent Baker and Assistant Superintendent Linda Montes for all the collaborative work they have done with teachers. Ms. Melton expressed that there is a deep meaning behind the naming process and opined that the process should be transparent. Ms. Melton expressed being saddened by the fact that no other options were considered. In closing, Ms. Melton stated that she agreed with Michelle Smith’s comment and felt “Unidos” was a fitting name for 170 Selby Lane site.
James Carrig, Adelante/Selby parent, addressed the School Board by stating that the name of the school should change completely for a fresh start. Mr. Carrig voiced his disappointment to hear that teachers were signing petitions to keep the name Adelante. Mr. Carrig expressed that he feels that teachers and staff have not been able to move on past the name of Adelante and proposes that a new name be considered. Mr. Carrig thanked the School Board and Superintendent Baker for allowing him to speak.
Vice-President MacAvoy, stated that it has been a difficult decision for her as a board member to rename 170 Selby Lane. Vice-President MacAvoy expressed liking the name Adelante Selby, as it honors both schools. Vice-President commented if there was the capacity to work on a new name and added if perhaps, teachers could involve their students in coming up with a new name for the school site.
President Lawson agreed with Vice-President MacAvoy’s comment. President Lawson understood the desire to honor both schools; however, President Lawson expressed not wanting to keep Adelante as a sole name because it did not recognize everything Selby Lane has worked so hard for. President Lawson stated that a new name for the school site would be very appropriate, nonetheless, she expressed not feeling ready to make a decision at this board meeting.
Trustee Díaz-Slocum, commented that while Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion School honors both schools, Trustee Díaz-Slocum felt it was best to adopt a brand-new name. Trustee McBride expressed struggling with making a decision and added that once a decision is made, half of the community will like it and the other half will not.
Trustee McBride suggested going back to the drawing board to find a brand-new name for the school site. The School Board made a motion to reject the Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion School name (MacAvoy/Díaz-Slocum; 5-0)
President Lawson (Ayes)
Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)
Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee McBride (Nay)
13.2 Recommendation re: Approval of First Amendment to Joint Use Agreement with Anna Cencioso, LLC DBA Touchstone Learning (Hawes Elementary School) (MacAvoy/Díaz-Slocum; 5-0)
President Lawson (Ayes)
Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)
Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee McBride (Nay)
13.3 Recommendation re: Approval of Personnel Report
The School Board approved the Personnel Report (Díaz-Slocum/Márquez; 5-0).
President Lawson (Ayes)
Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)
Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee McBride (Ayes)
13.4 Recommendation re: Approval of Variable Term Waiver Request
The School Board approved the Variable Term Waiver Request for Farah Khosravani who fills a Special Day Class teaching position at Roy Cloud School (MacAvoy/Díaz-Slocum; 5-0).
President Lawson (Ayes)
Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)
Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee McBride (Ayes)
13.5 Recommendation re: Approval of Resolution 25 to Designate Authorized Agents for Redwood City School District for FEMA COVID-19 Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
The School Board adopted Resolution 25 to designate authorized agents for Redwood City School District for FEMA COVID-19 disaster relief and Emergency Assistance Act (MacAvoy/Márquez; 5-0).
President Lawson (Ayes)
Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)
Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee McBride (Ayes)
- Board and Superintendent Reports
14.1 Report from Board Members and Superintendent
Trustee McBride reported contacting Senator Jerry Hill’s Office to see if there was a possibility to delay the Federal Program Monitoring review process due to the shelter in place order.
Vice-President MacAvoy reported attending a San Mateo County School Boards Association meeting via Zoom.
Trustee Díaz-Slocum reported attending the Redwood City 2x2x2 meeting.
Trustee Márquez did not have a report.
President Lawson reported attending a virtual Bond Program Team meeting, in addition to participating in many calls with the County of San Mateo and the California School Boards Association.
Superintendent Baker commented that much of his report had been conveyed during the Covid-19 discussion item. Superintendent Baker added that he would need to agendize a Closed Session item with counsel for the next board meeting.
- Information
15.1 Contract Update Information and Credit Card Summary
There were no comments and/or questions from the School Board or Superintendent Baker.
15.2 Information on San Mateo County Investment Fund – March 2020
There were no comments and/or questions from the School Board or Superintendent Baker.
15.3 Quarterly Williams Report, 3rd Quarter, January 1, 2020 through March 31, 2020
There were no comments and/or questions from the School Board or Superintendent Baker.
- Correspondence
Trustee McBride reported receiving emails from the community regarding the renaming of Adelante/Selby Lane.
- Other Business/Suggested Items for Future Agenda
None.
- Board Agenda Calendar
18.1 Changes to the Board Agenda Schedule
Vice-President MacAvoy requested that the schedule of board agenda items be updated. Vice-President MacAvoy requested from President Lawson and Superintendent Baker for an update of upcoming topics for future board meetings.
- Adjournment (Action Required)
The board adjourned the meeting at 9:22 p.m. (McBride/Díaz-Slocum; 5-0).
María Díaz-Slocum, Clerk