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February 24, 2021

FEBRUARY 24, 2021

REDWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Redwood City, California

APPROVED MINUTES OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

February 24, 2021

REGULAR BOARD MEETING VIA TELECONFERENCE

  1. Call to Order

President MacAvoy called the closed session meeting to order at 6:01 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, Assistant Superintendent Liz Wolfe, and Chief Business Official Priscilla Aquino-Dichoso.

  1. Oral Communication on Closed Session Items Only

None.

3. Closed Session 6:00-7:00p.m.

3.1 CSEA Negotiations Update

3.2 RCTA Negotiations Update

4. Reconvene to Regular Session at Approximately 7:01p.m.

4.1 Roll Call

4.2 Report Out on Closed Session from 2.24.21

President MacAvoy reported that the School Board received information during Closed Session from the Administration and accepted their recommendation. 

  1. Welcome

5.1 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, Jorge Quintana, Antonio Pérez, Kyle Brumbaugh, Liz Wolfe, Catherine Stuart, Itzel Ramírez, Gonzálo Cordova, and many others.

  1. Changes to the Agenda

No changes were made to the agenda. 

  1. Approval of Agenda

The board approved the agenda as submitted, (Lawson, Márquez; 5-0).

  1. Oral Communication

Hugo Torres had submitted a speaker’s card, but he was not present during Oral Communication. 

  1. School/Community Reports
  • Presentation from the Mandarin Immersion Program on their Lunar Year Celebration

President MacAvoy addressed the School Board, Superintendent Baker and members of the public by introducing Katherine Rivera, Principal at the Mandarin Immersion Program.

President MacAvoy thanked Principal Katherine Rivera, Meghan O’Reilley-Green, Pei-chun Liao, and Julia Feng for their outstanding collaborative work in putting together the Lunar New Year celebration.

Principal Rivera and the Mandarin Immersion Program showcased a video demonstrating the Lunar New Year celebration. Many students participated in the video from home. 

President MacAvoy, the entire School Board and Superintendent Baker thanked Principal Katherine Rivera, the Mandarin Immersion Program staff, students and parents for a wonderful presentation!

  1. Bond Program Consent Items (Action Required)

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

10.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Kindergarten Classroom Bathrooms Remodel Proposal for Hoover Community School with Beals Martin

10.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Sink Rental Proposal for Roy Cloud School with United

10.3 Recommendation re: Approval of Special Testing and Inspection Project Authorization Form (PAF) #16-1 for Hoover Community School with Ninyo and Moore

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

10.5 Recommendation re: Approval of Asphalt Replacement Project Construction Agreement for Hoover Community School with Galeb Paving

President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee Lawson (Ayes)

Trustee Wells (Ayes)

11. Bond Program Action Items (Action Required)

None.

12. Discussion Items

  • Discussion on Covid-19

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. 

Furthermore, Principals Sara Shackel and Nik Fanourgiakis, provided the School Board and Superintendent Baker with information regarding their in-person, hubs and pod’s attendance. Currently, North Star Academy’s Principal Shackel reported that there are 47 third grade students receiving in-person instruction, 130 (4th-8th grade) students receiving enrichment/social emotional learning time, there are 10 (4th-7th grade) students in hubs, and 13 (4th-7th grade) students in the full day pilot program. 

Ms. Shackel commented it has been great having students on campus and can see how beneficial in person instruction has been for students. Ms. Shackel added that it was great to see positive survey results from students indicating they are happy to be back in school. Ms. Shackel noted that North Star Academy has doubled their mental health resources for an additional Star Vista counselor. There are now 2 counselors offering services to North Star Academy. 

McKinley Institute of Technology’s Principal Fanourgiakis commented that 71 (6th-8th grade) students are receiving live instruction and 12 eighth grade students are in hubs. 10 students are part of a Pod, and 29 students are in 2 hubs. Mr. Fanourgiakis commented that the first week of in person instruction was incredible! He was reminded why he became an educator!

The School Board and Superintendent Baker thanked Principals Shackel and Fanourgiakis for their outstanding leadership and for the great report.

Update on Employee Vaccines

Superintendent Baker commented that there have been 36 teachers vaccinated under Priority 1A and 320 staff members under Priority 1B. Furthermore, Superintendent Baker added that next week, 188 staff members would be vaccinated under Priority 2 and 169 staff members under Priority 3 after all staff members in Priority 2 have been vaccinated. Superintendent Baker stated that 107 staff members have reported having been vaccinated elsewhere or currently have an appointment scheduled.

Superintendent Baker expressed that by March 8th, additional K-2 students should return for in person instruction and by April 8-12th, preschool-5th grade students should return to in person instruction, based on teacher and parent survey data results and health guidelines. Superintendent Baker commented that administration is looking into additional options for 6-8th grade students to return for in person instruction. Superintendent Baker added that administration is currently working on an updated Memorandum of Understanding between RCSD and the Redwood City Teacher’s Association. 

Deputy Superintendent Wendy Kelly discussed the teacher survey results and commented that there was a 90% response rate from RCTA teachers. Furthermore, Deputy Superintendent Kelly commented that 78.8% of RCTA teachers stated they would return in person now or with the vaccine. 

Superintendent Baker discussed that the School District Committee planning for the 2021-22 school year schedules would be based on health guidelines. 

Trustee Wells expressed that it was great to see that the vaccines for staff were coming. Trustee Wells added that he appreciates the effort and the leadership behind the distance learning planning; however, he feels that it is time for students to return to in person instruction. Trustee Wells stated that based on scientific data, it is deemed safe for students to return to in person instruction. 

In response to Trustee Wells’ comment, Trustee Lawson agreed and further expressed that it is time for students to return to in person instruction. Trustee Lawson commented that the School District has shown based on its own data that Covid-19 is not spreading in classrooms. Trustee Lawson expressed excitement over the updated MOU between RCSD and RCTA.

Vice-President Díaz-Slocum agreed with Trustee Wells’ comment and expressed feeling confident that the School District has taken all the necessary safety precautions to ensure both students’ and staff’s safety. Vice-President Díaz-Slocum thanked all staff and administration for their hard work and expressed looking forward to seeing more students on campus.

Trustee Márquez echoed Trustee Wells’ comment and expressed excitement over many teachers being interested in returning for in person instruction. Trustee Márquez commented it was wonderful to see that the vaccine was finally here. 

President MacAvoy thanked Superintendent Baker and administrators for the presentation and all their work on supporting distant learning and current in person learning and plans for increasing the number of students back on campus safely for in person instruction. President MacAvoy commented that there was a lot of great news shared and expressed excitement over the plans to safely bring back students returning to in person instruction. President MacAvoy also thanked teachers and all staff for their tremendous work behind distance learning the last year. 

Speaker’s Cards:

Cameron Hoffman, RCSD parent, thanked the School Board, Superintendent Baker, and administrators for the presentation on the Plan to Reopen. Ms. Hoffman agreed with Trustee Wells comment about setting a deadline for an MOU with the Redwood City Teacher’s Association. Ms. Hoffman commented that it is very heartening to hear the School Board’s tone to reopen the School District. Furthermore, Ms. Hoffman expressed that Taft Community School has been the only school site within the Redwood City School District that has reopened based on the guidelines set by the County of San Mateo. Ms. Hoffman encouraged the School District to advocate for its teachers and help them get vaccinated. Ms. Hoffman stated that the Redwood City School District should reopen when students and staff return from spring break. 

Alison Oldford, Roy Cloud School parent, addressed the School Board by requesting that the Redwood City School District publish a reopening dashboard. Ms. Oldford expressed that it is important that the School District provide accountability. Ms. Oldford added that there is a small percentage of students receiving in-person instruction and the dashboard would help in providing live data of the actual students being served an in-person basis. Ms. Oldford thanked the teachers, administrators and staff for all their work! 

Marybeth Milionis, RCSD parent, stated that she agreed with Ms. Hoffman and Ms. Oldford’s comments. Ms. Milionis expressed that she would like for students to return to school for in person instruction. Ms. Milionis commented that reinstating students back to the classrooms would redevelop their connection to the community.

Mercedes Kwiatkowski, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, commented that things have gotten worse for students. Ms. Kwiatkowski expressed that there is a staggering increase in depression, anxiety, abuse and suicides. Ms. Kwiatkowski commented that she would like for schools to reopen as soon as possible, as it is imperative that children return to school at some capacity.

Catherine Stuart, Mandarin Immersion Program parent, addressed the School Board and Superintendent Baker by expressing that she would not send her child back to school until her child received the vaccine. Ms. Stuart further added that she would like for her son to continue with distance learning for the time being, as she would like to protect her family and teachers from further exposure to Covid. 

Heidi Walas, RCSD parent, commented that she has attended every virtual board meeting since last March and stated that the School District’s lack of guidance has caused mistrust in the School District from parents. Ms. Walas opined that both students and teachers have been let down and added that it is the School Board’s responsibility to help protect teachers and staff. Ms. Walas further added that teachers are essential and they cannot continue to conduct teaching behind a screen. Ms. Walas also commented that the School District has not issued any further parent surveys in the last few months.

  • Discussion on Recent iReady Diagnostic Exam Results

Assistant Superintendent Liz Wolfe provided the School Board and Superintendent Baker with a presentation on iReady Diagnostic Exam results.

Assistant Superintendent Wolfe commented that the iReady Diagnostic Exam is an integrated math and reading program that consists of a K-12 adaptive diagnostic with standards mastery and growth monitoring. These assessment and instructional tools are designed to inform instruction and enable high-quality blended learning. The Redwood City School District has been using i-Ready since fall 2020. These tools have provided Redwood City School District teachers with an engaging and appropriate instruction for each student’s unique learning needs while providing necessary supports to make increased expectations achievable for students. 

Trustee Márquez asked if there is a possibility that English Learner students could take the test in Spanish? In case taking the test in English becomes too challenging.

In response to Trustee Márquez’s question and comment, Assistant Superintendent Wolfe replied that the students need to be proficient in Spanish in order to take the assessment in Spanish. Assistant Superintendent Wolfe said she would follow up with the teachers to determine whether individual decisions were made for their students. 

Trustee Wells commented that assessments matter and it is important to know what they know and how they feel. Trustee Wells stated that it is important to use the assessment results to determine where students are struggling. Trustee Wells mentioned it was important to note not to draw incorrect conclusions based on the results. 

Assistant Superintendent Wolfe commented that the assessment results provide information on how the School District is doing based on educational practices. Assistant Superintendent Wolfe added that the results provide teachers with information on students that have needs in reading and math. 

Superintendent Baker reiterated that the test results will not be used for student placement. Superintendent Baker commented that the test results are used to provide professionals with information for professional development practices and identify students’ academic needs. 

Trustee Márquez asked if it is known why students were unable to finish the test?

In response to Trustee Márquez’s question, Assistant Superintendent Wolfe stated that the students might have not finished the test because they did not log in at the end of the testing window or there could have been an issue with connectivity. Assistant Superintendent Wolfe clarified that the test could be given to students at any time and those students that did not finish, could have an opportunity to do so.

  • First Reading and Discussion of Board Policy 1340 - Access to District Records

Deputy Superintendent Wendy Kelly commented that the Policy Committee presents to the School Board any board policies that have been discussed and updated during the Policy Committee meetings. Deputy Superintendent Kelly mentioned that the Policy Committee convenes once a month.

Trustee Wells commented that he liked the change in the introduction of the Board Policy. 

Vice-President Díaz-Slocum recommended that the term “citizens” should be changed in order to reflect inclusivity and avoid confusion, since there are many individuals that are not citizens yet.

  • First Reading and Discussion of Board Policy 3280 - Sale or Lease of Property

Deputy Superintendent Wendy Kelly commented that the Board Policy had been updated based on a shift in programs. Furthermore, Deputy Superintendent Kelly expressed that the Board Policy had also been reviewed by County Counsel before being presented to the School Board for discussion. 

  1. Consent Items

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

13.1 Recommendation re: Approval of February 10th Board Minutes

13.2 Recommendation re: Approval of February 12th Board Minutes

13.3 Recommendation re: Second Reading and Approval of Board ByLaw 9100 – Organization

13.4 Recommendation re: Approval of Addendum to 2020-21 Measure U Application for McKinley Institute of Technology

13.5 Recommendation re: Approval of Addendum to 2020-21 Measure U Application for Roy Cloud School

13.6 Recommendation re: Approval of Disposal of Dated and Damaged Library Materials

13.7 Recommendation re: Approval of Amended Agreement between the Redwood City School District and Adrian Amandi for Visual Impairment and Assistive Technology Services

President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee Lawson (Ayes)

Trustee Wells (Ayes)

14. Action Items (Action Required)

14.1 Recommendation re: Approval of the Second Amendment to the Agreement between the Redwood City School District and the National Urban Alliance

Assistant Superintendent Linda Montes expressed that there had been a second amendment to the agreement between the Redwood City School District and the National Urban Alliance due to additional teachers interested in participating in the Equity workshops.

President MacAvoy stated that the second amendment to the agreement covers 8 schools in the Redwood City School District and there are 2 additional schools interested in participating in the program.

Trustee Lawson commented she was happy to know the program is expanding within the Redwood City School District.

The School Board approved the Second Amendment to the Agreement between the Redwood City School District and the National Urban Alliance (Lawson/Márquez; 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 Release of Temporary Teachers

Deputy Superintendent Wendy Kelly commented that every year in February or March, the School District discusses staffing. Deputy Superintendent Kelly indicated that there are some teachers that are hired temporarily, as it stated on their contract. Deputy Superintendent Kelly expressed that the teachers are aware of their contract deadline; however, many times those same teachers are rehired.

The School Board approved the release of temporary teachers (Díaz-Slocum/Wells; 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 Public Health Institute's Safely Opening Schools Collaborative

The School Board approved the Public Health Institute’s Safely Opening Schools Collaborative (Márquez/Lawson; 5-0).

President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee Lawson (Ayes)

Trustee Wells (Ayes)

14.4 Recommendation re: 2021 CSBA Delegate Assembly Nominations

The School Board approved to vote for all three candidates on the 2021 CSBA Delegate Assembly ballot (Lawson/Márquez; 5-0).

President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee Lawson (Ayes)

Trustee Wells (Ayes)

  1. Board and Superintendent Reports

15.1 Report from Board Members and Superintendent

Vice-President Díaz-Slocum did not have a report.

Trustee Wells reported participating virtually in the Lunar New Year celebration with the Mandarin Immersion Program. Trustee Wells commented that he and his daughters made dumplings for the Lunar New Year celebration. Trustee Wells also met with a group of parents that are advocating at the state level for learning loss mitigation, which supports English Language Learners, students with special needs, and low-income students. Furthermore, Trustee Wells attended a Bond Program meeting and also participated in a vision, goals, and mission workshop.

Trustee Márquez reported attending an Equity workshop. 

Trustee Lawson reported attending a Bond Program meeting, a Workforce Housing meeting last week, and attended an RCTA Climate meeting this week. 

President MacAvoy reported attending a meeting with Redwood City Together, which hosted a Safe Routes to School Committee meeting. President MacAvoy commented it had been a great meeting, as they got to hear upcoming plans from the City of Redwood City and San Mateo County. President MacAvoy further added that there are plans to place a traffic light at Cleveland Street and Jefferson Avenue. President MacAvoy commented that this would be an excellent plan, as many MIT and North Star Academy students cross the street on their way to school and on their way back home. In addition, there will be a hawk light placed on Clinton Street to facilitate pedestrian crossing. President MacAvoy also mentioned that the Mount Carmel neighborhood is interested in placing additional bike lanes to Clifford School, as it is their neighborhood school. President MacAvoy also reported attending Equity sessions, along with a meeting on Workforce Housing, a meeting with HEART and attended many other calls with the San Mateo County and the California School Boards Association.

Superintendent Baker reported attending many of the same meetings as the board members. Superintendent Baker reported attending a Roosevelt Coffee.

  1. Information

16.1 Information on San Mateo County Investment Fund – January, 2021 

No comments or questions from the School Board or Superintendent Baker.

  1. Correspondence

President MacAvoy reported receiving many emails from parents regarding the

reopening plan. 

  1. Other Business/Suggested Items for Future Agenda

President MacAvoy reported receiving many emails from parents.

  1. Board Agenda Calendar

19.1 Changes to the Board Agenda Schedule

President MacAvoy expressed that after participating in a meeting with HEART and speaking to Peter Ingram, a study session with the rest of the School Board and Superintendent Baker shall be scheduled. President MacAvoy asked if School Board members were available before April 14th from 6-7pm? President MacAvoy proposed that the study session be scheduled before a board meeting. 

  1. Adjournment (Action Required)

The board adjourned the meeting at 10:12 p.m. (Díaz-Slocum/Wells; 5-0).

Cecilia I. Márquez, Clerk