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January 15, 2020

JANUARY 15, 2020

REDWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Redwood City, California

APPROVED MINUTES OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

January 15, 2020

  1. Call to Order

President Lawson called the closed session meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. at the District Office, 750 Bradford Street, Redwood City. 

Present at the closed session meeting: President Lawson, Vice-President Alisa MacAvoy, Trustees: María Díaz-Slocum, Cecilia I. Márquez, Dennis McBride and Superintendent Baker. 

Others Present: Attorney Janet Mueller from Dannis Woliver Kelley, Dominic Dutra from 3D Strategies, and Deputy County Counsel Ilana Parmer Mandelbaum.

  1. Oral Communication on Closed Session Items Only

Oral Communication on Closed Session Item 3.1:

Maybelle Manio, L’Academy, addressed the School Board and Superintendent Baker by stating that L’Academy worked diligently to come to an agreement with the Redwood City School District. Ms. Manio reiterated that L’Academy has moved fast to get ahead of schedule and has also convened meetings to hear the needs of the community. Ms. Manio expressed that L’Academy is serious about providing pre-school services at the Hawes site. 

Rajbir Singh Bal, addressed the School Board and Superintendent Baker by expressing his excitement to be part of the Redwood City community. Mr. Singh commented that L’Academy has worked collaboratively with RCSD, counsel, and architects, furthermore, Mr. Singh commented that they have conducted a demographics study to better understand the needs of the Redwood City community. Mr. Singh expressed disappointment at the email L’Academy received during the holidays, but they will work diligently with the Redwood City School District to clarify any concerns or questions.

  1. Closed Session 5:45-7:00p.m.

3.1Conference with Real Property Negotiators Property: Hawes Elementary School campus, 909 Roosevelt Avenue, Redwood City Agency Negotiators: Dominic Dutra (3D Strategies), Janet Mueller (DWK) Negotiating Parties: Little Budz Inc., DBA Building Kidz School; Immersion 5 LLC DBA L’Academy Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment 3.2. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1) Name of Case: Leimana Makasini, a minor v. Redwood City School District, et al., Case No. 19-VIC-06680 3.3. RCTA Negotiations Update 3.4. CSEA Negotiations Update Closed Session convened at 5:55pm. 

  1. Reconvene to Regular Session at Approximately 7:00p.m.

4.1 Roll Call

4.2 Report Out on Closed Session from 1.15.20

Closed Session Item 3.1: President Lawson reported that the School Board followed the recommendation of counsel.

Closed Session Item 3.2: President Lawson reported that the School Board rejected the claim.

Closed Session Item 3.3 and 3.4: The School Board, Superintendent Baker, and Assistant Director of Human Resources Wendy Kelley convened after the regular meeting to discuss Closed Session Items 3.3 and 3.4. 

Closed Session adjourned at 10:56pm.

  1. Welcome

5.1 Welcome

5.2 Pledge of Allegiance

President Lawson welcomed those present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Others Present During the Regular Board Meeting: Shana Hackworth, Leslie Stafford, Sophie Zugnoni, Paul Zugnoni, Hester Chan, Robin Hayes, Maria Stockton, Yessica Gallegher, Amy Huang, Katie Goetz, Lilli Milton, Shannon Petrello, and Julia Feng.

  1. Changes to the Agenda

Trustee McBride requested to move Action Item 15.1 to Discussion.

Trustee McBride requested to pull Information Item 17.1 from the agenda and recommended agendizing the item for the next board meeting. 

Superintendent Baker requested that Consent Item 14.6 be moved to Discussion.

  1. Approval of Agenda

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

  1. Oral Communication

None.

  1. School/Community Reports

9.1 Bond Program Update

Will Robertson, Program Manager at RGM and Associates – Measure T Bond Program Team, provided the School Board and Superintendent Baker with an update on the Bond Program construction progress. 

9.2 Citizens’ Measure U Oversight Committee Year Two Report for 2018-19

Don Gibson, Chair of the Citizens’ Measure U Oversight Committee, addressed the School Board and Superintendent Baker by stating that the Redwood City School District has spent Measure U dollars accordingly to the Measure Ballot. 

Trustee McBride thanked Mr. Gibson and the entire Citizens’ Measure U Oversight Committee for their hard work and support of the Redwood City School District. Trustee McBride also thanked CBO Aquino-Dichoso and the Business Department.

  1. Bond Program Consent Items (Action Required)

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

10.1 Recommendation re: Approval of 2950 Fair Oaks Avenue Site Construction Management Agreement with Roebbelen

10.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Hoover School New Playground Purchase Agreement with Park Planet

10.3 Recommendation re: Approval of 815 Allerton Street Site Modernization Change Order #3 with Argo Construction

10.4 Recommendation re: Approval of Roosevelt School Asphalt Replacement Project Change Order #1 with American Asphalt Repair & Resurfacing Co.

10.5 Recommendation re: Approval of Hoover School’s New Gymnasium and Modernization Project Package G, Change Order #1 with Beals Martin, Inc.

10.6 Recommendation re: Approval of Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion School Picnic Table and Umbrella Purchase Proposal with Park Planet

10.7 Recommendation re: Approval of Kennedy Middle School Administration Building Switches Proposal with CDW-G

10.8 Recommendation re: Approval of Taft School Temporary Parking Lot Proposal with Duran & Venables

10.9 Recommendation re: Approval of Orion Alternative and Mandarin Immersion at John Gill Campus Interim Housing Additional Fencing Proposal with VS Fencing

10.10 Recommendation re: Approval of McKinley Institute of Technology Clock Speaker Proposal with AMS.NET

10.11 Recommendation re: Approval of Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion School Improved Drainage Design Project Authorization Form with Kier and Wright

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

10.13 Recommendation re: Approval of 2950 Fair Oaks Avenue Site Architect Fee Deduct with HED

10.14 Recommendation re: Approval of RCSD Solar Phase 2 Investment Grade Feasibility Proposal with Sage

10.15 Recommendation re: Approval of Henry Ford School and Kennedy Middle School Interim Housing and Kennedy Administration Building Parking Lot Projects Construction Management Add Services with Roebbelen

10.16 Recommendation re: Approval of Garfield School, Orion Alternative and Mandarin Immersion at the John Gill Campus School, and Taft School Storm Water Installation and Monitoring Proposals with SWIMS

10.17 Recommendation re: Approval of Roosevelt School Asphalt Replacement Project Construction Management Add Service with Kitchell

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

  1. Bond Program Action Items (Action Required)

11.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Measure T Bond Program – Program Management Agreement Amendment No. 3

The School Board approved the Measure T Bond Program – Program Management Agreement Amendment No. 3 (Díaz-Slocum/Márquez; 5-0).

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

  1. Community/Staff Recognition

12.1. Recognition of Reclassified Students

The English Language Department, together with the School Board and Superintendent Baker recognized: Diego Maldonado, Samantha Canche Torres, Joaquín Guardado, Fabian Velasco, Bryan de León López, Jordan Martínez Cuevas, Rocío Valle Morales, Jenylee Madero, Mailyn Gopar Chávez, Diego Pirir Gómez, Citlali Flores Olquin, Jennifer Vázquez Villaseñor, Adrián Álvarez, Brandon Torres Esquivel, Breanda López Valdéz for having met all criteria to be recommended as Reclassified students – Fluent English Proficient. 

All students were presented with a Certificate of Recognition and a pin in the shape of a star, which represents that all students are shining stars. 

  1. Discussion Items

13.1 Discussion on North Star Academy Committee

Superintendent Baker recommended the formation of a North Star Forward Committee to thoroughly study the impact of North Star on other schools in the School District and the community at large. Superintendent Baker added that there were many concerns raised during the Planning for Our Future process - that the large exodus of students at 3rd grade affects the other schools in multiple ways, the perception of elitism, and the relative lack of students from Latino and low-income families -- must be examined. Furthermore, it is mandatory to find ways to mitigate the impact of North Star on other schools and increase access to students from all backgrounds, and honor the school’s mission of providing an environment designed to meet the unique needs of high achieving and gifted students. 

Superintendent Baker commented he would like a cross-section of parents and staff members that represent every school in the district to consider strategies for addressing the impacts, and eliminate the current sense of division in our community. Superintendent Baker further added that the Committee needed to also consider the social-emotional impact on the students. 

Lastly, Superintendent Baker added that the North Star Forward Committee meetings would be facilitated by Naomi Hunter.

After discussion amongst the School Board, Trustees McBride and Márquez were selected to participate in the North Star Forward Committee.

13.2 First Reading and Discussion of Revisions to Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 1312.3 – Uniform Complaint Procedures

13.3 First Reading and Discussion of Revisions to Administrative Regulation 1312.4 – Williams Complaint

13.4 First Reading and Discussion of Revisions to Board Policy and Administrative Regulations 5022 – Student and Family Privacy Rights

13.5 First Reading and Discussion of Revisions to Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 6174 – Education for English Learners

The School Board and Assistant Superintendent of English Language Services, Linda Montes discussed Discussion Items 13.2 through 13.5 and made minor corrections. The policies and administrative regulations will be brought to the School Board for approval at the February 5th board meeting. 

14.6 Recommendation re: Approval of the Implementation of Effective School Solutions (ESS) Program to Improve Care and Reduce NPS Placements

Patricia Pelino, Director of Special Education and Effective School Solutions (ESS) provided the School Board with a presentation on mental health issues that have increased significantly in youth over the last decade. The Redwood City School District has struggled to meet the needs of students with mental health and behavioral challenges. Non-Public School (NPS) placements are not sustainable options because of the high cost and lack of available seats.

The Redwood City School District is looking to strengthen its internal mental health and behavioral programming, and has identified a partner, (ESS) who has specific expertise in this area. By implementing ESS in RCSD, students will receive education in least restrictive environments and will collaborate to deliver the best care for every student. The Special Education Department proposed to launch the pilot program at Kennedy Middle School. 

Trustee McBride requested that Consent Item 14.6 be moved back to Consent for approval.

15.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Renaming the 555 Avenue del Ora site, formerly known as John Gill Elementary School, as Orion Alternative Elementary School and the Mandarin Immersion Program as Mandarin Immersion at Orion Alternative

Cathryn Stewart, Mandarin Immersion Program parent, addressed the School Board by stating she would like for the name, John Gill Eagles to remain. Ms. Stewart commented there is currently an identity issue with the campus and would like for all programs to be represented in the name. 

Tiernan Weaver, 3rd grade Mandarin Immersion Program student, addressed the School Board by stating he would like for the Mandarin Immersion Program to be named after an African American woman or a Chinese American astronaut.

Lilli Milton, PTO President for Starship at Orion, addressed the School Board by stating she appreciated all the comments and added that it has been a difficult year for Orion. Ms. Milton proposed that the name of the site be a historical name. Ms. Milton expressed that several families have left Orion because they do not feel the Orion spirit; nonetheless, Ms. Milton would like for the site to have a strong community.

Julia Feng, Mandarin Immersion Program parent, expressed that branding is important for the identity of the program and school and encouraged the School Board to discuss the naming of the site a bit further and table the voting for a future board meeting.

Superintendent Baker proposed that 555 Avenue del Ora site be named, Orion Alternative Elementary School and the Mandarin Immersion Program at Orion Alternative.

After the School Board discussed the aforementioned item, the School Board commented this item would be placed under Consent for a final vote at the January 22nd board meeting.

  1. Consent Items

**Note:

Superintendent Baker requested that Consent Item 14.6 be moved to Discussion.

Trustee McBride requested that Consent Item 14.6 be moved back to Consent for approval.

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

14.1 Recommendation re: Acceptance of Donations

14.2 Recommendation re: Approval of December 11th Board Minutes

14.3 Recommendation re: Ratification of Warrant Register, December 1, 2019 – December 31, 2019

14.4 Recommendation re: Approval of Field Trip Request to Año Nuevo State Park, Clifford School

14.5 Recommendation re: Approval of Field Trip Request to UC Santa Cruz, Garfield School

14.6 Recommendation re: Approval of the Implementation of Effective School Solutions (ESS) Program to Improve Care and Reduce NPS Placements

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

15. Action Items (Action Required)

15.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Lease Agreement between Redwood City School District and Stratford Schools, Inc.

Maureen Morley, neighbor of Granger Way, expressed her appreciation towards the School Board for leasing 3150 Granger Way to Stratford Schools, Inc. Ms. Morley expressed that she would like the lease to have language regarding assigned parking for staff and teacher to mitigate traffic and parking issues with neighbors.

Mitu Bhargava, neighbor of Granger Way, commented her concern with no language on the agreement about neighbor nuisance. Ms. Bhargava stated that she would like for the Redwood City School District to add language in the agreement referencing neighbor nuisance.

The School Board approved the Lease Agreement between Redwood City School District and Stratford Schools, Inc. (McBride/Díaz-Slocum; 4-1).

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Nay)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

15.3. Recommendation re: Approval of Provisional Internship Permit The School Board approved the Provisional Internship Permit for Sara Rosenbloom, a Middle School Drama Teacher at Kennedy Middle School (Díaz-Slocum/McBride; 5-0).

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

  1. Board and Superintendent Reports

16.1 Report from Board Members and Superintendent

Trustee McBride reported visiting Orion Alternative School and John Gill School before the winter break. Furthermore, Trustee McBride reported attending the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the lunch shelter at Kennedy Middle School. Trustee McBride also reported attending the Grand Canyon breakfast at Kennedy Middle School. Trustee McBride reported having a meeting to discuss Orion Alternative School at John Gill Campus. Trustee McBride also attended the Meet RCSD Night event and gave kudos to the Kennedy Middle School choir and Jazz band for their performance.

Trustee Márquez reported attending the Meet RCSD Night and commented it had been a well-attended event and had an opportunity to speak to a few principals.

Trustee Díaz-Slocum commented she has talked to parents and students and has helped families enroll in the district.

Trustee MacAvoy reported attending Meet RCSD Night. Trustee MacAvoy attended a meeting with RWC2020 and met with an 8th grade student from North Star Academy to discuss climate issues. Trustee MacAvoy also attended Legislative Action Day.

President Lawson reported attending a Policy Committee meeting, together with Trustee MacAvoy and Assistant Superintendent Linda Montes. President Lawson attended the Annual Cabinet Holiday Breakfast and thanked the Cabinet for their hard work. President Lawson attended Bond Team Program meetings, a Redwood City Chamber meeting, CSBA Board President Workshop and Meet RCSD Night. 

Superintendent Baker reported attending many of the same events as School Board members. Superintendent Baker also reported organizing a staff and teacher luncheon at Henry Ford to listen to comments and concerns. 

  1. Information

17.1. Contract Update Information and Credit Card Summary

This agenda item was moved to the January 22nd agenda.

17.2. Information on San Mateo County Investment Fund – November 2019

There were no comments and/or questions from the School Board or Superintendent Baker.

17.3 Quarterly Williams Report, 2nd Quarter, October 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019

There were no comments and/or questions from the School Board or Superintendent Baker.

  1. Correspondence

President McBride reported receiving a complaint from a Clifford School parent regarding facilities fees.

  1. Other Business/Suggested Items for Future Agenda

Superintendent Baker reminded the School Board about the June 3rd special board meeting at 9:00am. 

  1. Board Agenda Calendar

20.1 Changes to the Board Agenda Schedule

There were no changes to the board agenda schedule. 

  1. Adjournment (Action Required)

The board adjourned the meeting at 9:32 p.m. (Márquez/Díaz-Slocum; 5-0).

María Díaz-Slocum, Clerk