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July 22, 2020

JULY 22, 2020

REDWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Redwood City, California

APPROVED MINUTES OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

July 22, 2020

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING VIA TELECONFERENCE

  1. Call to Order

President Janet Lawson called the closed session to order at 5:18 p.m. via Zoom Teleconference Meeting.

Present at the Closed Session Meeting: President Janet Lawson, Vice-President Alisa MacAvoy; Trustees María Díaz-Slocum, Cecilia I. Márquez, and Dennis McBride, and Superintendent Baker. 

Others Present: Director of Human Resources, Patricia Pelino, Deputy County Counsel Rosendo Padilla.

  1. Oral Communication

None.

  1. Closed Session

3.1 Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9

Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation. Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) –

Name of Case: Student v. Redwood City School District, OAH Case Number: 2020060307

  1. Reconvene to Special Session at Approximately 6:03p.m.

 4.1. Roll Call

  • Report Out on Closed Session from 7.22.20

President Lawson stated that the School Board gave direction to counsel to settle the dispute. 

  1. Welcome

President Janet Lawson welcomed those present. 

Present at the Special Board Meeting via Zoom: President Janet Lawson, Vice-President Alisa MacAvoy, Trustees María Díaz-Slocum, Cecilia I. Márquez, Dennis McBride and Superintendent John Baker.

Others Present: Wendy Kelly, Linda Montes, Jorge Quintana, Antonio Pérez, Kyle Brumbaugh, Patricia Pelino, Patricia Ortiz, Andrea Garen, Martin Cervantes, and many others present.

  1. Changes to the Agenda

President Lawson pulled Consent Item 10.1 from the agenda. 

  1. Approval of Agenda

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

  1. Oral Communication

John Langbein, resident adjacent to Selby Lane neighborhood, encouraged the use of bike lanes and for students to be able to walk to school.

  1. Public Hearing

9.1. Second Public Hearing: Neighborhood Schools Attendance Boundary Change Study

Superintendent Baker introduced Zach Worthen, Solutions Architect – Education and Enrollment Analytics, who provided the School Board with a Power Point presentation showcasing the neighborhood school’s attendance boundary changes. 

Trustee McBride commented that he had three meetings with the demographer and spent time talking about the first two scenarios. Trustee McBride expressed that authenticity, income, and language spoken at home would be points factored into the scenarios. Trustee McBride further added that the most effective way to achieve the aforementioned is to do a School of Choice. Trustee McBride stated that Kentfield Commons would have a shorter commute if assigned Henry Ford, rather than Garfield. Trustee McBride recommended to keep Roy Cloud where Scenario I is. Trustee McBride expressed that Scenario II would not help the socio-economic diversity. 

President Lawson commented that the School Board has received many comments that Scenarios I and II, are protecting Roy Cloud School. President Lawson stated that she looked through each of the maps, looked at current boundaries, and made sure that everything added up. President Lawson also considered comments to make sure that the roads are safe.

Public Comments:

Matt Colyer, RCSD parent, addressed the School Board with his concerns regarding Scenario III. Mr. Colyer stated that the previous two proposals did not change the boundaries. Mr. Colyer requested that the previous boundaries be restored. 

William Paxton, resident of Kentfield Commons, thanked the School Board and Demographer Zach Worthen for all of their work on the neighborhood schools’ attendance boundary change. Mr. Paxton expressed his support for Scenario III. 

Ana Fonseca, not a current RCSD parent, addressed the School Board with a series of questions. Ms. Fonseca asked the School Board how they planned on making Roy Cloud School and more socioeconomically diverse school?

Michael Bergeron, resident of Woodside Hills’ neighborhood, addressed the School Board by expressing that many families in the Woodside Hills neighborhood send their children to private schools due to the lack of K-8 schools around their neighborhood. Mr. Bergeron recommended that Henry Ford School become a K-8 school, as many families within the Woodside Hills neighborhood would like to take their children out of private schools and send them to public schools. 

Brian Vraciu, RCSD parent, thanked the School Board and Superintendent Baker for their leadership. Mr. Vraciu commented that he felt that scenario II was the best option for the School District.

Selina Holder, resident of Selby Lane neighborhood, addressed the School Board by stating her preference for Scenario II. Ms. Holder said she has a son in TK and would like to encourage the School Board to consider approving Scenario II.

Keeley Vega, RCSD parent, addressed the School Board by stating her preference for Scenario II. Ms. Vega expressed that it would be ideal for students to walk to school; however, in reality, it would be difficult for students to walk to their school. 

Patricia Bors, resident of Woodside Hills, thanked the School Board for all of their hard work. Ms. Bors expressed her preference for Scenario II. Ms. Bors added that it would be great for families in the Woodside Hills neighborhood to send their children to public schools, rather than private schools.

Colleen Vos, resident of Selby Lane neighborhood, expressed her preference for Scenario II.

Frank Hannig, addressed the School Board by commenting that he was in favor of Scenario II. Mr. Hannig commented that Scenario III would be ideal also if it allowed for Woodside Hills’ neighborhood students to attend Roy Cloud School.

David Eichler, expressed his preference for Scenario II. Mr. Eichler commented that Scenario II would offer the most change and balance, it would foster a greater sense of community. 

Lindsey Semple, private school parent, expressed her preference for Scenario II and commented that Scenario III could probably work if it was modified.

Annie Hilderbrandt, resident of Woodside Hills, expressed her preference for Scenario II and commented that she would love for her daughter to attend Roy Cloud School. 

Abraham Frailey, thanked the School Board and Superintendent Baker for all of their work on the neighborhood school’s attendance boundary change study. Mr. Frailey commented that if Scenario III were to be approved, Henry Ford School would be the school assigned to his children; however, it would not be a walkable distance. 

Lisa Carr, resident of Woodside Hills, commented that she was very surprised to learn that Woodside Hills’ children do not attend public schools. Ms. Carr emphasized her support for the Redwood City School District and public education and expressed her preference for Scenario II and Scenario III with modifications. 

Catha Hall, community member, addressed the School Board by thanking them for their work on the neighborhood school’s attendance boundary change study and commented that she wishes that she would’ve taken her children to public schools, rather than private schools.

Public Hearing closed at 7:24pm.

10. Consent Items (Action Required)

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

*Note: Per President Lawson, Consent Item 10.1 was pulled from the agenda.

10.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Agreement to Provide Meal Services to Connect Community Charter School and KIPP Excelencia Community Prep Charter School 

10.3 Recommendation re: Approval of Purchase of I-Ready Assessment Program for 2020-21 School Year

11. Action Items (Action Required)

11.1 Recommendation re: Adoption of Roadmap to Reopening my School Plan

Superintendent Baker addressed the community by thanking parents and staff for their continued support and feedback while planning for a distance learning plan. Superintendent Baker emphasized the need for additional help in the mental health area and expressed that he would be convening a meeting with RCSD partners to discuss the dire need of mental health services for students. Superintendent Baker further added that instructional services were changing and professional development for teachers would be better planned. In addition, Superintendent Baker commented that there would be webinars offered to parents to better assist their children at home with distance learning and teachers would have office hours to see how instruction is going for their students. Superintendent Baker commented that there were a few inquiries received for independent study and Superintendent Baker affirmed that administration is seeking additional information to see what options families have in terms of independent study and homeschooling.

Public Comments:

Catherine Stuart, parent at Mandarin Immersion Program, addressed the School Board by asking how many hours of Mandarin Immersion instruction would students receive? Ms. Stuart also expressed her concern regarding families creating playdates with children. Ms. Stuart reiterated that creating playdates is not safe and encouraged families to stay home.

Brian Cagle, NSA PE Instructor, addressed the School Board by advocating for continued physical education sessions for students via distance learning.

Kristy Herrera, thanked the School Board and Superintendent Baker for all of their hard work with distance learning planning. Ms. Herrera expressed her concern for the health of all teachers and staff. Ms. Herrera further commented that teachers and staff should have the option to stay and work from home. Ms. Herrera commented that there will be many individuals that will not respect the social distancing guidelines during the holidays and urged the School Board to reconsider the distance learning plan for after the holidays.

Michelle Territo, teacher at Clifford School and Grievance Chair for the RCTA Bargaining Team, commented that she would like for the School Board and Superintendent Baker to postpone reopening of the School District until 14 days after the holidays and recommended for mid-January to be the first day back to school.

Sandie Hoover, thanked the School Board, Superintendent Baker, and the administration for all their hard work. Ms. Hoover stated that the School District needs to have a protocol in place for tracking and tracking cases of Covid-19.

Jaymie Guillena, PE Instructor, commented that students need their daily routines of physical education more than ever. Ms. Guillena further added that students are living a more sedentary lifestyle and stated that having a physical education routine would aid in students’ mental health. 

Julia Feng, parent at Mandarin Immersion Program, thanked the School Board, Superintendent Baker and staff for their hard work. Ms. Feng referenced an email she sent to the School Board about a large number of students with special needs requiring extra support. Ms. Feng stated her concerns about younger students receiving adequate support with technology and the challenges that come with distance learning.

Kayla Kamlley, first grade teacher at Roosevelt School, expressed that some of her students had problems connecting to their classes due to the lack of technology support. Ms. Kamlley inquired about providing students with books and supplies for those students that need them.

Sarah LaTorra, addressed the School Board by speaking about the importance of keeping the GATE Program for students. Ms. LaTorra reiterated that continuing the GATE Program would open opportunities for students.

Michelle Smith, RCSD parent, addressed the School Board by asking when would childcare services options be made available to families? Furthermore, Ms. Smith asked the School Board how could families better support teachers and students with school supplies?

Teresita Carlos, addressed the School Board, Superintendent Baker and administration by acknowledging all of their hard work with the distancing learning planning. Ms. Carlos commented that she has opted for keeping her children at home to avoid exposure.

Trustee McBride thanked all the teachers for their hard work and dedication to RCSD students. Trustee McBride expressed that he had been in touch with several teachers who have been working tirelessly on getting things ready to start the new school year.

Vice-President MacAvoy thanked Superintendent Baker, administrators, teachers, and staff for their hard work. Vice-President MacAvoy expressed her appreciation for the implementation of some of the ideas received from parents and staff via email on the distance learning plan. Superintendent Baker stated that the Redwood City School District was moving into the distance learning direction. Trustee Márquez reiterated that the School Board’s priority is both students and staff’s safety. 

Trustee Márquez expressed that things would be a lot different for teachers and students during the new school year, as there has been time for planning and professional development. Trustee Márquez encouraged families to talk to their teachers if they felt things weren’t going as expected.

The School Board adopted Resolution 23, Reduction of Certain Classified Services for Fiscal Year 2020-21 (Díaz-Slocum, McBride; 5-0).

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

11.2 Recommendation re: Recommendation for Review and Approval of the 2020 Uniform Complaint Procedures Meeting Federal Requirements

The School Board approved the review and approval of the 2020 Uniform Complaint Procedures Meeting Federal Requirements (Díaz-Slocum, Márquez; 5-0).

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

12. Information

12.1 Quarterly Williams Report, 4th Quarter, April 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020 

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

13. Adjournment (Action Required)

The board adjourned the meeting at 8:37 p.m. (MacAvoy, Díaz-Slocum; 5-0).

María Díaz-Slocum, Clerk