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June 17, 2020

JUNE 17, 2020

REDWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Redwood City, California

APPROVED MINUTES OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

June 17, 2020

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING VIA TELECONFERENCE

  1. Call to Order

President Janet Lawson called the special board meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. via Zoom Teleconference Meeting.

  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.

Trustee Díaz-Slocum joined the meeting at 6:15pm.

  1. Changes to the Agenda

There were no changes made to the agenda. 

  1. Approval of Agenda

The board approved the agenda as submitted, (MacAvoy/McBride; 4-0).

  1. Oral Communication

None.

  1. Public Hearing

6.1. First of Two Public Hearings: School Attendance Boundary Change for Neighborhood Schools

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. 

Public Comments:

Catherine Stuart, RCSD parent, recommended that the School District have a lottery system in which parents can choose their top favorite schools. In case parents are not given their first choice, they can get into their second or third choice, etc.

Robera Landers, Kentfield Commons resident, commented that she has lived in the Kentfield Commons neighborhood for 35 years and it astounded her to know that after a boundary change, Kentfield Commons would be assigned to Garfield Community School. Ms. Landers expressed that she cannot see a child going from her home to Garfield Community School. Furthermore, Ms. Landers stated that this change would devalue the attractiveness of her community, due to driving to a school that is not necessarily in her community; this does not work for her community.

Catherine Hagman, Mount Carmel resident, expressed that she would like to support Scenario II. Ms. Hagman urged the School Board and Superintendent Baker to allow for students to walk or ride their bikes to school. Ms. Hagman stated that she would like for neighborhoods to have their own community school. 

Megan Maxwell-Bey, asked the School Board and Superintendent Baker if her child is currently in a school of choice, would they get to maintain their location within their existing school?

In response to Ms. Maxwell-Bey’s question, Superintendent Baker replied that when a student is at a site due to a school of choice application, they are grandfathered in. The student will be able to remain at their current school site. 

Meredith Park, thanked the School Board and Superintendent Baker for all of their hard work. Ms. Park commented that communities need neighborhood schools, which are close by and students can easily walk to school. 

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, 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.

  1. Discussion Items
  • Discussion on Covid-19

Superintendent Baker reported that the day after the board meeting, there would be a virtual webinar from 6-8pm, in addition to the Spanish language webinar, which would take place on Friday from 6-8pm. Superintendent Baker stated that he and administration and staff have been working on a plan to reopen schools on August 19th. Superintendent Baker commented that the Committee is comprised of the Facilities Department Director Martin Cervantes, Safety Health and Wellness Department Director Andrea Garen, Community School Partnerships Director Pati Ortiz, Technology Director Kyle Brumbaugh, Special Education Director Patricia Pelino, Student Services Director Antonio Pérez, and Assistant Superintendent Liz Wolfe. 

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Wendy Kelly commented that there had been a survey sent to parents in both English and Spanish to determine whether the School District would continue with the distance learning plan.

Superintendent Baker added that child care services and technology continue to be large concerns. Superintendent Baker commented that the City of Redwood City has expressed desire to help the Redwood City School District with the availability of childcare services for families.

Speaker’s Cards:

Sarah Yarter, RCSD parent, asked if the temperature checks were a requirement from the County of San Mateo. Ms. Yarter opined that temperature checks felt like a waste of resources if there was no evidence to back up the data. 

In response to Ms. Yarter’s question, Superintendent Baker responded that the Redwood City School District is utilizing the framework provided by the County of San Mateo and the State of California. 

Lily O’Connor, RCSD parent, asked the School Board and Superintendent Baker that the most frequently asked questions be compiled and made accessible to families, so they can access them easily.

In response to Ms. O’Connor’s comment, President Lawson commented that the most frequently questions, along with answers would be available on the School District’s website. 

Michelle Smith, RCSD parent, urged the School Board and Superintendent Baker to find a solution for families in regard to childcare services. Ms. Smith also encouraged the School Board and Superintendent Baker to continue communication open with families. 

Michelle Mullane, asked Superintendent Baker if the School District has approached the unions with alternatives to become volunteers to clean the classrooms in order to provide ability to teachers to teach?

In response to Ms. Mullane’s question, Superintendent Baker commented that those items are currently being discussed and addressed. Superintendent Baker expressed he could not comment further on the topic, but he and administration are seeking solutions in order to provide additional support to teachers and students.

Linda Elkins, RCSD parent, expressed she was concern that there was no mention about bringing students back for 5 days a week. Ms. Elkins reiterated that bringing students back to school for 5 days would be a tremendous help for parents. 

In response to Ms. Elkins’ question, Superintendent Baker commented that him and administration discussed bringing students back for 5 days. Superintendent Baker stated that bringing students back to school for 5 days would mean an increase in labor force and resources to clean and disinfect each classroom, which would incur a cost of $1.4 million in staff costs only.

In response to Ms. Elins’ question, Vice-President MacAvoy stated that the School Board is on regular phone calls with colleagues. Vice-President MacAvoy commented that there is a requirement for social distancing in order to maintain health and safety. Vice-President MacAvoy reiterated that the School District would have to double the size of teaching staff in order to come back to school every day.

Indra Hernández, RCSD preschool teacher, expressed concern about when the School District would reopen. Ms. Hernández asked for a detail reopening plan, so preschool teachers could be better prepared and ensure that students are maintaining social distance. 

In response to Indra Hernández’s comment, Superintendent Baker commented that he and administration have a number of concerns in regards not having enough classrooms to aid with social distancing.

The School Board thanked Superintendent Baker, Cabinet members, principals and teachers for all of their hard work and safety plans during distance learning. 

  • Discussion of School Plan for Student Achievement

Assistant Superintendent of Educational Equity Linda Montes provided the School Board and Superintendent Baker with 12 School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSAs); one for each school site. Assistant Superintendent of Educational Equity Linda Montes commented that the SPSAs review and update analyzed data on budget goals, academic, physical, and emotional needs of students. Furthermore, the SPSAs also include the plan for expenditures regarding Measure U, Title I and site improvement funds. 

Assistant Superintendent of Educational Equity Linda Montes thanked Trustee McBride for his comments and questions regarding the SPSAs.

The School Board thanked Assistant Superintendent of Educational Equity Linda Montes for all of her work on the School Plan for Student Achievement. 

8. Consent Items (Action Required) None.

9. Action Items (Action Required)

9.1 Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolution 32, Resolution of the Redwood City School District Calling for an Election to be Held on November 3, 2020 for the Election of 3 Members of the Governing Board

The School Board adopted Resolution 32, Resolution of the Redwood City School District calling for an election to be held on November 3, 2020 for the election of 3 members of the Governing Board (MacAvoy, Díaz-Slocum; 5-0).

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

9.2 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

Speaker’s Cards:

Anuj Gaggar, thanked the School Board and Superintendent Baker for all of their work on renaming Adelante Selby. Ms. Gaggar expressed that it has been difficult to merge both schools. Ms. Gaggar commented that she wasn’t sure that everyone was going to be happy with the decision.

Aracely Tamayo, commented that she would like for Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion School to be chosen as the name. Ms. Tamayo opined that the name seemed appropriate and it acknowledged both communities. Ms. Tamayo added that she believed that the name Adelante Selby is the appropriate name for the school, which would allow the School Board to move on with other topics in the agenda.

Maurice Willis, commented that the last year has been a year of change and challenge, but both communities came together to do what’s important for the students. Mr. Willis expressed his full support of the name Adelante Selby.

Michelle Smith, commented that she did not want to acknowledge what the other parents have said. Ms. Smith stated that her child has been able to integrate with other students. Ms. Smith expressed frustration over the policy, which would not allow for flexibility, in case the School Board were to reject the name and the renaming process would have to restart.

The School Board approved 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 (McBride, MacAvoy; 4-1).

President Lawson (Nay)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

10. Adjournment (Action Required)

The board adjourned the meeting at 8:53 p.m. (McBride, Díaz-Slocum; 5-0).

 

María Díaz-Slocum, Clerk