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March 24, 2021 - Regular Meeting

REDWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Redwood City, California

APPROVED MINUTES OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

March 24, 2021

REGULAR BOARD MEETING VIA TELECONFERENCE

1. Call to Order

President MacAvoy called the regular board meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom Teleconference Meeting. 

Present at the Regular Board Meeting: President Alisa MacAvoy, Vice-President María Díaz-Slocum; Trustees Cecilia I. Márquez, Janet Lawson, Mike Wells, and Superintendent Baker.

 

  1. Welcome

2.1 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, Will Robertson, Jorge Quintana, Antonio Pérez, Kyle Brumbaugh, Liz Wolfe, Catherine Stuart, Maria Stockton, Jude Noyes, Ana Lague, Gonzálo Córdova, Itzel Ramírez, and 95 attendees. 

 

  1. Changes to the Agenda

 3.1 Changes to the Agenda

Trustee Lawson requested that the continuation of the Update on the Equity Consciousness Committee Study Session be placed subsequent to Discussion Item 9.1. 

Trustee Lawson requested that Action Items 11.1 and 11.2 be moved to Consent. 

 

  1. Approval of Agenda

The School Board approved the agenda as amended, (Díaz-Slocum, Lawson; 5-0).

 

  1. Oral Communication

None.

 

  1. School/Community Reports

6.1 Showcase of Student Projects in the Redwood City School District

President MacAvoy addressed the School Board, Superintendent Baker and members of the public by introducing Principal Sara Shackel from North Star Academy. 

Ms. Shackel presented to the School Board and Superintendent Baker a Transgender Awareness Day video recorded by some of her students, where they provide the public with history, information, and resources on the Transgender community.

President MacAvoy, the entire School Board and Superintendent Baker thanked Ms. Shackel and her students for a terrific presentation!

 

  1. Bond Program Consent Items (Action Required)

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

7.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Roy Cloud School Modernization and Barrier Removal Project, Change Order #4 with Mar Con Builders

7.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill Elementary School) Modernization and New Building Project Bid Package H, Change Order #1 with OC McDonald

7.3 Recommendation re: Approval of Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill Elementary School) Modernization and New Building Project Bid Package G, Change Order #2 with Sausal Corporation

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

President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee Lawson (Ayes)

Trustee Wells (Ayes)

 

  1. Bond Program Action Items (Action Required)

8.1 Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolution 19, Sole Sourcing Siemens Desigo Security System and Siemens Axis and Hanwha Cameras/Resolution Designating Specific Material, Product, Thing or Service for Construct Contract

The School Board adopted Resolution 19, Sole Sourcing Siemens Desigo Security System and Siemens Axis and Hanwha Cameras/Resolution Designating Specific Material, Product, Thing or Service for Construct Contract (Díaz-Slocum/Wells; 5-0).

President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee Lawson (Ayes)

Trustee Wells (Ayes)

 

  1. Discussion Items

9.1 Spring Expansion of School District January Reopening 

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. 

Assistant Superintendent Wolfe commented that by April, there will be a total number of 3,223 students returning to school for in-person learning and there will be 3,322 students continuing distance learning.

Superintendent Baker commented that currently, there is a six feet distance requirement from the San Mateo County Office of Education. However, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and California Department of Education (CDE) are reviewing the new federal guidelines and updating the guidance for schools to align with the CDC. As the State completes its updates, San Mateo County Health will quickly align its local guidance with CDC and State guidance. The Redwood City School District is planning ahead a phased-in approach to 3 feet. 

Speaker’s Cards:

Linda Joya, parent at Roy Cloud School, stated that she is completely frustrated with the current situation. Ms. Joya expressed that the last school year has been shameful and she does not understand why students cannot be in classrooms for more time. Ms. Joya commented that 2.75 hours of instruction is not enough and she hopes for a change soon.

Maria Stockton, staff at Clifford School, asked if the distance between the student and teacher would be changing? Furthermore, Ms. Stockton asked if transportation for students would be provided? 

Devon Mullane, RCSD parent, asked the School Board and Superintendent Baker if all the students returning to in-person instruction would be in the same classroom as their original teacher? Mr. Mullane commented that if 6 feet distance is not reduced to 3 feet, the Redwood City School District would end up with a pod situation. Furthermore, Mr. Mullane stated that he understood the struggles of parents having their children at home, trying to accommodate interactions and connections. 

In response to Mr. Mullane’s comments, Superintendent Baker responded that pods are in a middle school setting and most students returning to in-person instruction would be paired with their original teacher. 

Catherine Stuart, parent at Mandarin Immersion Program, addressed the School Board and Superintendent Baker by asking if parents in the Mandarin Immersion Program choose independent study, will students keep the same level of Chinese?

In response to Ms. Stuart’s comment, Superintendent Baker asked her to refer to Principal Katherine Rivera for further details. 

Trustee Wells thanked Superintendent Baker, Assistant Superintendent Liz Wolfe, and site administrators for gathering all the information presented during the board meeting. Trustee Wells asked if parents would still choose distance learning, even if the School District moved to 3 feet distance between students? Trustee Wells also asked if administration had an idea of why families were making different choices? Trustee Wells mentioned that he knew that the School District was working on transportation for students.

In response to Trustee Wells’ comments and questions, Superintendent Baker commented that the School District must maintain a virtual program for those parents that have chosen distance learning. Furthermore, Superintendent Baker stated that SamTrans is no longer offering any transportation for students; however, he will see if the School District could obtain transportation services from private vendors. Superintendent Baker added that some families have reported challenges with child care in reference to the AM/PM schedules for students. 

Trustee Lawson thanked the Redwood City School District administration for the data presented. Trustee Lawson addressed the frustration expressed by parent, Linda Joya, by stating that her child is currently doing 2.75 hours of instruction. Trustee Lawson explained that because of the AM/PM schedules, that is why students are having shorter instruction hours. Trustee Lawson added that if the social distance guidelines change, students will be able to go back to in person instruction. Trustee Lawson reminded families that when school resumes to in-person instruction in August, it will be crazy, especially during drop-off time. Trustee Lawson commented that April will also be challenging as people are going back to their routines.

Vice-President Díaz-Slocum, thanked administration for getting students back to in-person instruction. Vice-President Díaz-Slocum commented that she understood the frustration that many families felt; however, she highlighted and acknowledged the extra work done by staff members to continue updating the reopening plan. 

Trustee Márquez expressed that she understood the frustration felt by many families. Trustee Márquez further added that 3 feet distance seems very promising and thanked the Redwood City School administration and staff for all of their hard work.

President MacAvoy thanked Superintendent Baker and Assistant Superintendent Liz Wolfe for meeting with all principals to further discuss and plan for the reopening of schools. President MacAvoy commented that it has been challenging for parents and she acknowledged all staff, as this has been a hard year. President MacAvoy expressed that she knew parents were upset with the school board; however, she stated that many students have been well-served. President MacAvoy commented that a wonderful teacher from Roosevelt School talked to ABC7 News about her students and how it has been challenging and why aren’t all students coming back.

**** Continuation of the Update on Equity Consciousness Committee

Assistant Superintendent Linda Montes continued the conversation about the Equity Consciousness Committee. 

Superintendent Baker said it would be best to agendize a future study session to discuss the vision and mission. 

The School Board recessed at 9:03pm.

The School Board reconvened at 9:09pm.

 

9.2 First Reading and Discussion of Board Policy 0430 – Comprehensive Local Plan for Special Education

9.3 First Reading and Discussion of Board Policy 3551 – Food Service Operations/Cafeteria Fund

9.4 First Reading and Discussion of Board Policy 5142 – Safety

Deputy Superintendent Wendy Kelly expressed that the board policies were brought forward for discussion and would be placed on the agenda for approval on April 14th. The School Board and Superintendent Baker did not have additional comments or questions on the board policies; however, Deputy Superintendent Kelly commented she would make a correction to Board Policy 5142 – Safety, which would read “7-8th grade students” not “7th-12th grade students.”

 

10. Consent Items (Action Required)

The Board approved the Consent Items (Lawson/Wells; 5-0), taking the following action:

**Note: Trustee Lawson requested that Action Items 11.1 and 11.2 be moved to Consent.

10.1 Recommendation re: Approval of March 10th Board Minutes

10.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Local Interagency Agreement(s) to Provide Education and Training to Credentialed Candidates

10.3 Recommendation re: Approval of Addendum to 2020-21 Measure U Application for Kennedy Middle School

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

10.5 Recommendation re: Approval of Agreement between the Redwood City School District and The Miri Center for Mental Health Services

11.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Classified General Leave Request(s)

11.2 Recommendation re: Approval of eRate Category 2 – Network Equipment – Request for Proposals

President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee Lawson (Ayes)

Trustee Wells (Ayes)

 

11. Action Items (Action Required)

Trustee Lawson requested that Action Items 11.1 and 11.2 be moved to Consent; therefore, there were no further Action Items left for approval.

 

12. Board and Superintendent Reports

12.1 Report from Board Members and Superintendent

Vice-President Díaz-Slocum reported listening to parents who are concerned about the reopening plan. Vice-President Díaz-Slocum helped those parents with other concerns and questions.

Trustee Wells reported attending a Bond Program Committee meeting.

Trustee Márquez reported attending a Superintendent Advisory Council meeting.

Trustee Lawson reported attending a virtual RCTA Climate meeting together with Superintendent Baker and Deputy Superintendent Wendy Kelly. Furthermore, Trustee Lawson attended a virtual workforce housing meeting with The Sobrato Organization and attended a Redwood City Together meeting. Trustee Lawson mentioned she received a daycare facility tour from the building across the District Office. 

President MacAvoy reported attending the RedwoodCity Together meeting and discussed the Covid-19 resources need for families. President MacAvoy commented that a survey went out for the North Fair Oaks community to further determine food security and housing. President MacAvoy also attended two Safe Routes to School meetings. President MacAvoy stated that they heard updates on the Jefferson and Cleveland intersection and asked if a crossing guard could be placed there. Furthermore, President MacAvoy heard about the North Fair Oaks bike and pedestrian lanes and commented there are very little safe bike lanes in North Fair Oaks. President MacAvoy mentioned that there is a group of parents interested in bike lanes in the Mount Carmel area. In addition, President MacAvoy reported attending a California Schools Boards Association board meeting and commented there are a lot of various bills that could affect the School District. President MacAvoy also had a CSBA Legislative Week and commented that this upcoming Saturday is the San Mateo School Boards Association Legislative Day. President MacAvoy attended a virtual Superintendent’s Coffee at Clifford School and commented she had a wonderful tour of the New Footsteps Daycare Center, across from the School District.

Superintendent Baker reported attending many of the same meetings as School Board members. Superintendent Baker also reported meeting virtually with every principal and also met with other superintendents in the San Mateo County. 

 

13. Information

13.1 San Mateo County Office of Education Review of RCSD First Interim Financial Report and Budget Overview for Parents for Fiscal Year 2020-21

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

13.2 Information on San Mateo County Investment Fund – February, 2021

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

 

14. Correspondence

None.

 

15. Other Business/Suggested Items for Future Agenda

The School Board and Superintendent Baker picked a couple of dates to continue working on the RCSD mission, vision and goals. May 12th and 26th were the dates chosen; however, President MacAvoy commented she would confirm later if either date works for her.

A Bond Study Session was scheduled for April 28th from 6-8pm. 

 

16. Board Agenda Calendar

16.1 Changes to the Board Agenda Schedule

None.

 

17. Adjournment

The board adjourned the meeting at 9:35 p.m. (Díaz-Slocum/Márquez; 5-0).

 

 

Cecilia I. Márquez, Clerk