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May 6, 2020

MAY 6, 2020

REDWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Redwood City, California

APPROVED MINUTES OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

May 6, 2020

REGULAR BOARD MEETING VIA TELECONFERENCE

  1. Call to Order

President Lawson called the closed session meeting to order at 5:43 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: Attorney at Dannis Woliver Kelley, Janet Mueller; Founder/CEO at 3-D Strategies, Dominic Dutra; RCSD Chief Business Official, Priscilla Aquino-Dichoso; and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Wendy Kelly.

  1. Oral Communication on Closed Session Items Only

There were no public comments for the closed session item.

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

3.1. Conference with Real Property Negotiators (Gov. Code, Section 54956.8)

Property: Adelante Campus - 3150 Granger Way, Redwood City, CA 94061

Agency Negotiators: John R. Baker, Superintendent; Janet Mueller (DWK); Dominic Dutra (3D Strategies)

Negotiating Parties: Stratford School, Rocketship Redwood City Charter School, Connect Community Charter School; Other potential property Lessees

Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment 

3.2 CSEA Negotiations Update

3.3 RCTA Negotiations Update

  1. Reconvene to Regular Session at Approximately 7:02p.m.
  1. Welcome

5.1 Welcome

5.2 Pledge of Allegiance

President Lawson welcomed those present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by an RCSD student. 

Others Present During the Regular Board Meeting: Wendy Kelly, Linda Montes, Priscilla Aquino-Dichoso, Don Dias, Will Robertson, Jorge Quintana, Antonio Pérez, Kyle Brumbaugh, Antonio Pérez, Patricia Ortiz, Patricia Pelino, Andrea Garen, Martin Cervantes, Itzel Ramírez, Gonzálo Cordova, Susanne Ruiz-Dunlap, Michelle Smith, Nicole Russo, Lance Powell, Amy Seagrove, Rex Northen, Stephen Zoepf, Catherine Stuart, Kevin Sugar, Michelle Griffith, and many others.

  1. Changes to the Agenda

Will Robertson, RCSD Measure T Bond Manager requested from the School Board that Consent Item 9.2 be pulled from the agenda.

Superintendent Baker requested to pull Discussion Items 11.3 and 11.4 from the agenda.

  1. Approval of Agenda

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

  1. Oral Communication

Susanne Ruiz-Dunlap, teacher at Adelante/Selby, addressed the School Board by urging them to reconsider the name for Adelante/Selby. Ms. Ruiz-Dunlap commented that there are many families that do not have access to technology at home; therefore, they are unable to access board meetings and voice their comments about the renaming of Adelante/Selby. 

Michelle Smith, parent at Adelante/Selby, addressed the School Board by requesting that they amend the board policy to include a more democratic process for voting on the new name for Adelante/Selby. Ms. Smith commented that she did not like the name Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion School and recommended the School Board and Superintendent Baker to reconsider the name for 170 Selby Lane school site.

In response to Michelle Smith’s comment, Vice-President MacAvoy reiterated that a public hearing had been held to hear comments from the community on renaming the Adelante/Selby school site.

Nicole Russo, commented that the process for choosing the name for 170 Selby Lane school site has been a trial for everyone involved. Ms. Russo expressed feeling that there are many that are still holding on to the past; however, after the public hearing, she felt positive about moving forward. Ms. Russo proposed for a fresh and brand-new name. Ms. Russo requested that people move forward by respecting other’s thoughts and wishes. Ms. Russo thanked the School Board and Superintendent Baker for taking the time to listen to comments from the Adelante/Selby community.

Lance Powell, parent at Adelante/Selby, addressed the School Board by commenting that the community is upset and feels as if the trust has been broken. Ms. Powell commented that there has been a legacy established at the school site and perhaps not everyone will be content with the final name; however, Mr. Powell urged the School Board and Superintendent Baker to reconsider the name for 170 Selby Lane school site.

Amy Seagrove, left the meeting and did not share a public comment.

Rex Northen, parent at Adelante/Selby commented that he echoed many of the comments that were made. Mr. Northen commented that he is part of the community that feels very strong about the name of the school site and feels that starting a whole new process of renaming the school would be challenging. 

Stephen Zoepf, parent at Adelante/Selby echoed Lance Powell and Rex Northen’s comments.

Catherine Stuart, addressed the School Board and Superintendent Baker inquiring about the purchase of furniture to ensure social

In response to Catherine Stuart’s comment, Superintendent Baker commented he would call her to further discuss. 

  1. Bond Program Consent Items (Action Required)

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

Note: Will Robertson, RCSD Measure T Bond Manager requested from the School Board that Consent Item 9.2 be pulled from the agenda.

9.1 Recommendation re: Approval of New Fencing Enclosures and Concrete Fix Proposal with Dryco for McKinley School, Clifford School, and District Office

9.3 Recommendation re: Approval of Kitchen HVAC Upgrade Proposal with CP Mechanical for Hoover School

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

9.5 Recommendation re: Approval of Fire and Water Add Services Proposal with Ortiz for Roosevelt School Building E

9.6 Recommendation re: Approval of New Sink and Drain Installation Proposal with Ortiz for Roosevelt School Building E

9.7 Recommendation re: Approval of Legacy Support with WLC Architects for Garfield School

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

  1. Bond Program Action Items (Action Required)

10.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Moving Services with Chipman for Henry Ford School, Hoover School, and Roosevelt School

The School Board approved the moving services with Chipman for Henry Ford School, Hoover School, and Roosevelt School (Díaz-Slocum/McBride; 5-0).

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

10.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Flooring Abatement Proposal with Coastwide Environmental for Roosevelt School Building E

The School Board approved the flooring abatement proposal with Coastwide Environmental for Roosevelt School Building E (Márquez/MacAvoy; 5-0).

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

10.3 Recommendation re: Approval of New Flooring Proposal with Mohawk for Roosevelt School Building E

The School Board approved the new flooring proposal with Mohawk for Roosevelt School Building E (Díaz-Slocum/MacAvoy; 5-0).

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

10.4 Recommendation re: Approval of Bond Program Advisor Amendment #6 with Schoening Group

The School Board approved the Bond Program advisor amendment #6 with Schoening Group (McBride/Díaz-Slocum; 5-0).

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

  1. Discussion Items

**Note: Superintendent Baker requested to pull Discussion Items 11.3 and 11.4 from the agenda.

11.1. Discussion on COVID-19

Superintendent Baker thanked Cabinet administrators for their incredible work and support amidst the stay at home order. 

Cabinet administrators provided School Board members with an update on staff development, technology support (Chromebook and hotspot distribution), communications, food distribution, maintenance and cleaning of school sites and the District Office, special education, business office, wellness, student services and community outreach.

The School Board thanked administrators, teachers and staff for all their hard work and support.

11.2 TK-8 Spring 2020 Report Card Completion

Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Prek-5, Linda Montes commented that it has been a challenging time for everyone practicing at home learning. Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Prek-5, Linda Montes commented that she and Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services 6-8 Wendy Kelly sent out a survey to teachers to determine the most effective way to provide feedback to their students. It has been reported that some students are not connecting to their lesson plans continuously. Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Prek-5, Linda Montes commented that TK-5 teachers recommended that for the student’s final grade, comments about the student’s academic progress are provided. Rather than providing a score as a final grade, it would be a collective statement of where students are academically and provide recommendations upon return. There will be a drop-down menu for teachers to include comments for students.

Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services 6-8 Wendy Kelly reported that 66% of teachers replied to the survey. Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services 6-8 Wendy Kelly was appreciative of all the teachers that participated in the survey, as this information provides administrators with the tools needed for the adequate grading system. Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services 6-8 Wendy Kelly affirmed that the grading system for students in 6-8 grade would be a “Pass” or “Incomplete,” with additional comments from their teachers. The comments will provide an insight of where students are academically. 

The School Board thanked Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services PreK-5 Linda Montes and Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services 6-8 Wendy Kelly and their team of Professional Development for their hard work.

  1. Consent Items

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

12.1 Recommendation re: Ratification of Warrant Register, April 1, 2020 – April 30, 2020

12.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Revisions to Board Policy 5131 – Conduct

12.3 Recommendation re: Approval of Revisions to Board Policy 5145.9 – Hate Motivated Behavior

12.4 Recommendation re: Approval of Revisions to Board Policy and Administrative Regulations 6143 – Courses of Study

12.5 Recommendation re: Approval of Revisions to Board Policy and Administrative Regulations 6145.5 – Student Organization and Equal Access

12.6 Recommendation re: Approval of Updated NPS/NPA Contract List, Special Education Department

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

13. Action Items (Action Required)

13.1 Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolution 26, Reduction of Certain Classified Services for Fiscal Year 2020-21

The School Board adopted Resolution 26, reduction of certain classified services for fiscal year 2020-21 (Díaz-Slocum/MacAvoy; 5-0).

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

13.2 Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolution 27, Approval of Teachers Gaining Tenured Status

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Wendy Kelly acknowledged and honored probationary teachers who reached tenure. Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services 6-8 Wendy Kelly commented that the Redwood City School District is so excited to have the tenured teachers stay at Redwood City.

The School Board recognized and thanked all the tenured teachers for their terrific work!

Kevin Sugar, RCTA President, welcomed and congratulated all tenured teachers.

Michelle Griffith, Principal at Garfield, congratulated tenured teachers and acknowledged their hard work and dedication. The School Board adopted Resolution 27, approval of teachers gaining tenured status.

All board members motioned and second the approval of teachers gaining tenured status.

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

13.3 Recommendation re: Discussion and Approval of Revisions to Board Policy 5022 – Student and Family Privacy Rights

The School Board approved the revisions to Board Policy 5022 – Student and Family Privacy Rights (MacAvoy/Díaz-Slocum; 5-0).

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

13.4 Recommendation re: Discussion and Approval of Revisions to Board Policy 5125 – Student Records

The School Board approved the revisions to Board Policy 5125 – Student Records (Márquez/McBride; 5-0).

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

13.5 Recommendation re: Discussion and Approval of Revisions to Board Policy 5145.13 – Response to Immigration Enforcement

The School Board approved the revisions to Board Policy 5145.13 – Response to Immigration Enforcement (MacAvoy/Márquez; 5-0).

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

13.6 Recommendation re: Discussion and Approval of Revisions to Board ByLaw 9270 – Conflict of Interest

The School Board approved the revisions to Board ByLaw 9270 – Conflict of Interest (McBride/Díaz-Slocum; 5-0).

President Lawson (Ayes)

Vice-President MacAvoy (Ayes)

Trustee Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)

Trustee Márquez (Ayes)

Trustee McBride (Ayes)

  1. Board and Superintendent Reports

14.1 Report from Board Members and Superintendent

Trustee Díaz-Slocum did not have a report.

Trustee Márquez did not have a report.

Trustee McBride acknowledged a parent for donating 10 technology devices to the Redwood City School District.

Vice-President MacAvoy reported attending many meetings via Zoom and telephone conference. Vice-President MacAvoy commented that she would attend the CSBA Delegate Assembly via a Zoom meeting over the weekend. 

President Lawson reported attending meetings with the San Mateo County and San Mateo County School Boards Association. 

Superintendent Baker reported participating in various interviews for a RWC2020 Director. 

  1. Information

15.1 Redwood City School District Review of Connect Community Charter School’s Second Interim Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2019-20 – attachment

15.2 Redwood City School District Review of KIPP’s Second Interim Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2019-20 – attachment

15.3 Redwood City School District Review of Rocketship’s Second Interim Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2019-20 – attachment

There were no comments for Information items 15.1 through 15.3. 

  1. Correspondence

President Lawson reported that Board Members received emails from parents regarding the renaming of Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion School.

Trustee McBride reported receiving an email from Principal Jude Noyes complementing the services offered by the Special Education Department.

  1. Other Business/Suggested Items for Future Agenda

President Lawson requested that a resolution to adopt the modified report cards be added to the next board meeting.

  1. Board Agenda Calendar

18.1 Changes to the Board Agenda Schedule

Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services PreK-5 commented that the ESAA Update could be removed from the schedule of board agenda items.

  1. Adjournment (Action Required)

The board adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m. (McBride/Díaz-Slocum; 5-0).

María Díaz-Slocum, Clerk