December 8, 2021
REDWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Redwood City, California
APPROVED MINUTES OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
December 8, 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 and Mike Wells; and Superintendent Baker.
2. 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, Liz Wolfe, Priscilla Aquino-Dichoso, Don Dias, Will Robertson, Jorge Quintana, Antonio Pérez, Kyle Brumbaugh, Itzel Ramírez, Gonzálo Cordova, and 43 more attendees.
3. Changes to the Agenda
Will Robertson, Bond Program Manager, requested to move Bond Program Action Items 8.2 to Bond Program Consent Items.
Trustee Wells requested to move Action Items 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.6, and 11.7 to Consent.
4. Approval of Agenda
The board approved the agenda as amended, (Díaz-Slocum/Wells; 5-0).
5. Oral Communication
None.
6. School/Community Reports
6.1 Citizens’ Measure U Oversight Committee Year Four Report for 2020-21
Janet Borgens, Chair of the Citizens’ Measure U Oversight Committee and Priscilla Aquino-Dichoso, Chief Business Official presented to the School Board and Superintendent Baker on the Year Four report for the Citizens’ Measure U Oversight Committee.
Ms. Borgens thanked the Redwood City School District staff, Superintendent Baker and the School Board for all of their hard work. Ms. Borgens also mentioned that the Oversight Committee is doing a fantastic job making sure schools are spending their dollars according to the ballot language.
The School Board thanked the Citizens’ Measure U Oversight Committee for all of their hard work and expressed appreciation on reviewing the expenditures thoroughly.
7. Bond Program Consent Items (Action Required)
The board approved the Bond Program Consent Items (Díaz-Slocum/Márquez; 5-0), taking the following action:
7.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Bond Program Consent Items
7.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Hoover Community School New Gymnasium and Modernization Project Package A with Galeb Paving, Inc., Change Order #6
7.3 Recommendation re: Approval of Measure T Bond Program Tracking List of Items Under $20k
7.4 Recommendation re: Approval of Covered Walkway Construction Agreement with Park Planet for Clifford School
7.5 Recommendation re: Approval of Maker Space Construction Agreement with Castillo Plumbing for Kennedy Middle School
8.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Architect Additional Service Amendments #6, #8, and #9 for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill) with CAW
President MacAvoy (Ayes) Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes) Trustee Márquez (Ayes) Trustee Lawson (Ayes) Trustee Wells (Ayes) 8. Bond Program Action Items (Action Required) 8.1. Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolution 18, Approval of New Gym and Modernization Project Change Order #5 with Atlas Pellizzari for Hoover School – attachment The School Board adopted Resolution 18, approval of new gym and modernization project, change order #5 with Atlas Pellizzari for Hoover School (Wells/Lawson; 5-0). President MacAvoy (Ayes) Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes) Trustee Márquez (Ayes) Trustee Lawson (Ayes) Trustee Wells (Ayes) 9. Discussion Items
9.1 Discussion on District Transfer Students for the Mandarin Immersion Program
The Mandarin Immersion Program parent community addressed the School Board by presenting a slide show, showcasing the current challenges the program is facing and highlighting their strengths.
Parents of the Mandarin Immersion Program expressed that the program is currently at risk of losing existing and prospective families due to low morale, increasing competition, and the perception that Asian biases influence policy decisions.
The Mandarin Immersion Program parent community asked Superintendent Baker and the School Board to grandfather in nine siblings of current interdistrict transfers to fill empty seats and keep their community together; allow interdistrict transfers to fill unfilled spots in all grades to offset attrition and increase fluent Mandarin speakers; commit to allowing all students in RCSD who enroll in the program in the first round to attend; address the needs of underserved students who are struggling in Mandarin or English with sustainable district funding and support.
Principal Rivera stated that she would like for siblings to stay together and for the Mandarin Immersion Program to continue expanding. Furthermore, Principal Rivera added that there are currently 2 kindergarten classes with a total of 24 students. Principal Rivera expressed that their goal is to open a third kindergarten classroom in order to reduce attrition.
Trustee Márquez asked what was the Mandarin Immersion Program doing to advertise the program to the community?
Superintendent Baker commented that Adelante Selby works closely with their staff, their office staff and PTO on how to go out and recruit other students. Superintendent Baker added that Principal Rivera and her parent community go out to advertise in the community. Superintendent Baker further commented that the Mandarin Immersion Program has a very active parent community that goes out to preschools, libraries, and festivals to recruit students. In addition, the Mandarin Immersion Program parent community advertises in the local newspaper.
Trustee Márquez asked what are some of the things that the Mandarin Immersion Program parent community have asked for and not received?
Principal Rivera commented that the Mandarin Immersion Program has a language intervention instructor; however, the parent community is working tirelessly to provide additional tutoring services. Principal Rivera added that additional funding has been challenging to cover costs for tutoring services.
Vice-President Díaz-Slocum referenced a comment made by Julia Feng, about the Mandarin Immersion Program parent community feeling unwelcomed by other parents on campus. Vice-President Díaz-Slocum asked Ms. Feng to provide further information about what they have been experiencing.
In response to Vice-President Díaz-Slocum’s comment, Ms. Feng commented that during site council meetings, the Mandarin Immersion Program parent community receive unwelcomed commentary. Ms. Feng expressed that in at least one occasion, they received a comment saying that ‘they were tired and did not want to hear the needs of their students.’ Ms. Feng added that the parent community is not shamed directly; however, they receive comments such as: “poor students need more.”
President MacAvoy asked how many out of district students are currently enrolled in RCSD?
In response to President MacAvoy’s question, Superintendent Baker replied that there are currently 168 out of district students.
Trustee Márquez expressed that she understood that parents are being affected by many challenges; however, Trustee Márquez commented that the School Board looks for the needs of all RCSD students, including: English Language learners, students struggling in math, reading and those with mental health needs.
Trustee Lawson commented that the Mandarin Immersion Program is a young program. The interdistrict transfers were meant to support to the program during its beginning phase. Trustee Lawson expressed that there needs to be more support for the program. Furthermore, Trustee Lawson stated that she sees a need for a third classroom; however, there isn’t any space to accommodate the additional classroom being requested due to the Bond Program study.
President MacAvoy stated that the School Board would like for siblings to remain together; however, she would like for the cost to be kept in mind, as resources available are limited.
Superintendent Baker stated that in January 2022, the Mandarin Immersion Program would provide the School Board with a report and update.
9.2 Educator Effectiveness Block Grant
Superintendent Baker introduced the Educator Effectiveness Block Grant by commenting that this item was presented to the School Board in order for the Redwood City School District to receive the grant. Superintendent Baker reiterated that the funds could be used to support professional learning for certificated teachers, administrators, paraprofessional educators, and certificated staff.
Liz Wolfe, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, provided the School Board with a presentation about the allocation of funds from the Educator Effectiveness funds (EEF).
Ms. Wolfe recommended that the funds be used to support additional Teachers on Special Assignments to support: onboarding of new staff (teachers, interns, classified); writing across the curriculum; STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) electives; positive behavior interventions and support; equitable practices in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and inclusive practices; prek-k-tk development, training and alignment.
This item was presented to the School Board as a report only and no action was required from the School Board.
The School Board thanked Liz Wolfe for all of her work and presentation and expressed they look forward to seeing how the funding will help with teacher development.
10. Consent Items
The board approved the Consent Items (Wells, Lawson; 5-0), taking the following action:
10.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Consent Items
10.2 Recommendation re: Approval of November 10th Board Minutes
10.3 Recommendation re: Disposal of Obsolete Equipment
10.4 Recommendation re: Ratification of Warrant Register, November 1, 2021 – November 30, 2021
11.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Addendum to 2021-22 Measure U Application for North Star Academy
11.3 Recommendation re: Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy 1312.3 – Uniform Complaint Procedures
11.4 Recommendation re: Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy 4131 – Staff Development
11.5 Recommendation re: Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy 5144.1 – Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process
11.6 Recommendation re: Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy 6164.4 – Identification and Evaluation of Individuals for Special Education
11.7 Recommendation re: Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy 6164.41 – Children with Disabilities Enrolled by their Parents in Private School
President MacAvoy (Ayes) Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes) Trustee Márquez (Ayes) Trustee Lawson (Ayes) Trustee Wells (Ayes) 11. Action Items (Action Required) 11.1 Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolution 19, Approval of 2022-23 CDE Funding for RCSD California State Preschool Programs The School Board adopted Resolution 19, Approval of 2022-23 CDE Funding for RCSD California State Preschool Programs (Díaz-Slocum/Márquez; 5-0). President MacAvoy (Ayes) Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes) Trustee Márquez (Ayes) Trustee Lawson (Ayes) Trustee Wells (Ayes) 11.8 Recommendation re: Approval of Personnel Changes for 2021-22 The School Board approved the Personnel Changes for 2021-22 (Lawson/Wells; 5-0). President MacAvoy (Ayes) Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes) Trustee Márquez (Ayes) Trustee Lawson (Ayes) Trustee Wells (Ayes) 11.9 Recommendation re: Approval of Provisional Internship Permit The School Board approved the Provisional Internship Permit for Alexis Salgona Fernando, English Teacher at Kennedy Middle School (Márquez/Díaz-Slocum; 5-0). President MacAvoy (Ayes) Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes) Trustee Márquez (Ayes) Trustee Lawson (Ayes) Trustee Wells (Ayes) 11.10 Recommendation re: Annual Developer Fee Report – Fiscal Year 2020-21 The School Board approved the Annual Developer Fee Report for Fiscal Year 2020-21 (Díaz-Slocum/Márquez; 5-0). President MacAvoy (Ayes) Vice-President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes) Trustee Márquez (Ayes) Trustee Lawson (Ayes) Trustee Wells (Ayes)
12. Board and Superintendent Reports
12.1 Report from Board Members and Superintendent
Trustee Wells reported attending a Measure U Oversight Committee meeting. Furthermore, Trustee Wells reported attending an MTSS Committee meeting. Trustee Wells attended the California School Boards Association Annual Education Conference, together with President MacAvoy. Trustee Wells also attended a meeting with the Committee on School District Organization on parcel transfers.
Trustee Lawson reported attending a Bond Program Team meeting, in addition to attending an MTSS Leadership meeting and an RCTA Climate meeting with Superintendent Baker.
Vice-President Díaz-Slocum reported attending a Transfer of Territory meeting, in addition to attending a Budget Committee meeting.
Trustee Márquez reported attending a Transfer of Territory meeting, as well as Budget Committee meeting with Vice-President Díaz-Slocum.
President MacAvoy reported attending the California School Boards Association Board of Directors meeting, Delegate Assembly and Annual Education Conference last week. She learned a lot and will be sharing information with Superintendent Baker, staff and board members in the upcoming week. Furthermore, President MacAvoy reported attending a meeting with the County Committee on School District Organization regarding a transfer of territory for the Greenways Drive parcels. President MacAvoy thanked Superintendent Baker and CBO Aquino-Dichoso for their comments during the meeting. President MacAvoy also reported attending a reception for the Redwood City Council rotation.
Superintendent Baker reported attending many of the same events as School Board members. Superintendent Baker commented that he and Assistant Superintendent Liz Wolfe met with the Stanford Collaborative on mental health. Superintendent Baker commented that it is great to see the collaboration between RCSD and Stanford University; furthermore, Superintendent Baker expressed that Stanford University will be providing the School Board with an update and report at the January 19th board meeting.
13. Information
None.
14. Correspondence
President MacAvoy reported receiving many emails about the Mandarin Immersion Program interdistrict transfer students.
15. Other Business/Suggested Items for Future Agenda
President MacAvoy commented that she would like to see a presentation about the advocacy on mental health for students.
16. Board Agenda Calendar
16.1 Changes to the Board Agenda Schedule
No changes were reported.
17. Adjournment (Action Required)
The board adjourned the meeting at 9:08p.m. (Márquez/Díaz-Slocum; 5-0).
Janet Lawson, Clerk