August 24th, 2022 - Regular Session
REDWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Redwood City, California
APPROVED MINUTES OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
August 24, 2022
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
1. Call to Order
President Díaz-Slocum called the Closed Session to order at 6:02 p.m.
1.1 Roll Call
Present at the Closed Session Meeting: President María Díaz-Slocum, Vice-President Cecilia I. Márquez; Trustees Janet Lawson; Trustee Mike Wells, Trustee Alisa MacAvoy, and Superintendent John Baker.
Others Present: Peter Ingram, Consultant, and Clarissa Canady, Legal Counsel.
2. Oral Communication on Closed Session Items Only
None.
3. Closed Session – 6:00 p.m.
The School Board went into Closed Session at 6:02 p.m.
3.1 Conference with Real Property Negotiators (Gov. Code, § 54956.8)
Property: 750 Bradford Street, Redwood City, CA 94063
Agency Negotiator: John R. Baker, Superintendent; Peter Ingram, Property Consultant; and Clarissa Canady, Attorney for District.
Negotiating Parties: The Sobrato Organization and Redwood City School District.
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment of Property Exchange Agreement
4. Reconvene to Regular Session at Approximately 7:00 p.m.
4.1 Roll Call
Others Present during the Regular Board meeting: Wendy Kelly, Liz Wolfe, Rick Edson, Erin Kekos, Will Robertson, Don Dias, Martin Cervantes, Gonzalo Cordova, Patrinia Redd, and many others.
4.2 Report out on Closed Session from August 24, 2022
Vice-President Márquez reported the School Board met with the consultants and received information regarding the 750 Bradford property. No action was taken.
5. Welcome
5.1 Welcome
Vice-President Márquez welcomed those present.
6. Changes to the Agenda
Trustee Wells requested to move Information Items 14.3 – 14.5 to before section 9.
Trustee Lawson requested to move Action items 12.4 and 12.5 to Consent.
Trustee MacAvoy requested to move Information Items 14.3 – 14.5 after the Bond Program Action Items 10.1 – 10.3.
7. Approval of Agenda
The School Board approved the agenda as amended (Díaz-Slocum, MacAvoy; 5-0).
8. Oral Communication
None.
9. Bond Program Consent Items
The School Board approved the Bond Program Consent Items (Lawson, Wells; 5-0) taking the following action:
9.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Consent Items
9.2 Recommendation re: Approval of Measure T Bond Program Tracking List of Items Under $20k
9.3 Recommendation re: Approval of Proposal for the Removal of Staging Area with Galeb Paving, Inc., at Garfield Community School
9.4 Recommendation re: Approval of Proposal for the Installation of Markerboards, Tackboards, and Hook Systems with Beals Martin at Taft Community School
9.5 Recommendation re: Approval of Proposal for the Furnishing and Installation of an Automatic Watering System and Sod/Lawn with Scapes, Inc., at Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School)
9.6 Recommendation re: Approval of Proposal for the Furnishing and Installation of Manual Transfer Switches for Trailer Generator with Atlas Pellizzari Electric, Inc., at MPR Buildings District-Wide
9.7 Recommendation re: Approval of Rear Parking Lot Project, Change Order #1 to the Agreement with Galeb Paving, Inc., for Garfield Community School
9.8 Recommendation re: Approval of New Building and Modernization Project Bid Package F, Change Order #3 to the Agreement with Scapes Landscape Company, Inc., for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School)
9.9 Recommendation re: Approval of New Building and Modernization Project Bid Package E, Change Order #4 to the Agreement with Foothill Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc., for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School)
9.10 Recommendation re: Approval of New Building, Modernization and Sitework Project Bid Package G, Change Order #9 to the Agreement with Rodan Builders for Garfield Community School
9.11 Recommendation re: Approval of New Building, Modernization and Sitework Project Bid Package G, Change Order #25 to the Agreement with Beals Martin for Taft Community School
Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes)
Trustee Wells (Ayes)
Trustee Lawson (Ayes)
Vice-President Márquez (Ayes)
President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
10. Bond Program Action Items (Action Required)
10.1 Recommendation re: Adoption of Futility Resolution 6, Approval of New Building, Modernization and Sitework Plumbing Project, Change Order #2 with Dinelli Plumbing at Taft Community School
The School Board adopted Resolution 6, Approval of New Building, Modernization and Sitework Plumbing Project, Change Order #2 with Dinelli Plumbing at Taft Community School (Díaz-Slocum, MacAvoy; 5-0).
Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes)
Trustee Wells (Ayes)
Trustee Lawson (Ayes)
Vice-President Márquez (Ayes)
President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
10.2 Recommendation re: Adoption of Futility Resolution 7, Approval of New Classroom Building and Modernization Landscape Project, Change Order #5 with Scapes, Inc., at Garfield Community School
The School Board adopted Resolution 7, Approval of New Classroom Building and Modernization Landscape Project, Change Order #5 with Scapes, Inc., at Garfield Community School (Lawson, Díaz-Slocum; 5-0).
Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes)
Trustee Wells (Ayes)
Trustee Lawson (Ayes)
Vice-President Márquez (Ayes)
President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
10.3 Recommendation re: Adoption of Futility Resolution 8, Approval of New Classroom Building and Modernization Fire Protection Project, Change Order #4 with Marquee Fire Protection at Garfield Community School
The School Board adopted Resolution 8, Approval of New Classroom Building and Modernization Fire Protection Project, Change Order #4 with Marquee Fire Protection at Garfield Community School (MacAvoy, Wells; 5-0).
Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes)
Trustee Wells (Ayes)
Trustee Lawson (Ayes)
Vice-President Márquez (Ayes)
President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
14.3 Recognize Staff Who Have Reached a Longevity Milestone with the District
Deputy Superintendent Wendy Kelly presented certificates to recognize the amazing staff who have worked with the district for many years. Recognitions happen in 5-year increments. Those recognized tonight have met 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and onward years of service.
President Díaz-Slocum thanked everyone. She thanked and congratulated the staff for the impact they have made on the students and the community.
Trustee Wells echoed President Díaz-Slocum’s sentiment. He thanked the staff for their length of service and continued dedication to improving the students’ lives.
Trustee MacAvoy also echoed the previous sentiments. She commented this recognition is a special way to recognize a portion of the staff. Everybody is making a big difference. She also noted it would be interesting to add up all the years of service for all 800 employees to see the tremendous years of service to the students and families.
Vice-President Márquez echoed the previous sentiments as well. She added, that the continued support and commitment to the district made by the staff is truly appreciated.
14.4 Recognition of Certificated Employee(s)
Deputy Superintendent Wendy Kelly presented a certificate to Dr. Shanna Laney for her dedication to supporting the RCSD community during COVID-19 from January 2021 to June 2023.
Superintendent Baker commented and praised Shanna on all the work she did, and for going above and beyond what she was asked to do regarding COVID.
Vice-President Márquez attested to all the work Shanna did. Trustee Márquez, as a parent herself, appreciates all the work Shanna did at all times of the day to ensure the safety of the children and staff.
14.5 Recognition of Classified Employee(s)
Deputy Superintendent Wendy Kelly presented certificates in recognition of classified employees. The Facilities, Maintenance, and Transportation Departments were acknowledged for their dedication to keeping the facilities clean for the safe return of the staff and students. The 10 and 11-month employees were also recognized for their support in helping clean the buildings.
Superintendent Baker presented the certificates to the managers for them to distribute to their staff. He thanked and presented certificates to Martin Cervantes, Thomas De Rosa, and Vidal Duran for all of the hard work they do.
Martin Cervantes, Director of Facilities and Transportation, presented certificates of recognition for some of his staff members.
Vice-President Márquez thanked the classified employees for coming to work every day and giving it their best. Their commitment to Redwood City School District is appreciated.
Trustee MacAvoy spoke on behalf of herself, Trustee Wells, and President Díaz-Slocum, stating they wish they could all be in-person at the meeting every night, but particularly tonight being a special night due to the awards presented. She praised those present tonight and thanked them for their dedication to the students, families, and staff.
11. Consent Items
Superintendent Baker brought the School Board’s attention to Consent Item 11.11 and commented all the Board Members received Exhibit A which delineated the services that would be provided. He recommended moving forward with the approval now that the information that was requested has been received.
The board approved the Consent Items (Díaz-Slocum, Wells; 5-0), taking the following action:
11.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Consent Items
11.2 Recommendation re: Approval of August 10th Board Minutes
11.3 Recommendation re: Approval of Non-Public School (NPS)/Non-Public Agency (NPA) Master Contracts
11.4 Recommendation re: Approval of Memorandum of Understanding between Menlo Park School District and RCSD
11.5 Recommendation re: Approval of Agreement between the Redwood City School District and Recology Peninsula Services
11.6 Recommendation re: Approval of Agreement between United Through Education, Inc. and the Redwood City School District for Orion Alternative Mandarin Immersion School
11.7 Recommendation re: Approval of Agreement between United Through Education, Inc. and the Redwood City School District
11.8 Recommendation re: Approval of Renewal Between Redwood City School District and East Bayshore Investment/Beals Martin
11.9 Recommendation re: Approval of Renewal Between Redwood City School District Instructional Materials Center and 2992 Spring Partners/Beals Martin
11.10 Recommendation re: Approval of Agreement between Peninsula Community Center (PCC) and Redwood City School District
11.11 Recommendation re: Approval of Agreement between Procare Therapy Inc. and Redwood City School District
11.12 Recommendation re: Approval of Agreement between OneLife Counseling and Redwood City School District
11.13 Recommendation re: Approval of Agreement between the San Mateo County Office of Education Dept. of School Climate/Restorative Justice and Redwood City School District
11.14 Recommendation re: Approval of School Assignments and School Committee Assignments for Board Members for the 2022-23 School Year
12.4 Recommendation re: Approval of Addendum to 2022-2023 Measure U Application for Garfield Community School
12.5 Recommendation re: Approval of Local Assignment Options in Areas of Special Skill and Preparation Outside of Credential Authorization.
The School Board approved the Local Assignment Options in Areas of Special Skill and Preparation Outside of Credential Authorization for the following people:
Roy Cloud: Gregg Reinke – Yearbook - Ed Code 44258.7 (c & d)
Kennedy: Sergio Simarro Martinez – Visual Arts - Ed Code 44258.7 (c & d)
North Star: Brenda Robinson – Visual Arts - Ed Code 44258.7 (c & d)
Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes)
Trustee Wells (Ayes)
Trustee Lawson (Ayes)
Vice-President Márquez (Ayes)
President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
12. Action Items
12.1 Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolution 9, Conflict of Interest Code and Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy 9270 - Conflict of Interest
Superintendent Baker commented the first reading was done at the first board meeting. This is in connection with the Form 700 filings. There were changes made to the list of designated filers.
The School Board adopted Resolution 9, Conflict of Interest Code, and Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy 9270 - Conflict of Interest (Wells, Díaz-Slocum; 5-0).
Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes)
Trustee Wells (Ayes)
Trustee Lawson (Ayes)
Vice-President Márquez (Ayes)
President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
12.2 Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolution 10, Approval of Teachers Gaining Tenured Status
Deputy Superintendent Kelly presented a list of teachers who have met at least 2 years of satisfactory evaluations and have been recommended for tenure status.
The Board Members congratulated the teachers.
The School Board adopted Resolution 10, Approval of Teachers Gaining Tenured Status (Lawson, Wells; 5-0)
Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes)
Trustee Wells (Ayes)
Trustee Lawson (Ayes)
Vice-President Márquez (Ayes)
President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
12.3 Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolution 11, Approval of Education Code Options for Teaching Assignments
No questions or comments.
The School Board adopted Resolution 11, Approval of Education Code Options for Teaching Assignments (Díaz-Slocum, Lawson; 5-0). The Education Code Options for Teaching Assignments were approved for the following teachers:
Diana Acosta-Benitez: Social Science EC 44256(b) – (6-8th Gr.)
Gisela McMahon: Social Science EC 44256(b) – (6-8th Gr.)
Montana Miller: Science EC 44256(b) – (8th Gr.)
Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes)
Trustee Wells (Ayes)
Trustee Lawson (Ayes)
Vice-President Márquez (Ayes)
President Díaz-Slocum (Ayes)
13. Board and Superintendent Reports
13.1 Report from Board Members and Superintendent
President Díaz-Slocum had nothing to report.
Trustee Lawson reported attending a Workforce Housing committee meeting to prepare for the Closed Session meeting.
Trustee MacAvoy reported attending the same Workforce Housing meeting as Trustee Lawson, and she also attended a closed session meeting with the Redwood City Together leadership team.
Trustee Márquez had nothing to report.
Trustee Wells reported joining the Measure S committee.
Superintendent Baker reported it has been a great start to the school year overall, except for the incident at Hoover Park. He congratulated the site administration and extended school day providers, PAL and BGCP, for ensuring the safety of everyone during the lockdown and evacuation process.
President Díaz-Slocum thanked Superintendent Baker for staying out until the last student was picked up. She thanked him for making sure the children in the preschools were also included in the safety protocols, and are part of the school instead of having it be a separate department.
Vice-President Márquez also thanked Superintendent Baker for following up with the School Board regarding the incident.
14. Information
14.1 Information on San Mateo County Investment Fund - July 2022
No questions or comments.
14.2 45-Day Revision
Chief Business Official Rick Edson reported on the 2022-23 school year budget for the Redwood City School District. He commented on the different increases, decreases, and additions made to the funding. The full impact of the adjustment in funds will be discussed at the 2022-23 First Interim.
Trustee Wells asked if there was an anticipation that in the interim, there would be cuts in some of the places that were trying to budget, or will it be more of shifting the funding?
Mr. Edson responded it seems like there may be a shift in the funding. He does not expect cuts at First Interim based on the update.
14.6 Information Regarding the RCSD Plan for COVID Response for the 2022-2023 School Year
Patrinia Redd, Director of Health and Wellness, discussed the COVID protocols for the 2022-23 school year. She noted the Pandemic Recovery Framework is now called COVID-19 Safe Schools Framework.
Erin Kekos, Director of HR, provided information regarding the reporting systems available for families, students, and staff to report positive cases. She also commented on the guidelines that families and staff will receive when reporting a positive case.
Trustee Lawson thanked the staff for continuing to keep everyone safe for the past 2.5 years. She also mentioned the Federal Government is doing a third round of free test kit distributions.
Trustee MacAvoy thanked Erin, Patrinia, Antonio, and everyone. For years, COVID-related agenda items were at the top of the agenda and now it is at the lower part of the agenda. She is proud of the work done at RCSD to keep students and staff safe. It is a great reminder of where the district has been and where it is now.
Trustee Wells thanked the team as well and commented on how the plan is always adapting. The plan is an appropriate plan for where we are in the COVID pandemic.
President Díaz-Slocum also thanked the group effort for continuing to keep up with all the new changes, and for helping the families navigate through those changes.
Vice-President Márquez also thanked everyone. She also asked for clarification regarding the staff newsletter and if it was different from the Superintendent’s Newsletter.
Erin Kekos responded, that HR has its newsletter, titled HR Happenings, which is sent out to employees once a month.
15. Correspondence
None.
16. Other Business/Suggested Items for Future Agenda
None.
17. Board Agenda Calendar
17.1 Changes to the Board Agenda Schedule of Items
None.
18. Adjournment
Trustee MacAvoy suggested closing the meeting in honor of Don Dias who is retiring, and has done incredible work for the school district.
President Díaz-Slocum added there is a wealth of knowledge that leaves with Don. He has made a significant impact to the district.
The board adjourned the meeting at 8:18 p.m. (Díaz-Slocum, MacAvoy; 5-0).