December 11, 2024
REDWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Redwood City, California
APPROVED MINUTES OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
December 11, 2024
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
1. Call to Order
President Lawson called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
1.1 Roll Call
Present at the Regular Board meeting: President Janet Lawson, Vice-President Mike Wells; Trustees Alisa MacAvoy and Cecilia Márquez; and Superintendent Baker
Others present during the Regular Board meeting: CBO Rick Edson, Assistant Superintendent Anna Herrera, Deputy Superintendent Wendy Kelly, Roosevelt School Principal Tina Mercer, Quattrocchi Kwok Architects representatives Aaron Jobson, John Dybzak, and Ector Mojica, Gonzalo Cordova, and many others.
Trustee David Weekly joined remotely as a guest and did not take any action during the meeting.
2. Welcome
President Lawson welcomed those present.
3. Changes to the Agenda
None.
4. Approval of the Agenda
The School Board approved the agenda as submitted (Wells, MacAvoy; 4-0).
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee Weekly (Abstain)
Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes)
Vice-President Wells (Ayes)
President Lawson (Ayes)
5. Oral Communication
Maria Abundis De Oue addressed the School Board to bring awareness and request that the School Board consider allowing the CSEA Union to participate in the Classified School Employee Summer Assistance Program.
6. Bond Program Discussion Item(s)
6.1 Update on the Facilities Master Planning Process
Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) Principals Aaron Jobson and John Dybzak, and QKA Studio Leader Ector Mojica addressed the School Board to provide an update on the Facilities Master Plan (FMP) process. Some key topics discussed included the FMP schedule, goals, quick-start projects, work completed, and high-priority items.
The School Board thanked the QKA team for the information presented and had the opportunity to make recommendations, comment, and ask clarifying questions regarding the FMP process and proposed plans. Trustee MacAvoy urged the principals, staff, and the school community to voice any concerns they have regarding the school's facilities now.
No action was taken.
7. School/Community Reports
7.1 Roosevelt Elementary School Presentation for the 2024-2025 School Year
Tina Mercer, Roosevelt School Principal, presented school data highlighting the alignment of site-level performance with the goals outlined in the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and the SPSA. The presentation covered successes, challenges, and site-specific actions to support district and site priorities in areas such as attendance and suspension, English learners, and academic performance in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
The School Board and Superintendent Baker thanked Mercer for the presentation and commended the Roosevelt staff for their efforts. Board members had the opportunity to share comments and ask clarifying questions on the school data presented.
No action was taken.
8. Consent Items
The School Board approved the Consent Items (Wells, MacAvoy; 4-0), taking the following action:
8.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Consent Items
8.2 Recommendation re: Approval of the November 20 Board Meeting Minutes
8.3 Recommendation re: Approval of Addendum to the 2024-25 Measure U
Application for Henry Ford School
8.4 Recommendation re: Approval of Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement between
Redwood City School District and One Life Counseling for the 2024-2025 School Year
8.5 Recommendation re: Approval of 2024-2025 Certificated Seniority Report
8.6 Recommendation re: Approval of 2024-2025 Classified Seniority Reports
8.7 Recommendation re: Approval of the Student Instructional Calendar for the
2025-2026 School Year
8.8 Recommendation re: Award of Bid to Supply Par Baked Pizza Products
8.9 Recommendation re: Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy and
Administrative Regulation 6153: School-Sponsored Trips
8.10 Recommendation re: Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy 4157:
Employee Safety
8.11 Recommendation re: Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy 4161:
Leaves
8.12 Recommendation re: Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy 4261:
Leaves
8.13 Recommendation re: Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy 4113.4:
Temporary Modified/Light Duty Assignment
8.14 Recommendation re: Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy 4213.4:
Temporary Modified/Light-Duty Assignment
8.15 Recommendation re: Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy 4040:
Employee Use of Technology
8.16 Recommendation re: Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy 4113:
Assignment
8.17 Recommendation re: Ratification of Warrant Registers, November 1, 2024 –
November 30, 2024
8.18 Recommendation re: Approval of Membership to the Citizen's Oversight
Committee for Measure U
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee Weekly (Abstain)
Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes)
Vice-President Wells (Ayes)
President Lawson (Ayes)
The School Board recessed at 8:51 PM and reconvened at 8:59 PM.
9. Action Items
9.1 Recommendation re: Approval of Budget Renewal Initiative, Superintendent Recommendations
Superintendent Baker addressed the School Board to discuss the purpose of the Budget Renewal Initiative and to present recommendations for cost-saving measures. These measures are part of the RCSD Budget Renewal Initiative, aimed at addressing the expiration of one-time federal and state pandemic relief funds and ensuring the district's long-term financial stability.
Public speakers:
Maryann Nakhla, RCSD Mental Health Counselor, addressed the school board to advocate for retaining the in-house district mental health counseling team positions slated for elimination. She emphasized her concern about cutting these roles, highlighting the critical support they provide to schools.
Maria Stockton, a CSEA representative, addressed the school board, encouraging greater engagement with employees whose positions are being considered for cuts. She expressed concerns about the timing and process of the decisions, noting the impact on staff. Stockton highlighted the emotional strain on employees, particularly those informed of job eliminations just before the holidays, and suggested that board members visit school sites to better understand the roles and contributions of affected staff.
Deputy Superintendent Wendy Kelly addressed Stockton’s comments/concerns.
Jessica Shade, a parent of two in the district, announced an effort to launch a Citizens’ initiative to place a parcel tax on the ballot to counteract budget cuts. Shade commented volunteers are needed and shared ways to stay updated and get involved, which can be found at www.strongschools4rwc.org. She urged the community to support this cause.
Board members had the opportunity to share their comments and ask clarifying questions. Topics included praise for the transparency of the budget renewal process, which budgets would benefit from the reallocation of funds, and a reminder of the importance of this budget renewal.
The School Board approved the Budget Renewal Initiative, Superintendent Recommendations (Wells, MacAvoy; 4-0).
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee Weekly (Abstain)
Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes)
Vice-President Wells (Ayes)
President Lawson (Ayes)
9.2 Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolution No. 11, Reduction of Certain Classified Services for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
The School Board adopted Resolution No. 11, Reduction of Certain Classified Services for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 (Márquez, MacAvoy; 4-0).
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee Weekly (Abstain)
Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes)
Vice-President Wells (Ayes)
President Lawson (Ayes)
9.3 Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolution No. 12, Reduction or Elimination of Certificated Services for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
The School Board adopted Resolution No. 12, Reduction or Elimination of Certificated Services for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 (Wells, MacAvoy; 4-0).
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee Weekly (Abstain)
Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes)
Vice-President Wells (Ayes)
President Lawson (Ayes)
9.4 Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolution No. 13, Release and Reassignment of Certificated Administrator(s)
The School Board adopted Resolution No. 13, Release and Reassignment of Certificated Administrator(s) (MacAvoy, Wells; 4-0).
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee Weekly (Abstain)
Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes)
Vice-President Wells (Ayes)
President Lawson (Ayes)
9.5 Recommendation re: Adoption of Resolution No. 14, Determination of Order of Employment for Certificated Employees for Elimination of or Reductions in Particular Kinds of Services for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
The School Board adopted Resolution No. 14, Determination of Order of Employment for Certificated Employees for Elimination of or Reductions in Particular Kinds of Services for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (MacAvoy, Wells; 4-0).
Trustee Márquez (Ayes)
Trustee Weekly (Abstain)
Trustee MacAvoy (Ayes)
Vice-President Wells (Ayes)
President Lawson (Ayes)
10. Discussion Item(s)
10.1 Debrief on the 2024 California School Boards Association (CSBA) Annual Education Conference (AEC) and Trade Show
The Board Trustees and Superintendent Baker shared their takeaways about the various sessions attended at the CSBA AEC and Trade Show, including Mental Health and Well-being, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Policy and Advocacy, and Student Voice and Engagement.
11. Board and Superintendent Reports
11.1 Report from Board Members and Superintendent
President Lawson reported attending the Reclassification Ceremony along with the other Trustees and Superintendent Baker. Additionally, Lawson attended an RCSD and RCTA Climate Committee meeting.
Trustee MacAvoy reported on a few events she attended, including the CSBA Annual Education Conference and the Sequoia Union High School District (SUHSD) Dream Dinner, along with Trustees Wells and Márquez. Trustee MacAvoy also visited North Star Academy and Taft Elementary School. While at the school sites, she visited the libraries and school cafeterias. She also visited Kennedy for a budget meeting and the Principal’s Coffee.
Trustee Márquez reported attending the Reclassification Ceremony and the SUHSD Dream Dinner.
Vice President Wells and Superintendent Baker’s events attended were previously mentioned by the other trustees.
12. Information
12.1 Information on San Mateo County Investment Fund - October 2024
No questions or comments.
13. Correspondence
The School Board received correspondence about the budget.
14. Other Business/Suggested Items for Future Agenda
Trustee Márquez suggested a student presentation. Moreover, Márquez suggested updating BP 3350 regarding conference travel expenses.
15. Board Meetings Calendar
15.1 Changes to the Board Meetings Calendar
None.
16. Adjournment
The School Board adjourned the meeting at 10:40 p.m. (Wells, MacAvoy; 4-0).