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Hi GHS SGTA,
Joan sent out an LCAP survey to your school email today. We are aiming for 100% of our members completing this survey and being honest about what is and what is not happening at each school site. Please take 15 mins to fill out this survey. survey link Thanks! Site Reps
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MEETING OF THE GOVERNING BOARD
February 22, 2022 (Notes are Abridged) 1. OPENING PROCEDURE A. CALL TO ORDER at 6:02 p.m. B. ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM All Members Present, Quorum Established 2. REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE GOVERNING BOARD No requests to address the governing board. 3. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION at 6:05 p.m. A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – Anticipated Litigation (Pursuant to Government Code §54956.9). Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Paragraph (2) or (3) of Subdivision (d) of Section §54956.9, one ( 1 ) case. B. STUDENT DISCIPLINE OR CONFIDENTIAL STUDENT MATTERS (Pursuant to Education Code §35146, 48900 et seq., 48912(b) and 49060 et seq., and 20 U.S.C. Section 1232g). Final Settlement Agreement for Special Education Student OAH Case No. 2022010038 C. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE/COMPLAINTS (Pursuant to Government Code §54957) D. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR(S) (Pursuant to Government Code §54957.6, subd. (a)). San Gabriel Teachers Association & Teamsters Local 911 4. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION at 7:01 PM A. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION The board took action in closed session. The board voted to approve a pension case for an employee who performed work duties during summer school. The district agreed to pay the employee’s pension fund for summer work, and the employee agreed to waive any rights moving forward. Case has been settled. B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE by Rochelle Haas C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Move of approval by Scott - move item 7E taken care of right now which is Wilson’s MDLI program 2.0 presentation: Superintendent Symonds thanked all involved who have contributed to the Mandarin Immersion Program. He thanked Ms. Contreras, Ms. Calhoun, those who served on the DI Committee and the DI teachers at Wilson Elementary. He thanked the parents for their support throughout the past 3 years. He stated that enrollment has increased at Wilson Elementary. He said that moving forward we need to evaluate the program and take a look at where we have come, where we are going and where we need to grow. Joan Perez: We are committed to improvements and how to better serve our students. We want to use data to make informed decisions and gain feedback from multiple perspectives. We want to make sure decisions are aligned with our vision and purpose, and aligned to our portrait of a graduate. SGUSD is aligned to the vision of the State. Our vision is to prepare students for the business world, pursue jobs that are high paying, using the mandarin/spanish language. This program also introduces ways for students to broaden their perspectives culturally. Our goal is to create a pathway for bi-literacy. So, how are we doing in this reflective process? Joan Perez: It is difficult to find curriculum that align. The challenge is finding curriculum for the core content areas and the ability to recruit and hire qualified DI teachers. DI teachers have to go through a rigorous process so hiring highly-qualified DI teachers is a challenge. We are going to consider all of these questions in moving forward next year. Symonds: What will next year look like for DI Mandarin? We want to take 2022-23 as a planning year - doing a full program evaluation. We want to gather input from educational partners such as students, parents, teachers, admin, Board, and linguistic experts. We also want to bring in our secondary Mandarin teachers in the conversation. Heather Wolpert - thought exchange. We want to attract quality teachers to our program and partner with local universities. So next year, we will continue to offer the traditional program to 3rd grade. Joan Perez: We would like to seek our educational partners’ feedback. We are seeking input, especially from students and teachers who are living it everyday. We will use this input to make informed decisions. We would like to have monthly meetings. Our first meeting will be in March and we will be sending out formal invitations soon. Ken Tcheng: I want to thank all the teachers and the district for creating this program. I really appreciate the presentation and what you are proposing. Scott: Sometimes we get so engrossed in what we are doing that we forget to evaluate ourselves on how to get better. So, how can we do better and make this program more successful for our students? We want students to learn content and a new language at the same time, which can be a challenge. I am excited. Alvarado: Always having time to think things through and allowing people to have their voice. There is a discussion and a process to decide which way to head, we took a risk. Now we have a lot of interest in the program, it's a learning process. Haas: I echo what my colleagues said about hiring quality teachers and taking time to be strategic in what we have. Thank you team for what you are doing for our students so that they can be global citizens in the economy. Shellhart: Unfortunately we will not be able to please everyone all of the time, but making sure everyone is heard is a priority. And holding off for another year is important. Here were the highlights of the Presentation slideshow of MDLI Program 2.0: Celebrating the Success of the Program • Highly-qualified and committed teachers • Added a multicultural experience to the Wilson campus • Grew enrollment by 66 students • Enrollment is up; over 130 students on the waiting list • Responsive to our community • Engaged parents • Created a language acquisition program for elementary students • Create a pathway to bi-literacy Vision and Purpose San Gabriel Unified’s purpose for all dual-language programs within the District is to ensure that all students receive the highest quality education, master the English language, and access high-quality, innovative, and research-based language programs that prepare them to participate in a global economy. (EC Section 300[n].) Mandarin Dual Language Immersion (MDLI) Program Goals • To develop bilingual, bi-literate, and bi-cultural learners who thrive academically and will be prepared to to participate as productive citizens in a global society • To provide a high quality program leading to high levels of proficiency in Mandarin and a solid understanding of Chinese culture • Create a pathway to Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation • To align prepare students for the AP Chinese exam Program Considerations to build a sustainable, high quality program ● Access to curriculum ● Ability to recruit and hire highly-qualified DLI teachers ● To ensure a pathway for all DLI students to achieve Seal of Biliteracy (The time it takes to learn Mandarin) ● Increases literacy ● Global use of Simplified (97% of Chinese speakers use simplified) ● Aligned to Global Workforce So Now What? • 2022-2023 Planning Year • Program Evaluation • Gathering input from educational partners (students, parents, teachers, administrators, Board, and linguistic experts) • Discover the Way Forward • Developing a recruitment campaign for DLI teachers • Partnering with local universities • Piloting and developing high-quality DLI curriculum • Creating tiered supports for students • Connecting outside community to the classroom Questions for Educational Partners’ Consideration • What are the strengths and growth areas of the current program? • How do we ensure the continuity of learning? • How do we address simplified and/or traditional? • Are there creative solutions? • Are we able to offer choice? • What do our students think? • How do we address the lack of curriculum resources? • How will we attract high-quality DLI teachers? • What else do we need to take into consideration as we move forward? D. REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE GOVERNING BOARD None 5. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES A. Approve the Governing Meeting Minutes of February 8, 2022 Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor. 6. PUBLIC HEARING(S) 7. SPECIAL REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS A. REPORTS - Student Board Members Del Mar High School, Jessie Lopez - no report Gabrielino High School, Joseph Aguilar (unable to hear complete speech) GAB: March madness signups are on, Prom tickets sold on the 24th for $100. Baseball beat Mark Kepple. 2 members of Wrestling made CIF. Coolidge: Students seek first to understand, Thank you to the business department as they wrap up projects and prepare for the future. Roosevelt Speech & Debate students won exceptional awards. Science grams were a big success. Next event will be Read Across America. MIE - Link to MIE Episodes are posted on the Roosevelt website. Washington- Read -A-Thon is in full swing. This ties into the Art Program. Testing is going smoothly. Students are having lunch with the principal. Wants to thank SEF for the donation. B. REPORT - Governing Board President, Cheryl Shellhart - I just wanted to say Thank you Dena for reaching out and wanting to meet with me. I think we are in a good space and have a good partnership with SGTA. C. REPORT - Superintendent, Jim Symonds Conditions continue to improve in the District in regards to Covid. 3 out of 8 of our schools are reporting 0 cases at this time. This is a sign that things are heading in the right direction and normalcy is soon to return. We are looking forward to a more normal spring and summer as cases continue to decline. I want to say thank you to the Budget Advisory Committee - Lawrence Ferchaw and Suzanne Speck for helping to present and develop our budget. I also want to thank students for participating in this committee. We want to do everything we can to build enrollment to attract new families to our district. Thank you everyone for your hard work. I received an email from our GAB FBLA students. I want to take a moment to share this. The email was addressed to SGUSD Board Members - FBLA students thank the District for the opportunity to engage with community members who work tirelessly to make the District better. FBLA students appreciate that the District takes the time to listen to students. Thank you Dr. Rynkiewicz D. RECOGNITION - Honoring Kathleen Leon, RN and Leticia Reynoso, RN Symonds: I am excited about this next part. All I can say is that these 2 individuals have weathered the storm in warlike conditions throughout this whole pandemic. They have worked late hours. When I go out to sites I hear the same comments, “Thank God for Kathy and Letty.” You 2 have done heroic work!! So we reached out to local businesses. Everyone has chipped in to give different gift cards to help give the 2 of you some outpouring of love from the community. President Shellhart thanked the 2 ladies for their expertise and work throughout the district. Alvarado: All the smiles on the Zoom says it all. You guys did a lot of work (Kathy and Letty). Your passions were there - taking care of our students along with taking care of day-to-day stuff. We appreciate you. Tcheng: Thank you very much, Kathy and Letty. Dr. Scott: How do you say thank you to a SuperHero? Your work efforts are a big deal to our principals, cabinet, board, students, teachers and families, and your work is tireless. You have provided much safety to our students and staff. No words to say thank you. Rochelle Haas: Thank you. You were definitely a huge part in taking care of things in our District. We appreciate you - before Covid, after Covid. Thank you very much. Kathy Leon: Thank you to everyone here. We would not be able to get through this without our District. Thank you for your support. When we needed something, someone stepped up. Letty Reynoso: Thank you everyone for your support and help. E. PRESENTATION - Wilson Elementary Mandarin Dual Language Immersion Program 2.0 (moved to top of agenda) F. PRESENTATION - Universal Transitional Kindergarten for 2022-2023 School Year Joan Perez: This is exciting news for our District. Research has shown that early education really matters. Students who had early education before kindergarten have an advantage. Ms. Calhoun shared the slides and history of Early Childhood/TK in the state of CA. Joan Perez: TK is a bridge between Pre-K and Kindergarten. We are excited to align this to our Portrait of a Graduate. We want to make sure they are set up for success. We as a district value a team approach and have brought in experts to help us develop a quality UTK program. Calhoun: New staffing ratios. By 2023-2024, we will have a ratio of 1 to 10 students per adult in the classroom; no more than 24 students. We will also be connecting TK to K and collaborating with those teachers. Ferchaw: So there may be some strain since we will be lowering student to adult ratio in the TK classroom. However, this is also a good thing because it will help with enrollment. Joan Perez: This is best practice for early education and we are all in. Timeline: 1) Develop action planning committee, 2) facilities audit, 3) develop the SGUSD’s TK Plan to present to Board, 4) Recruit, hire, and train teachers. Next Thurs we will meet again to compile a plan and hope to take it to the board for approval prior to April 1st. (Waiting for the State to provide all of the pieces for the TK universal roll out) Shellhart: I am so proud of our district - to be one of the first ones to roll this out. I am excited for this. Alvarado: I’ve been in the world of Early Education for at least 20 years. There has been some trepidation in this field because to bring in 4-year-olds is a huge task. Please keep in mind that these are really little people we are talking about. We have to be very careful how we approach this when we accelerate this program. These little ones learn through playing, building, etc. not just sitting down neatly and reciting. I get a little nervous. Options for Learning is a great agency and knows this field-they’ve been around for a long time. When the school bell rings, a lot of parents are still working. So we are dealing with really little people who need a lot of TLC. Perez: We want to create a program that is developmentally appropriate and we are working with a consultant to make sure that TK is not K. Dr. Gary Scott: Thank you to member Alvardo for her input and expertise in this field of early childhood development. This is a unique environment and the needs of a 3 year, 4 year, 5 year student are dramatic. I am excited that the state is committed to fund this and that our district is willing to take this on. Current Transitional Kindergarten ● Currently, TK serves about 100,000 children, primarily those who turn 5 between September 2nd and December 2nd ● These are the students who narrowly miss the cutoff for regular kindergarten New Universal Transitional Kindergarten ●The new $2.7 billion universal TK program, by contrast, will gradually be made available to every 4-year-old in California, eventually serving nearly 400,000 students ● It will essentially become California’s version of a universal preschool program, available to all children regardless of income What is SGUSD’s Purpose and Vision? Our vision is to create an early childhood education program that safely nurtures, educates, inspires, and empowers all young students to learn and explore in a developmentally appropriate classroom environment. SGUSD’s UTK Plan: 5 Focus Areas 1. Vision and Coherence 2. Community Engagement and Partnerships 3. Workforce Recruitment and Professional Learning 4. Curriculum Instruction and Assessment 5. Facilities, Services, and Operations Legal Requirements/SGUSD Plan 2021-22: Offer TK to four-year-olds whose 5th birthday occurs between September 2 and December 2 2022-23: Expand offer of TK to four-year-olds whose 5th birthday occurs between September 2 to February 2 June 30 (space permitting) 2023-24: Expand offer of TK to four-year-olds whose 5th birthday occurs between September 2 to April 2 June 30 (space permitting) 2024-25: Expand offer of TK to four-year-olds whose 5th birthday occurs between September 2 to June 2 June 30 (space permitting) 2025-26: Expand offer of TK to four-year-olds whose 4th birthday occurs by September 1 G. PRESENTATION - SGUSD Mid-Year Update to the Local Control and Accountability Plan for 2021-2022 Supplement to the Annual Update to the 2021-22 Local Control and Accountability Plan: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fd2SNeyNQqNbpzkndjqYx-_jZpGKxeB1/view Dr. Joan Perez: We want to provide meaningful information to our community partners so we can get feedback. Larry Ferchaw: We have to identify what we are going to use our Concentration Grant Funds on based on our unduplicated youth. Gail Calhoun: This mid-year update asks us to clarify any money received that wasn't part of LCAP. Most notably the state is referring to our ESSER 3 plan. This plan was previously shared at a board meeting. Joan Perez: So how are implementing the Federal American Rescue Plan Act? We have a really strong plan for MTSS. We also need to consider ELA and Math Interventions. We added Wellness Centers at JMS and high school. We also increased hours for health clerks. We also included expanded learning opportunities like summer school. Larry Ferchaw: We need to make sure everything aligns to the LCAP. Gail Calhoun: We hope to get our parent and staff survey sent out soon. Jazmin Ortega: Total plan expenditures: The district is on track with expenditures. Gail Calhoun: We have 2 metrics that are already in place and we have exceeded our expectations. We are at 99% registration with parents using the new online tool. Jazmin Ortega: As far as Goal 2, some goals have not been met yet due to distractions from Covid. Joan Perez: LCAP Goal 3 - Optimize Student Achievement Calhoun: We have a great preliminary EL Reclassification Rate which puts us on track to meet our goal. Our EL TOSAS really helped. Goal 3, Part 2. We have had limited reports from 11th graders who took the CAASP. We are waiting for more results. Many of the metrics for this goal of optimizing student achievement is still pending. Jazmin Ortega: As far as Goal 3, implementation of goal 3 is still in progress. Joan Perez: LCAP Goal 4 - Optimize Learning Conditions and Basic Services. As we move to UTK, this will also align to this goal. Calhoun - We have data on students' assignments on technology to support their learning. 99% of our students have been assigned lessons via technology. We have declined from overall exemplary to good for Facilities/FIT - in terms of buildings/facilities. Jazmin Ortega: As far as Goal 4, implementation of goal 4 has resulted in distractions from Covid. Board Comments regarding LCAP Presentation: Dr Gary Scott: What is the evidence of what we do day in/out and how we support them everyday. We are moving the needle. How much is being accomplished every day, in such a time. Thank you to all who are working. Thank you for the report. Supplemental Summaries of the LCAP Slide Presentation: Section 1: Educational Partners’ Input on Use of State Pandemic Funds (ESSER III Community Input Survey) Section 2: Additional Concentration Grant Funds (Teachers on Special Assignment (TOSAs) to support English learners on our campuses where the unduplicated count is greater than 55 percent.) - Coolidge, Del Mar, Gab, JMS, Wash, McKinley, Roos Section 3: Educational Partners’ Input on use of Federal Pandemic Funds (How and when the local educational agency’s educational partners were engaged on the use of one-time federal funds intended to support recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the impacts of distance learning on pupils.) Section 4: Implementation on Federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 ● Enhancement of MTSS services for Unduplicated Pupils (UDP) ● English language arts and math Intervention ● Augmented counseling staff ● Increased access to technology and devices ● Ensuring student connectivity ● Access to PPE for students and staff ● Expanded learning opportunities and summer school Section 5: Alignment of additional State and Federal Funds with the LCAP LCAP Goals: ●LCAP Goal 1: Intentional Culture of Care: Social-emotional and Physical Wellness By 2023-24, through multiple measures, create schools that successfully sustain a positive school climate and are committed to meeting the cognitive, social-emotional, mental health, and physical needs of students and staff.) ●LCAP Goal 2: School Connectedness and Engagement By 2023-24, through multiple measures, each school site will develop and maintain positive parent and community involvement and engagement to promote and support student success. ●LCAP Goal 3: Optimize Student Achievement By the close of the 2024 school year, San Gabriel USD will have publicly begun implementation of a plan for Multi-Tiered Systems of Support to identify and support students at promise. The plan will include measures to address equity of preparation, access, and support by addressing processes, procedures and cultural conditions that may serve as barriers to the achievement of underserved students. ●LCAP Goal 4: Optimize Learning Conditions and Basic Services for Students By 2022, through multiple measures, SGUSD will provide optimal conditions for learning, including basic services, the implementation of the Common Core State Standards, and course access for students will be maintained or improved. \ Impact to the Budget Overview for Parents When SGUSD adopted our LCAP and Budget on June 29, 2021, the state budget act was not complete. The adopted state budget included additional funds that were not anticipated by our district. The impact to our adopted Budget Overview for Parents is as follows: Total LCFF Funds (As adopted in BOP June 15, 2021): $43,706,934 Total LCFF Funds (Amount per Budget Act June 30, 2021): $43,747,201 Total LCFF Funds (Amount per First Interim December 15, 2021): $43,770,965 LCFF Supplemental/Concentration (As adopted in BOP June 15, 2021): $7,143,510 LCFF Supplemental/Concentration (Amount per Budget Act June 30, 2021): $7,654,455 LCFF Supplemental/Concentration (Amount per First Interim December 15, 2021): $8,081,367 H. PRESENTATION- Budget Advisory Committee, Lawrence Ferchaw Ferchaw: We have some community partners who are here tonight to share as well as Suzanne Speck. Rynkiewicz: Thank you Board for giving us a chance to present as a team of multiple stakeholders. He thanked all the participants of the District Budget Committee. The purpose was to develop recommendations to the superintendent for cost SAVING options that support the district's goals. Thank you for all the discussion and trust in the room. All stakeholders presented problems and solutions for upcoming years. Tcheng: Thank you everyone for presenting tonight. I really like the approach you are taking. Thank you for looking for cost-saving options. This is wonderful. Chellhart: What was the actual ratio to compare the student:administrator ratio? Which districts were compared? Suzanne Speck: Are you asking which districts did we compare SGUSD to or what was the actual comparison? Shellhart: What was the actual ratio? Larry Ferchaw: 383.5 students per school admin and SGUSD is at 321 per administrator. Suzanne Speck: SGUSD had fewer students per administrator. This is based off of 17 unified districts within about 50 mile radius. Alvarado: I appreciate that all of you took a piece of the presentation and shared out. Scott: This is one of the hardest conversations to have depending on where you sit as a stakeholder because it can get emotional. Thank you for giving us this wisdom and guidance for where we need to be. These are not easy decisions, but we appreciate the guidance. Haas: I appreciate the student and parent input. I also appreciate the more slow and steady approaches which will be beneficial in the long term. (See presentation for complete information) Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) Purposes: ●The District BAC was tasked with developing, and recommending to the Superintendent, cost saving options that support the achievement of District goals ●The District BAC reviewed financial data, generated cost-saving options, and evaluated those options against a set of agreed upon criteria ●The District BAC used a consensus decision-making model to ensure that all members were heard and understood ●Consensus is not the preference of the majority— consensus results in the best solution that the group can achieve at the time ●The BAC reached consensus on all recommendations included in this presentation Budget Advisory Committee Recommendations: Increase Elementary Staffing Ratios: There are inconsistent class averages at each grade level across K-5 schools in the district resulting in overstaffing at some sites increasing overall personnel expenditures. To be fiscally responsible with staffing ratios and ensure that we are maximizing FTE allocations, it is recommended that we identify classes at the elementary levels to handle overflow from other schools. Additionally, enrollment protocols need to align with class size averages in the certificated Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Class size averages should be monitored centrally and communicated monthly with office managers and include current overflow schools for each grade level. Student services can support on a case-by-case basis when special circumstances arise. It is our recommendation that the District make reductions through attrition and reassignment first. Increase and Staff to the Secondary Teacher Base Allocation: Secondary school teacher staffing is above the base allocation resulting in overstaffing increasing overall personnel expenditures. Adjust the currently existing base allocation to account for the needs of all students, including GenEd, Physical Education, and Special Programs (SAI, Co-Teach, CTE, AP, etc.) and lower the existing FTEs. It is our recommendation that the District make reductions through attrition and reassignment first. Convene an Enrollment Task Force: The District’s annual enrollment is declining, and the reasons are unknown. Declining enrollment has a significant impact on our revenues, especially when staffing adjustments are not made. We have no control over birth rates and housing costs, however, there are still school aged students leaving our district or choosing other schools. We recommend that the district convene a task force to investigate the root causes for in-boundary students leaving SGUSD. This should include student and parent surveys to determine what would make SGUSD a destination district. Additionally, the task force should consider any lessons learned during the pandemic in terms of health and safety protocols and programs that minimized lost ADA as a part of their research. Consideration should be given to the development of signature programs for all sites and advertising the programs to the community at large. Increase the Ratio of Students per Administrator: Year-over-year enrollment decline resulted in a loss of 369 students between the 2017-18 and 2020-21 school years. Reductions i n administrative staffing have not been commensurate with this decline resulting in overstaffing and higher than average administrator salary expenses and more administrators per enrolled student than neighboring school districts. We recommend the following actions to reduce administrative salary expenses and increase the student-to-administrator ratio: • Provide a retirement incentive for certificated management • Reduce administrative positions to bring them into alignment with current enrollment and staffing ratios • Reduce positions through layoff and/or reassignment to bring the student-to-administrator ratio to the average of the comparative group • Consider having some administrators be split between two school sites Bring SGUSD Administrative Staffing in line with Comparative Districts: Year-over-year enrollment decline resulted in a loss of 369 students between the 2017-18 and 2020-21 school years. Reductions in District-level administrative staffing have not been commensurate with this decline resulting in higher than-average administrator salary expenses and more administrators per enrolled student than neighboring school districts. We recommend the following actions to further reduce District-level administrative salary expenses and increase student-to-administrator if needed: • Review School Services’ Comparative Organizational Structure and Staffing Review to be provided this year. • Implement reductions in positions to bring SGUSD in line with comparative districts. Investigate the Sustainability of Health Benefit Contributions: The district’s contribution to employee benefits is the highest among the comparative group and salaries are below average. Lower salaries interfere with the district’s ability to attract and hire new staff. Fully paid medical benefits at the family HMO rate may prevent the ability of the district to offer competitive salaries and implement programs that support student achievement. We recommend that the District work with employee groups through negotiations to investigate the sustainability of the current district contribution to health benefits. Consider cost-saving options such as • A hard or floating cap on the employer’s contribution to health benefits • Offering a wider variety of insurance plans with potentially lower costs • Grandfathering in current benefits for current employees and setting a cap for new employees to be able to offer higher salaries Actively Recruit Special Education Aides and Speech Therapists: At $482.44 per ADA, the District is spending significantly more than the statewide average of $56.38 per ADA in the special education expenditure category of “Other Outgo”. These expenses include contracted agency services to provide special education aides in vacant positions and to provide day-to-day substitutes. This category also includes contracted Speech and Language Pathologist (SLPs) that are needed to fill vacant positions. On average, this translates to $100 more per day to fill special education aide vacancies than would be spent if vacant positions were filled with District employees. For contracted SLPs, the District is spending on average $5,000 per month per SLP than it would if we were able to employ District SLPs. We recommend that the District develop and implement an aggressive plan to recruit instructional aides and SLPs. A recruitment plan should include the following activities: •Hosting of a District job fair •Attendance at University job fairs in our area •Multiple job search platforms •Creation of recruitment materials that highlight special education programs programming and include parent/family testimonials •Develop relationship with SLP graduate programs in our region •Additionally, we recommend that we build Special Education Aide pathways at our high schools by offering Student-worker (aide program) or “TA (Teacher’s Aide” class assignments for elective credit Increase Special Education Employee Retention: At $482.44 per ADA, the District is spending significantly more than the statewide average of $56.38 per ADA in the special education expenditure category of “Other Outgo”. These expenses include contracted agency services to provide special education aides in vacant positions and to provide day-to-day substitutes. This category also includes contracted Speech and Language Pathologist (SLPs) that are needed to fill vacant positions. On average, this translates to $100 more per day to fill special education aide vacancies than would be spent if vacant positions were filled with District employees. For contracted SLPs, the District is spending on average $5,000 per month per SLP than it would if we were able to employ District SLPs. We recommend that the District work to increase special education employee retention by: • Develop and deliver a robust onboarding program • Provide a program of ongoing professional development • Provide coordination of student loan forgiveness process 8. ACTION ITEMS A. BUSINESS SERVICES 1. (ROLL CALL) - Adopt Resolution No. 19/2021-22 California Schools Healthy Air, Plumbing, and Efficiency Program. Administration recommends that the Governing Board adopt Resolution No. 19/2021-22 California Schools Healthy Air, Plumbing, and Efficiency Program and authorize the designee to execute the necessary documents Financial Impact: To receive grant funding of approximately $ 764,130. Discussion: None Action Taken: Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor. Roll Call Vote: Cheryl Shellhart- aye Rochelle Haas-aye Ken Tcheng-aye Gary Scott-aye Cristina Alvarado-aye 2. Approve Agreement Between the San Gabriel Unified School District and Jones Hall, A Professional Law Corporation. The agreement for legal services with Jones Hall is for bond counsel and disclosure counsel services in connection with the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds. Financial Impact: Total: $70,000 (Funding Source: G.O. Bond) Discussion: None Action Taken: Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor. 3. Approve Agreement for Professional Services Between the San Gabriel Unified School District and Dannis Woliver Kelley for District Counsel Legal Services. By entering into this agreement with Dannis Woliver Kelley they will provide specialized legal support to the District on bond financings, refinancing and debt obligations. Financial Impact: Total: $5,000 per financing; for simultaneous financings, $5,000 for the first financing and $2,500 for each financing thereafter (Funding Source: G.O. Bond) Discussion: none Action Taken: Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor. 4. Approve the Professional Agreement Between California Charter Authorizing Professionals (CCAP) and the San Gabriel Unified School District. The California Charter Authorizing Professionals shall support the San Gabriel Unified School District in setting up and implementing its ongoing authorizer monitoring of the Options for Youth San Gabriel charter school. Financial Impact: Total: $5,000 to support operational implementation of Epicenter. Other: Flat monthly rate of $1,500 and reimbursement for travel and per diem expenses at standard district rate. (Funding Source: General Fund - Charter School Reimbursement) Discussion: none Action Taken: Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor. 5. Accept a Proposal of E-Rate Project (Hardware) 2022-2023 and Enter Into an Agreement with AMS.NET. Five elementary school sites will receive updated indoor Wi-Fi hardware under the upcoming E-Rate funding application year. Financial Impact: Total: Approximately $166,496.07 (or $33,299.22 after e-rate discounts) Funding Source: General Fund Discussion: none Action Taken: Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor. 6. Accept a Proposal for E-Rate Project (Internet Services) 2022-2023. Due to the increased demands for internet bandwidth, the District would like to enter into a new three-year contract for internet services starting the new fiscal year. Upon board approval at a subsequent board meeting the contract will be awarded to AT&T for approximately $252,000. Financial Impact: $252,000 Discussion: none Action Taken: Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor. B. EDUCATIONAL SERVICES 1. Approve Final Settlement Agreement for Special Education Student OAH Case No. 2022010038 (Special Education). Administration recommends the approval of the Final Settlement Agreement for Special Education Student OAH Case No. 2022010038. Financial Impact: Total: NTE $10,525.00 (Funding Source: Special Education) Increase: $10,525.00 Decrease: N/A Discussion: none Action Taken: Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor. 2. Approve Consultant Agreement with Dr. Megan Stone for SGUSD Special Education Program's Medicaid LEA/MAA Federal Reimburse Hi GHS SGTA,
Here are the unofficial rep notes from today's union rep meeting. Or also click: docs.google.com/document/d/1YcqH9fXH9lHFFvWVh8AO6oZh1CGC4IuYfWrCKMsN0Qs/edit Here are some highlights: There is an upcoming all union meeting March 9th at 3:30 to discuss the need for new leadership - the entire union exec board is stepping down. For those over 55 and are at the top pay scale spot, you have received a retirement incentive. The district might be willing to sweeten your deal. Dena recommends you contact Ross directly to ask for the extras you need in order to agree. Seeking two people from Gab to help plan the retirement event - will be held at the grapevine. Date will be secured by Ross. Please email with interest so I can forward your name. Board meeting tonight will go over the LCAP. Negotiations hopes to be done negotiating at the end of March. We should have a tentative contract to vote on after that. Look for another all-union meeting to discuss the changes negotiated and then a vote, hopefully in April. Best, Site Reps It's Time to Negotiate!
Dear Fellow SGTA Members: Our Negotiations Team will continue bargaining with district administration on Thursday, February 10th, 2022. They have requested that all SGTA members show their support by wearing their Blue/Black SGTA t-shirts!! Our team will contiune to discuss stipends, professional development, PN Days, virtual teaching, independent studies, work hours, salary, benefits, etc... So let's make our negotiations team feel supported! Wear those shirts and take some NEW PICS!!! Thank you all, SGTA Executive Board & SGTA Negotiations Team MEETING OF THE GOVERNING BOARD
February 8, 2022 (Notes are Abridged) 1. OPENING PROCEDURE A. CALL TO ORDER at 6:02 p.m. B. ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM All Members Present, Quorum Established 2. REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE GOVERNING BOARD Alice Lee: Comment regarding dual immersion mandarin at Wilson. Student is in Ms. Liao’s class. I would like the board to reconsider their decision to move forward with Simplified Mandarin in the Fall. Believes in traditional characters and its origins. Believes children should learn traditional first and simplified later. Understands that simplified is may be more accessible now, but would like to keep traditional characters and its origins. Has had a great experience the last 2 years in the dual immersion program with Mrs. Lin and Ms. Liao. My child has learned a lot. If it is a fundraising issue, I look forward to working with your partnership with this issue. 3. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION at 6:06 p.m. A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – Anticipated Litigation (Pursuant to Government Code §54956.9) B. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR(S) (Pursuant to Government Code §54957.6, subd. (a)) Employee Organization(s): San Gabriel Teachers Association & Teamsters Local 911 Agency Designated Representatives: James Symonds, Superintendent & Ross Perry, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources 4. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION at 7:04 p.m. A. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION no action B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE by Luccia Yacoub C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor. D. REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE GOVERNING BOARD Jazmine De la Torre: San Gabriel Safe Routes to School - continuing this program in San Gabriel. Began today at McKinley. Some activities are bike riding and Walk to School day. Thank you. Sally Wong: MDLI at Wilson - Parent of 1st grader in MDLI at Wilson and a daughter in TK and 2 more following. Disappointed with finding out about transition from traditional to simplified. Seemed like there was a lack of communication. Would like to know how the school board will address these issues and transition the students to traditional. Sandy Yang: MDLI at Wilson comment. We were notified that mandarin was changed from traditional to simplified and without parent input. I put my child in this program with knowledge that they would be taught in traditional, not simplified. I would like to have open communication with the SGUSD board. Yin Quintero: MDLI at Wilson- children in Ms. Lin and Ms. Liao’s classes. I understand the switch from traditional to simplified; however, I placed my children in this program because we were told they would be able to read and write in traditional Chinese. All of the media and books are also written in traditional Chinese. A lot of families like mine chose this program because of traditional Chinese - how can we switch to simplified without first consulting families? We would like to be involved in the decision making. Seems like there’s no transparency and it’s disappointing. Alistair Thistlewaite: MDLI - I believe it is a more contentious issue than the board realizes. There are deep historic roots in traditional characters that parents may wish to retain. I think the issue is that the manner in which the transition was presented - feels like a “take it or leave it” approach without parent input. I believe we need to bring in an expert to help make this decision regarding the transition. Gina Chi : MDLI 2nd Grader - Concern is hoping to get more feedback into the decisions being made without parents input and feedback. Asking what is the benchmark for the students’ success and progress. From Traditional to Simplified, our understanding was that there was a team that came in to do the evaluation. What were the findings from this team to move to switching from Traditional to Simplified? And what were the findings for the success of this program? It is pretty disappointing to be 3 years into this program and to just be told about this change. Irwin Yu and Gina Chi: One additional comment, since my son began in Kindergarten, and we have had this committee put together, nothing has been relayed to the committee from Admin to the Dual Immersion committee. Many of us are devoting our time to make this program successful. 5. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES A. Approve the Governing Meeting Minutes of January 18, 2022 Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor. 6. PUBLIC HEARING(S) 7. SPECIAL REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS A. REPORTS - Student Board Members Del Mar High School, Jessie Lopez - I got this! Del Mar: Enrollment has been growing. Welcome 9 new students. McKinley: 5th grade our building cardboard games for the rest to enjoy. Thanks to SEF for the 4th/5th grade dance experience. Wilson: Thankful to report less positive cases. We are proud and appreciative of the community to keep the families safe. They moved the student awards to a virtual celebration. Students celebrated 100 Days of School. MDLI celebrated the traditional Chinese Lunar Year. Jefferson: Resumed normal activities since declining Covid cases. After School Jazz band has begun. 8th grade science has partnered with the San Diego Zoo JMS and GAB will meet soon for vertical articulation to help better understand the needs of the incoming students. Gabrielino High School, Joseph Aguilar GAB: March 4 School Dance. ASB is prepping for March Madness Coolidge: Seek First to Understand Then to Be Understood (focus character trait). Continuing art program for 4th and 5th graders. WASH: PTA and students are working to create valentine cards. ELPAC has begun. Read Across America - will have a readathon to encourage students to read more books. Walking School Bus (walk to school starting at Del Mar Fire Station) ROOS: Honoring Lunar New Year. Celebrating positive student behavior and featuring a book of the month to highlight character traits. Second graders will perform a Lunar New Year celebration. B. REPORT - Governing Board President, Cheryl Shellhart Attended GAB Showcase, well attended. Was able to join breakout sessions. Wanted to say Thank You to everyone who attended and to everyone who planned this event. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Terry Jebbia-Bittiker - She was a member of our team for 20 years, she passed away yesterday. We will honor her at the end of our board meeting. C. REPORT - Superintendent, Jim Symonds Happy Lunar New Year! I echo your words, President Shellhart. Terry was so supportive and a true cheerleader to our district. Story share: When I was the interim superintendent, Terry was so cheerful and encouraging. She was responsible for ordering our student textbooks and materials - she has done so much for our district. We hope to plant a garden in her name at the district. We miss you, Terry. Omicron spike has greatly gone down in our district. Thank you to Mr. Ferchaw for getting us the protective supplies that we needed. Kudos to you for getting us the Covid test kits. Thank you Larry for also putting together the covid testing program at Gabrielino. Thank you to principals, teachers, custodians and all staff for keeping us healthy and following protocols. We started our intern program (we have 6 interns) from the medical program to help assist our nurses. They are such bright students and what a great experience for our students to see these interns in the medical field. Thank you again Larry for identifying potential areas of savings for our Budget Advisory Committee. Thank you Heather Wolpert as well. Superintendent Student Advisory Council- We met last week. Great ideas for our district. Looking forward to reports from Luccia. Next week, Feb 22nd, there will be a presentation on the MDLI at Wilson Elementary. I want to take a moment to acknowledge all the parents who spoke up regarding the MDLI transition from traditional to simplified. I encourage parents to attend this meeting to understand the rationale regarding the transition from traditional to simplified Chinese. D. REPORT - Superintendent Student Advisory Council Lucia, GAB Student reported on the following: Thank you board for the opportunity to speak. Here are the top 4 concerns from the Student Advisory Council. 1) Communication - Deficiency in proper communication to parents and students. We ran into the issue with students creating petitions to return to hybrid, they did not understand this was a legal issue. At Wilson we conducted interviews with students on how the district could better communicate with students and families. 2) District YouTube Channel - Our main concern is with advertising and consistency with publishing. We feel it will not be a good use of our district time to pursue this idea. District Enrollment - rising house costs in San Gabriel. Parents who can afford to live in San Gabriel could also send their kids to private institutions. Hope to increase academic achievement to keep families in SGUSD. 3) Equity - . We recognize that we are moving forward to create a more equitable inclusive district. Before I leave Gabrielino, I would love to see an Office that focuses on Equity and Inclusion for all. 4) More counselors - Students want to know more about CTE pathways. We want to reach out to our community so we can showcase our district - for example, hosting art shows, etc. We hope to entice more families to our district and let them know about all our awesome programs. E. PRESENTATION - Governor’s Proposals for the 2022-23 State Budget and K-12 Education, Lawrence Ferchaw State Budget and Education Funding ● Robust state revenues provide the state General Fund with a surplus of $45.7 billion for the 2022-23 fiscal year ● While there are many positive factors, SGUSD still has a structural deficit and the continued need to identify savings in its operating budget ● Proposition 98 in the 2022-23 Governor’s Budget reaches an all-time high with$16.1 billion in new revenues for K-14 education ● A sizeable share of new funding is proposed for restricted purposes, leaving few resources to address increased costs associated with soaring inflation and rising pension obligations What Does the COLA Mean for SGUSD? ● Assuming no other changes, the increased COLA for 2022/23 and beyond results in additional funding beyond previous expectations ● This additional funding will be reviewed for the 2022/23 budget and the multi-year projections ● First Interim Report identified $2.35 million in ongoing savings needed in 2022/23 and an additional $4.65 million in ongoing savings needed in 2023/24 ADA “Cliff” - Impact on SGUSD • Goal is to turn the ADA cliff into an ADA softer landing • Other legislative proposals include extending hold harmless one more year or switching to an enrollment funding instead of attendance-based funding Other Proposals in Governor’s Budget ● Increase in Special Education funding from $715/ADA to $820/ADA ● Increases in funding for Expanded Learning Opportunities Program ● Universal TK and increases in LCFF base grants to fund lower class sizes for TK ● Universal meals program Gary Scott: Thank you Larry for guiding us through this. Cristina Alvarado: Thank you for a thorough presentation. 8. ACTION ITEMS A. BUSINESS SERVICES 1. Re-Appoint Two Members to the Long-Range Facilities Master Plan Oversight Committee for Two-Year Terms. Administration recommends that the Governing Board approve the re-appointment of two members, Linh Diep and Florence Simpson, to the Long-Range Facilities Master Plan Oversight Committee, for two-year terms. The two members will fulfill the membership criteria of Parent/Guardian of a child enrolled in the District & is active in PTA or school site council. Scott: Moved and approved the appointment of members. Financial Impact: none Discussion: Action Taken: Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor. B. EDUCATIONAL SERVICES 1. (RATIFICATION) Approve Agreement with Nonsectarian School/Agency Services, School Year 2021-2022 with Casa Grande Academy (Special Education). The district needs to contract with a nonsectarian school, Casa Grande Academy, to provide services for students with special needs for the 2021-2022 school year. Financial Impact: Costs vary will be brought for Board approval via Purchase Order Reports (Funding Source: Special Education) Discussion: Haas will recuse herself from this. Action Taken: Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor. 2. Approve Consultant Agreement with Sherrie L. Hoglin, SLH Audiology Services for a Central Auditory Processing Reassessment Evaluation of a Special Education Student (Special Education). In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the recommendation within this student's Individual Education Program (IEP), SGUSD must provide a Central Auditory Processing Reassessment evaluation for a special education student. The district is obligated to contract with a specialist who is properly licensed in this area who can complete this assessment. Financial Impact: $2,685 (Funding Source: Special Education) Discussion: none Action Taken: Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor. 3. Approve Consultant Agreement with Vizen Optometric Center, School Year 2021-2022, (Special Education). Administration recommends that the Governing Board approve a consultant agreement with Vizen Optometric Center for vision therapy evaluation for a fifth grade special education student. In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the recommendation within this student's Individual Education Program (IEP), SGUSD must provide a vision therapy evaluation for a special education student. The district is obligated to contract with a specialist who is properly licensed in this area who can provide these services. Financial Impact: $995 (Funding Source: Special Education) Discussion: none Action Taken: Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor. 4. Approve the Interagency Agreement between the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the Los Angeles County Office of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services (WDACS), the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), Undersigned Independent Charter Schools/Charter Management Organizations, and The San Gabriel Unified School District and their Affiliated Charter Schools. It is the intent that this agreement establish procedures to provide and fund the necessary transportation for foster youth to remain in their school of origin (SOO) as required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). In order to split the cost of transportation for foster youth to their school of origin (SOO) with the Los Angeles County Department of Child and Family Services, the San Gabriel Unified School District will join the interagency agreement along with 78 other California school districts. Financial Impact: $8,304.37 (Funding Source: LCFF S&C) Discussion: none Action Taken: Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor. 5. Approve Consultant Agreement with CEOKids & Company LLC, Young Art. Art classes have been shown to have many important social, emotional and academic benefits to students. Young Art instructors will provide virtual art classes at Washington Elementary School for the 2021-2022 school year. Financial Impact: $8,260.80 (Funding Source: General Fund. Increase: NA Decrease: $1,874.20 Other: Parent Teacher Association fully funds classes and will reimburse the district after services are rendered.) Discussion: Action Taken: Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor. C. GOVERNING BOARD OF EDUCATION D. HUMAN RESOURCES E. SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE 1. Approve the Re-Authorization of Electronic Meetings of the Governing Board During a State of Emergency Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(E). Administration recommends that the Governing Board reconsider the circumstances of the state of emergency, affirm that the state of emergency continues to directly impact the ability to meet safely in person as stated in Resolution No. 10/2021-22, and direct the continued use of teleconference meetings pursuant to Government Code section 54953(e). Approval of the re-authorization would allow the Governing Board to continue to conduct meetings electronically beyond February 28, 2022. Discussion: None Action Taken: Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor. 2. Governing Board Review of California School Boards Association (CSBA) Policy Revision Recommendations. Administration recommends the Governing Board review the first reading of California School Boards Association (CSBA) policy revision recommendations. The Governing Board is asked to review amended policies as per California School Boards Association (CSBA) suggested revisions based on new mandates, laws, or regulations. Discussion: Scott-It’s gonna be good for us. Action Taken: Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor. 3. Approve California School Boards Association (CSBA) Policy Revision Recommendations. Administration recommends the Governing Board approve the California School Boards Association (CSBA) policy revision recommendations. The Governing Board is asked to approve amended policies as per California School Boards Association (CSBA) suggested revisions based on new mandates, laws, or regulations. Discussion: none Action Taken: Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor. 9. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS Ken Tcheng - Tonight I was very impressed with the report from Lucia, from the student advisory committee at Gabrielino. She is a great example for all of us to admire. Secondly, we heard a lot about communication and transparency. I think we should have some discussion as a board. I would like to ask Madam President to reconvene after the board meeting in closed session to have a discussion about the parents' concern. Cristina Alvarado - I echo Ken’s comment. Luccia, you are a great example and the students are so involved. I liked what you identified in the presentation. It would be great for you and other students to showcase our high school to the community. I appreciate the comments from the parents tonight. Happy Year of the Tiger! Dr. Gary Scott - I hope we can get some time to hang with family and friends. Thank you parents for being so civil and thoughtful tonight with the comments. Yes, there are issues identified tonight and please know that we will take those comments into consideration. The progress regarding Omicron is going in the right direction. Great job Jessie, Joseph, and Luccia! These 3 students are proof that we are doing great as a district. We will have more involvement in regards to CTE - career and technical training is important. We hope to support our students. Kudos to everyone and thanks! Rochelle Haas- Like my colleagues have mentioned, you all made a very good point. It was very nice to see the student advisory council and what they had to say in their perspective. It was nice to see the Gabrielino parking lot full and that kids are coming back in person to compete. I would like to take a moment to honor Terry - she was so kind. I am thankful for the impact that she has made for those around her. I hope everyone had a blessed and prosperous Lunar New Year. 10. CONSENT AGENDA Scott moved to approve the consent agenda in its entirety. Moved and approved. A. BUSINESS SERVICES 1. Approve Warrants Issued for Payments, Goods, And Services Received For January 2022 - Report No. 8 2. Approve Purchase Orders Issued in Excess of $5,000 Report No. 11 (21-22) 3. Approve Conference Report No. 11 (21-22). Administration recommends that the Governing Board approve the following District employees be authorized to attend the conference events listed. The representative of the District indicated will attend with no loss of salaries for District personnel, and with actual and necessary expenses paid for all attending as authorized by Education Code Sections 35172, 35173 and 44032, and the District's Board policies. Authorization for an advance of funds to cover actual and necessary expenses is hereby granted. Such Advances shall be repaid or adjusted upon filing of a regular claim for the actual and necessary expenses incurred. B. EDUCATIONAL SERVICES C. HUMAN RESOURCES 1. Approve Certificated Personnel Status Report No. 11 2. Approve Classified Personnel Status Report No. 11 D. SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE 11. NEXT MEETING REMINDER(S) Tuesday, February 22, 2022 Tuesday, March 8, 2022 Tuesday, March 22, 2022 Tuesday, April 19, 2022 Tuesday, May 10, 2022 Tuesday, May 24, 2022 Tuesday, June 14, 2022 Tuesday, June 28, 2022 CLOSED SESSION (at request from Ken Tcheng) at 8:09 P.M. The board returned from closed session at: 8:31 P.M. No action was taken 12. ADJOURNMENT at 8:31 P.M. The meeting was dedicated to the memory of Terri Jebbia-Bitticker. Click here for Link to Full Agenda and Complete Attachments Join us at the next Board Meeting February 22 March 8 & 22 April 19 May 10 & 24 June 14 & 28 6:00 Open Session, Closed Session, 7:00 Open Session Reconvenes Hi GHS SGTA,
You can pick up your masks (95 and surgical) and at-home test kits in the front office. They now have plenty, so stampede your way down and pick up yours. Best, Site Reps Hi GHS SGTA, Since we are entering the time of year when budget cuts are looming and RIFs are expected due to declining enrollment, double checking the info on the seniority list is a good idea. It is attached. Please let us know if there is something that needs to be changed. Best, Site Reps ---------- Forwarded message --------- New updated list from H.R.... all the Temps and Prob 1 have been added to reflect new hires. Thanks, Dena |
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San Gabriel Teachers Association is a proud chapter of the California Teachers Association and National Education Association.