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April 19, 2020
Update #5 Dear Members, Your SGTA Executive Board continues to remain in close communication with District Administration and CTA as information is continually changing and unfolding. Please join us as we listen in to Tuesday evening's school board meeting at 7:00 pm. The school board members will be voting on approval of the SGUSD Grading, ELD Instruction and Credit Guidelines during COVID-19 School Closures. Zoom Online Meeting Access ID, password, and telephone access number sent to your personal email. Additionally,in efforts to assist teachers in addressing Distance Learning, CTA's Instructional Leadership Corps will be providing webinars on the following topics:
SGTA Executive Board Dena Dragoo - President Jennifer Vargas - Vice President Iraise Garcia - Secretary Vicky Perales - Treasurer Teacher Led Webinars - April 19th - 23rd Additional Webinars from CTA - April 16th - 28th SGTA Zoom Meetings: Thank you all who joined our Elementary, Middle School and HS Zoom Sessions! Stay tuned for date/times of our next zoom sessions. SGTA FAQ Document Updated: 04/15/20 Helpful Resources:
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Hi SGTA GHS members,
We are having a zoom meeting prior to the faculty meeting, TOMORROW, Wednesday, April 15th. The SGTA meeting is at 1pm. The Faculty meeting is at 2:15pm. The info to join the meeting, including link and password, was emailed to your personal email. Best, Site Reps Topic: GAB - SGTA Zoom Meeting - Wed, April 15th Time: Apr 15, 2020 01:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) April 9, 2020
Update #4 Dear Members, Your SGTA Executive Board have been in close communication with District Administration and CTA. We are continually compiling a list of the Frequently Asked Questions. The FAQ document is constantly evolving as new information is shared. Please take some time to familiarize yourself with these questions and answers and reach out to your peers to share this information. New information has been added since our last email communications. Site Reps will be holding SGTA Zoom Meetings. See below for date/times. Again, please familiarize yourself with all the FAQ so that the same question is not asked repeatedly. In addition, below are some helpful links and resources the have been added to help you through this time. Thank you for your time, SGTA Executive Board SGTA Zoom Meetings: (A link to join the meeting will be sent to you from your reps.) Please read the Frequently Asked Questions Document prior to attending the Zoom Meeting. Elementary Schools & DEC: When: Tuesday, April 14th Time: 3:30 p.m. Jefferson: Zoom mtg. held on 4/8/20 GAB: When: Wednesday, April 18th Time: Following Staff Meeting Del Mar: Please contact Rep. DEC: Please join Elem Zoom Meeting April 9, 2020 Dear SGTA Members, Addendum: Please scroll down for responses to questions added since April 4, 2020. These are listed after Question 30. We are pleased to share with you the COVID-19 Emergency Crises Memorandum of Understanding between SGUSD and SGTA. Please do your part and read over the memorandum and further clarifications. Also read the questions/answers below that members have generated. If after reading all of the information, you still do not see you have your questions answered, then please list it in the document and an SGTA Rep will respond. Please know that your Exec Board and Site Reps have been working very diligently behind the scenes and will be holding SGTA meetings after Spring Break to help further clarify any questions. Many questions have been directed to Site Reps that should be answered by Site Administration. Further Clarification regarding the Memorandum of Understanding: ( In a Nutshell...) School Closure and Distance Learning - All terms and conditions are Fluid. Any changes or conditions that arise SGTA will have additional opportunity to discuss with SGUSD. Extended School Closure - Listen and read ALL email and phone communications. Compensation- Yes, you will continue to receive your full compensation and health benefits. Report to District - You shall not be directed to physically report to school. Tell your Rep if you are asked to report. It should only be on a volunteer basis. Classroom Access- You must get approval from your principal or supervisor. Social Distancing Norms - The district is required to follow the mandates from the L.A. County Health Dept. Teacher Observations- Due to the COVID-19 crises, SGTA agreed to give principals additional time to complete summary evaluations via email. Incomplete Observations - If we do not return to school this year and your observation cannot be completed, you have the opportunity to postpone for the following year. Contact your Site Rep for individual situations that may occur. Quarantine- You will not be deducted sick leave if you are placed in quarantine and cannot perform. This is a BIG WIN for SGTA. This is not happening in surrounding districts. Collective Bargaining Agreement - It is still intact and all terms and conditions apply, even in State Emergencies. This Agreement, Modifications and Execution: Executed on behalf of SGUSD and SGTA. Frequently Asked Question During School Closure: Q1: When may I go to my classroom to collect materials I need to plan and teach from home? A: In accordance with the MOU, while you may access your classroom during the closure, you must contact your local site admin in advance of collecting materials. Q2: What is the plan for students to collect non-technological materials needed for coursework (art materials, musical instruments, etc)? A: Contact your site administrator regarding access and equity needs for your students. Q3: I was wondering if there’s a chance that we will extend the school year since ed code says a district cannot? A: This would need to be bargained. Per prior communication, this is highly unlikely. Q4: Why can’t we give out grades for Distance Learning assignments? A: District administration is currently following CDE and LACOE guidance (see email from J. Symonds on March 19, 2020.) Contact your site administrator for further information. “Per SGTA’s meeting with District administration on April 8, more information will be forthcoming regarding grading for the remainder of the school year.” Q5: If teachers depend on summer teaching positions, and we are still shut down, what are their options? A: At this point, SEF has determined that it will not run summer classes. The District is currently monitoring the pandemic and more information will be forthcoming regarding any summer classes. That being said, summer work is never guaranteed. Should the District decide not to run any summer classes, there is little SGTA can do regarding this matter. Q6: What happens if a teacher gets sick during closures, who will take over for him/her? A: SGTA Exec Board will consult with HR Assistant Superintendent Ross Perry on this question. Q7: While using an app like Zoom and a student uses it inappropriately, and it involves another student, who is liable? A: This should be treated the same way you would treat a student disruption in your face-to-face class. Contact your site administrator for assistance in resolving these issues. Here also are some helpful tips for using zoom. CTA has also been offering professional development on virtual teaching and classroom management, available here and also on youtube. Q8: What happens if families do not participate in distance learning? A: Consult your site administrator. Q9: At the elementary level, how do we provide equity instruction when some teachers are skilled at online instruction, video lessons, etc. and other teachers are not? There is concern that parents will talk, compare, and complain. A: Distance learning does not mean only online instruction. Distance learning can also include hybrid assignments as well as paper packet assignments. Please contact your site administrator for further guidance. Q10: How closely are we expected to follow district curriculum such as My Math and Wonders? A: Consult your site administrator. Q11: Kinder Teacher: I'm concerned about the fact that we weren't able to send home math worksheets, journal paper, or anything for our kids to use. I'm asking for guidance to help kids maintain fine motor skills. A: Consult your site administrator. Q12: I have heard about re-purposing schools as daycare for low income families (Governor Newsom). Is there any talk of that with SGUSD? A: At this point, there is no plan in place to repurpose SGUSD schools as daycare centers. If so, SGTA would work with the District to understand the potential implications on the worksite and bargaining unit member rights. Q13: I noticed (in an email about contracts from Dena) that we could be called on to do other duties as government workers. Is there talk of that? Or are we still doing our job as distance learning continues? A: At this point, there is no plan in place for SGTA bargaining unit members to work as disaster service workers. Q14: What would happen (worst case scenario) if we couldn’t reopen in August? A: Any impact of the continuing pandemic on the 2020-21 school year would need to be bargained. Q15: Is our instruction to be solely online, or is it okay to ask families to print pages and do work with paper and pencil? A: Consult your site administrator. Q16: Will there be any further guidance from the district as to how much, how often, and what type of work is expected from teachers? A: Consult your site administrator. Q17: On the MOU, regarding Evaluations, can you define "Reasonably Completed"? A: In the event we return to school by April 6th it may be reasonable, but if we return back to school at a later date, it may not be reasonable. Q18: How does this affect a possible non-re-election situation? A: All non re-elect teachers were already notified prior to March 15th. This is the responsibility of HR. Q19: If teachers are too sick to teach from home, how will students receive online instruction? A: SGTA Exec Board will consult with HR Assistant Superintendent Ross Perry on this question. Q20: Are subs being assigned if teachers cannot perform Distance Learning? A: SGTA Exec Board will consult with HR Assistant Superintendent Ross Perry on this question. Q21: What about the attendance piece? A: Consult your site administrator. Q22: Are Collective Bargaining Contracts null and void in a state of emergency? A: Per Tom Pinkava, CTA Representative, the CBA remains intact.It is not “null and void.” Q23: What happens if a family chooses not to participate in distance learning? A:: Consult your site administrator. Q24: Can a Zoom meeting be held with all Elementary at once? A: Thank you for this suggestion. SGTA Exec Board will schedule after spring break. Q25: What about non union members? A: Non-union members are always contacted regarding contractual issues. Q26: What are the roles of the counselors? A: Consult your site administrator and Dr. Brian Murray. Q27: ALL teachers have to post assignments for distance learning. What if we have a teacher who doesn’t? A: Consult your site administrator. Q28: What will happen to all the Probationary 2? A: We are still teaching. Probationary 2 teachers will be made permanent at the end of year unless they have already been otherwise notified. Tom Pinkava noted that Admin should have notified teachers by March 15th. Q29: What do I do if I do not have strong enough Wi-Fi where I live? A: Consult IT and and your Site Administrator Q30: Do I have to use my own phone to call parents? A: No, please go online and to learn how to block your number. For further guidance, consult your site administrator. Additional Questions: Since April 4th Q1: A neighboring district’s association just advised its members not to do “live lessons”, not even “recorded lessons,” citing concerns of student privacy (for live videos?) and for people being able to edit and share video beyond the intended audience. What is SGTA’s position on this? A: This is not mandatory. SGTA has posted many resources and links to follow when using video conferencing. See SGTA COVID email update #4. SGTA has reminded Admin that if necessary, Administrators will follow regular protocol when investigating a parent concern. Q2: Are elementary music teachers, PE teachers, and intervention teachers still going to provide instruction? A: Of Course! They have established their own Google Classrooms. Q3: If evaluations are not finished and a teacher is Probationary 1, will they still move on to being Probationary 2 next year? (I’m assuming yes since you have answered that current Prob 2s will become permanent, but I would like the confirmation.) A: Yes . Q4: Distance learning can also include hybrid assignments as well as paper packet assignments. How does the district want us to go about getting paper assignments to students? What if students don't have a printer? A: The district is strongly urging teachers not to use paper packets. No printer: get creative. Try Google Forms. Some elementary teachers are having parents take a picture of the assignment and send it to Class Dojo or to the teacher’s school email. Q5: Are we going to be able to pass out supplies to students (for example: math workbooks, Wonders practice books, etc.)? A: Not at this time. We are following the social distancing norms from the LA County Health Dept. Q6: Is there any information about what will be happening to the state education budget after this crisis is over? A: In speaking with Asst. Supt Will Wong, there are no updates regarding the state's budget. We are waiting to hear from the Governor’s May Revise. Q7: Will layoffs be a realistic possibility at the end of the school year since the economy is heading toward a major recession? A: Layoffs were already board approved in March. The district does not anticipate any more layoffs in August. Q8: Are general education teachers expected to do virtual IEP meetings for students that are not theirs (Example: IEPs for SDC students)? A: Teachers should participate in virtual conferences during regular work hours. Case holders should consult SPED Dept and continue to invite the same individuals as before. Q9: Will positions like noon duty aides, elementary nurses, librarians, computer techs, and other classified employees be able to do their jobs from home so they can earn an income? A: Yes. The district has a plan to utilize these individuals. Q10: Are school counselors, psychologists, speech pathologists, etc. still going to provide services? A: Yes. They have already begun working and eliciting guidance from the SPED Dept to strategize the best way to continue to provide services. Q11: How are students going to clean out their P.E. lockers? A: Admin is aware and will address this issue prior to the end of the school year. Q12: How do the closures affect our job status? A: Your job status has not changed. Q13: When can teachers go back for at least one whole day to clean up? A: Ask your Site Administrator. Q14: Is there a student accountability piece yet? Will there be? A: District is working on a grading policy with site administrators and has consulted with SGTA. The policy needs to be Board approved in April. Q15: In case we are audited on attendance, who is accountable? A: District. Q16: Paychecks for January and February are inconsistent. Why? A: Per Jazmin Ortega, Director of Fiscal Services: The difference in the January/February paycheck was due to the negotiated salary increase. Q17: Did the teachers that have 15+ years in the district get their additional retro check? A: Yes. MEMO TO: Certificated - Teachers Staff (Steps 15-26) CC: William Wong, Gloria Castillo DATE: 3/9/20 This is to inform you that the check dated 3/9 reflects corrections to your retro pay for the periods 7/1/19 to present date. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you, Jazmin Ortega Director of Fiscal Services Q18: What about electives, especially electives that required vote/interview - any news on this? A: Ask your site Administrator. Q19: What will happen to this year’s yearbook? A: Ask your site Administrator. Q20: Any updates on grading, since we are out for the entire year? A: See the answer above regarding the new grading policy. Q21: Who is checking attendance? A: Share your attendance form with your attendance clerk or Office Manager. See Ready-Set-Launch memo from J. Symonds and FAQs addressed by J. Perez: “Attendance- The California Department of Education is requiring attendance be taken for Distance Learning. The purpose of attendance during this time is to simply check in with students, ensure we are reaching students and families in need, and to strive for equity and access to the Distance Learning model. Attendance is not being taken for normal Average Daily Attendance (ADA) purposes and will not be entered in the Aeries system. Each site will have the flexibility to determine the best way to capture attendance. If you are seeing irregularities, unable to reach certain students, or have concerns with student access to the Digital Learning model, please reach out to your administrator for assistance.” Q22: Are teachers expected to check attendance for the designated period (in JMS case, 1st period)? A: Ask your site Administrator. Q23: Who’s responsibility is it to contact students not completing the attendance form? A: Ask your site Administrator. Q24: If our instruction day is Tuesday, are we allowed to post on Monday? A: We have been asked to be mindful of posting messages throughout the day to students. Middle School and HS students are overwhelmed with multiple posts from all teachers coming in all throughout the day. It has been suggested that it would be extremely helpful to the students if assignments/messages were posted on a weekly basis or only 1 time a day. In addition, try to push out posts only during “school hours.” Q25: Can we push out assignments for the week all at once? For example, all assignments shared on Google classroom every Monday. A: Yes! Q26: Is meeting live (Zoom, Google Hangouts) required? A: No. SGTA has posted many resources and links to follow when using video conferencing. See SGTA COVID email update #4 Q27: I am planning on posting each school day (either an assignment or reminder). Do I have to post during the Instruction block also, or can I use it as a second office hour for student questions/one-on-one help? A: Ask your Site Administrator. Q28: What are the expectations for Instruction Hours? Should it focus on directed teaching of some kind? A: Refer to Ready-Set-Launch letter from J. Symonds and FAQs addressed by J. Perez: “This is a time for us all to be sensitive and empathetic. All our families and staff members are being faced with unprecedented challenges. Thus, we are not seeking perfection with distance learning, but a means of providing, to the extent feasible, continuity of learning. “ “It is up to each individual classroom teacher, in consultation with their grade or department teammates when appropriate, to make the decisions about which distance learning resources will best serve the needs of their students.” Q29: Who sets the scheduled times to set for virtual meetings with our students (to avoid overlap)? A: Teachers. Please reach out to your peers and consult your site administrators for a coordinated plan. A suggestion was made to ask our counselors to help coordinate a master schedule schedule for virtual meetings… (just a suggestion) Q30: Do we need to invite parents to Google Classroom? If so, can someone help us with this? A: Students are to access Google Classroom. Some of our younger students will need assistance to access from their adult caregiver. The parents have been given student username and passwords to access the accounts. There is an option in Google Classroom to “Invite Guardian” (Under “People” tab), but this is not a necessary step if they already have access to the Classroom through their student. If you need assistance, you may contact the DEC Instructional Coaches or colleagues. Q31: Are we expected to ZOOM w/ parents? A: No. Q32: What do we do if a student changes their name on their Google account? Do we contact IT? A: Yes. No changes should be made. Q33: Is anyone thinking about plans for starting the school year virtually, if needed? What would this look like? A: Yes. The district is planning for many different scenarios. Information changes daily. SGUSD will follow the guidelines from the California Department of Education and the L.A. County Health Department. Q34: Are we expected to create a virtual open house or something similar? A: No. If your question(s) were not answered, please use the following form to ask your question(s). Please note that we are able to answer CBA and MOU questions, but cannot address issues under district and site administrator purview. SGTA Member Forum Questions Form: https://forms.gle/eHyT2YbcSamb3YWp9 Helpful Resources:
Board Meeting Highlights:
Click here for Link to Full Agenda and Attachments Attachments: None. EMERGENCY MEETING OF THE GOVERNING BOARD April 2, 2020 PUBLIC ACCESS NOTICE: Due to the current state of social distancing and Gov. Gavin Newsom's "safer at home" order, the Governing Board of San Gabriel Unified will be implementing the following public access for the upcoming Board meeting. 1. OPENING PROCEDURE A. CALL TO ORDER at 11:08 B. ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM Quorum established. All five members present. C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Dr. Scott. D. APPROVAL OF AGENDA It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the April 2, 2020 Governing Board emergency meeting agenda. This is an opportunity for the Governing Board to adopt the agenda as presented and/or rearrange agenda items to accommodate arrival of audience members. Discussion: None Action taken: Agenda approved. 2. DETERMINATION OF EMERGENCY 4/2/2020 A. Motion that an Emergency Situation Exists (Government Code §54956.5) Recommendation that the Governing Board determines that an emergency exists, deemed as a work stoppage, crippling activity or other activity which severely impairs public health, safety or both. The emergency necessitates the holding of a Board meeting without the usual posting and notice requirements. Motion:Determination that Emergency situation exists. Discussion: None. Action taken: Approved unanimously. 3. REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE GOVERNING BOARD. Requests: None. 4. SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE A. Approve Recommendation by Los Angeles County Office of Education Superintendent, Debra Duardo to Extend School Closures Until End of School Year June 4, 2020 It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Debra Duardo's recommendation to extend closure of all public schools until Thursday, June 4, 2020, to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Debra Duardo announced her recommendation to extend closure of all public schools until end of school year on Thursday, June 4, 2020, to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Discussion: Ms. Haas: I have a few questions: Site administrators may need to discuss this. How will students be able to access counseling and support services? The HS is addressing it, but what about the other sites? Mr. Symonds: Good question, and it is a primary concern. We know this is a stressful time for our students and families. It's important that we are staying in contact with the kids and families. If there is anything you see that draws your attention, please notify us. Resources and counselors are in place. We are going to rely on those of you who are in contact with our students and families. Ms. Haas: This may be for Dr. Murray. How will IEPs be conducted? How will assessments be done? How will meetings be held? Mr. Symonds: The Dept of Education is allowing flexibility within the distance learning model. (As evidenced) within those conversations at the federal and state level. It is best to provide services to our special education students within this model. We expect there may be some leniency from the federal level in this situation. They may extend timelines. We will work individually with families while we are in contact with the Dept of Education and CDE. I applaud our special education teachers reaching out to our families. Ms. Haas: I know this is uncharted territory and appreciate you are troubleshooting. GHS parents very concerned about what is happening with graduation. It's OK if you can't answer that question right now. Mr. Symonds: LACOE and Tony Thurmond are clear about being creative about having these celebrations in a creative way. I will be meeting with Principals Heinrich and Guyer to discuss online graduation celebrations. Debra Duardo even discussed an online prom. We are doing the best we can to offer these celebrations to accommodate that. Ms. Haas: I know we're not alone in this. Seniors are feeling the impact of their senior year being taken away. I know you are doing your best. Mr. Wong: Regarding SPED- later today there is a CDE zoom call with the Special Ed depts that will be live streamed. Zoom IEPs/video IEPs are being planned now. Dr. Scott: If there are no other comments, we will adjourn... Ms. Alvarado: Maybe Jim can send out a communication (to staff and families) to address what we are doing about graduation. As you know I work with childcare. Right now we are putting all our efforts into childcare alternatives. Dr. Scott: I know there are many questions, but we need to address the action on the table. We can then adjourn and continue to address questions. Action taken: Motion approved unanimously re: closure of SGUSD until the end of the school year per Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Debra Duardo recommendation to help contain the spread of COVID-19. 5. ADJOURNMENT at 11:22. Dr. Scott, Mr. Symonds, and Mr. Chau remained on Zoom to address questions noted on the Chat board. Dr. Scott: Question on the chat about grades for seniors. Mr. Symonds. The CDE released some guidelines about grading. The superintendents around the state are wrapping our heads around this. We would like to work collaboratively with the principals on this. They will work with their staff for buy-in. Some districts are looking at a pass/no pass model. Another idea: Freezing 3rd quarter grades, but allowing students to work to improve those grades in the 4th quarter. They are recommending holding students harmless and waiving SATs. We just got the guidelines last night. We will likely not have a decision by April 6th, but look to work with staff collaboratively to address. Question: Are students all set up for Zoom meetings at this point? Eric Chau: Yes, but they will not be able to create accounts. There is still some research we need to do to address student privacy, but teachers will be able to create accounts for theri students. Question: What direction will athletics take? Mr. Symonds: All our guidance will come from CIF, organizations, and leagues. Everything is off the table for the rest of this year. Question: What if students have trouble logging into Clever or iReady? Eric Chau" Teachers- please let IT know of any technical issues.The IT Hot Desk number will be shared with principals. (The numbers have not yet been pushed out to principals.) Dr. Scott: Can the numbers be put out on our website? Will there be numbers for staff and families/students? Eric Chau: These will be published on the district website on the Distance Learning page. Dr. Scott: Happy Birthday to Zulma. We're sorry we can't sing to you. Note from Dena: CTA Webinar - Instruction and Professional Development CTA holding a Webinar on teaching students with special needs. Get the link for more information: CTA - Instruction and Professional Development Question: What is the status of iPads for SPED students? Eric Chau- The IT team is working on prepping the devices. Question: What kind of messaging is being sent to families (about the extended closure)? Mr. Symonds: We wanted to wait for the official guidance. Letters are being prepared and in translation to be sent out. Question: Will teachers be reimbursed for Zoom accounts? No- sign in as a teacher. You shouldn't have to pay for it. Eric Chau- Zoom icon added to all teacher Clever pages. Dr. Scott: We know Cabinet needs to get back to meetings. Mr.Symonds: If you have additional questions, please email the Board member of cabinet member with your questions. One more question about Summer School: Summer School and ESY is still up in the air right now. We will get the information out to you as soon as possible. Dr. Scott: Reiterated message to direct all questions to board and staff. Please be safe and please be healthy. We ARE stronger together! Join us at the next Board Meeting! 6:00 Open Session, Closed Session, 7:00 Open Session Reconvenes Keep wearing those shirts!! Show we are unified! A Message from CTA:
In order to meet the needs of CTA members, the IPD department has expanded the weekly webinar offering to ten webinars this week. Teachers can go to https://www.cta.org/IPDTrainings for our calendar of events where they can register. The webinar descriptions, titles, and registration information are all in the calendar. Additionally, the CDE will be hosting a webinar this Thursday at 3pm. The webinar is titled, “SSPI Distance Learning Innovations for Special Education.” The registration and description are in the Events Calendar at the link listed above. Some of the "hot topics" are listed below:
Please refer to the flier for specific dates and times: Instruction & Professional Development Distance Learning Seminars SGTA Zoom Meetings: The week of April 6th, SGTA will be holding Zoom meetings for Elementary, JMS, GAB & Del Mar. Your site reps will be letting you know when and the time. Please continue to read the FAQ as we have been updating the answers often. . Teachers Frequently Asked Question During School Closure: Q1: When may I go to my classroom to collect materials I need to plan and teach from home? A: Contact your site administrator. Q2: What is the plan for students to collect non-technological materials needed for coursework (art materials, musical instruments, etc)? A: Contact your site administrator regarding access and equity needs for your students. Q3: I was wondering if there’s a chance that we will extend the school year since ed code says a district cannot? A: This would need to be bargained. Per prior communication, this is highly unlikely. Q4: Why can’t we give out grades for Distance Learning assignments? A: District administration is currently following CDE and LACOE guidance (see email from J. Symonds on March 19, 2020.) Contact your site administrator for further information. Q5: If teachers depend on summer teaching positions, and we are still shut down, what are their options? A: First, summer teaching is never guaranteed. Second, this will be a situation we will be monitoring as we navigate the COVID-19 emergency. Q6: What happens if a teacher gets sick during closures, who will take over for him/her? A: SGTA Exec Board will consult with HR Assistant Superintendent Ross Perry on this question. Q7: While using an app like Zoom and a student uses it inappropriately, and it involves another student, who is liable? A: Consult your site administrator.. Q8: What happens if families do not participate in distance learning? A: Consult your site administrator. Q9: At the elementary level, how do we provide equity instruction when some teachers are skilled at online instruction, video lessons, etc. and other teachers are not? There is concern that parents will talk, compare, and complain. A: Parents discuss and compare whether we are in distance learning mode or traditional mode. In addition, Distance learning does not mean only online instruction. Distance learning can also include hybrid assignments as well as paper packet assignments. We have to be careful not to equate distance learning with only online instruction. Q10: How closely are we expected to follow district curriculum such as My Math and Wonders? A: Consult your site administrator. Q11: Kinder Teacher: I'm concerned about the fact that we weren't able to send home math worksheets, journal paper, or anything for our kids to use. I'm asking for guidance to help kids maintain fine motor skills. A: Consult your site administrator. Q12: I have heard about repurposing schools as daycare for low income families (Governor Newsom). Is there any talk of that with SGUSD? A: SGTA has been in close contact with the DEC through this process. I imagine the DEC would give us a heads up if one of our sites was designated as daycare center. Q13: I noticed (in an email about contracts from Dena) that we could be called on to do other duties as government workers. Is there talk of that? Or are we still doing our job as distance learning continues? A: First, this is not addressed in the MOU. Second, we should not be putting out that we can called upon to be government workers. If we were called upon to be disaster service workers, that order would need to come from a city, county, or state. We would then need to look at what our bargaining unit members are being asked to do, what the impact would be on our terms and conditions of work, and whether such is subject to bargaining with SGUSD. Q14: What would happen (worst case scenario) if we couldn’t reopen in August? A: Any impact of the continuing pandemic on the 2020-21 school year would need to be bargained. Q15: Is our instruction to be solely online, or is it okay to ask families to print pages and do work with paper and pencil? A: Consult your site administrator. Q16: Will there be any further guidance from the district as to how much, how often, and what type of work is expected from teachers? A: Consult your site administrator. Q17: On the MOU, regarding Evaluations, can you define "Reasonably Completed"? A: In the event we return to school by April 6th it may be reasonable, but if we return back to school at a later date, it may not be reasonable. Q18: How does this affect a possible non-re-election situation? A: All non re-elect teachers were already notified prior to March 15th. This is the responsibility of HR. Q19: If teachers are too sick to teach from home, how will students receive online instruction? A: SGTA Exec Board will consult with HR Assistant Superintendent Ross Perry on this question. Q20: Are subs being assigned if teachers cannot perform Distance Learning? A: SGTA Exec Board will consult with HR Assistant Superintendent Ross Perry on this question. Q21: What about the attendance piece? A: Consult your site administrator. Q22: Are Collective Bargaining Contracts null and void in a state of emergency? A: Per Tom Pinkava, CTA Representative, the CBA remains intact.It is not “null and void.” Q23: What happens if a family chooses not to participate in distance learning? A:: Consult your site administrator. Q24: Can a Zoom meeting be held with all Elementary at once? A: Thank you for this suggestion. SGTA Exec Board will schedule after spring break. Q25: What about non union members? A: Non-union members are always contacted regarding contractual issues. Q26: What are the roles of the counselors? A: Consult your site administrator and Dr. Brian Murray. Q27: ALL teachers have to post assignments for distance learning. What if we have a teacher who doesn’t? A: Consult your site administrator. Q28: What will happen to all the Probationary 2? A: We are still teaching. Probationary 2 teachers will be made permanent at the end of year unless they have already been otherwise notified. Tom Pinkava noted that Admin should have notified teachers by March 15th. Q29: What do I do if I do not have strong enough Wi-Fi where I live? A: Consult IT and and your Site Administrator Q30: Do I have to use my own phone to call parents? A: No, please go online and to learn how to block your number. For further guidance, consult your site administrator. Google Voice help can be an additional resource if needed. If your question(s) were not answered, please use the following form to ask your question(s). Please note that we are able to answer CBA and MOU questions, but cannot address issues under district and site administrator purview. Continue to submit your questions on the SGTA Member Forum Board Meeting Highlights:
Click here for Link to Full Agenda and Attachments Attachments: Supt. Contract March 2020 Audit Report for Measures S and A Classified PSR Certificated PSR 1. OPENING PROCEDURE A. CALL TO ORDER at 6:01 PM B. ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM Quorum all 5 members present at virtual session via Zoom. 2. REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE GOVERNING BOARD Requests: None. 3. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION at 6:03 PM Board meeting attendees were put into the Zoom waiting room until the Board reconvened to the Open Session. A. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT/APPOINTMENT (Pursuant to Government Code §54957 (b).) Superintendent 4. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION at 6:30 p.m. A. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION Action taken: No action taken. B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the March 24, 2020 Governing Board meeting agenda. Approval: Unanimous. D. REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE GOVERNING BOARD Requests: Dena Dragoo, SGTA President SGTA is grateful and thankful for the teamwork displayed by the Board and administrators by putting the needs of our students and teachers first. Dr. Scott: The transition to our instructional methodology and delivery is astounding. Thank you. 5. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES A. Approve the Governing Meeting Minutes of March 10, 2020 Approval: Unanimous. 6. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None. 7. SPECIAL REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS A. REPORT - Governing Board President: Dr. Scott I can't imagine going through a circumstance like this. All the administrators, teachers, and staff: thank you. It's an honor to be with you doing this work. B. REPORT - Acting Superintendent: Mr. Symonds Good evening. It warms my heart to see you all out there. (Four pages of attendees shown on Zoom. Well done, SGTA!) It's my honor to be your Superintendent. These are unprecedented times, and our organization has risen to the challenge. The acts of heroism are nothing short of astonishing. Out FOod Services staff getting out over 450 meals today. Certificates and classified with teacher gearing up a distance learning plan. We are all in this together. The work of the cabinet and directors are all together. As hard as its been, it's the most inspirational situation I've been a part of. Distance Learning will launch on April 6th. The priority was to keep our students safe and staff safe (during the past 2 weeks with Optional Online Resources.) Our DL plan is in alignment with the state and LACOE. I want teachers to take spring break next week, and be ready to launch after spring break. We will come out of this stronger and more unified. Thank you for all your work and dedication. 8. ACTION ITEMS A. BUSINESS SERVICES 1. Accept the Audit Report for Measures ‘S’ and ‘A’ General Obligation Bond Building Fund for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2019 The Administration recommends that the Governing Board approve the audit report for Measures “S” and “A” General Obligation Bond Building Fund for the Fiscal Year that Ended June 30, 2019, and authorize the designee to execute the necessary documents. The District is obligated to contract with an auditor for an annual performance and financial audit of the general obligation bond funds and programs. The audit report for Measures “S” and “A” General Obligation Bond Building Fund is for the Fiscal Year that Ended June 30, 2019. No comments or questions. Action taken: Unanimous. B. EDUCATIONAL SERVICES 1. Approve Consultant Agreement with Paul Luelmo for Consultant Services for the State Performance Technical Assistance Project, Special Education, School Year 2019-2021 Administration recommends the approval of the consultant agreement with Paul Luelmo to provide services as a Technical Assistance Facilitator related to the State Performance Technical Assistance Project to address significant Disproportionality for certain sub-groups within San Gabriel Unified School District. Financial Impact Total: $10,400.00 Funding Source: Special Education Fund Increase: $10,400.00 Questions or Comments: Dr. Scott - Our complains are virtually nil. Action taken: Unanimous approval. 2. Approve Third Quarter Report on Williams Uniform Complaints, School Year 2019-2020 Administration recommends approval of the third quarter report on Williams Uniform Complaints for the 2019-2020 school year. Action taken: Unanimous approval. 3. Approve Consultant Agreement with Dr. Wendy Shem Yeh for Vision Therapy Evaluation and Vision Therapy Services for Special Education Students, School Year 2019-2020 Administration recommends the approval of the consultant agreement with Dr. Wendy Shem Yeh for an Independent Educational Evaluation for a Vision Therapy Assessment of a Special Education student and for 30 hours of vision therapy services for another Special Education student. The San Gabriel Unified School District needs to provide an assessment through a Non-Public Agency for a Special Education student as part of the IEP testing process. Students must be assessed in all areas of suspected disability. The students' IEP team agrees that the student qualifies for a Vision Therapy Assessment. The District is obligated to contract with a specialist who can provide an impartial evaluation. Dr. Wendy Shem Yeh has experience in providing Vision Therapy Assessments and treatments. Additionally, one student qualifies for vision therapy services, and the IEP team recommends vision therapy services for this student. Dr. Yeh can provide the vision therapy services for this student. Financial Impact Total: Not to exceed $4,750.00 Funding Source: Special Education General Fund Increase: $0.00 (new assessor) Action taken: Unanimous approval. 4. Approve Consultant Agreement with Dr. Cydney Fox for a Central Auditory Processing Re-Test for a Special Education Student, School Year, 2019-2020 Administration recommends the approval of the consultant agreement with Dr. Cydney Fox in an amount not to exceed $750.00 in order for the District to stay in compliance. Dr. Cydney Fox has experience in providing the CAPD assessment and treatments. The fee for her services is not to exceed $750.00 which includes assessments, written documentation, records review, and participation in the IEP planning meeting. This expenditure is budgeted within the 2019-2020 special education budget. Financial Impact Total: Not to exceed $750.00 Funding Source: Special Education Increase: $750.00 Action taken:Unanimous approval. C. GOVERNING BOARD OF EDUCATION 1. Approve Public Employee Appointment and Approval of Employment Contract - Superintendent It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the public employee appointment and approve employment contract for Superintendent. Contract attached.
Action taken: Unanimous approval. D. HUMAN RESOURCES E. SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE 1. Approve Recommendation by Los Angeles County Office of Education Superintendent, Debra Duardo to Extend School Closures Until May 5, 2020 It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Debra Duardo's recommendation to extend closure of all public schools until Tuesday, May 5, 2020, to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Debra Duardo today announced her recommendation to extend closure of all public schools until Tuesday, May 5, 2020, to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Dr. Scott: This is to keep us in compliance with LACOE. Action taken: Unanimous approval. 9. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS None. 10. CONSENT AGENDA NOTE: The Governing Board may take one (1) vote for all Consent Items including; Business Services, Educational Services, Human Resources and the Superintendent's Office. Items also may be removed from the Consent Agenda at the discretion of the Governing Board and voted on separately. Action taken on Consent Agenda: Approved in total without question or comment. A. BUSINESS SERVICES 1. Accept Donations to the San Gabriel Unified School District The Administration recommends to accept donations to the San Gabriel Unified School District from various donors. 2. Approve Purchase Orders Issued in Excess of $5,000 Report No. 13. B. EDUCATIONAL SERVICES C. HUMAN RESOURCES 1. Approve Certificated Personnel Status Report No. 14 Attached. 2. Approve Classified Personnel Status Report No. 14 Attached. D. SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE Meeting adjourned at 6:47 PM. 11. NEXT MEETING REMINDER(S) Tuesday, April 21, 2020 Tuesday, May 12, 2020 Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Tuesday, June 23, 2020 Tuesday, June 30, 2020 We ARE stronger together! Join us at the next Board Meeting! 6:00 Open Session, Closed Session, 7:00 Open Session Reconvenes Keep wearing those shirts!! Show we are unified! Your Rep Council has been
Zooming and is hard at work! Dear SGTA Members, We are pleased to share with you the COVID-19 Emergency Crises Memorandum of Understanding between SGUSD and SGTA. Please do your part and read over the memorandum and further clarifications. Also read the questions/answers below that members have generated. If after reading all of the information, you still do not see you have your questions answered, then list it in the Google Form and a SGTA Rep will respond. Please know that your Exec Board and Site Reps have been working very diligently behind the scenes and will be holding SGTA meetings after Spring Break to help further clarify any questions. Many questions have been directed to Site Reps that should be answered by Site Administration. URGENT: Please read the following documents: 1) SGUSD & SGTA MOU 2) Frequently Asked Questions During School Closure SGUSD & SGTA Memorandum of Understanding Further Clarification regarding the Memorandum of Understanding: (In a Nutshell...)
Teachers Frequently Asked Question During School Closure: Q1: When may I go to my classroom to collect materials I need to plan and teach from home? A: Contact your site administrator. Q2: What is the plan for students to collect non-technological materials needed for coursework (art materials, musical instruments, etc)? A: Contact your site administrator regarding access and equity needs for your students. Q3: I was wondering if there’s a chance that we will extend the school year since ed code says a district cannot? A: This would need to be bargained. Per prior communication, this is highly unlikely. Q4: Why can’t we give out grades for Distance Learning assignments? A: District administration is currently following CDE and LACOE guidance (see email from J. Symonds on March 19, 2020.) Contact your site administrator for further information. Q5: If teachers depend on summer teaching positions, and we are still shut down, what are their options? A: Contact your site administrator. Q6: What happens if a teacher gets sick during closures, who will take over for him/her? A: SGTA Exec Board will consult with HR Assistant Superintendent Ross Perry on this question. Q7: While using an app like Zoom and a student uses it inappropriately, and it involves another student, who is liable? A: Consult your site administrator.. Q8: What happens if families do not participate in distance learning? A: Consult your site administrator. Q9: At the elementary level, how do we provide equity instruction when some teachers are skilled at online instruction, video lessons, etc. and other teachers are not? There is concern that parents will talk, compare, and complain. A: Parents discuss and compare whether we are in distance learning mode or traditional mode. This is an issue for your site administrator. Q10: How closely are we expected to follow district curriculum such as My Math and Wonders? A: Consult your site administrator. Q11: Kinder Teacher: I'm concerned about the fact that we weren't able to send home math worksheets, journal paper, or anything for our kids to use. I'm asking for guidance to help kids maintain fine motor skills. A: Consult your site administrator. Q12: I have heard about repurposing schools as daycare for low income families (Governor Newsom). Is there any talk of that with SGUSD? A: Consult your site administrator. Q13: I noticed (in an email about contracts from Dena) that we could be called on to do other duties as government workers. Is there talk of that? Or are we still doing our job as distance learning continues? A: Please refer to MOU. Q14: What would happen (worst case scenario) if we couldn’t reopen in August? A: Consult your site administrator. Q15: Is our instruction to be solely online, or is it okay to ask families to print pages and do work with paper and pencil? A: Consult your site administrator. Q16: Will there be any further guidance from the district as to how much, how often, and what type of work is expected from teachers? A: Consult your site administrator. Q17: On the MOU, regarding Evaluations, can you define "Reasonably Completed"? A: In the event we return to school by April 6th it may be reasonable, but if we return back to school at a later date, it may not be reasonable. Q18: How does this affect a possible non-re-election situation? A: All non re-elect teachers were already notified prior to March 15th. This is the responsibility of HR. Q19: If teachers are too sick to teach from home, how will students receive online instruction? A: SGTA Exec Board will consult with HR Assistant Superintendent Ross Perry on this question. Q20: Are subs being assigned if teachers cannot perform Distance Learning? A: SGTA Exec Board will consult with HR Assistant Superintendent Ross Perry on this question. Q21: What about the attendance piece? A: Consult your site administrator. Q22: Are Collective Bargaining Contracts null and void in a state of emergency? A: Per Tom Pinkava, CTA Representative, the CBA remains intact.It is not “null and void.” Q23: What happens if a family chooses not to participate in distance learning? A:: Consult your site administrator. Q24: Can a Zoom meeting be held with all Elementary at once? A: Thank you for this suggestion. SGTA Exec Board will schedule after spring break. Q25: What about non union members? A: Non-union members are always contacted regarding contractual issues. Q26: What are the roles of the counselors? A: Consult your site administrator and Dr. Brian Murray. Q27: ALL teachers have to post assignments for distance learning. What if we have a teacher who doesn’t? A: Consult your site administrator. Q28: What will happen to all the Probationary 2? A: We are still teaching. Probationary 2 teachers will be made permanent at the end of year unless they have already been otherwise notified. Tom Pinkava noted that Admin should have notified teachers by March 15th. Q29: What do I do if I do not have strong enough Wi-Fi where I live? A: Consult IT and and your Site Administrator Q30: Do I have to use my own phone to call parents? A: No, please go online and to learn how to block your number. For further guidance, consult your site administrator. If your question(s) were not answered, please use the following form to ask your question(s). Please note that we are able to answer CBA and MOU questions, but cannot address issues under district and site administrator purview. |
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