SGTA Board Meeting Bullets
MEETING OF THE GOVERNING BOARD
October 26, 2021
(Notes are Abridged)
1. OPENING PROCEDURE
A. CALL TO ORDER at 6:01pm
B. ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM
President Haas is not in attendance, she is at Science Camp.
2. REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE GOVERNING BOARD
Gia C. : Fence along Broadway concerns that building fences is not building community. Spending $68k on a fence that was already good is not a good idea. There is no voice being represented, especially me, who has kids with athletics. Why was a good fence taken down and why money was spent and who made that choice to put that up? I have 2 children who grew up in SG school. There is no place for them to play competitively that is accessed to the public. I was forced as a parent to have them go to private school because of this. Our community does not have a field accessible to play baseball in the city for ages 14+. There is nothing being done in our city to support athletics or kids in athletics and I hope that can be addressed in the future.
3. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION at 6:06pm
4. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION at 7:01 P.M.
A. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION -
4-0 Vote to approve Special Education Program Coordinator -Natalie Lehmann
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE by Larry Ferchaw
C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA No discussion. Unanimously approved
D. REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE GOVERNING BOARD
Edith Gonzalez: Speaking in regards to the Dual Language Immersion Program. I am addressing the Board as a parent today. Families received info about SDLI that Spanish would be taught 90% of the time. Parents were told that students were to receive a special seal on their diploma. SGUSD dropped tha ball. There is no curriculum provided for Kinder, 1st, 2nd, and some materials for 3rd. Teacher provided materials and curriculum for 4th and 5th. Program is not up to standards. No materials and curriculum. One teacher was gone for 5 weeks and the sub speaks broken language and students are not learning. Please invest in our students so that they are prepared for middle and high school. Where is the pathway plan? We don’t have a plan and need one so that our students can succeed.
Pearly Mautner: I am here to give some acknowledgements. Greetings to the board. I am the project leader of the Saturday conservatory of Music. Thank you cabinet, and Samanthan T. to approve our Covid plan so we could continue our music program. With our recitals quickly approaching, we will be following CDC plans for large gatherings. The conservatory pivoted from in person to virtual instruction. Although our learning was impacted by CoVid 19, we feel that music can heal. We look forward to collaborating with SGUSD through our conservatory.
Latarrin Sheppard: Speaking in regards to the dual immersion program. As a parent, I feel that I let my child down. I was excited about my son attending the Dual Immersion in San Gabriel. Right now, I feel that the program is not thriving as it should. Things are just behind. I feel that I failed my son. You can make a difference by getting a Dual Immersion teacher, not just a Spanish teacher. It takes a person with knowledge of the program to make it thrive. You can make a difference. As a parent, please invest in this program. I believe in you.
Gia- I’d like to speak about the fence at JMS. I am concerned that $68 was spent for a fence at JMS. That fence should not be up, period. There is a lack of community between the school and the city. Maybe my problem needs to be voiced with the city. I would like to know why all that money was spent on a fence that could have been allocated to that dual immersion program. That fence didn’t need to be there.
5. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES Moved and seconded for approval. Unanimously approved.
6. PUBLIC HEARING(S)
A. Notice of Public Hearing, Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III (ESSER III) Expenditure Plan
Opened public hearing at 7:15 pm.
No comments.
Closed public hearing at 7:15 pm.
7. SPECIAL REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
REPORTS - Student Board Members
Del Mar High School, Jessie Lopez
Del Mar is focused on the social and emotional welfare of their students. They are working with another school district on an arts program. Thank you Dr. Perez and everyone for being positive energy when visiting our campus. MCK celebrated Hispanic History Month. They had an assembly and it was interactive. Celebrating Red Ribbon Month with spirit days. Hosting a student only Halloween parade and will be taking a video to show parents.
Gabrielino High School, Joseph Aguilar
Roosevelt Elem: Kicked off Red Ribbon Week this week. Their mascot made an appearance of the Red Ribbon theme. Students will be taught the importance of being drug free. Students will wear Halloween costumes to scare off drugs this Fri. Oct. 29. Trunk or Treat this Friday too.
Washington Elem: Finished parent conferences. Had a successful earthquake drill. Promoting being drug free. Campus is covered with red links to show commitment to being drug free. BMX assembly scheduled. Halloween Parade this Friday, Oct. 29.
Gabrielino HS: Homecoming football game last week. ASB and students will be wearing pink to show breast cancer awareness.
B. REPORT - Governing Board President, Rochelle Haas
Update by Cheryl Shellhard due to absence of Rochelle Haas. Happy Halloween to everyone! Be safe and have fun!
C. REPORT - Superintendent, Jim Symonds
Thank you! It was a beautiful evening at the AYC gala. Great to see everyone. Congrats to the Eagles who hosted an event called “GAB, GAB, GAB.” I was a judge and I had a great time. They prepared a complex topic and they had 30 minutes to prepare and it was amazing and impressive. I attended the Homecoming game and it was a joy to see the kids enjoying the game. It brought so much joy to my heart watching the kids enjoy the fireworks. It's what high school students should be doing. The dance was well attended and kids were there enjoying themselves. It has been great visiting all the different schools and seeing the work of the teachers and the support staff. We were worried coming into this year and if you look at our dashboard, we currently only have 2 student cases and 0 staff members at this time. No Covid cases have originated on our campuses, they have come from the outside. Our team effort to implement the safety measures is working. Our case rates in LA County are dropping and things are looking better by the day. Student vaccinations are on the horizon. Thank you to everyone in SGUSD. Things are looking better.
D. RECOGNITION - Eden Gomez, Gabrielino High School Student for her Acceptance to the Student Ambassador Program with Center Theatre Group, Jim Symonds
Your teacher brought this to our attention because this is so special and prestigious.
Eden: I’m planning a student-only event to promote Hadestown. If it weren't for JC Gafford, would not have applied for the program. I was never a theater kid, but JC Gafford really opened up the doors for me to have this opportunity.
JC Gafford: This is a competitive program and there are many applicants. This is a paid leadership internship. It is fabulous that she will have this on her resume. I am very proud of her.
Eden: It is 8 months long. I am taking classes at Cal State LA, so this is a great opportunity. It's more about leadership skills than acting.
Scott: Well done and congratulations to JC and Eden. She is also one of our assistant stage managers for Arsenic and Old Lace which will be at Gab soon.
Symonds: What a special relationship you both have. We have a certificate for you. Eden, you are living our Portrait of a Graduate.
E. RECOGNITION - Gabrielino High School Speech and Debate Team, Jim Symonds
Symonds: We have certificates for you. Congrats everyone! Great job Eagles!
8. ACTION ITEMS
A. BUSINESS SERVICES
1. (Roll Call) Approve the Facility Inspection Reports (FIT) for the 2021-2022 School Year. Schools within SGUSD were inspected and it was determined they meet the "good repair" standard under the Education Code. This information is included in the Local Control Accountability Plan, the School Accountability Report Card, and the California Dashboard.
Financial Impact:
Discussion: none
Action Taken: Moved and Seconded for Approval. All in favor
Roll Call Vote:
Cheryl Shellhart-aye
Ken Tcheng-aye
Gary Scott-aye
Cristina Alvarado-aye
B. EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
1. Approve the SGUSD Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III (ESSER III) Expenditure Plan. Local educational agencies (LEAs) that receive Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, referred to as ESSER III funds, are required to develop a plan detailing how they will use their ESSER III funds to, at a minimum, address students’ academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs, as well as the opportunity gaps that existed before, and were exacerbated by, the COVID-19 pandemic.
Financial Impact:
Discussion: None
Action Taken: Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor.
2. Approve the Consultant Agreement with Katherine Reynolds Lewis. All over the country, schools are noticing a regression in student behavior. Families are struggling with how to discipline their students in ways that are effective and that don’t exacerbate the behaviors. Simultaneously, schools are seeking ways to redefine their own behavioral processes. Adults need guidance in helping students to recalibrate their behavior at school and at home. This Parents as Partners event is aligned with San Gabriel Unified’s MTSS initiative of providing a multi-tiered system of support by engaging with families and communities to help support students.
Financial Impact:
Discussion: None.
Action Taken: Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor.
3. Approve the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Reading Inventory Annual License Subscription. SGUSD’s reclassification process needs additional data points to ensure that students are able to be reclassified at the high school level. Gabrielino and Del Mar High School will use the Reading Inventory as part of the diagnostic tools that will determine reclassification status.
Financial Impact:
Discussion: none
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). Approval of the re-authorization would allow the Governing Board to continue to conduct meetings electronically beyond October 30, 2021.
Financial Impact:
Discussion: None.
Action Taken: Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor.
9. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
Scott: The amount of work and research in our ESSER plan is just amazing. The circumstances our students deal with everyday, and we focus on academics and curriculum but we forget what our students struggle with. For example our foster youth or our non-English speakers. I am impressed with the plan to better serve those students. If a child is dealing with hunger or anything else, they will have a hard time learning. I’m so impressed with the plan. Happy Halloween everyone.
Tcheng: First, congratulations to all that were recognized tonight. Second, I’d like to talk about the water situation in CA. Although we had good rain yesterday, we are still in a severe drought. Our water supply - we have about a year left before we hit the emergency threshold. Let’s conserve water.
Alvarado: Congrats to our honorees. We are always so impressed by the kids on the speech and debate team. They are very impressive. Mr. Symonds and staff, thank you for keeping our students as safe as possible. Thank you for making safety an important piece. Happy Halloween and enjoy what's happening at the different schools.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
BUSINESS SERVICES
1. Approve Purchase Orders Issued in Excess of $5,000 Report No. 7 (21-22)
2. Approve Essential Conference Report No. 7. The Administration recommends to approve the following District employees be authorized to attend the virtual 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
1. Approve Essential Training Report No. 7. Administration recommends that the following District employees be authorized to attend the events attached. 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 filling of a regular claim for the actual and necessary expenses incurred.
C. HUMAN RESOURCES
1. Approve Certificated Personnel Status Report No. 7. Administration recommends the approval of the Certificated Personnel Status Report No. 7.
2. Approve Classified Personnel Status Report No. 7. Administration recommends to approve the Classified Personnel Status Report No. 7.
D. SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE
11. NEXT MEETING REMINDER(S)
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
12. ADJOURNMENT at 7:44 P.M.
Click here for Link to Full Agenda and Complete Attachments
Join us at the next Board Meeting!
MEETING OF THE GOVERNING BOARD
October 26, 2021
(Notes are Abridged)
1. OPENING PROCEDURE
A. CALL TO ORDER at 6:01pm
B. ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM
President Haas is not in attendance, she is at Science Camp.
2. REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE GOVERNING BOARD
Gia C. : Fence along Broadway concerns that building fences is not building community. Spending $68k on a fence that was already good is not a good idea. There is no voice being represented, especially me, who has kids with athletics. Why was a good fence taken down and why money was spent and who made that choice to put that up? I have 2 children who grew up in SG school. There is no place for them to play competitively that is accessed to the public. I was forced as a parent to have them go to private school because of this. Our community does not have a field accessible to play baseball in the city for ages 14+. There is nothing being done in our city to support athletics or kids in athletics and I hope that can be addressed in the future.
3. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION at 6:06pm
4. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION at 7:01 P.M.
A. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION -
4-0 Vote to approve Special Education Program Coordinator -Natalie Lehmann
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE by Larry Ferchaw
C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA No discussion. Unanimously approved
D. REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE GOVERNING BOARD
Edith Gonzalez: Speaking in regards to the Dual Language Immersion Program. I am addressing the Board as a parent today. Families received info about SDLI that Spanish would be taught 90% of the time. Parents were told that students were to receive a special seal on their diploma. SGUSD dropped tha ball. There is no curriculum provided for Kinder, 1st, 2nd, and some materials for 3rd. Teacher provided materials and curriculum for 4th and 5th. Program is not up to standards. No materials and curriculum. One teacher was gone for 5 weeks and the sub speaks broken language and students are not learning. Please invest in our students so that they are prepared for middle and high school. Where is the pathway plan? We don’t have a plan and need one so that our students can succeed.
Pearly Mautner: I am here to give some acknowledgements. Greetings to the board. I am the project leader of the Saturday conservatory of Music. Thank you cabinet, and Samanthan T. to approve our Covid plan so we could continue our music program. With our recitals quickly approaching, we will be following CDC plans for large gatherings. The conservatory pivoted from in person to virtual instruction. Although our learning was impacted by CoVid 19, we feel that music can heal. We look forward to collaborating with SGUSD through our conservatory.
Latarrin Sheppard: Speaking in regards to the dual immersion program. As a parent, I feel that I let my child down. I was excited about my son attending the Dual Immersion in San Gabriel. Right now, I feel that the program is not thriving as it should. Things are just behind. I feel that I failed my son. You can make a difference by getting a Dual Immersion teacher, not just a Spanish teacher. It takes a person with knowledge of the program to make it thrive. You can make a difference. As a parent, please invest in this program. I believe in you.
Gia- I’d like to speak about the fence at JMS. I am concerned that $68 was spent for a fence at JMS. That fence should not be up, period. There is a lack of community between the school and the city. Maybe my problem needs to be voiced with the city. I would like to know why all that money was spent on a fence that could have been allocated to that dual immersion program. That fence didn’t need to be there.
5. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES Moved and seconded for approval. Unanimously approved.
6. PUBLIC HEARING(S)
A. Notice of Public Hearing, Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III (ESSER III) Expenditure Plan
Opened public hearing at 7:15 pm.
No comments.
Closed public hearing at 7:15 pm.
7. SPECIAL REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
REPORTS - Student Board Members
Del Mar High School, Jessie Lopez
Del Mar is focused on the social and emotional welfare of their students. They are working with another school district on an arts program. Thank you Dr. Perez and everyone for being positive energy when visiting our campus. MCK celebrated Hispanic History Month. They had an assembly and it was interactive. Celebrating Red Ribbon Month with spirit days. Hosting a student only Halloween parade and will be taking a video to show parents.
Gabrielino High School, Joseph Aguilar
Roosevelt Elem: Kicked off Red Ribbon Week this week. Their mascot made an appearance of the Red Ribbon theme. Students will be taught the importance of being drug free. Students will wear Halloween costumes to scare off drugs this Fri. Oct. 29. Trunk or Treat this Friday too.
Washington Elem: Finished parent conferences. Had a successful earthquake drill. Promoting being drug free. Campus is covered with red links to show commitment to being drug free. BMX assembly scheduled. Halloween Parade this Friday, Oct. 29.
Gabrielino HS: Homecoming football game last week. ASB and students will be wearing pink to show breast cancer awareness.
B. REPORT - Governing Board President, Rochelle Haas
Update by Cheryl Shellhard due to absence of Rochelle Haas. Happy Halloween to everyone! Be safe and have fun!
C. REPORT - Superintendent, Jim Symonds
Thank you! It was a beautiful evening at the AYC gala. Great to see everyone. Congrats to the Eagles who hosted an event called “GAB, GAB, GAB.” I was a judge and I had a great time. They prepared a complex topic and they had 30 minutes to prepare and it was amazing and impressive. I attended the Homecoming game and it was a joy to see the kids enjoying the game. It brought so much joy to my heart watching the kids enjoy the fireworks. It's what high school students should be doing. The dance was well attended and kids were there enjoying themselves. It has been great visiting all the different schools and seeing the work of the teachers and the support staff. We were worried coming into this year and if you look at our dashboard, we currently only have 2 student cases and 0 staff members at this time. No Covid cases have originated on our campuses, they have come from the outside. Our team effort to implement the safety measures is working. Our case rates in LA County are dropping and things are looking better by the day. Student vaccinations are on the horizon. Thank you to everyone in SGUSD. Things are looking better.
D. RECOGNITION - Eden Gomez, Gabrielino High School Student for her Acceptance to the Student Ambassador Program with Center Theatre Group, Jim Symonds
Your teacher brought this to our attention because this is so special and prestigious.
Eden: I’m planning a student-only event to promote Hadestown. If it weren't for JC Gafford, would not have applied for the program. I was never a theater kid, but JC Gafford really opened up the doors for me to have this opportunity.
JC Gafford: This is a competitive program and there are many applicants. This is a paid leadership internship. It is fabulous that she will have this on her resume. I am very proud of her.
Eden: It is 8 months long. I am taking classes at Cal State LA, so this is a great opportunity. It's more about leadership skills than acting.
Scott: Well done and congratulations to JC and Eden. She is also one of our assistant stage managers for Arsenic and Old Lace which will be at Gab soon.
Symonds: What a special relationship you both have. We have a certificate for you. Eden, you are living our Portrait of a Graduate.
E. RECOGNITION - Gabrielino High School Speech and Debate Team, Jim Symonds
Symonds: We have certificates for you. Congrats everyone! Great job Eagles!
8. ACTION ITEMS
A. BUSINESS SERVICES
1. (Roll Call) Approve the Facility Inspection Reports (FIT) for the 2021-2022 School Year. Schools within SGUSD were inspected and it was determined they meet the "good repair" standard under the Education Code. This information is included in the Local Control Accountability Plan, the School Accountability Report Card, and the California Dashboard.
Financial Impact:
Discussion: none
Action Taken: Moved and Seconded for Approval. All in favor
Roll Call Vote:
Cheryl Shellhart-aye
Ken Tcheng-aye
Gary Scott-aye
Cristina Alvarado-aye
B. EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
1. Approve the SGUSD Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III (ESSER III) Expenditure Plan. Local educational agencies (LEAs) that receive Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, referred to as ESSER III funds, are required to develop a plan detailing how they will use their ESSER III funds to, at a minimum, address students’ academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs, as well as the opportunity gaps that existed before, and were exacerbated by, the COVID-19 pandemic.
Financial Impact:
Discussion: None
Action Taken: Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor.
2. Approve the Consultant Agreement with Katherine Reynolds Lewis. All over the country, schools are noticing a regression in student behavior. Families are struggling with how to discipline their students in ways that are effective and that don’t exacerbate the behaviors. Simultaneously, schools are seeking ways to redefine their own behavioral processes. Adults need guidance in helping students to recalibrate their behavior at school and at home. This Parents as Partners event is aligned with San Gabriel Unified’s MTSS initiative of providing a multi-tiered system of support by engaging with families and communities to help support students.
Financial Impact:
Discussion: None.
Action Taken: Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor.
3. Approve the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Reading Inventory Annual License Subscription. SGUSD’s reclassification process needs additional data points to ensure that students are able to be reclassified at the high school level. Gabrielino and Del Mar High School will use the Reading Inventory as part of the diagnostic tools that will determine reclassification status.
Financial Impact:
Discussion: none
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). Approval of the re-authorization would allow the Governing Board to continue to conduct meetings electronically beyond October 30, 2021.
Financial Impact:
Discussion: None.
Action Taken: Moved and seconded for approval. All in favor.
9. BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
Scott: The amount of work and research in our ESSER plan is just amazing. The circumstances our students deal with everyday, and we focus on academics and curriculum but we forget what our students struggle with. For example our foster youth or our non-English speakers. I am impressed with the plan to better serve those students. If a child is dealing with hunger or anything else, they will have a hard time learning. I’m so impressed with the plan. Happy Halloween everyone.
Tcheng: First, congratulations to all that were recognized tonight. Second, I’d like to talk about the water situation in CA. Although we had good rain yesterday, we are still in a severe drought. Our water supply - we have about a year left before we hit the emergency threshold. Let’s conserve water.
Alvarado: Congrats to our honorees. We are always so impressed by the kids on the speech and debate team. They are very impressive. Mr. Symonds and staff, thank you for keeping our students as safe as possible. Thank you for making safety an important piece. Happy Halloween and enjoy what's happening at the different schools.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
BUSINESS SERVICES
1. Approve Purchase Orders Issued in Excess of $5,000 Report No. 7 (21-22)
2. Approve Essential Conference Report No. 7. The Administration recommends to approve the following District employees be authorized to attend the virtual 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
1. Approve Essential Training Report No. 7. Administration recommends that the following District employees be authorized to attend the events attached. 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 filling of a regular claim for the actual and necessary expenses incurred.
C. HUMAN RESOURCES
1. Approve Certificated Personnel Status Report No. 7. Administration recommends the approval of the Certificated Personnel Status Report No. 7.
2. Approve Classified Personnel Status Report No. 7. Administration recommends to approve the Classified Personnel Status Report No. 7.
D. SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE
11. NEXT MEETING REMINDER(S)
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
12. ADJOURNMENT at 7:44 P.M.
Click here for Link to Full Agenda and Complete Attachments
Join us at the next Board Meeting!
- Tuesday, November 9, 2021
- Tuesday, December 7, 2021
RSS Feed
