SRCS Board Meeting Agenda Analysis - 4/22/2020

Español y Inglés
Please take note of item E7 regarding Distance Learning. 
Por favor, tome nota del artículo E7 con respecto a la educación a distancia.

Click aquí para la versión en español

BOARD MEETING
Santa Rosa City Schools
April 22, 2020 6:00PM 
5:30 p.m. - Closed Session 6:00 p.m. - Open Session streamed via the SRCS Facebook Page
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Please take time to review the following abbreviated version of the agenda.  Click here to see the entire agenda. It has live links on many items with more information.  If you want to comment on any items, email agendacomments@srcs.k12.ca.us. Please CC wearesrta@gmail.com on your comments.

Regular meetings are televised on local cable channel 27 and re-broadcast the following Saturday at 7:00 PM and again Sunday at 9:00 AM.  Videos of the meetings are also live-streamed and posted on the SRCS YouTube Channel. Link to livestream and videos of prior meetings

Closed Session Items: 
A.1. Public Comment On Closed Session Agenda Items To comment, complete the Public Comment Form prior to the start of closed session

B.1. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Title of employee being reviewed: Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principals, Vice Principals, Assistant Principals, Directors, Coordinators)
B.2. Conference With Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Case Number: SCV-264545) 

C. RECONVENE TO REGULAR OPEN SESSION (6:00 p.m.)

C.6. Special Presentations for Student of the Month and Certificated/Classified Employees of the Month (Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Luther Burbank Elementary School and Ridgway High School)
SRTA congratulates those being recognized. Members from ALES, LBES, and Ridgway are strongly encouraged to watch this meeting and to honor their own.

C.6. Public Comment On Non Agenda Items
SRTA members are invited to complete the Public Comment Form prior to the start of the meeting. If you are unable to access the Google form, please email lkolacek@srcs.k12.ca.us to submit your comment.  Staff will make all attempts to share and record any submissions received prior to or during the meeting.  Please observe the three minute limit. Items not on the agenda are addressed at this time. Items on the agenda are addressed during discussion of the item, using the same process.

Comments are needed at the board meeting to put a face to the messages contained in this analysis, and share real experiences of the impact of district policies and practices.  Please commit to watching a board meeting, and speaking to an agenda item that impacts you or your students. Speakers are most impactful when they are well spoken, composed and reasonable.

E. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
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CLICK READ MORE TO SEE THE REST OF THE ANALYSIS

E.1. (Action) Recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8)
Summary
It’s likely that people underestimate the importance of teachers in our society. Resolution
SRTA pauses to applaud our member teachers who have gone above and beyond during this difficult time to connect with our students and continue to help address their needs, while simultaneously creating distance learning opportunities. We know you don’t feel like you are doing it well enough, because of your high standards. Rest assured you are doing it well enough.

E.2.(Action) Recognizing Substitute Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8)
Summary
Maintaining the usual level of discipline and tranquility in the classroom is crucial to every student, and substitute teachers do not face an easy task each time they must replace a classroom teacher.  Every substitute teacher must be very flexible in order to adapt to different teaching styles and planning, as well as command the respect of the young people he or she may be teaching on a given day.  Resolution

SRTA appreciates the consistent force of substitute teachers that are relied upon by our district. Substitutes are the only SRCS employees that the district is not paying while school sites are closed. SRTA envisions a future where substitutes are incorporated into our district system as vital members of SRTA, honoring the vital role they play. 

E.3. (Action) Recognizing National School Nurse Day (May 6)
Summary
School nurses advocate for students’ health and safety daily. Students with chronic and acute health conditions can have their health needs met at school because of their school nurse’s clinical assessment, judgment, and planning. 
The District Nurses:

• Nicholo Atup (Lincoln, CCLA/Cook, Elsie)
  
• Cheryl Closser (Hidden Valley, Maria Carrillo)
  
• Amanda Sessoms (Lehman, Accelerated Charter, Rincon Valley, Arts Charter)
  
• Laura Hudgins (French Charter, Santa Rosa Middle, Proctor)
  
• Jennifer Rodriguez (Brook Hill, Montgomery)
  
• Sangmo Witzman (Biella, Comstock, Piner)
  
• Heather Ginnever (Monroe, Steele Lane, Preschool Program, Slater)
  
• Beth Munns (Burbank, Santa Rosa High)
  

Resolution

SRTA cherishes our nurses and the care they provide our students and staff. We celebrate that the number of nurses employed by the district has increased. Last year our ratio was 3200:1. This year it has improved to 2000:1.  Unfortunately we are still far from the national Association for School Nursing recommendations of one school nurse to 750 students in the healthy student population; 1:225 for student populations requiring daily professional nursing services; 1:125 for student populations with complex healthcare needs; and 1:1 for high need individual students.

E.4. (Action) COVID-19 Update/Approval of the SRCS Distance Learning Plan
Summary
As we continue to stabilize and progress during this phase of the Shelter in Place, the need to begin planning for the summer and start of school will be the next phase for SRCS. 
Some highlights of operations:

• Approximately 4,000 Chromebooks distributed or ready to distribute 
  
• Breakfast and lunch meal distribution now twice a week: Monday (2 days) and Wednesday (3 days). Fewer trips increases safety. 
  
• Staff Development Day including the coordination of additional training for software applications used for Distance Learning.
  
• Conduct interviews for bilingual math, science, and Special Education staff from Mexico through our CDE Partnership
  
• Finish recommendations to bring fingerprinting and TB Testing in house to reduce length of time for access and processing
  
• Policy and procedures are in draft form of development on how to hold an IEP meeting, how to respond to articulation and transition meetings and how to respond to Triennial and Initial evaluations. Principals will be meeting with new families remotely to begin the “transition” plan  for next year 
  
• Staff has reached out to each foster and homeless designated student to ensure their access, their needs have been forwarded to the Principal. Anyone not responding will be followed up with a personal visit as possible.
  
• The Integrated Wellness Center has been receiving contacts through its “warmline” and is working with our partners, SAY, Humanidad and Lifeworks to connect their referrals for immediate action.
  
• All Migrant Ed and Indian Ed Students have been contacted
  
• After Attendance is taken on Monday April 20th, the SAFE team will send registered mail and possibly do home visits to validate if anyone has moved.
  
• Credit recovery will be through an online platform to support students in Math and ELA as long as shelter in place is in effect.
  
• Work with each site to assure our seniors can have Senior Events: Prom, Graduation, and Grad night opportunities once the shelter in place is lifted. Each site has created a group of stakeholder for this purpose.
  
• Partnering with principals and cabinet to backwards plan the need of staff from the opening of school to our current needs
  
• Working and meeting with counselors to ensure the new requirements are implemented and stakeholders are informed of waiver opportunity and specialist
  
• Continue to align the site SPSA and LCAP under the guides of the new MVP
  

SRCS District Learning Plan March 2020
SRTA recognizes that there is a particular strength required to focus and carry on in an emergency, and our administration has risen to the challenge presented by Covid 19. SRTA appreciates consulting on the Guidelines for Attendance and Grading. 
If work is happening on the LCAP, SRTA rightfully expects to be included in the process. 
Covid 19, and distance learning has had a financial impact on SRCS. This update does not include the additional expenses and savings occuring. 
If the Budget Advisory Committee is more than a name, it should be meeting as an active part of the process of creating next year's budget.

E.5. (Discussion) Elementary Collaborative Curriculum Design Units of Study
Summary
Bengining in 2016 teachers have written these units focusing on teaching English Language Arts standards through the content of science and social studies and represent one component of a comprehensive language arts program that includes Wonders and Lucy Calkins Writing. The units evolve with a focus on supporting our SRCS students to achieve personal, academic, and occupational success. Next steps include:

• Display CCD Units of Study on District website for public viewing and feedback
  
• Continue to use public, teacher and student feedback to inform modifications to the units of study
  
• Present CCD Elementary Units of Study to the Board for formal adoption with a public hearing and after the public viewing process.
  

CCD Board Presentation
CCD Testimonial Statements
CCD Year at a Glance KA-6

SRTA appreciates the efforts of the teachers that have worked on these units. For many, this is a great Professional Development opportunity. Creating an integrated curriculum is a daunting task. Professional curriculum writers spend months doing what these teams do in days. Being able to try lessons and materials, and then collaborate to revise the curriculum is time intensive. 
For teachers not involved with the creation of the units, grade level release days are not always enough time with the units to allow for successful implementation. Continuous use, review, reflection, and revision are necessary, incorporating feedback from all users. A rigorous and thorough evaluation of the CCD program seems reasonable if we are expecting to continue using this curriculum for the foreseeable future.  

E.6. (Action) Resolution Designating Certain Public Works Projects as an Essential Government Function
Summary
With the shelter-in-place order, public works projects can only continue if they have been designated as serving an “Essential Governmental Function.” The board has the authority to do that. The essential projects include:

• Roofing and HVAC at SRMS, MHS, and SRHS.
  
• Stadium Field Press Box at MCHS
  
• Playground and Parking Lot at Cook/CCLA
  

Resolution 2019/20-064

SRTA has some questions. Is the sum total of the summer projects planned? If not, how was the decision made on what to hold off on? Specifically, when is it expected that we will break ground for the new building at MHS? Has the current lighting replacement project been completed?  Do any of those contractors need this proclamation to complete those jobs?

E.7. (Action) First Reading, Potential Waiver of Second Reading of Board Policies 4113.5, 4213.5, 4313.5 - Working Remotely, and 6157 - Distance Learning
Summary
Highlights from the Distance Learning Policy:

• The Superintendent or designee shall review and select distance learning courses, which may include those taught by district staff or others, that are of high academic quality and are aligned with district standards and curricula. As appropriate, courses may be self-directed to allow students to complete assignments at their own pace and/or may involve real-time interaction among the teacher and students. 
  
• All online programming and Internet content shall meet accessibility standards for students with disabilities, including compatibility with commonly used assistive technologies. 
  
• To the extent possible, the district shall make technical and academic support available to students. Teachers shall provide regular communications to students and parents/guardians about expectations, assignments, and available resources to assist the student in successful completion of distance learning coursework and other activities related to the social-emotional well being and engagement of students.
  
• In developing the plan, the Superintendent or designee shall analyze the course sequence, prioritize content and standards to be completed, and recommend the grading criteria.
  
• Grading of distance learning assignments and assessments of end-of-course knowledge and understanding of the subject matter shall be consistent with district policy on grading for equivalent courses or as described in the Distance Learning Plan developed for the situation requiring the in-class instruction to be suspended. 
  

Highlights from the Working Remotely Policy:

• The opportunity to work remotely shall be entirely at the district's discretion, and no grievance or appeal right may arise from district denial of any employee request for remote work.
  
• Employees are entitled and expected to take appropriate, uninterrupted meal and rest breaks, and shall keep accurate records of the hours they work.
  
• The district shall provide to employees who work remotely equipment reasonably necessary to perform their jobs, including, as necessary, a technology device and Internet access.
  
• The employee's personally owned equipment may only be used for district business when approved by the Superintendent or designee. 
  
• Any employee working remotely shall be available during work hours to the employee's supervisor and other staff, students, parents/guardians, and members of the public, as appropriate, via email, phone, or other means. Lack of responsiveness on the part of the employee may result in discipline and/or termination of remote work responsibilities. Employees shall be required to attend virtual or in-person meetings when directed by their supervisors. 
  
• Employee productivity shall be evaluated on the basis of time spent on tasks and projects, task completion, and quality of job performance in the same manner as all employees in the same position at the assigned school or office. 
  
• Remote work arrangements may be discontinued at any time at the discretion of the Superintendent or designee. 
  

BP 4113.5, 4213.5, 4313.5 - Working Remotely
BP 6157 - Distance Learning

SRTA demands that these items be pulled and negotiated with the Unions before it goes to the board. SRTA is unwilling to give up our hard fought rights. These changes to our working conditions must be negotiated before taking effect.

To create the best possible policy,  SRCS must adopt a procedure where SRTA and CSEA are invited to consult and negotiate on items before they go to the board. When the board agenda is the introduction to items, the board meeting becomes the place for providing union input, in public. 

SRTA appreciates SRCS addressing the need for policy around Distance Learning as this is probably going to be necessary again in our future. 

If we utilize Distance Learning during PSPS days, how is the staff member who lives in a place affected by the PSPS, and is unable to distance teach from home supported? How does this policy address the situation if members are under evacuation orders from their homes, or have their homes filled with evacuees?  

Childcare for staff who have children in the district is a need we discovered during prior site closures. This policy does not address this dramatic need.

Of concern in the Distance Learning Policy:

• Could this plan not be limited to school being closed? It is easy to envision school being partially open, and distance learning happening simultaneously. It seems prudent to have policy in place for that possibility.
  
• Specificity is needed around who is providing which distance learning opportunities.
  
• SRTA should be part of the decision making process to select distance learning courses, prioritize content, and maintain the ability to set grading criteria. 
  
• If SRTA members are responsible for certifying that accessibility standards are met with programs and content, then clear direction and rigorous PD are required.
  
• The policy references budget and technology plans that are in place to support these efforts. Does our technology plan require an update to support Distance Learning? Are we becoming a 1:1 district from the first week of school so we are prepared for distance learning?
  
• Teachers can only be required to convey the technical and academic support available to students from the district that they are aware of. They are not responsible for providing these resources themselves.
  
• Requiring regular communication from teachers around activities related to social-emotional well being and engagement is beyond the expectation of teachers during in person learning.
  
• Using the same grading system for distance learning that was historically used for the course is a dramatic shift from the current distance learning grading guidelines of SRCS.
  

The Working Remotely Policy raises concerns. Many of the concerns raised suggest that the board may want to entertain separate policies for certificated and classified staff. This policy states it is for “All Personnel.”

• If a staff member is in quarantine, and the district does not allow them to work remotely, they would have no recourse. Similarly if different people are treated differently, there would be no recourse. Denying the grievance process is unreasonable.
  
• What will the district do to provide equipment for making our location free of distractions, hazards and distractions?  Many teachers are not provided adequate chairs at school, where the need is less. During Distance Learning it is of greater concern that office furniture is adequate. If the district is requiring this, they need to supply it.
  
• Requiring a record of hours worked is an additional burden, not currently required of SRTA Members. 
  
• Details on the district's process to claim funds for internet access to employees to perform their duties is needed now, as the district is liable under law. What about paper and ink, and other office supplies?
  
• Using personal equipment for our professional duties has been long standing practice for many members who desire different equipment than the district provides. Why would they now need approval?
  
• What happens if the district supplied equipment fails or requires maintenance during distance learning?
  
• Part of the identified need being addressed with distance learning has been flexibility. Many of the statements in this policy do not allow for any flexibility. 
  
• SRTA member evaluations are negotiated and are not based on time spent and productivity. 
  
• The definitions and standards around requirements under threat of discipline and or termination require much clarification. 
  
• Currently, employees are not responsible for maintenance of district equipment. This is an unreasonable expectation.
  

F. CONSENT ITEMS 
F.2. Approval of Personnel Transactions

EdJoin has a total of 65 current postings for 165 jobs (7 less than last month) jobs for SRCS. There are 87 certificated openings (87 more than last month), and 6 certificated management (2 more than last month). There are 89 current classified openings (1 more than last month.)

Of note, two CTE positions that are open in the district have been hired through SCOE for many years.

Open administrative positions include an Assistant Principal at Cook, and a Principal at Montgomery High School.

SRTA bids farewell to resigning members Sandra Perez (FACS), Jonathan Piva (MHS), Leah Kurtz (EAHS), Julianna Mendez (CCLA), and Nathalie Delerue (FACS). We are losing 14 years of experience as these teachers leave us for greener pastures.

SRTA celebrates the announced retirement of Mark Zeman (RVMS).  We thank you for your 18 years and 6 months of service to our students and community. 

CSEA announces 3 resignations, representing 5.5 years of experience we are losing, and 1 retirement who has served our students and staff for 20 years.

As SRCS expands to international recruiting, most recently to Mexico, it seems prudent to put systems in place to better retain and support the people we have. 

The lack of respect shown by the two-tier practice of placing people on the salary schedule is absurd.  Some among our ranks could reap a raise by simply resigning and applying for their same position. This is not logical.

F.3.  Approval of Vendor Warrants
Why is $382,101.50 coming out of general funds for Chromebooks? Isn’t acquiring technology what we passed a bond measure for?

F.6. Approval of ParentSquare for Unified Parent, Student, and Staff Communication
Summary
ParentSquare allows for auto-translation services for communicating in the language most familiar to our families while also giving families the ability to communicate with teachers and administrators in their native language through the auto-translation capabilities. The Superintendent has determined this to be a necessary software application to provide enhanced communication options to reach the widest audience through text, phone, email, and other supported forms of messaging.  ParentSquare will conduct online training for administrators and teachers, provide recorded lessons, and provide electronic support documents. Training will continue through the life of the contract as needed.
This program will cost an additional $16,315 more than the current, less inclusive contracts.
The following is a list of selected key features:

• Mass Notifications and Urgent Alerts via preferred mode
  

• Teacher & Classroom Communication
  
• Direct Messaging & Chat
  
• Secure Document Delivery
  
• Distance Learning: Teachers can share notes, files, handouts, videos, presentations, and more with ParentSquare’s Resources & Folders feature.
  
• Social Media & Website Sharing
  
• Volunteer Sign Up & Tracking
  
• Administrative Oversight and Archiving allows administrators and teachers to view per-user data on parent reach and aggregate data on participation and engagement, as well as compare engagement across different grade levels within the school.
  
• Language Translation
  
• Forms & Permission Slips: Teachers can send forms and collect parent signatures securely online. Student and parent information is auto-populated on these documents, encouraging ease of use.
  
• Parent-Teacher Conference Sign Up
  
• Photo & File Sharing
  
• Auto Notifications—Attendance etc
  

• Director
  
• Calendars & RSVP can integrate Google, iCal, or Outlook
  
• Student/Parent/Staff Surveys and Polls
  
• Newsletter Templates and Distribution
  

1. ParentSquare Quote
2. ParentSquare Compared to Various Communication Platforms
3. Parent Square Secure Docs

SRTA would like to know the plan for training all staff so that this system can be utilized to its fullest capabilities.


F.8.  Approval of the Award of Bid for Montgomery High School HVAC/Roof/Skylight Replacement Project for $18,672,891.40
MHS Board Packet
SRTA supports this much needed work at Montgomery High School.


G. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 
Minutes from 4/8 will be approved.

I. INFORMATION ITEMS
I.1. Sonoma County Office of Education Letter Regarding Santa Rosa City Schools Second Interim Report
SCOE warns that the May Revise from Governor Newsom will cause further strain on the SRCS budget. The Third Interim Report is expected to include Part 2 of the Fiscal Stabilization Plan. 
Kid Street Charter fiscal reporting should be included in the calendar for SRCS, and sent on to SCOE.  
SCOE Letter - Second Interim Report
SRTA identifies the need for the Budget Advisory Committee to continue its work, even as we Shelter In Place to meet the expectations set out by SCOE.

I.2. Williams Settlement Quarterly Report
Summary
During the quarter of January 1 - March 31, 2020, the district received a total of seven (7) Williams Uniform Complaints (6 Facilities Condition and 1 duplicate complaint).
Williams Uniform Complaint Procedures and Form
Williams Settlement Report
SRTA notices that utilizing the School Dude system for facility concerns is much less effective than filing a Williams Complaint. We continue to ask our members to use School Dude first, but if there is not a prompt resolution, use the Williams Complaint Form.

I.3. Administrative Regulation 6146.1 Revision and Update
Summary
On March 25, 2020, the Board of Education formally approved BP 6146.1, the updated graduation policy by unanimous vote.  In response, the Administrative Regulation needed to be updated and revised so that it aligned with the new changes. This regulation specifically addresses Alternative Education graduation requirements, concurrent online courses, transfer students, international exchange students, and Industry Concentration.
Any student who has not completed one hundred units at the end of his or her second year in high school shall be referred to the District Tier 3 Team for consideration of an alternative education setting or other intervention strategy as appropriate to the student's identified needs. 
AR 6146.1 clean copy
AR 6146.1 with mark ups
Board Policy 6146.1

To create the best possible policy,  SRCS must adopt a procedure where SRTA and CSEA are invited to consult on items before they go to the board. When the board agenda is the introduction to items, the board meeting becomes the place for providing union input, in public.

SRTA would appreciate this language being changed, so students on the 220 pathway from Ridgeway and Grace can get high school credit for completion of Math 1. Alternatively, including a qualifier if Math 1 was completed before 9th grade would also suffice.
Completion of Integrated Math 1 with a grade of ‘C’ or better requirement and allow for placement in a Math 2 level course. High school credits will not be awarded. One additional mathematics course exceeding the content standards of Integrated Math 1 in grades 9-12 shall meet the requirement.
The addition of the word students may make this more accurate.
Ridgway Continuation High School students may be selected to complete an alternate course of study for the purpose of graduating from high school within a four-year timeframe. 
SRTA is curious how many current sophomores will be referred to the district Tier 3 Team. What is the current plan for meeting the long term Alternative Education needs of our district?
Why are University a-g Requirements included in our AR?

SRTA members are concerned that students at a comprehensive site will have dual/differing graduate requirements.  Students returning to comprehensive sites from Ridgway will be allowed to graduate from a comprehensive site with no foreign language, no art, and twenty credits of math.  It is expected that Ridgway will not be able to support the number of students who need this opportunity. It is not equitable to have lower standards for a high school diploma for some students and not others, if they meet the same requirements, especially if some students are not able to enroll in Ridgway.   

SRTA is also concerned about the change to the PE requirement.  It is CA Ed Code that every freshman must take PE on campus unless a doctor has excused the student due to medical concerns. Many of these medically excused students have the ability to do alternative activities (swimming, golf, ect) due to their physical limitations even though they can not do traditional PE on campus. The added requirement states that our students are unable to complete PE credits toward graduation until after completing 10 credits of PE on campus. What is the motivation for removing the encouragement (and unit reward) for these students to be physically active?

I.1. Future Board Discussion Items
SRTA Members are encouraged to prepare for the upcoming agenda items.

• Youth Truth Data / LCAP
  
• French-American Charter Renewal
  
• Arts Charter Renewal 
  
• Instructional Minutes
  

SRTA looks to the future scheduling of the following tabled items:

• Budget Review
  
• CNS End of Year Update
  
• Cook/CCLA Board Requested Information
  
• SRCS Openers for CSEA Bargaining
  
• Youth Truth Data
  
• Fir Ridge / 7-11 Report
  
• Bond Update: Facilities and Technology
  
• School Impact Fees
  
• SAFS Policy Updates
  
• Start of school overview
  
• Lease / Lease Back Montgomery High School
  
• Parcel Tax Update
  
• Online Enrollment and Meal Application After Action Report
  
• Update on ELPAC
  
• Culturally Responsive, Sustaining, and Humanizing (CRSH) Education and Ethnic Studies
  
• CTE Update
  
• Student Voice PolicyDress Code Policy
  
• Financial Aid Awareness Month
  
• T & L K-12 Update
  
• Illuminate Update
  
• Emergency Preparedness Discussion
  
• BEST Plus Update
  
• PE update
  
• Goal 2 update: Suspensions, Wellness Center, intras/inters, toolbox
  

This update can be forwarded to others. 
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