Minutes - Corona-Norco Unified School District

CORONA-NORCO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION – SPECIAL MEETING
BOARD/COUNCIL CHAMBERS
APRIL 5, 2011 8:00 A.M.
MINUTES
I-OPENING CEREMONY
I-A Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 8:07 a.m. by the President, Cathy Sciortino, with the
following Board members present: Bill Newberry, Michell Skipworth and John
Zickefoose. Dr. Jose Lalas arrived shortly thereafter. Also attending were
Superintendent Dr. Kent Bechler; Deputy Superintendent Dr. Greg Plutko; Assistant
Superintendents Dr. David Hansen, Dr. Michael Lin, Sherry Mata, Tom Pike and Ted
Rozzi; and Administrative Directors Bill Angel, Beverly How, Dr. Robert Taylor and
Linda White.
I-B Pledge of Allegiance Mrs. Sciortino led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
I-C Hearing Session Mrs. Sciortino opened the Hearing Session and asked that anyone wishing to address the
Board complete the proper form. Seeing no speakers, she declared the Hearing Session
closed.
II-ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/REVIEW
II-A District Assessments Administrative Director Beverly How provided a presentation on District Assessments.
She reviewed its history: Teacher committees developed assessments, regional meetings
allowed input from all teachers, all feedback sheets were reviewed, and teacher teams
reviewed data and current content research to modify assessments and pacing guides. As
a result of feedback and data, test format, content, questions and lesson sequences were
revised, and staff development was provided where needed. The elementary assessment
calendar was adjusted to meet District calendar changes, pacing guides and assessment
content.
Mrs. How reported that currently, teacher groups give input on assessments, updates are
made to reflect new materials and training, pacing guides outline important details,
assessment windows are modified to reflect calendar changes, and modifications are
made to accommodate technology. Student responders have been used for the past two
years in K-1, and the District is looking at doing assessments online for other grades. At
the school sites, District assessments provide consistency to allow teachers to benchmark
student achievement, information on needed reteaching and/or interventions, and useful
data for PTT/PLC discussions. District assessments are consistently reliable and
correlate with CST scores. At the District level, assessments provide information on staff
development and support material needs. Recent changes to meet challenges include use
of technology by K-1 teachers, accommodations for larger class sizes, improved
alignment with state-adopted materials, and sequence of concepts to meet CST
weighting. Dr. Bechler added that pacing guides provide structure and assessments
create more focused teaching and learning for students. CNUSD is ahead of other
districts despite our size and complexity. He commended Mrs. How and the Educational
Services Division and noted that this progress goes back a long way.
II-B College/Career Readiness Administrative Director Dr. Robert Taylor presented an update on College and Career
Readiness to review progress since the January 21 Study Session/presentation by
InnovateEd, and to get Board feedback. The CNUSD Passport to Success – Creating
College and Career Ready Citizens for a Global Economy will partner the District with
colleges, businesses, and community/cities. Information about this initiative has been
presented to principals and District curriculum committees, and high school principals
have met to discuss implementation. Dr. Taylor reported that responses have been
positive. On Friday, April 8, Educational Services staff and InnovateEd will meet with
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April 5, 2011
high school administrative teams, including counselors, for site-based discussions that
will continue with their staff. Presentations are also planned at an upcoming counselors’
meeting and to the Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council.
The College & Career Readiness Initiative will be launched on Thursday, April 28, with a
meeting of business and community leaders. Mrs. Skipworth commented that Good
Morning Corona and a large job fair in the city are scheduled on that date, and Mr.
Zickefoose added that a UNITY meeting is also being held that day. (The College &
Career Readiness Initiative was rescheduled later in the week to Thursday, May 5, 8:30-
10:30 in the District Office Learning Center South conference room.)
CNUSD Passport to Success will establish a path so students are college/career ready
when they graduate from the District. Dr. Taylor reviewed the three components to be
developed by subcommittees:
• The CNUSD Promise – (1) To address the widespread concern about the large
percentage of students entering college who require remediation, the District is
working with the Cal State system to have them adopt our Grade 12 Language
Arts class. This follows District implementation two years ago of Cal State’s
ERWC (Expository, Reading and Writing Course) in Grade 12 Language Arts
and General English classes. For those students who take the EAP (Early
Assessment Program) Grade 11 college placement test and are in need of
remediation, the Cal State-adopted class will count as that remediation if a
student passes with a B grade or better. (2) The District will improve use of and
expand articulation agreements, credits recognized by RCCD and four-year
colleges. (3) Cal State has invited the District to submit an MOU that will grant
students guaranteed admission to its universities if specified requirements are
met. The District plans to work with other colleges as well.
• Exploration of Skills and Competencies – Another subcommittee will approach
businesses for input on skills and competencies our students need to be more
successful, whether right out of high school, or after two years or four years of
college.
• Classroom Application – A subcommittee will study classroom implementation,
which will be addressed appropriately to ensure it is well received.
Mrs. Sciortino suggested that the District contact Juan Sepulveda, White House official,
and referred to a recent news article about his focus on the Inland region. She said that
CNUSD has the strategy he is interested in and added this may be an opportunity for
future funding. Dr. Lalas suggested a possible partnership with the University of
Redlands.
Dr. Taylor displayed the webpage for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and
noted their “Seven Keys to College Readiness” that identifies steps beginning in
kindergarten to guide parents and provide a pathway for students to follow that will
increase their chances of being ready for and successful in college. The webpage is
interactive and has a parent link that is available in different languages. Board members
responded to Dr. Taylor’s request for feedback:
• Dr. Lalas questioned what Montgomery County Public Schools is doing
differently in terms of curriculum and instruction. Dr. Bechler responded that
CNUSD has the components in place, but the focus needs to be narrower and the
push needs to be stronger for an earlier college emphasis. Dr. Lalas commented
that college is a concept, and that it is our responsibility to create this vision for
our community and ensure everyone will be college ready.
• Mrs. Skipworth stated that the key is going to be community buy-in and will
require a huge shift in community perception. She added it will be a long, hard,
very expensive commitment, and that if this is something the Board wants to do,
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April 5, 2011
it will need to spend money first on professional marketing. She indicated that
the MCPS website is cumbersome and not user friendly, and that it needs to be
more interactive.
• Mrs. Sciortino agreed it will take tremendous marketing, starting in
kindergarten. With regard to the MCPS website, she commented that she liked
the step-by-step guidance. Mrs. Sciortino inquired about the possibility of
piloting Passport to Success at Chavez K-8 School.
• Mr. Zickefoose remarked that the MCPS website is daunting, adding he likes
simplicity. He stated that although we need to engage business partners and the
community, parents need to be the biggest focus.
• Mr. Newberry agreed with Mrs. Skipworth that the MCPS website, from a
business side, is complicated and that the parent link needs to be more user
friendly. He agreed that the key to the Passport to Success initiative is going to
be marketing, as it will take a major effort to create awareness with parents. He
added that it must be communicated effectively, and that we must create brand
awareness and display the slogan everywhere.
Dr. Bechler commented that he has had conversations with the Riverside County
superintendent about developing a college emphasis culture in the county, because as
CNUSD moves forward, it would be beneficial if the county moves in the same direction.
He added it will take time to change the culture and once the Board commits, it will not
be just another initiative -- it will be our all-consuming mission and purpose. He noted
that not everyone will agree with the rigor and minimum requirements for a high school
diploma.
II-C Dual Language Immersion Assistant Superintendent Dr. David Hansen presented an update on the Dual Language
Immersion Program and proposed expansion. He reviewed that the program was
implemented at Garretson and Washington Elementary Schools in 2002 and at River
Heights Intermediate School in 2009. It will be implemented at Roosevelt High School
in 2011-12 to complete the K-12 program. With regard to the proposed expansion of the
program at the elementary level in 20110-12, the District reviewed proposals from
Barton, Home Gardens, Parkridge and Vicentia Elementary Schools with respect to
staffing, BCLAD credentials, number of English-only and English-learner students,
facilities, availability of space, location, and student enrollment. Current waiting lists
were also reviewed.
Dr. Hansen concluded that the Dual Language Immersion Program be expanded to Home
Gardens Elementary School in 2011-12. Barton, Parkridge and Vicentia were not
selected due to facility space, lack of BCLAD credentials or lack of stability due to a high
student transient rate. Because the Eastvale area has students on the current waiting list
and because they will have a 7-12 program, the proposed program has been discussed
with Harada Elementary School Principal Dr. Jo Melillo-Long for implementation, most
likely, the 2012-13 school year.
Mrs. Sciortino inquired about costs involved to expand the program. Dr. Bechler
responded that costs are minimal; the District looks at staffing and BCLAD credentials so
that hiring and involuntary transfers are not necessary. In response to a question from
Mrs. Sciortino, Dr. Bechler reported that class sizes are large. Mr. Zickefoose asked
about the academic scores for students in the program, and Dr. Bechler responded that
they are high. Dr. Lalas also requested additional information on the academic
achievement of Dual Language Immersion students.
II-D Home Gardens K-8 Dr. Bechler inquired if the Board was ready to take action on the conversion of Home
and Name Change Gardens Elementary School to a K-8 configuration, effective 2012-13, and the proposed
name change to Home Gardens Academy. Board members agreed to agendize the item at
the next regular Board meeting. Mrs. Sciortino requested that a name change for Chavez
K-8 School be agendized at the same time.
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April 5, 2011
II-E Facilities/ Measure U Finance Assistant Superintendent Ted Rozzi presented a Facilities and Measure U Finance
Update. He reported that the completion of Ramirez Intermediate School will be close
and that contractors have done a good job on the project in spite of all the rain.
Classroom furniture will be going in soon. Home Gardens Elementary School may move
into their new buildings after STAR testing, and modulars will be removed with the
exception of those needed if a K-8 program is approved. Parkridge Elementary School
will also move into their new building shortly. Vicentia Elementary School Measure U
improvements should be completed before students return in August. At Centennial High
School, the old Performing Arts Center has been vacated and will be demolished as soon
as school ends. Chavez K-8 School will open in August with two classrooms for seventh
graders.
Mr. Rozzi also reported that out of the $250 million GO bond monies, approximately
$230 has been expended, with the final remaining $20 million coming up for funding in
the next few months to cover costs for the Centennial High School Administration-
Performing Arts Center addition, and Chavez K-8 School expansion.
Mrs. Sciortino inquired if maintenance projects were still being done during spring break.
Assistant Superintendent Sherry Mata responded that maintenance projects were
occurring and that information will be provided.
II-F Charter Schools Assistant Superintendent Tom Pike presented a brief overview on charter schools and an
option under discussion for an online dependent charter high school. He addressed the
reasons for charter schools; how they are proposed and approved; a school district’s
responsibility once it approves a charter; dependent charters, which are written and
controlled by a school district; and possible grant monies.
Mr. Pike spoke about an option under discussion for an online dependent charter high
school that would consolidate the District’s online courses and offer a full 9-12 program,
as well as individual courses to supplement what a student might take at their home high
school. He noted that the District currently funds 10 sections of online courses that could
be absorbed by an online high school, at a savings of $100,000. A District Virtual
Learning Committee is currently considering various options for an online high school,
including class sizes, platform and curriculum. Other considerations include identifying
a location, staffing needs and equipment. A petition, the legally binding contract, will
need to be written to implement the charter. An online summer school pilot program is
planned this year.
Mrs. Sciortino asked when the Board could expect a proposal for an online dependent
charter school and its cost. Dr. Bechler responded that while we all support the concept,
funding is a concern, particularly with all the current budget uncertainties. Costs
involved include an administrator, and counseling, teaching, technology and clerical staff.
A cost analysis will be provided to the Board in the future. Mr. Newberry and Mrs.
Skipworth expressed concerns about losing District independent study/home school
students to outside online programs if we do not offer something similar in the near
future. The District will look into an online charter program offered in the Capistrano
Unified School District that Mr. Newberry mentioned.
II-G Dress Code Assistant Superintendent Dr. David Hansen distributed Board Policy 5332, Dress Policy
and noted that it was last revised in November 2005. He reviewed minimum standards to
be enforced in order to meet requirements of the California Code of Regulations
regarding grooming, dress and appearance, and the Education Code regarding free
expression:
• Any clothing, makeup, hairstyle that contributes to the substantial disruption of
the orderly operation of the school
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April 5, 2011
• Skirts and shorts worn so that undergarments do not show; skirts and dresses
with length no higher than half the distance between the knees and waist; pants
that fit at the hip
• No strapless, halter or tube tops; bare midriffs; chains or weapons; lack of shirt,
undergarments; tops unbuttoned below the sternum; hats, visors, sunglasses
indoors
• Footwear must have hard soles
• No apparel/skin art that is obscene, libelous, slanderous or that incite students
Mrs. Skipworth indicated she gets many complaints on the dress policy not being
enforced. She stated the wording of the policy is too subjective and, therefore, there is a
lack of consistency throughout the District. She requested that the dress code be
addressed in a consistent manner and noted that the Board policy does not address
piercings and other hardware. She also requested a copy of the dress policy for
employees and encouraged verbal reminders to school administrators and current/new
employees. Dr. Bechler responded that he would follow up with school administrators
and also provide the Board with any written policy on employee dress code.
II-H Other Business Deputy Superintendent Dr.Greg Plutko provided a report on technology being considered
Ramirez IS Technology for Ramirez Intermediate School, and stated that Principal Ryan Lewis has spent a great
deal of time and energy researching different options. One option under consideration
that would provide a substantial savings to the District is to open the school with digital
textbooks, rather than purchasing a class and home set for each student. The District has
been working with textbook publishers and has had conversations with Apple Computer
regarding iPads. Although Apple Computer does not discount its products, it provides
excellent teacher training which would save the District money on professional
development. The District has an opportunity to implement this new technology with the
opening of a new school.
Early Departure Mr. Zickefoose left the meeting at 10:50 a.m.
Dr. Plutko continued that one of our initiatives is to have the infrastructure to support all
devices in a few years, and be device neutral rather than device dependent. This
proposed project would be funded from several sources, including savings from
textbooks, eliminating the 4-5 computer stations in each classroom, and construction
dollars that could be used because Ramirez is a new school.
In response to a concern expressed by Dr. Lalas, Dr. Plutko said that Ramirez
Intermediate School was selected for this proposed project because of facilities dollars
available from the new construction. Dr. Plutko indicated that Chavez Principal Ryan
Reider was also exploring iPads for the new K-8 school.
“In God We Trust” Sign Dr. Bechler reported that at the recent Norco Schools Committee meeting, the City of
Norco asked if a permanent “In God We Trust” sign could be placed in the
Board/Council Chambers. The City currently displays the sign at Council meetings, but
it is taken down after each meeting. Mrs. Sciortino responded that she has no problem
with the City’s sign being left up permanently and asked if the District should get a legal
opinion. Mr. Newberry and Dr. Lalas also indicated they had no problem with a
permanent sign, and Dr. Lalas commented that some constituents may object. Mrs.
Skipworth requested a legal opinion, and Dr. Bechler asked Assistant Superintendent
Tom Pike to follow up with District counsel.
Request for Bible Elective Dr. Bechler distributed packets to the Board from former Board candidate Steve Green,
containing a request for a Bible elective class, and mentioned that Chino Valley Unified
added such a class this school year. Mr. Green has met with Educational Services and
will need to go through the curriculum committee process per District policy.
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April 5, 2011
III-CLOSED SESSION The Board did not meet in Closed Session.
IV-OPEN SESSION
V-ADJOURNMENT The Special Board Meeting was adjourned at 11:10 a.m.
Next Regular Board Meeting Tuesday, April 19, 2011, 6:30 p.m.
Board/Council Chambers, 2820 Clark Avenue, Norco, California
Nancy Y. Martinez
Recording Secretary
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