martinez unified school district minutes of the regular meeting of the ...

MARTINEZ UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Martinez Unified School District – Board Room
921 Susana Street
Martinez, California 94553
October 8, 2012
Members Present:
Administrative Staff Present:
Denise Elsken
John L. Fuller
Bobbi Horack
Kathi McLaughlin
Vicki Gordon
Rami Muth, Superintendent
C.J. Cammack, Assistant Superintendent,
Administrative Services
Audrey Lee, Director, Curriculum & Educational
Technology
Max Eissler, Chief Technology Officer
Janelle Eyet, Director, Special Education
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by President Horack.
CLOSED SESSION
The Board met in closed session to, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957, discuss a Public Employee
Performance Evaluation - Superintendent
RECONVENE FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
President Horack reconvened the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
REPORT OUT: CLOSED SESSION
President Horack stated that no reportable action was taken.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Marianne Clark of the Martinez Rotary led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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PRESENTATION
1. Anti Bullying Poster Contest Winners
Director of Curriculum and Educational Technology Audrey Lee announced the winners of the Anti-Bullying
Poster Contest and MPE Principal Jonathan Eagan and Marianne Clark of the Martinez Rotary handed out
certificates and gift cards to the winners who were present (prizes were donated by the Rotary Club of Martinez).
2012 Anti-Bullying Contest Winners:
High School Winners
1st Place: Maghan Combs, AHS, Grade 10
2nd Place: Evanne Chapot, AHS, Grade 9
3rd Place, Kylee Perez, AHS, Grade 11
Middle School Winners
1st Place: Maddy Stone, MJHS, Grade 8
2nd Place: Lauren Rangel (Grade 6, MJHS) and Matthew Rangel (Grade 3, John Swett)
3rd Place: Aaron Sullivan, MJHS, Grade 8
Elementary School Winners
1st Place: Hailey Carter, John Muir, Grade 5
2nd Place: Ms. Williams' 1st Grade Class, John Swett
3rd Place: Sophia Best, John Swett, Grade 3
Ms. Lee explained how the contest was open to all MUSD students, and there were many great entries; it was very
difficult to choose the winners.
Superintendent Muth thanked the students for taking part in this very important initiative which is working towards
creating a safe environment in our schools.
She also thanked Rotary for always supporting our schools.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On motion of Member Gordon, seconded by Member McLaughlin, the Board approved the minutes from the
September 24, 2012 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education as presented. Carried Unanimously.
Student Representative Vote: Aye
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Superintendent Muth asked that we move Item 15.5 to the beginning of Items for Board Consideration or Action
since two consultants were present from QKA and RGM.
On motion of Member McLaughlin, seconded by Member Fuller, the Board approved the agenda as amended.
Carried Unanimously.
Student Representative Vote: Aye
CORRESPONDENCE
Superintendent Muth received two pieces of correspondence to share:
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1. A postcard from the Martinez Recreation Dept. announcing a cemetery clean up on October 13 th from 10-2 p.m.
at the Alhambra Cemetery on Carquinez Drive in Martinez.
2. A letter from Bill Clark of the Contra Costa County Office of Education verifying that our District’s budget for
the fiscal year 2012-13 is consistent with the state-adopted criteria and standards. The County Superintendent
therefore approved the Martinez Unified School District’s 2012-13 budget.
COMMENTS FROM STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
Student Representative to the Board of Education Chanell Drucker updated the Board on activities taking place in
the District.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
Dave Eliaser – MEA president:
He read an email from the MEA Bargaining group, Mark Gouveia, Kelly Halstead, Mary Rittenhouse, Mike
Rodman and Marianne Griffin which stated they are anticipating a speedy “meeting of the minds” regarding the
settlement of the current 2012-15 contract. They are hoping both parties will be able to reach an agreement on
issues and articles that will benefit all concerned stakeholders (students, parents, teachers, district office staff and
community members.)
STAFF/BOARD COMMENTS/REPORTS
1. Morello Park Educational Showcase
Principal of Morello Park Elementary Jonathan Eagan began by showing the Board a picture of what is in the
District Office lobby; it reflects their premise – Striving to build relationships at every level. As the District is
moving forward in technology, they want to be sure not to lose sight of this idea.
Mr. Eagan reviewed the “21 st century classroom environment at Morello Park Elementary” (focusing on
differentiated instruction) by sharing information regarding:
• Computers in classrooms
• On-line programs used at MPE
• Smart “clickers”
• iPads/iPod Touches
• Role of Para Professionals
• Laps for Apps (1 st and 3 rd grades)
• All About Me iMovies
Superintendent Muth thanked Mr. Eagan for his willingness to “go first” presenting his school’s showcase. MPE is
a “Distinguished School” but it is not just about an API number. Great things are happening at MPE.
2. District Anti-Bullying Efforts
Jonathan Eagan updated the Board on the District’s anti-bullying efforts:
• Surveys have been taken – staff and students grades 3 through 12
• October 1st was “Blue Shirt Day”
• Training has been completed by Dora Dome for all staff members at the school sites; all have been given
the same baseline training
• Poster contest was completed and winners announced (and honored at the beginning of the meeting)
• There will be updates to stay legally compliant
• There will be anonymous tip lines at the school sites
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• The book “Bully” was read to 4 th and 5 th grade students; it appealed to them because it was “modern”
publication, mentioning websites such as “Facebook, etc.”
Mr. Eagan stated the District is working on next steps; what will we do as a District.
Mr. Eagan also presented a Safety Update to the Board:
• SRP (Standard Response Protocol) posters are up in classrooms
• There will be a state-wide earthquake drill on October 18 at 10:18
• The Martinez Police Department had an “active shooter” drill at Alhambra High School over the weekend
which helps prepare them for possible active shooter intruders on campus
Member McLaughlin added she hoped emergency evacuation procedures will be set up to include possible pipeline
explosion/gas leaks (to make sure kids leave in the right direction, etc.) She suggested that maybe Shell would be
willing to do some sort of training at each site. Member Gordon is on their community advisory panel; she will ask
them about this.
President Horack thanked Mr. Eagan; she is impressed with all the things that are happening for our kids.
Member McLaughlin also suggested that suicide prevention and response be added to the District’s safety
procedures. She knows County Mental Health would be willing to help address this. Superintendent Muth asked
Director of Special Education Janelle Eyet to interface with Mr. Eagan regarding this topic.
Member Elsken added a lot of ground work has been done at AHS already concerning this topic but it is a good
idea for all ages.
Superintendent Muth thanked Mr. Eagan; she is happy the District is going beyond compliance to true service.
We’re doing more than just “checking off” items off as we address them.
Member Elsken expressed she really appreciates having Mr. Eagan in our District working with new principals and
taking on extra jobs.
3. Curriculum Update
Director of Curriculum and Educational Technology Audrey Lee gave the Board an overview of the activities that
took place during the K-12 Staff Development Day today and the focus areas involved (copy attached.)
The surveys she received back are already positive; it was a very successful day and it was nice to have a full day
with teachers. It had been a long time since they were able to do this.
Superintendent Muth stated Ms. Lee did a “masterful job” with this staff development day.
4. Bond Update
Superintendent Muth introduced Jon Novero and Aaron Jobson who were present to give the Board an update about
the bond projects. Mr. Jobson shared pictures and information about:
• The Las Juntas Elementary kitchen re-model
• The Las Juntas Elementary frontage improvements
• AHS Performing Arts Building final design
Member Gordon suggested we talk about the Las Juntas Safety concerns when Federal Glover attends the October
22, 2012 meeting to honor Rona Zollinger. Gayle Uilkema was a great supporter of Las Juntas.
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Jon Novero shared:
• The staff at AHS was happy to help with the conversion of the drama room. It should start next summer.
• All is well with the solar projects. John Swett is on the grid already, Morello Park and John Muir will be
tomorrow, and Martinez Junior High will be next week. The District Office will be in the near future and
AHS will be at the end of October
• The emergency shut-down system has been installed
• The phone system upgrades are progressing
• The Hillside Project is going well; they are currently working on the access road
• Tennis courts and track improvements are underway (they may look at other upgrades as they’re working
up there)
CONSENT CALENDAR
Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services C.J. Cammack stated there are two additions to the consent
calendar as follows:
Employment of Certificated Personnel
Nancy McNee, Spanish Teacher, 1.0 FTE, Alhambra High School effective October 9, 2012
Employment of Classified Personnel
Rachel Persaud, 3 hours per day, Para Educator, Indian Education, Martinez Adult Education, effective October 9,
2012
On motion of Member Elsken, seconded by Member McLaughlin, (Student Representative Advisory Vote,
excluding those items subject to closed session discussion - Aye), the Board approved the Consent Calendar as
amended. Carried Unanimously.
1. Resignation
John-David McKeel, Network Specialist, District Office, effective October 12, 2012
2. Employment of Certificated Personnel
Joleen Deterding, Instructional Support Teacher, 1.0 FTE, Alhambra High School, effective October 8, 2012
3. Employment of Certificated Substitute Personnel
Marshall Kratter, effective September 26, 2012
Karen Bailey, effective September 19, 2012
Christie Wilhite-Chu, effective September 28, 2012
4. Employment of Classified Personnel
Juan Martinez, Gardener, 8 hours per day, District Office, effective October 1, 2012,
ending December 7, 2012
temporary position
5. Employment of Classified Substitute Personnel
Martin Solis, effective September 21, 2012
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6. Stipend Assignments for 2012-13 School Year
Technology Site Liaison:
Alexis Tamony – Martinez Junior High - $3000
7. Approval of Extended (overnight) Field Trip as presented in Exhibit A
8. Acceptance of Gift Donations
The sum of $500.00 from Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Sutton to Martinez Junior High School which will go towards two
camperships for the school’s Outdoor Education Camp Program
Parent Library Fund donations for Martinez Junior High School as presented in Exhibit B
The sum of $57.69 from Wells Fargo Foundation Educational Matching Gift Program (Nancy Davis) to Briones
Independent Study
9. 2012-13 Operations Application K-3 Class Size Reduction Program as presented in Exhibit C
10. Quarterly Uniform Complaint Form as presented in Exhibit D
11. Ratification of Contracts as presented in Exhibit E
12. Warrant Registers as presented in Exhibit Y
ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION OR ACTION
5. Hillside Stabilization Project (Item moved up since Jon Novero and Aaron Jobson were present)
Superintendent Muth introduced Jon Novero again to give a summary regarding the change order presented to the
Board:
• Tennis court grade beam piers along hillside
• Tennis court patching
• Raise manhole drain inlets
• Sidewalk stabilization
• Tennis court gates
Total additional cost: $68, 361 (under budget)
Mr. Novero expressed he was very happy with the workmanship and progress of the project.
The Board agreed to take action on this item.
On motion of Member McLaughlin, seconded by Member Gordon, the Board approved Change Order No. 1 as
presented regarding the Alhambra High School Hillside Stabilization Project. Carried Unanimously.
Student Representative: Aye
1. Adoption of CSBA Board Policies and Administrative Regulations: July 2012
As this item was not marked for action on the agenda, it will be brought back for action at the next meeting. There
are also a couple of policies Member Elsken will discuss with Cabinet members. Member Elsken thanked Assistant
Superintendent C.J. Cammack for marking some of the policies at the top as “pulled for further review”.
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2. Adoption of Board Policy 5022
Assistant Superintendent C.J. Cammack explained that a staff member had recently pointed out that this policy did
not indicate an option that reflects the District’s practice. BP 5022 was presented with the option chosen for the
Board’s consideration.
On motion of Member Elsken, seconded by Member McLaughlin, the Board adopted amended Board Policy 5022
as presented. Carried Unanimously.
Student Representative Vote: Aye
3. Adoption of Resolution No. 2013-5 in the Matter of Authorizing Investment of Monies in the Local
Agency Investment Fund
Chief Business Official Andi Stubbs was absent, so Superintendent Muth explained the need for this resolution.
MUSD is asked occasionally to update their resolution authorizing investment of monies in LAIF managed by the
State of California Treasury.
On motion of Member Gordon, seconded by Member McLaughlin, the Board adopted Resolution No. 2013-5 in the
Matter of Authorizing Investment of Monies in the Local Agency Investment Fund as presented. Carried
Unanimously.
Student Representative Vote: Aye
4. Public Hearing and Adoption of Resolution No 2013-6 regarding Sufficiency of Instructional Materials
Director of Curriculum and Educational Technology Audrey Lee explained this public hearing and resolution
adoption are done each year to state that each student in the District has sufficient textbooks and instructional
materials in the four core academic areas and that they are aligned to the academic content standards and
frameworks as adopted by the State Board of Education.
President Horack recessed the meeting and opened the public hearing. Seeing no comments, she reconvened the
meeting.
On motion of Member McLaughlin, seconded by Member Elsken, the Board adopted Resolution No 2013-6
regarding Sufficiency of Instructional Materials as presented. Carried Unanimously.
Student Representative Vote: Aye
COMMENTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT, BOARD MEMBERS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Superintendent Muth thanked and congratulated MEF and Shell for the great MEF Run on Sunday, October 7. It
was a very successful event which raised an amount of money which exceeded the total amount made last year by
$6,000.
Superintendent Muth was very happy to see almost 100% of the MUSD administrators at the event helping or being
involved in some way.
She also extended an invitation to the Board to tour Martinez with her, President Horack and Larry Lippow on
Monday, October 15, at 10:00 a.m. to take a look at some property that might meet the District’s needs regarding
Vicente Martinez High School.
Member Fuller added the MEF Run on Sunday was great.
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Member McLaughlin mentioned that after the recent meeting where the Board adopted a resolution regarding “No
on Proposition 32”, a man from the Union of Unemployed Workers was in her neighborhood talking about that
very subject. She was happy to share with him that the Board just passed a resolution regarding this topic.
Member Gordon clarified that $51,000 was the total amount made at the MEF Run on Sunday.
She also mentioned she stopped by JME this afternoon and saw Dora Dome’s anti-bullying presentation. It was
very impressive and everyone was engaged. She added it is wonderful to see everyone on board.
Member Elsken thanked Superintendent Muth for the time she puts in for the MEF Run for Education. She added
the run is complicated and “under new management.” She was pleased to see 120 Alhambra High School, Vicente
and Martinez Junior High students there bright and early helping. There were over 200 participants in the 10K. All
the kids handled themselves well during the race; they’re awesome.
She asked Ms. Lee if the District is going to develop some kind of approval process for all the on-line programs
being used at MPE that Jonathan Eagan mentioned in his presentation.
Ms. Lee answered that many are on the instructional materials matrix already. Others are supplemental, free
programs and are not a major part of classroom instruction.
Max Eissler added they are mainly for drill and practice, not as part of the core instructional materials.
Superintendent Muth explained we will be looking into this more in the future – i.e. how discretionary funds are
used for this purpose.
Ms. Lee mentioned they talked about this subject recently at a Technology Advisory Committee meeting – what
qualities are they looking for regarding strong instructional technology, best practices, etc.
Member Elsken agreed that was important but also felt it would be great if each site could place information on
their websites regarding what programs they’ve used, a brief description, and the cost. It would be good to have a
place to see all the educational programs being used; it could save teachers from exploring a program that has
already been used by another teacher.
Chief Technology Officer Max Eissler added there is also a form that pilot teachers have used to give this type of
information to others. He was concerned that gathering this information might be too time-consuming for teachers.
President Horack attended the recent parent meeting at Las Juntas Elementary regarding bond projects. She was
impressed with the child care available and the Spanish translation. Parents were happy about the changes being
made and Aaron Jobson was applauded. Parents were glad someone was listening to their concerns about the safety
issues at LJE.
It was also mentioned that the new principal of John Swett Elementary, Adam Welcome, came in first place in the
10K run Sunday with his daughter. It’s great to see new administrators participating.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held on October 22, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.
Signed _________________________________
Secretary/Clerk, Board of Education
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