March 12, 2013 - Board of Trustees - Ceres Unified School District

Minutes – Board of Trustees UNAPPROVED MINUTES Meeting – March 12, 2013Mr. Fabela presented the project cost summary from AMS.Net for review and action by theBoard of Trustees.Trustee Davis moved and Trustee Lane seconded, to award the bid to AMS.Net. Ayes:Alexis Boardrow, Jesse Magana, Jim Kinard, Faye Lane, Teresa Guerrero, Lourdes Perez,Valli Wigt, Betty Davis and Mike Welsh. Motion carried.10. INFORMATION & STUDYa. Superintendent’s ReportDr. Siegel reported that a construction update and a study session on construction budgetswill be scheduled in the near future. He noted that he has spent considerable time walkingclassrooms this year and is reminded every day that CUSD employees make a difference forstudents. Dr. Siegel thanked the staff for their efforts. He also congratulated the District’snew employees, Administrators of the Year, and new Director of Curriculum & InstructionCynthia Heaton. Dr. Siegel noted that a focus of recent media has been issues surroundingthe California Voting Rights Act, and litigation to require a shift to local elections by trusteedistrict rather than at large. Dr. Siegel thanked the Board for being proactive in 2007-2008in their response to a first round of letters from the attorney group driving this change. As aresult, CUSD is not experiencing the stress of now hurriedly forming trustee districts toavoid a lawsuit. Dr. Siegel reported that CUSD is in an intense round of hiring toaccommodate decreasing class sizes for next year. Dr. Siegel commended Dr. Wickham andher division who are working hard to be competitive and hire the best candidates for ourstudents.b. Board ReportCentral Valley High School Student Representative Jesse Magana and Ceres High SchoolStudent Representative Alexis Boardrow reported on academics, athletics and other schoolactivities.Trustee Wigt reported that she enjoyed Dr. Seuss Night at Carroll Fowler.Trustee Perez reported that she attended a Youth for Christ event held at Ceres High Schooland was astonished by the empowerment and participation of students. Trustee Perezthanked the District and schools for seeking out programs and partnerships to benefitstudents.c. Association ReportCeres Unified Teachers Association (CUTA) President Cheryl Brewer expressed surprisethat salaries have been restored so quickly, and appreciation to the Board for their supportand direction to District leaders. Ms. Brewer noted that she appreciated the recentopportunity to serve on an interview panel for the Director of Curriculum & Instruction,which was an enjoyable process with great rigor required of the candidates. Ms. Brewercongratulated the successful candidate, Cynthia Heaton.Diana Boyarsky, President of California School Employees Association Chapter 140(CSEA), also expressed surprise and appreciation that salaries have been restored in a shortertimeframe than anticipated. Ms. Boyarsky noted that she also enjoyed serving on theinterview panel for the Director of Curriculum & Instruction, and offered her congratulationsto Ms. Heaton.d. Career Pathways PresentationAssistant Superintendent of Student Support Services Jay Simmonds introduced secondarystaff and students who presented an update on the Career Pathways at both comprehensivehigh schools. Teacher Michael Patterson of Ceres High School reported that he is excited6