Student Teachers/Interns
The district routinely partners with institutions of higher education to provide fieldwork experience to credential candidates and support employees holding intern credentials. The Board approved an agreement with Chapman University for special education internships and Azusa Pacific University for student teaching fieldwork and internship opportunities in general and special education teaching, school psychology, and administrative services.
Board Memberships for 2017/18
The Board voted to renew membership in the Orange County School Boards Association, an organization providing a forum for local school board members to network, exchange information, and participate in educational opportunities focused on topics pertinent to public education. The annual cost for this membership is $125. Additionally, the Board renewed membership in the California School Boards Association and Education Legal Alliance. These statewide nonprofit organizations bring together school governing boards and administrators to advocate for effective policies that advance the education and well-being of students. The annual membership cost for these two organizations is $9,523.
Online Board Meeting Agendas and Board Policies
Subscriptions to online services provided by the California School Boards Association were renewed for 2017/18 as follows:
- Agenda Online - Online meeting management software, $2,750
- Gamut Online - Online staff access to policy, Education Code, and California Code of Regulations information, $2,555
- Manual Maintenance Plus - District Board Policy update services and publication of district policies on Gamut Online, $2,925
By-Trustee Area Elections
The Board began the process of moving to by-trustee area elections in November 2016. A demographic study was performed, and several draft maps depicting possible trustee areas were developed. Multiple public meetings and hearings were held to solicit input from the community. In May, the Board made its map selection, identified as Map 2b. At the June 8 meeting, the Board held a public hearing regarding the district's request for a waiver of Education Code sections requiring that an election be held on this change in election methodology. No speakers addressed the Board on this matter. Thereafter, the Board authorized the district to move forward with the waiver request.
Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators
In order to meet district staffing needs, it is sometimes necessary to file for short-term teaching authorizations with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for individuals who are not fully credentialed in the specialty area(s) to which they are assigned. Before filing for such an authorization, a Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators must have been adopted by the Board. The District's 2017/18 Declaration estimates a possible need for two Limited Assignment Permits in the area of Special Education.
Reduction in Classified Service
Due to the California economic climate, the district is reducing its expenditures for next year. To that end, the Board approved elimination of the classified management position, Director, Technology Services, effective August 8, 2017.
Contract Agreement with Association of Cypress Teachers
On May 16, 2017, the Association of Cypress Teachers and District negotiating teams reached a tentative contract agreement. Provisions of the agreement include:
- A two percent (2%) salary increase, effective July 1, 2016, which is in addition to the half-percent (0.5%) increase for 2016/17 approved on February 11, 2016.
- A half-percent (0.5%) salary increase, effective July 1, 2017.
- No re-openers in 2017/18 unless specific changes to the state budget assumptions occur.
- Revision of Article 6 (Leaves) to add state-enacted parental leave benefits, reorganization of child care and other leave sections, and modification of industrial accident and illness compensation leave restrictions.
Contract Agreement with California School Employees Association
On May 18, 2017, the California School Employees Association, Chapter 325, and District negotiating teams reached a tentative contract agreement. Provisions of the agreement include:
- A 1.6% salary increase effective July 1, 2016, which is in addition to the 0.5% increase for 2016/17 approved on April 14, 2016.
- A 0.5% salary increase, effective July 1, 2017.
- Longevity increase benchmarks after years 21 and 26 changed to after years 20 and 25.
- Employees who retire after July 1 but prior to ratification of a salary increase for that year will no longer need to request retroactive payment in writing.
- Revision of Article 6 (Leaves) to add state-enacted parental leave benefits; reorganize maternity, child care, and other leave provision sections; and adjust the sick leave differential computation method.
- No re-openers in 2017/18 unless salaries are increased by more than 0.5% for other bargaining units.
Recess Coaching
The Board approved an agreement with Playworks Education Energized for recess coaching at King. The goal of this program is to help every student feel included, be active, and build valuable social and emotional skills including sportsmanlike behaviors and appropriate ways to handle disappointment and conflict. The cost for the 2017/18 school year is $36,500 and will be paid from the school's Title I funds.
Club King
The district has participated in the state's After School Education and Safety grant program in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress for Club King since 2007. This month, the Board approved receipt of a new three-year grant in the amount of $337,500 and an agreement with the Boys & Girls Club for the continued operation of Club King through June 2020.
Student Lunch Price Increase
The cost for school lunches will be increased from $2.75 to $2.85 at the beginning of the upcoming school year. Federal regulations recommend that districts gradually increase their school lunch prices until reaching the federal reimbursement amount being received for free meals, which currently is $3.22.
Luther Playground Equipment Upgrade
The Board approved contracting with Dave Bang Associates for the purchase and installation of new playground equipment and playground surfacing for the kindergarten and upper grade playground areas at a cost of $110,096.84. The existing equipment has reached the end of its useable lifespan and no longer meets safety and accessibility codes.
Landell STEM 500 Building Renovation Project Completed
The project to covert four rooms in the 500 building at Landell into new STEM and arts classrooms and make energy efficiency upgrades to the entire building is complete, and the Board authorized filing a notice of completion with the County of Orange. The total project cost was $1,083,639.43.
King Site Work Project Completed
Construction of an expanded parking lot to accommodate the district's new State Preschool at King was completed at a cost of $94,129.50, and the Board authorized filing a notice of completion with the County of Orange.
