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August 17, 2020
Board of Education Update
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The Board of Education had another productive and long meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2020. Below are summarized highlights of the meeting, but for detailed information about all agenda items addressed during the meeting, please click here to access the agenda and referenced documents, and click here to access a digital recording of the Open Session meeting. The next regularly scheduled meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at 7 p.m. (please note new time).
Information Items
- San Marino Schools Foundation Donation: The SMSF presented a "check" for $1,222,567.00 to the District as a result of its "We are San Marino" campaign in the Spring. The Board thanked SMSF trustees, President Erin Bilvado, Executive Director James Lau and all donors who donated funds sufficient to restore 14.2 full-time equivalent teaching and counseling positions.
- COVID-19 Compliance Team Update: Dr. Stephen Choi updated the Board on work performed by the District's COVID-19 Compliance Team, which consists of about 25 administrators, teachers, staff, counselors and parents and represents all aspects of the SMUSD community (see list below). They have been working for months to prepare for the physical reopening of schools and have established policies, procedures, strategies, plans and protocols to ensure compliance with health orders and to provide a safe environment for students, employees and visitors. Thanks to their hard work, the District has taken measures to ensure physical distancing, safe infection control, communications, and equitable access. Please click here to view details regarding the District's school reopening preparedness.
- Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan Update: Not to be confused with the former LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan), which has been temporarily suspended due to the pandemic, the District is now required to submit a Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan (LCAP) by September 30, 2020. Dr. Michael Lin introduced the Board to the new plan's requirements, which include providing a description of the impact of COVID-19 on the District, obtaining stakeholder engagement, describing continuity of learning, addressing learning loss, supporting mental health and social/emotional well-being, and more. Next steps include identifying stakeholders to participate in the LCAP process, and holding public hearings at Board meetings in September.
- Resolution on Equity, Inclusion, Racism, Implicit Bias and Diversity: Given the recent events that deeply impacted our current and former students, employees, community members and country, and in light of the Board's ongoing commitment to stand against racism and discrimination on school campuses and in work environments, the Board is considering a resolution that would reaffirm its stance and values. Superintendent Wilson, along with Board member Shelley Ryan, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services Linda de la Torre, SMHS Principal Jason Kurtenbach, Carver Principal/Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Michael Lin, and Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) consultant Sharon Harvey, proposed Resolution No. 5 for a first reading.
There was much discussion among the Board and Ms. Harvey about the specific language of the proposed Resolution, the role that implicit and unconscious bias play in educational systems, and the reasons to acknowledge and address the Board's values regarding racism, discrimination, and systemic inequity. The Board discussed next steps, including bringing back the Resolution at the next Board meeting for further discussion and considering an action plan. To hear the presentation and discussion, please click here and listen at 1 hour and 34 minutes.
Action Items
- Campaign Strategist: The Board approved the hiring of Tramutola LLC for consulting and communications services to assist the District in planning for a parcel tax renewal and possible facilities bond. President Joseph Chang appointed Board members Chris Norgaard and Corey Barberie to investigate and interview campaign strategists and to make a hiring recommendation, and the Board followed their recommendation to hire Tramutola LLC, which has worked with the District in the past.
- Layoff of Classified Employees: The Board approved Resolution No. 1 to lay off two classified positions, a noon duty aide and a health aide at Carver Elementary. Both of these positions had been funded by the Carver PTA, but when the PTA decided not to fund the positions, there was a lack of designated funding and budget cuts necessitated the layoffs. When schools physically reopen, the District will reassess the need and budgetary restrictions.
- Routine Actions: The Board approved routine and annual documents and resolutions pertaining to personnel and the budget:
- Provisional Internship Permit to allow a teacher an extension to complete credential requirements
- Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators to confirm reasonable efforts to recruit fully qualified teachers for available positions
- Authorization for Temporary Interfund Cash Borrowing for 2020-21 within the District's own funds for cash flow purposes
- Authorization for Temporary Cash Borrowing from the Los Angeles County Treasurer for 2020-21 for cash flow purposes
- Delegation of Administrative Authority to Process Routine Budget Revisions, Adjustments and Transfer for 2020-21 to allow certain monetary transactions between Board meetings, subject to Board ratification
- Consolidated Application for Funding for various categorical programs
- Board Calendar: The Board approved a revised calendar of meetings to address strategic planning meetings. Click here for the new approved calendar.
Thank you to the COVID-19 Compliance Team!
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San Marino Unified School District Board of Education
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C. Joseph Chang
President
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Vice President
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Chris Norgaard
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