MINUTES
of the Regular Board Meeting
of the River Delta Unified School District
Board of Trustees
January 15, 2008
1)
Call
Open Session to Order The Regular Meeting of the Board of
Trustees was called to order at 5:35 p.m. by Joy Baker, President, Board of
Trustees at the District Office in Rio Vista, California
2)
Roll
Call Board Members Present
Mrs. Joy Baker, President
Mr. Bill Schauer, Clerk
Mrs. Kathleen Jackson, Member
Mrs. Alicia Fernandez, Member
Mr. David Bettencourt, Member
Absent:
Mr. Lee Williams, Vice President
Ms. Marilyn Riley, Member
NOTE: Members of the Administration Present: Dr. Alan Newell, Superintendent; Ms. Rose
Ramos, Chief Business Officer; Mr. Robert Hubbell, Chief Educational Services
Officer, Craig Hamblin, Maintenance & Operations
Supervisor and Ms. Barbaralee Moore, Recorder
3)
Review and Approve Closed Agenda (see attached agenda) Member Bettencourt moved to approve as submitted, Member Schauer
seconded. Motion carried 5:0:2 (Members Lee and Riley absent).
a)
Board President Baker announced the Closed Session Agenda.
4)
Adjourn to Closed Session Member Bettencourt
moved to adjourn to
Closed Session, Member Schauer seconded. Motion carried 5:0:2 (Members Lee and Riley absent). Board adjourned to Closed Session at 5:39 p.m.
5)
Reconvene
Open Session and retake Roll Call The Board reconvened in Open Session at 6:45
p.m. with all members and staff noted above present/absent.
6)
Pledge
of Allegiance Member Schauer led in the Pledge.
7)
Review
and Approve Open Session Agenda Board President
Baker noted that Action Item #11 to be moved up in the Agenda and placed
immediately after the Consent Calendar.
In addition, she announced that Action Item #12 had been pulled from the
Agenda. Member Bettencourt moved to
approve agenda as amended, Member Fernandez seconded. Motion carried 5:0:2 (Members Lee and
Riley absent).
8)
Public
Comment:
a)
Bill
Mortimer stated as a Rio Vista resident he thanked the District for the hiring
of the two utility maintenance workers as there had been a great deal of site
improvement at the district’s facilities.
b)
Bill
Mortimer stated he was very concerned that the District had not yet paid the
invoice owed to the Marine Science Institute for the “Brownlee” educational
tours.
c)
Cheryl
Apply thanked the Board and Staff for their presence at community members’
funerals. It is appreciated by the
families and others in the community.
d)
Ryan
Pace, Rio Vista High Art teacher, noted there will be on March 1 (Saturday) a
gourmet dinner fund raiser and all are invited. Danny Origel Chef of Roxie’s in Sacramento, a Rio Vista High
graduate, will be working at the fund raiser.
There will be an art auction and a dinner theater presentation with live
music. The tickets are $50 per person
and the program will begin at 6 pm.
e) Ryan
Pace, chair of the Rio Vista High facilities committee, spoke regarding some
changes to the Arts building without feedback from the committee. He was upset to not see more communication
between administration and the committee in this area.
9)
Consent
Calendar
a)
Minutes
i)
Regular
Meeting of the Board, December 11, 2007
b)
Receive
and Approve Monthly Expenditure Report
c)
Receive
and Approve (routine) contracts for services and contractual follow-up actions
(i.e., change orders) as required (as per BP 3300: Expenditures):
i)
Superintendent/Personnel/Educational
Services
(1)
For Independent Contractor Agreement with Don Updegraff for
2007-2008 to provide CPR & First Aid training to north-area district
coaches, secretaries and instructional assistants, not to exceed $1,000 from
Personnel budgeted (General) funds.
(2)
For Independent Contractor Agreement with California Institute for
School Improvement for Peer Monitoring for elementary school principals,
consultation on the allocation of categorical programs, and consultation on the
resolution items from the district’s recent CPM at a revised cost not to exceed
$10,000 from Title II funds.
ii)
Business Services
(1)
none
iii)
Facility Services
(1)
For approval of Change Order No. 2 from S.W. Allen Construction
for the Rio Vista High School Modernization Building “E” in the amount of
$20,562 to be paid by SFID #1 Bond Fund 22.
(2)
For approval of Change Order No. 4 from Peterson Developments for
the Delta High School Modernization of Units F, G & Q in the amount of
$20,094 to be paid by SFID #2 Bond Fund 23.
iv)
Schools
(1)
or Independent Contractor Agreement with Mad Science for 2007-2008
to provide science education and enrichment to Walnut Grove After School
Program at a total cost of $3,160 to be paid by Walnut Grove Elementary
School’s After School Education and Safety grant 2006-2007 carry-over funds.
(2)
For Independent Contractor Agreement with Young Rembrandts for
January-March 2008 to provide art drawing education and enrichment to Walnut
Grove After School Program at a total cost of $5,120 to be paid for by Walnut
Grove Elementary School’s After School Education and Safety grant 2006-2007
carry-over funds.
d)
Monthly
Personnel Transactions:
i)
Receive
and Approve Monthly Personnel Transactions
(1)
Leave
of Absence January 7, 2008 through January 1, 2009, for Darla Wacht, RSP Instructional
Assistant, Rio Vista High School
e)
Donations
Received:
i)
Dianne
Kountz, General Services Department of Solano County in Fairfield, 15 computers
to upgrade computer lab, valued at a minimum of $10,000, Riverview Middle
School.
Member Bettencourt moved
to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted, Member Schauer seconded. Motion carried 5:0:2 (Members Lee
and Riley absent). Board President
Baker acknowledged and thanked General Services of Solano for their generous
donation.
(9A) (Originally #11) Request to approve Resolution
#568 adopting the Riverview Middle School Safe Routes to School Plan for
inclusion in the Solano County Safe Routes to School Plan – Sam Shelton,
Assistant Project Manager, Solano Transportation Authority, presented and gave an
overview of what had gone before and noted this is the next step in obtaining
the funding. Member Fernandez moved to
approve Resolution 568, Member Bettencourt seconded. By Roll Call vote, Motion carried 5:0:2 (Members Lee
and Riley absent).
10)
Reports, Presentations, Information
a)
Board Member(s) and Superintendent Report(s) and/or
Presentation(s) - Board President Baker
i)
Member Bettencourt noted that he had been contacted by a community
member regarding a discipline matter at one of the district’s schools where an
expulsion did not happen. He stated
that this is a site-level decision based on Education Codes and Board policies.
ii)
Board President Baker commented for the record complimenting
Robert Hubbell, Education Services and the principals for the progresses and
enrichments made to date. She stated
there is a big difference noted in the schools and learning environments.
iii)
Board President Baker stated that there is a CASBO workshop on
Feb. 21, 2008 on Finances at the Courtyard Marriott across from Cal. Expo she will
attend and encourages other Board members to attend if they have the time.
Contact Barbaralee Moore for assistance.
iv)
Alan Newell, in order to see what is occurring to date with the
State’s budget and its impact on our budget, attended the School Services of
California’s Governor’s Budget Workshop in Sacramento. “It was not a happy meeting,” he stated.
There is no question the State has a huge budget deficit so far which will
probably get worse as time goes on this year.
It is very critical to understand the budget needs and to communicate
and to work with other local agencies as all will be competing for much of the
same dollars. Dr. Newell is predicting
lawsuits on the Governor’s proposal to tamper with Prop. 98. With the budget shortfall, and declining
enrollment projected for next year too, the district may well be looking at
major cuts which could include personnel.
v)
Alan Newell called for interest to attend the California School
Boards Association’s 2008 Institute for Board Members, January 25 - 26, 2008 at
the Sacramento Hyatt Regency – Alan Newell stated any members wishing to attend
to contact Barbaralee Moore.
vi)
Regarding Plans for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Delta High
School, Alan Newell stated that this ceremony is being arranged (maybe around
March 5) at Delta High School. He
stated this may be a good time for the Board to consider holding a work study
session regarding school construction and grade configuration for the future.
vii)
Dr. Newell stated that at the meeting of the SFID #1 committee the
committee strongly requested he inform the Board they would like to have scheduled
soon a special joint meeting with the SFID #1 Committee and the Board of
Trustees regarding communication issues.
b)
Monthly Enrollment and Average Daily Attendance (ADA) Report –
Rose Ramos reported district-wide enrollment decreased by 102 students compared
to the same month last year, declining from 2,122 to 2,020. Overall attendance decreased by 97 ADA. For the school month ending in November
2007, attendance was 96.13% of enrollment district-wide.
c)
William Settlement Quarterly Public Notification regarding
sufficiency of teachers, facilities and textbooks and instructional materials –
Robert Hubbell reported no Williams Act complaint forms received this quarter.
d)
Report on the Joint Meeting of the City of Rio Vista and School
District “2 X 2" Committee –Member Jackson reported discussion on the Safe
Routes to Schools program and their request for a Senior Student representative
to the City Parks and Rec. Commission.
Dr. Newell noted they also discussed a joint use of After School
programs as Riverview and D.H. White now both qualify for these programs which
is a very great opportunity for this community.
e)
SFID
#1 Bond Projects Update– Alan Newel stated there were no items on the SFID #1
committee meeting agenda but that at the end they had requested the previously
mentioned joint meeting. Mr. Mortimer
stated that he was disappointed to see the change orders on the consent action
calendar. He also discussed the damage
to areas in the Rio Vista High parking lot that has occurred already and has
not yet been taken care of and the need to protect the completed modernization
projects so they do not fall into neglect as has happened in the past. Ms. Donnelly concurred with that and stated
she has seen some
of that damage occurring
herself. Mr. Mortimer then shared the
front page of the “Sacramento Bee” with the Board regarding an article on germ warfare and feels this applies to Riverview and the lack of hot or at
least warm water in the students’ bathrooms.
Mr. Mortimer also commented on the need to adhere to construction
timelines and the construction crews which need to be “manned up” in order to
get the job done as scheduled. In
addition, he brought up two words previously used by a Board member -- “Moral
and Ethical” stating he has some major issues with the ethics of how this
district has been operated. He has put
up with meeting after meeting and still not receiving requested project plans information
and being stonewalled by the district at every turn. So, he submitted his
resignation from the bond committee effective that night. Margaret Anderson stated her disappointment
and thanked Mr. Mortimer for his services and expertise. She feels the great frustration that SFID #1
has faced particularly in the last year.
Dr. Newell mentioned in his reports to the Board previously that the
Committee wishes to meet with the Board jointly. They were under the impression
he would present the dates to the Board to set that meeting up tonight. She noted this is representative of the
“lip-service” they regularly get where the committee is not taken
seriously. This is not a committee just
of the school district but a committee required by law. She further stated the Board needed to take the
committee and their concerns, “because we do have concerns,” a whole lot more
seriously. She stated it is past time
for the committee and the Board to have another joint session. Ms. Anderson asked, since Dr. Newell did not
share the specific suggested meeting dates given him, what process is needed to
take to have this set up? Board
President Baker stated that the Superintendents
and Board Reports are just that, reports, and cannot have action taken. Ms.
Anderson stated that this is an example of the communications problem where Dr.
Newell promises one thing and the committee gets something else. Board President Baker stated that setting
up a special meeting of the Board at the public’s request would take a Board
action item. She stated this request
could not be placed on this agenda since this agenda had already been
published. Dr. Newell had intended to place your request on the next available board
meeting agenda and was giving the Board advance notice tonight per your request
to do so. Board President Baker stated
that communication was shared and action will be taken as soon as it is
possible. Susan Whitesell spoke and
stated she has served two terms and feels a great deal of pride for being able
to do so. However, she too will be
resigning -- mainly due to what she stated she saw as an acrimonious
relationship between the Committee and the Board and Superintendent. Ms. Donnelly spoke noting that she had some
dates for that joint meeting from the committee meeting. Dr. Newell stated he also has them from the
committee meeting and will publish those as an action item on the next Board
meeting.
f)
SFID
#2 Bond Projects Update – Craig Hamblin stated the committee reported to him
that there were no items before the committee so the meeting was cancelled this
month.
g)
Maintenance & Operations Information, Projects for
Routine Restricted Maintenance, and Deferred Maintenance – Craig Hamblin
thanked Mr. Mortimer for acknowledging the utility workers and is glad people
are noticing the results of their efforts.
He stated this program will continue on and get even better. There were weather issues from that major
storm. There was flooding at Rio Vista
High School and other damages up and down the river and although short staffed most
of those issues were able to be taken care of with staff working both Saturday
and Sunday. There are, however, some
issues remaining which are being worked on.
Mr. Hubbell stated that Mr. Hamblin was being humble as there was a lot
of damage and by Monday it did not look like any disasters had happened. Member Jackson concurred noting that a lot
of this work had to be done while coping with high winds, rain and areas that
had a loss of electricity.
11)
Request to approve Resolution
#568 adopting the Riverview Middle School Safe Routes to School Plan for
inclusion in the Solano County Safe Routes to School Plan – Sam Shelton,
Assistant Project Manager, Solano Transportation Authority – Previously presented
as Item #9A above.
12)
Request to take whatever action is deemed necessary, if any,
regarding Board Member Fernandez’ request taken the vacant “advocacy” (District
representative) position on the Delta Elementary Charter School’s Governing
Board per the Services Agreement -- Board President Baker Pulled
13)
Request to approve out-of-state travel for D. H. White Elementary
School staff (Linda Costlow, Mandi Friedel, Mindy Harding and Ferris Phillips)
and Riverview Middle School staff ( Van Fleetwood and Joyce Roach) to attend
the National Conference on Accelerating Learning in Orlando, Florida on
February 2-5, 2008 at a cost not to exceed $4,500 to be paid from site
improvement funds budgeted for staff development (D.H. White Elementary School)
and at a cost not to exceed $2,250 to be paid from Title II funds (Riverview
Middle School)– Linda Costlow presented on both site’s behalf. Member Bettencourt moved to approve, Member
Schauer seconded. Motion carried 5:0:2 (Members Lee and Riley absent).
14)
Request to accept and approve Audit Report of Perry-Smith LLP,
Independent Auditor, for Fiscal Year 2006-2007 – Steve Wescoatt of
Perry-Smith LLP could not be present so Ms. Lisa Bruno presented the findings
of the audit. (See attached.) Member
Fernandez moved to approve, Member Bettencourt seconded. Motion carried 5:0:2 (Members Lee and Riley absent).
15)
Request to approve 2006-2007 Audit Finds and Recommendations
Certificate of Corrective Action Form – Rose Ramos presented. Member Schauer moved to approve, Member
Bettencourt seconded. Motion carried 5:0:2 (Members Lee and Riley absent).
16)
Request approval of Resolution
#566 approving Existence of Auxiliary Organization and Extension of Certain
Insurance Coverage Rights (Delta High School and Clarksburg School Heavenly
Boosters)
– Rose Ramos presented. Member
Bettencourt moved to approve, Member Jackson seconded. By Roll Call vote, Motion carried 5:0:2 (Members Lee and Riley absent).
17)
Request approval of Resolution
#567 approving Existence of Auxiliary Organization and Extension of Certain
Insurance Coverage Rights (Delta High School and Clarksburg School Ag Boosters) – Rose Ramos
presented. Member Bettencourt moved to
approve, Member Schauer seconded. By
Roll Call vote, Motion
carried 5:0:2 (Members Lee and Riley absent).
18)
Request to approve the CTE Facilities Grant Application Proposal
for the Digital Media and Design Pathway program at Delta High School– Robert Hubbell
presented. Member Schauer moved to approve, Member Bettencourt seconded. Motion carried 5:0:2 (Members Lee
and Riley absent).
19)
Request to approve the CTE Facilities Grant Application Proposal
for the Agriculture Pathway program at Rio Vista High School – Robert Hubbell
presented. Member Schauer moved to
approve, Member Fernandez seconded. Motion carried 5:0:2 (Members Lee and Riley absent).
20)
Report of Action taken, if any, during Closed Session (Government
Code Section 54957.1) -Board President Baker reported no action
taken during closed session tonight.
21)
Adjournment There being no further business
before the Board of Trustees, Board President Baker called for a motion to
adjourn. Member Fernandez moved to
adjourn and Member Bettencourt seconded.
Motion carried 5:0:2 (Members Lee and Riley
absent). Meeting was adjourned
at 8:00 p.m.
Submitted Approved:
_______________________________ ____________________________________
Alan Newell, Superintendent William
Schauer, Clerk, Board of Trustees
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Attachments