West Contra Costa Unified School District Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes LOVONYA DEJEAN MIDDLE SCHOOL 3400 RICHMOND, CA 94805

September 05, 2018 6:30 PM

A. CLOSED SESSION Minutes: Clerk Phillips called the meeting to order at 5:10 PM. The Board recessed into Closed Session.

Public Comment: Scott Rafferty, Linda Ruiz Lozito, Ada Bustamante, Brenda Rios, Petronila Fernandes, Miriam Wong

1. CALL TO ORDER 2. DISCLOSURE OF ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION - (Government Code 54957.7) 3. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION AS SCHEDULED

1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION [Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)] 2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION/SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION [Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) or (d)(3)] 3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION/INITIATION OF LITIGATION [Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)] 4. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS 5. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT 6. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE/COMPLAINT (Government Code Section 54957) 7. REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS

B. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS - 6:00 PM

1. Recognition of Michele Lamons-Raiford, Top Ten 2018 Claes Nobel Educator of the Year Minutes: Mr. Walton recognized Michele Lamons-Raiford, from Pinole Valley High School, as the Top Ten 2018 Claes Nobel Educator of the Year. She was recognized for her work helping students build their academic success and desire to have a positive impact in the community. He noted she received the 2010 Teacher of the Year Award. Ms. WCCUSD Board of Education Meeting Minutes September 5, 2018 – Page 2

Lamons-Raiford provided an explanation of the grant and offered her thanks.

2. Introduction of New School Leaders Minutes: Mr. Walton officially welcomed the following newly appointed school administrators to their new positions:

Principal, Adult Education - Jeff Carr Principal, - Patricia Crespo Principal, Kennedy High School - Felicia Phillips Principal, Vista High School - Edith Jordan-McCormick Principal, Hercules Middle School - Ryan Shaw Principal, Ohlone Elementary School - Kim Moses Principal, Ford Elementary School - Wendy Gonzalez Principal, Dover Elementary School - Melynda Piezas Principal, Lake Elementary School - Kenneth Bonner Principal, Stege Elementary School - Nicole Ruiz Principal, Downer Elementary School - Chris Read Principal, Ellerhorst Elementary School - Greg Whaling Assistant Principal, - Elizabeth Sanders Assistant Principal, Kennedy High School - Sabrina McCarver Assistant Principal, Kennedy High School - Maria Duarte-Ruiz Assistant Principal, El Cerrito High School - Eric Mapes Assistant Principal, Hercules Middle School - Mirel Rivera Assistant Principal, Pinole Middle School - Chavon Pangilinan-Green Vice Principal, Montalvin Manor K-8 School - Michael Small Vice Principal, Mira Vista K-8 School - Kira Walsh Vice Principal, Washington Elementary School - Mary Ann Lafosse Vice Principal, Ford Elementary School - Christi Roscigno Vice Principal, Lake Elementary School - Jeannie Williams Vice Principal, Wilson Elementary School - Amanda Henderson

The Board offered words of welcome and congratulations, and posed for pictures with the newly appointed school administrators and Ms. Lamons-Raiford.

C. OPENING PROCEDURES - 6:30 PM Minutes: President Cuevas called the Public Session to order at 6:50 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance.

1. Pledge of Allegiance

2. Welcome and Meeting Procedures Minutes: President Cuevas offered welcome and instructions to the public regarding the WCCUSD Board of Education Meeting Minutes September 5, 2018 – Page 3

meeting.

3. Roll Call Minutes: Board Members Present: Valerie Cuevas, Madeline Kronenberg, Tom Panas, Mister Phillips. Liz Block returned to her seat at 6:57 PM.

Staff Present: John al-Amin, Associate Superintendent Business Services; Julio Arroyo, Maintenance Director; Sarah Breed, Executive Director Academic Intervention; Denise Cifelli, Sr. Administrative Assistant; Matthew Duffy, Superintendent; Luis Freese, Engineering Officer; Gracie Guerrero, Chief Academic Officer; Joshua Herrera, Maintenance Supervisor; Phillip Johnson, Director Student Services; Robert Jordan, Communications Manager; Lisa LeBlanc, Associate Superintendent Facilities, M & O/Bond Program; Tracey Logan, Chief Technology Officer; Roxanna Molina, Translator; Carolina Popocatl, Translator; Anne Shin, Executive Director K-12; LaShante Smith, Coordinator Positive School Climate; Marin Trujillo, Interim Director Community Engagement; Marcus Walton, Communications Director; Ken Whittemore, Assistant Superintendent Human Resources

4. Report/Ratification of Closed Session Minutes: Superintendent Duffy reported action taken in Closed Session by the Board with unanimous approval for the appointment of Rebecca Ridenour, Assistant Principal of Helms Middle School.

5. Review of Number of Requests to Address the Board For Comment On Individual Agenda Items Minutes: President Cuevas assessed the number of speakers signed up in consideration of adjusting the agenda.

6. Agenda Review and Adoption (Public Comment) Minutes: Mr. Phillips requested Items D.5 and D.9 be moved for separate discussion and action. President Cuevas requested Item F.1 follow Public Comment.

Motion Passed: Mr. Philips moved approval of the agenda as amended. Mr. Panas seconded. Ms. Block, Ms. Kronenberg, Mr. Panas, Mr. Phillips and President Cuevas voted yes, with no abstentions and no absences. Motion carried 5-0-0-0. Passed with a motion by Mister Phillips and a second by Tom Panas. Yes Liz Block Yes Valerie Cuevas Yes Madeline Kronenberg Yes Tom Panas Yes Mister Phillips

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7. Minutes: August 17, 2018; August 22, 2018

Motion Passed: Ms. Kronenberg moved approval of the Minutes for August 17, 2018 and August 22, 2018. Mr. Panas seconded. Ms. Block, Ms. Kronenberg, Mr. Panas, Mr. Phillips and President Cuevas voted yes, with no abstentions and no absences. Motion carried 5-0-0-0. Passed with a motion by Madeline Kronenberg and a second by Tom Panas. Yes Liz Block Yes Valerie Cuevas Yes Madeline Kronenberg Yes Tom Panas Yes Mister Phillips

8. WCCUSD Public Comment Minutes: Ada Bustamante, Scott Rafferty, Linda Ruiz Lozito, Joanna Pace, David Shoenthal

D. BUSINESS ITEMS - CONSENT ITEMS

1. Grants/Awards/Agreements 2. Contracts 3. Annual Renewal of Continuing Services 4. Adoption of Resolution No. 23-1819: Replacement of Outdated Warrants 5. Edmentum Contract Addendum Minutes: This item was pulled for separate discussion and action.

Mr. Phillips spoke about improving teaching and retaining good teachers. He shared his thoughts about struggling students and the amount of individual attention needed. He shared that he thought this was an inferior program being used for the neediest children. As an alternative, he supported the Let's Go Learn program used at Kensington Elementary.

Superintendent Duffy clarified that the contract included online credit recover software to aid students who are behind. Superintendent Duffy said that staff provides intervention support through individual school site learning centers. He shared additional information about the various programs in use and said staff would be happy to provide data on the various programs in use.

Ms. Block asked about the success data provided by Edmentum. Superintendent Duffy responded with information regarding student growth and the need for whole school comparisons.

Ms. Kronenberg said she was not convinced Edmentum was the strongest program for the District and would be interested in looking at other competitive programs. WCCUSD Board of Education Meeting Minutes September 5, 2018 – Page 5

Superintendent Duffy spoke about the prioritizing credit recovery and various components used in afterschool programs.

President Cuevas spoke about the number of programs providing intervention and review of the various programs for determination of success for students.

Mr. Phillips continued to speak about this program including credit recovery and afterschool components, and asked about purchasing separate components of the program. Superintendent Duffy responded with additional information. Dr. Breed explained the bundling of services for the best price and the length of the agreements for products and services. It would be possible to separate the licenses for the after school portion. She said it is important, however, to move forward with the credit recovery licenses and training.

Mr. Phillips motioned approval of the credit recovery and training portions of the contract. Ms. Kronenberg seconded.

President Cuevas asked for clarification about cost. Dr. Breed and Superintendent Duffy responded that there would be an approximate $8,000 difference. President Cuevas preferred to vote on the full contract as the bundle was most likely a discounted price while continuing to pursue what programs best meet students' needs.

Motion Passed: Mr. Panas made a substitute motion to approve Item. D.5 Edmentum Contract Addendum. Ms. Block seconded. Ms. Block, Mr. Panas and President Cuevas voted yes, Ms. Kronenberg and Mr. Phillips voted no, with no abstentions and no absences. Motion carried 3-2-0-0. Passed with a motion by Tom Panas and a second by Liz Block. Yes Liz Block Yes Valerie Cuevas No Madeline Kronenberg Yes Tom Panas No Mister Phillips

6. Acceptance of Contracts for Placement of Student and/or Intern Teachers 7. Ratification of Negotiated Bond Change Orders 8. Ratification of Negotiated Non Bond Change Orders 9. Resolution No. 24-1819 Declaring Its Intention to Grant an Easement to the East Bay Municipal Utility District at the Kensington Hilltop Elementary School Minutes: This item was pulled for separate discussion and action.

Ms. LeBlanc explained the request to ask the Board to approve the intent to grant an easement at the Kensington Hilltop Elementary School, knowing that additional action will return at the next meeting. A critical waterline serving the school needs WCCUSD Board of Education Meeting Minutes September 5, 2018 – Page 6

to be rebuilt by East Bay Municipal Utility District as the result of a retaining wall built on top of the easement.

Mr. Phillips shared his concern that this should have been a discussion item. He asked further questions about the former easement. Ms. LeBlanc said she would investigate and bring additional information to the Board.

Ms. Block questioned where the line was located on the campus and the costs involved. Ms. LeBlanc shared details about costs and responsibilities of building within an easement area.

Mr. Phillips had additional questions for clarification.

Motion Passed: Mr. Panas moved approval of Consent Item D.9 Resolution No. 24- 1819 Declaring Its Intention to Grant an Easement to the East Bay Municipal Utility District at the Kensington Hilltop Elementary School. Ms. Kronenberg seconded. Ms. Block, Ms. Kronenberg, Mr. Panas, Mr. Phillips and President Cuevas voted yes, with no abstentions and no absences. Motion carried 5-0-0-0. Passed with a motion by Tom Panas and a second by Madeline Kronenberg. Yes Liz Block Yes Valerie Cuevas Yes Madeline Kronenberg Yes Tom Panas Yes Mister Phillips

Motion Passed: Mr. Panas moved approval of Consent Items D.1-D.4, D.6-8. Ms. Kronenberg seconded. Ms. Block, Ms. Kronenberg, Mr. Panas, Mr. Phillips and President Cuevas voted yes, with no abstentions and no absences. Motion carried 5- 0-0-0. Passed with a motion by Tom Panas and a second by Madeline Kronenberg. Yes Liz Block Yes Valerie Cuevas Yes Madeline Kronenberg Yes Tom Panas Yes Mister Phillips

E. COMMITTEE COMMUNICATION

1. Superintendent's Report Minutes: Superintendent Duffy provided a report of activities and events in the District.

F. DISCUSSION ITEMS AND REPORTS

1. CVRA Update Minutes: Mr. Walton provided background on the process since March 2018 and requesting WCCUSD Board of Education Meeting Minutes September 5, 2018 – Page 7

Board discussion about next steps in the creating of a map to define trustee area boundaries and steps to finalize the trustee area process. Superintendent Duffy shared updates regarding the lawsuit stipulation and order that moves the District to trustee area elections beginning in 2020. The 2018 election will be for two-year terms with 2020 elections in a staggered fashion. Attorney Harold Freiman shared additional details about the agreement that includes the three trustee seats open for election in November 2018 will have a term for two years only, ordinarily a four-year term. At the November 2020 general election, all five seats will be for trustee area elections, with staggering of four-year terms to be determined. Mr. Freiman explained the next step included the selection of an adopted map, and once adopted and in place, the staggering of terms for seats at the 2020 election. Mr. Freiman also reminded the Board of the guidelines for the formation of the map, reading the six criteria options.

Public Comment: Ada Bustamante, Linda Ruiz Lozito, Scott Rafferty, Don Gosney, Petronila Fernandes, Wendy Lopez, Marisol Flores, Lesdia Ramirez

Superintendent Duffy recapped the history of the transition to trustee areas, the court order confirming the move to trustee areas in 2020, with 2018 elections with two-year terms and the 2020 determination of the staggering of terms. The next step will be to determine a map outlining the trustee areas. Staff will ask the Board to give direction on how to proceed with selection of the map.

Board Comment: Mr. Panas asked staff to confirm the criteria and whether the Board could take up the discussion of sequencing. Mr. Freiman recommended determination of a map followed with discussion on sequencing. Mr. Panas spoke about the amount of time spent on the process thus far and scheduling public hearings right away to determine a decision and be ready to vote in October. He also offered an opinion about the assigning of four-year terms to areas traditionally underrepresented.

Ms. Block appreciated the dedicated parents who came to meetings, sharing their point of view. She will weigh their opinion into her consideration of a map as well as the 100,000 voters in the community and their opinions. She remarked about the low attendance at previous public hearings, wanting communities to feel invested in providing input.

Ms. Kronenberg spoke about the importance of voting rights and the need for public input regarding the maps. She was of the opinion that it did not serve the public to have public hearings in short a period of time unless there is a legal reason to do so. Mr. Freiman clarified that all the legally required steps had been taken, and at this point, it is at the Board's discretion to determine on next steps; there was no law that would compel a decision by October. Further discussion took place regarding the online demographer tool available for public use with the proposed maps. Ms. Kronenberg proposed public hearings and returning for Board approval. WCCUSD Board of Education Meeting Minutes September 5, 2018 – Page 8

Mr. Phillips spoke about the timeline and complaints from the public. He advocated for taking time but not delaying or blocking of action. Mr. Phillips continued to speak about maps, transparency and public engagement in the decision making process that will be approved by the Board. He opposed any private meetings or maps that may have been discussed prior to the settlement agreement.

President Cuevas agreed there should be no secret meetings or conversations for the sake of transparency and as part of the public process. Public discourse is necessary to determine moving forward. She asked Mr. Freiman how plaintiffs play a part of the process. Mr. Freiman spoke about the consequences in ligation, the role played by plaintiffs, and determination by the Board. He shared that due to litigation, ultimately a court may make a decision on the map, but most cases in involve settlement and some discussion with the plaintiff's counsel, some of which has taken place earlier in this District. President Cuevas continued to ask how best to put forward the public's interest. Mr. Freiman said that nothing in the litigation that prohibits the Board seeking public input. If plaintiff's counsel took issue, the matter could be taken up with the court. Ultimately, anyone who feels the determined map is not compliant can take it up with the court. President said she would push for a public process in designing maps.

Ms. Block spoke about getting people involved and providing complete information. She felt it critical to handle the process in the right way.

Mr. Phillips asked Mr. Walton about the time his team would need to put together an impactful presentation to reach out to the community. Mr. Walton commented about coordinating a plan to reach out to community partners seeking input for the best way to reach out to the public within the next week or two. Mr. Phillips proposed giving the Communications team time to develop a plan for maximum outreach to the community. He would like to see a draft plan agendized for the next meeting for discussion and input.

Mr. Panas advocated for moving forward, the faster the better, so that staff can focus on students' academics.

President Cuevas asked about consequences around how fast or slowly the District proceeds. Mr. Freiman shared that the potential consequence could be additional litigation or new litigation. President Cuevas saw the value in having a plan and communicating that plan as an action item by the September 26 meeting.

Mr. Phillips asked about potential additional litigation. Mr. Freiman provided information. Mr. Phillips said he supported agendizing the plan for discussion and public input, to provide staff with opportunity to make any final changes and adoption at another meeting.

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Ms. Block asked for clarification. She also asked about communication with the public about better participation.

President Cuevas asked for clarification about any secret meetings. Mr. Freiman shared that meetings would be between legal counsel, the demographer, and representatives of the parties, so District staff had been involved on a limited basis when discussing what the maps might look like. President Cuevas also remarked about a public records act request related to this matter.

2. WCCUSD Assessment Plan and Board Reporting Calendar Minutes: Dr. Guerrero shared information about the focus on student achievement and following the improvement. She spoke of data reports with a balance between instruction and assessments. A timeline was shared where the various assessments would be available for communication to campus leaders, compliance and planning processes, and reporting to the Board and public.

Public Comment: None

Board Comment: Mr. Panas asked about the correlation regarding ELA math assessment and SBAC scores. Dr. Guerrero provided information about the new assessments given. Staff will administer this year and then generate correlation reports with the intent to predict end of year outcomes. Mr. Panas continued with questions about the STAR assessments and whether staff had received enough training. Dr. Guerrero responded with information about continued training and varying opinions of educators on the assessments. Mr. Panas had additional questions about annual progress to which Dr. Guerrero responded.

Superintendent Duffy shared that information about growth data and the California dashboards achievement will be available for comparison in October. Mr. Panas continued with additional remarks regarding site dashboards.

Ms. Block said it was refreshing to see the plans for the year and asked about additional collaboration time for teachers. She asked how data would be presented to the Board. Dr. Guerrero shared that staff was working on the format geared for various stakeholders. Principal will share input for school staff, while the Board level will include a District overview by site.

Ms. Kronenberg asked about handling of shortcomings at the site level. Dr. Guerrero responded with information about interventions, responsible instruction, maximizing transforming principals into instructional leaders. Ms. Kronenberg continued to speak about highlighting super star teachers for others to replicate.

President Cuevas asked whether the data calendar would be available on the WCCUSD Board of Education Meeting Minutes September 5, 2018 – Page 10

website for to the community. She continued with remarks about seeing assessments as diagnostic and continued motivation for growth over time.

3. Positive School Climate Progress Update Minutes: Superintendent Duffy spoke about the resolution and policy implementation. Marin Trujillo, Phillip Johnson, and LaShante Smith joined in the presentation regarding the elimination of willful defiance suspensions and reduction of exclusionary disciplinary processes and racial and special education disparities. The guiding principle is to create a positive culture grounded in restorative practices and positive behavior interventions.

Public Comment: Ada Bustamante

Board Comment: Mr. Panas thanked staff for the thorough presentation. He continued with questions about the PBIS walkthrough process and baseline data for progress monitoring. Ms. Smith responded with clarification.

Ms. Block had questions about high suspension schools. Superintendent Duffy spoke about a handful of schools with elevated numbers of suspensions and a plan in place to support and make classrooms as strong as possible. Ms. Block continued to speak about the importance of this work.

Mr. Phillips spoke about the work critical to the success of students and creating good conditions for learning. He expressed appreciation for all the efforts to support the school community in this way.

Ms. Kronenberg spoke about a key element around lesson plans for teachers implementing the work. Ms. Smith responded with information about next steps with draft lesson plans and classroom modeling of teaching behavioral expectations. She continued to detail the strategy. Ms. Kronenberg commended funding afforded to the District through efforts of Assemblymember Tony Thurmond.

President Cuevas spoke about the role of trauma informed practices and the key to understanding impact to students. She asked about the unique aspect and additional stress of secondary trauma experienced by others. Ms. Smith responded with information about adverse impacts and provided an example used at a particular school.

Ms. Block spoke about a study session for the Board regarding trauma and informing the public.

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Mr. Panas asked about increased training for campus security officers and School Resource Officers. Superintendent Duffy spoke about building in time for training for them by the end of the school year. Mr. Panas had additional questions about student removal from campuses. Superintendent Duffy responded with additional information.

President Cuevas remarked about public dialogue, unique differences for outcomes in classrooms for consistency, and availability of community resources. Superintendent Duffy responded.

4. Dual Enrollment Partnership Agreement with Contra Costa Community College District Minutes: Dr. Guerrero introduced the agreement with Contra Costa Community College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) for review and discussion by the Board as mandated by the California Department of Education. The agreement will maintain and add new dual enrollment courses with . The agreement will return to a subsequent meeting for Board action.

President Cuevas stepped away from the dais; Mr. Phillips assumed the gavel.

Public Comment: None

Board Comment: Mr. Panas asked questions about the split of apportionment and mandated annual state reporting. Dr. Guerrero affirmed that those items were under consideration with no additional cost.

Ms. Kronenberg spoke about expansion to provide advantages to other students. She asked about any conversation with the community college to include more Career Technology Education (CTE) classes. Dr. Shin responded with information that most of the dual enrollment classes are CTE classes and this action now expands into non-CTE classes. She spoke about the number of students served and the various comprehensive high schools participating. She provided additional information about criteria.

President Cuevas returned and resumed the gavel.

Ms. Block asked how Pathway programs are decided. Dr. Shin spoke about high schools surveying student interest and conducting family nights to engage parents in the process.

G. ACTION ITEMS

WCCUSD Board of Education Meeting Minutes September 5, 2018 – Page 12

1. Certificated Board Authorization - Education Code 44258.3 Minutes: Mr. Whittemore explained the request to allow teachers extra time to complete requirements for credential programs while teaching, and allowing waivers to teachers while in a teacher preparation program.

Public Comment: None

Board Comment: None

Motion Passed: Mr. Panas moved approval of the Certificated Board Authorization - Education Code 44258.3. Ms. Kronenberg seconded. Ms. Block, Ms. Kronenberg, Mr. Panas, Mr. Phillips and President Cuevas voted yes, with no abstentions and no absences. Motion carried 5-0-0-0. Passed with a motion by Tom Panas and a second by Madeline Kronenberg. Yes Liz Block Yes Valerie Cuevas Yes Madeline Kronenberg Yes Tom Panas Yes Mister Phillips

H. UNFINISHED REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD Minutes: Linda Ruiz Lozito, Ada Bustamante, Petronila Fernandez

I. COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Minutes: Mr. Panas spoke about attending the opening of the Internationals Academy, the first week festival at Mira Vista, and a visit to Stege Elementary.

Mr. Phillips asked about the appointment of vice principals for K-8 schools. Mr. Duffy responded. Mr. Phillips reiterated his remarks about the programs involved in the Positive School Climate program and the joy he felt at hearing the presentation. He thanked staff work the work on this endeavor.

Ms. Kronenberg echoed Mr. Phillips sentiments. She also reminded the public about the upcoming State Board of Education hearing and request to uphold this Board's denial of the Rocketship Charter petition and loss of revenue incurred when charters open in a district. She spoke about public support of local control and urged upholding the denial of the Rocketship appeal.

Ms. Block commended the Superintendent and staff for the progress made on the climate and instructional data, with important components.

WCCUSD Board of Education Meeting Minutes September 5, 2018 – Page 13

President Cuevas spoke about the experience around the CVRA and redistricting, the need for independent commissions drawing maps rather than elected officials. She shared information about state legislation before the governor that would allow school districts to create independent commissions. She shared her personal thanks to Mr. Joshua Herrera, Maintenance Supervisor, for his diligence in dealing with the technology needs at every meeting.

J. THE NEXT SCHEDULED BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING Minutes: Facilities Operations Center - Joint Board / CBOC - September 12, 2018 Lovonya DeJean Middle School - September 26, 2018

K. ADJOURNMENT Minutes: President Cuevas adjourned the meeting at 10:38 PM.