Desert Sands Unified School District Minutes

Regular Board Meeting September 03, 2019, 7:00 PM District Education Center Boardroom

47-950 Dune Palms Road, La Quinta, California

Closed Session at 6:00 p.m. - Front & Center at 6:30 p.m. - Open Session at 7:00 p.m.

1. Call to Order

Minutes: President Wendy Jonathan opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. Mrs. Jonathan announced the Board would be going into closed session to discuss the items, as listed. Action taken would be reported out during Consent Items Student Matters and Call out of Closed Session Actions.

2. Public Comment On Closed Session Items

Minutes: None.

3. Closed Session

3.1. Discuss and take action on student Admission Cases, Reinstatements, Stipulated Expulsion Orders, and Expulsions, as listed

3.2. General Release and Settlement Agreement SSS #04/2019-2020

3.3. Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957

3.4. Update on Negotiations with the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Chapter 106, and the Desert Sands Teachers Association (DSTA)

4. Reconvene to Open Session

Minutes: The Board reconvened to open session at 7:05 p.m.

5. Pledge of Allegiance

Minutes: The pledge of allegiance, led by student board member Israa Waldi, was repeated in unison.

6. Roll Call

Minutes: President Wendy Jonathan noted all Board members, Superintendent, Cabinet members, and Israa Wadi, student board member from La Quinta High School were present.

6.1. La Quinta High School Student Board Member Oath of Office Administered by Superintendent Scott L. Bailey

Minutes: Superintendent Scott Bailey introduced Israa Wadi, student board member at La Quinta High School. Mr. Bailey shared that Israa was Palestinian-American, born and raised in California and noted she spoke three languages: English, Arabic, and Spanish. She attended both Carrillo Ranch and Earhart elementary schools, Glenn Middle, and currently attends La Quinta High. Israa is in ASB, Friday Night Live, and takes stats for the wrestling team. Her hobbies include photography, painting, playing the ukulele, sand volleyball, music, movies, and hanging with her family. She enjoys volunteering at her local mosque, events hosted by the school, and Martha's Village. Superintendent Bailey administered the oath of office to Israa Wadi.

7. Approval of Minutes

7.1. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 20, 2019

Minutes: Preferential vote: Abstain

Motion Passed: Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of August 20, 2019, as submitted. Passed with a motion by Gary Tomak and a second by Donald Griffith. Yes Ana Conover Yes Donald Griffith Yes Wendy Jonathan Yes Linda Porras Yes Gary Tomak

8. Board Meeting Addenda

Minutes: None.

9. Approval of Agenda

9.1. Agenda of the Regular Meeting of September 3, 2019

Minutes: Superintendent Scott Bailey requested one item be added to Certificated Personnel Actions #28.1, item #9.a, assistant principal, La Quinta High School, name to be announced.

Preferential vote: Yes

Motion Passed: Approve the agenda of the regular meeting of September 3, 2019, with any additions or deletions that receive a unanimous vote. Passed with a motion by Linda Porras and a second by Gary Tomak. Yes Ana Conover Yes Donald Griffith Yes Wendy Jonathan Yes Linda Porras Yes Gary Tomak

10. Community/Staff/Student Recognition

Minutes: Superintendent Bailey commented security agents were recognized during Front & Center this evening. He reminded everyone, the district had a new employee recognition program that aligns to the district's nine values and stated over a dozen nominations had been received. The online form went live on the website. When you see someone exemplifying those values whether it's colleague to colleague, in the community, and/or student who has "IT" (incredible talent), you can nominate that person.

11. Introduction of New or Recently Promoted Employees

11.1. Introduction of New or Recently Promoted Employees - Elena Labastida, Mental Health Therapist; Maria Regla-Cuevas, Mental Health Therapist; Katherine Urmanski, Assistant Principal, Earhart Elementary School; Henry Villeda, Mental Health Therapist

Minutes: Assistant Superintendent Donna Salazar, Ed.D., introduced and shared bios of the recently hired and promoted new management members.

1. Elena Labastida, new mental health therapist: Mrs. Labastida a graduate from Loma Linda University assisted in creating and implementing Riverside County's Prevention & Early Intervention Program in Desert Hot Springs middle schools. She worked in Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) for seven years, where she was instrumental in creating and implementing the Therapeutic Education Program for Special Education students with severe emotional and behavioral challenges. Her moto is, "It's all about the Students" and attributes her success to having a caring and loving family. Mrs. Labastida expressed gratitude to her parents, Jaime and Eunice for her spiritual foundation and passion for serving others, and to her husband, Victor, and children, Victor, Seth, and Lucy for their support. She thanked Board members and stated she looked forward to working with the students and their families.

2. Maria Regla-Cuevas, new mental health therapist: Maria Regla-Cuevas was born and raised in Indio. Mrs. Regla-Cuevas completed graduate school at Notre Dame de Namur University, in the bay area and at Chapman University. She has extensive experience working in the mental health field as a correctional officer at Indio Juvenile Hall and with the County Mental Health Department for seven years, in both the children's department and the Youth Offenders Program. She worked six years at PSUSD as the lead ERMHS (Educationally Relevant Mental Health Services) mental health therapist at Palm Springs High School. Mrs. Regla-Cuevas founded and performs the day-to-day operations of the nonprofit organization, Ezekiel's Gift of Love Coachella Valley Down Syndrome Foundation in honor of her son, Ezequiel. She introduced her daughter, Esmeralda age 10, son, Ezequiel age 4, and her husband, Mark, who were in the audience, and thanked the Board of Education for their support.

3. Katherine Urmanski, new assistant principal at Earhart Elementary School: Ms. Urmanski has a total of 30 years teaching experience, she taught in third grade, and fifth through twelfth grades. Ms. Urmanski joined Desert Sands in 2001 and taught at La Quinta High School (LQHS) for 15 years in various capacities, i.e., grant coordinator, IB (International Baccalaureate) Middle Years Programme coordinator, WASC coordinator, and GATE coordinator. In 2015, she transferred to Earhart Elementary and became the IB Primary Years Programme coordinator and instructional coach, which prepared her for the new assistant principal assignment. Ms. Urmanski thanked the Board of Education and Cabinet, Dr. Salazar, Dr. Cook, and her principal, Ann Morales. She also expressed appreciation to the staff and community for all their support.

4. Mr. Villeda, new mental health therapist: Mr. Villeda was born and raised in Los Angeles and earned his master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hope International University. Mr. Villeda came to Desert Sands from the County of Riverside, where he worked since 2013. He and his wife have been married for eight years and have five children. Mr. Villeda acknowledged his work family for their support.

Student board member Israa Wadi congratulated the new hired and promoted management members. Member Ana Conover welcomed them to the Desert Sands family. She was extremely glad they worked in the mental health field and commended Ms. Urmanski for using her credential and promoting. Member Gary Tomak welcomed Elena, Maria, and Henry to our district. He commented that students are under a lot of stress and if they are able to help them with their issues and academically, it would be a positive for the students. Mr. Tomak recalled an evening IB class taught by Ms. Urmanski on How to Improve Education in Desert Sands, the students' discussion was insightful and productive. Member Tomak congratulated Ms. Urmanski on her promotion. Member Donald Griffith welcomed the mental health therapists to Desert Sands and congratulated Katherine Urmanski on her promotion. Vice President Linda Porras welcomed the therapists and expressed it was important to provide the service for the students. Ms. Porras expressed excitement and congratulated Kate on her promotion. President Wendy Jonathan commented good mental health is very important, especially nowadays and it is being addressed in Desert Sands. She thanked Elena, Maria, and Henry for joining the Desert Sands family. Mrs. Jonathan visited each classroom at Earhart Elementary today and spoke with Ms. Urmanski. Superintendent Scott Bailey welcomed those coming into the district, and stated they were joining approximately 2,700 colleagues. He noted there is truly a family atmosphere in Desert Sands and their careers would blossom. To the promoted employees, he commented they are who built the reputation that draws everyone to Desert Sands and thanked them for their continued service in their new role.

President Wendy Jonathan called a one-minute break at 7:27 p.m. Board reconvened and the meeting resumed at 7:28 p.m.

12. Information

12.1. Actuarial Study of Retiree Health Liabilities (GASB 74/75) Roll-forward Valuation

12.2. Palm Desert High School's Cheer Team Trip to Permian High School in Odessa, Texas, September 19-21, 2019

13. Staff Conference Items - N/A

14. Public Hearing - N/A

15. Public Comment On Open Session Items

Minutes: 1. Jamie Tarasio, security agent in Desert Sands for 13 years, expressed outrage and disapproval of the current tentative agreement, specifically the grievance he filed, and the reclassification for the security department, as a whole. In April 2018, while conducting a security duty at PDHS under the district and Board of Education's direction, he was given multiple unlawful orders to conduct a daily search of one particular male student without reasonable suspicion. Mr. Tarasio contacted director Nacua after multiple requests from principal Dennis Zink to conduct the search. Mr. Nacua advised Jamie not to conduct the search and that he would contact Mr. Zink. The following scenario occurred in the hallway where Mr. Zink proceeded to yell at Mr. Tarascio while students, staff, and another security agent witnessed the outcome. Less than two months later, Mr. Tarascio was transferred to a different location, for the good of the district. He stated he did not agree with the settlement agreement that was reached. In April 2019, several security agents reviewed their duties and trainings, and noted they had not seen a reclassification for the past 20 years. The security staff has been fighting for a two-step pay raise to account for the massive amount of work they are now required to do.

2. Trina Gonzales-Alesi, president of Desert Sands Teachers Association, commented on item #19.3, the tentative agreement reached between Desert Sands Unified and Desert Sands Teachers Association (DSTA). They held their three information meetings on August 19, 20, and 21, and members starting voting on August 21 until August 26. By 5:00 p.m. on August 26, they knew the tentative agreement had passed with 78 percent approval. Ms. Gonzales- Alesi reiterated both sides mentioned multiple times, the negotiation process was professional, smooth, and collaborative. There were no complaints or pushback from the association members and this huge accomplishment speaks to the excellent relationship between the association and the district. She thanked the Board of Education for their consideration of the tentative agreement.

President Wendy Jonathan requested Vice President Linda Porras call the final public speaker to address the Board at 7:45 p.m.

3. Ryan Chandler, security agent, apologized for not being present earlier, due to being on call. Agent Chandler thanked Superintendent Scott Bailey, Mary Perry, and director of security Ed Nacua for allowing him to participate in the 'Not-So Undercover Sup' filming. He sees the Indio High School students on a daily basis during passing period and having worked with them on the project was truly special. The students were excited and worked very hard to accomplish the outstanding finished product. He noted the security staff are truly a professional group and they invest a lot of time beyond their normal hours to make sure the students are safe. He appreciated being part of a district that is forward thinking. Agent Chandler thanked the Board for permitting him to speak.

16. Board and Superintendent Comments

Minutes: 1. Student board member Israa Wadi shared LQHS ASB developed goals for the 2019-2020 school year, in terms of better academics, better attendance, better spirit, and a better environment. She stated they would like to have an observatory at their school.

2. Member Ana Margarita Conover welcomed Israa Wadi to the dais. She reported having attended last Friday's football game at Shadow Hills High School and the score was 30 something to 6 or 7. It was a good event, well attended, the weather was warm, and there was plenty of security.

3. Member Gary Tomak welcomed Israa to the dais and commented he appreciated her request. Mr. Tomak went to Amistad High School and then to LQHS to welcome the students as they arrived on their first day of school. Member Tomak thanked Dr. Rudy Wilson for being present during the board meeting and supporting Israa Wadi. He recognized all the school librarians for handling the huge task of checking out all the Chromebooks on the first day of school.

4. Member Donald Griffith welcomed Israa to the dais and thanked Dr. Wilson for attending and showing his support. He also thanked DSTA and CSEA (California School Employees Association) for a smooth start to the school year. We rely on you to get the students to school, keep them safe, feed them, and teachers to do an outstanding job teaching them.

5. Vice President Linda Porras welcomed Israa Wadi and Dr. Rudy Wilson. She commented security agents do an outstanding job and expressed appreciation. She stated that during the graduation ceremonies they work a tremendous amount of hours and keep everyone safe.

6. President Wendy Jonathan echoed the earlier Board member comments regarding the excellent work security agents do by maintaining a safe environment for students and staff. Mrs. Jonathan reported having joined Mr. Zink at PDHS to welcome the students on the first day of school along with the drumline and cheer squad; afterwards she headed to Washington Charter Elementary School to greet the students and staff; and then to Carter Elementary School to join the principal in welcoming students, as they entered. Superintendent Bailey, Mrs. Perry, and Palm Desert Mayor Susan Marie Weber arrived latter due to traffic congestion at Carter Elementary. Mrs. Jonathan visited Lincoln Elementary School and toured Michelle Cherland's first grade classroom and Daniel Mccullor's second grade classroom and commented she donated most of her classroom library books to him. Then she participated in the Fifth Grade Welcome that principal Maryalice Owings organized for the fifth graders on the first day of school. President Jonathan also went to Palm Desert Charter Middle School and visited with principal Sallie Fraser on the first day of school. A couple of days later she did an extensive visit at Oliphant Elementary with principal Jeff Hisgen and watched students cash in their owl coins. She returned to PDHS joined by Mr. Sabby Jonathan, Council Member, City of Palm Desert, and toured the Film Academy and learned about their new office hours being implemented this year. She spent this morning visiting classrooms at Earhart Elementary where teachers were using the Kagan program and indicated it was amazing. President Jonathan plans to visit as many schools as possible before the end of the calendar year. She welcomed Israa Wadi to the dais.

7. Superintendent Scott Bailey reported having made several site visits and he did a shout-out to Cabinet members and directors for their support on the first day of school. He also did a shout-out to Dr. Rudy Wilson for the Seniors Sunrise event, where Dr. Wilson pulled students aside if they did not appear to be ready to learn that morning and made sure they were ready by reaching out to them on a social and emotional level.

17. General Functions - Business Services

17.1. Resolution No. 10/2019-2020, Appropriations Due to the Reconciliation of the 2018-2019 Estimated Ending Fund Balances to the 2018-2019 Unaudited Actuals Ending Fund Balances