The Board will convene at 6:00 PM in the Multi-Purpose Room to receive comments from anyone wishing to address the Board regarding closed session items.  The Board will then adjourn to closed session and reconvene in open session to address the regular agenda at 6:30 PM.

Six cases

WCCUSD Negotiators: Superintendent Matthew Duffy and Assistant Superintendent Ken Whittemore for the following groups:
  a.    Employee Organizations
         -UTR
         -Local One
         -School Supervisors Association
         -WCCAA
 b.     Unrepresented Employees
         -Confidential and Management

Youth Commission members Zunarah Ahmad of DeAnza High School and Samuel Solis of Middle College High School will serve as Student Board Representatives for the semester.

Pinole Valley High School senior Ethan Alon is one of just 5,000 Hispanic students recognized nationwide as a member of the National Hispanic Recognition Program by the College Board based on his score on the PSAT and his high grade point average. More than 250,000 Hispanic students took the test as high school juniors.

Ethan is currently the president of the Rocket Club, and vice president of the Developers Club, where students focus on coding. He is also a member of the Revitalize Club, which focuses on sustainability and green practices, Anime Club, Youth Advisory Board, Chess Club, and is involved with home economics and performing arts.

Additionally, Ethan also volunteers at the Family Justice Center, and at the Bay Area Legal Aid office in Richmond.

Ethan has aspirations to study computer programming and eventually become a software engineer developing games or apps. He lists MIT as his top choice with UCLA, UC Irvine, Berkeley, and UC Davis also on the list.

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The Young Scholars Program is a college preparatory program for students of color. The students participate in college tours, college fairs, financial aid workshop, and admissions presentations. There are approximately 160 students receiving college preparation services at four comprehensive high schools: De Anza, El Cerrito, Hercules, and Pinole. The program also provides monthly trainings for counselors to learn to work effectively with young men of color in the college preparation process. An YSP developed curriculum is used to prepare students for college preparation and matriculation. Parents are also involved in the process.

Staff and partners will give an update on the progress and achievements of the program.

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Members of the public are invited to speak to the Board about any matter that is not otherwise on the agenda and is related to issues affecting public education in the WCCUSD.  Approximately 30 minutes will be allocated for this item.  If there are more requests to speak than can be heard within this time limit, “WCCUSD Public Comment” will continue after Item G.  Individuals wishing to speak must submit a “WCCUSD Public Comment” form prior to the beginning of this item on the agenda.  

Depending on the number of persons who wish to speak, from one to three minutes will be allocated to each speaker at the discretion of the President of the Board in order to accommodate as many speakers as possible.  The Board cannot dialogue on any issues brought before it by the public that have not been previously agendized, but may refer these to staff for response and/or placement on future agendas.

LCAP Goal 5: Provide basic services to all students, including facilities, access to materials and technology.

Staff will give update on LCAP Goal 5.  Staff will also provide a summary of the state’s new LCAP template, evaluation rubrics and a roadmap for the 2017-2018 LCAP process.

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Today’s presentation gives the Board an update on the community meetings to date and the implication of those meetings on the location of the Mandarin Immersion school.

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 On June 15, 2016, the Board approved the Facilities Master Plan and the associated implementation plan.  The implementation plan included the direction to update the District’s Educational Specifications which were last approved in 2011.  The Educational Specifications guide the District’s architects to design and align school facilities to the educational program.  The architect uses the specifications to translate curriculum and instructional program into an aesthetic, economical, functional educational environment.  The update of the educational specifications also includes a comprehensive review of the materials and products that are incorporated into the school facilities.  This entire process was needed to provide consistency, alignment with current and future program needs and objectives, along with an emphasis on cost efficiency and effectiveness. 

On August 10, 2016, the Board approved an agreement with Educational Planning and Programming (Iep2) to update the Educational Specifications.  Since that time, the planning team has conducted over 20 focus group discussions regarding program spaces and comparing traditional and flexible designs.  At the same time, several discussions were held regarding the materials and products used in our schools and ways in which to refine, define, and create cost efficiencies.  From these discussions, the desire for a new flexible design for classrooms was explored.

The planning team, along with staff, will lead a discussion with the Board to seek direction regarding their desire to include flexible design options in future schools, whether or not to include the new options into the design of Wilson Elementary and any upcoming elementary school projects in the future.  After direction from the Board, the planning team will move forward with drafting the educational specifications and material/product standards and bring back a full draft report to the board.

It should also be noted that the agreement with Iep2 was to have final review and approval of the Educational Specifications by the Board in January, 2017.  Due to the extensive focus group discussions and input needed from the Board on the new design concept, it will be necessary to extend and increase the Iep2 agreement.

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Pursuant to the Charter School Act of 1992 (the “Act”), Education Code Section 47600 et seq., the Legislature has charged local school boards with the responsibility of reviewing and acting on petitions for charter schools.

On February 5, 2012 Amethod Public Schools (AMPS), a nonprofit public benefit corporation, submitted a petition to West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) to establish an independent charter school known as Richmond Charter Academy (RCA).

On December 7, 2016, Amethod Public Schools submitted a charter renewal petition for Richmond Charter Academy.

Education Code section 47605(b) requires the Board, within 30 days of receiving a renewal petition, to hold a public hearing to consider the level of support for the petition. On January 4, 2017, a public hearing took place to hear from the Amethod team and the members of the public.

The Charter School Act requires the Board to either grant or deny the Petition within 60 days of submission, and the purpose of this meeting is review of staff findings and recommendation, hear comments from the public and make a board decision to either grant or deny the renewal.

If approved, loss of ADA from 270 students attending the Charter School. If denied, none.

California Education Code §44015 expressly authorizes the Board of Education to budget funds for the recognition of District employees. By passing this resolution, the Board of Education, in keeping with Education Code, would authorize the Superintendent to expend funds to recognize employees for their work on behalf of students and the District.

Not to exceed $30,000.

The State Board of Education has proclaimed February 2017 as African American History Month. The West Contra Costa Unified School District recognizes the contributions of African Americans and encourages schools to develop special instructional activities and celebrations.

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The State of California has proclaimed January 30, 2017, as  Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution. The West Contra Costa Unified School District recognizes the contributions of Mr. Korematsu and encourages schools to develop special instructional activities and celebrations.

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As authorized under Education Code Section 17620, the District currently charges Level I and Level II Developer Fees to fund the construction and reconstruction of school facilities necessary to address the impacts of new development.  There are two separate processes for Level I and Level II fees and the attached Resolution No. 56-1617 is specifically addressing the determinations and findings required for Level II Developer Fees which are assessed on residential construction only.

Government Code Section 65995 regarding school facilities fees requires that a School Facilities Needs Analysis be conducted yearly to justify and determine the amount to be charged for Level II developer fees on new residential construction. The School Facilities Needs Analysis finds that the district meets the statutory requirement to decrease Level II fees from $4.97 per square foot to $4.82 per square foot.  This analysis was conducted according to state guidelines which includes meeting the eligibility requirements under Government Code Section 65995.5 by satisfying at least two of the four statutory requirements.  If approved by the Board, the new fee will go into effect February 2, 2017.

A public hearing must be conducted prior to the adoption of West Contra Costa Unified School District Resolution No. 56-1617 at which time individuals who wish to address the Board on matters pertaining to the Level II Developer Fees are allowed to speak.  The District has also complied with all noticing and distribution requirements prior to the date of the public hearing.

 Decrease in Level II Developer Fees of $ 0.15 cents per square foot on residential construction.

Consent Calendar Items are considered routine and will be enacted, approved and adopted by one motion, unless a request for removal, discussion or explanation is received from any Board member or member of the public in attendance. Items the Board pulls for discussion or explanation will be addressed following disposition of the remaining Consent Items under Section G Consent Items.

Formal action is requested from the Board of Education to accept the grants/awards/agreements, as detailed on the attached sheet dated February 1, 2017. 

The District has received donations as summarized on the attached sheet dated February 1, 2017.  The estimated values for any non-cash donations (as indicated by an asterisk) are those provided by the donor.  Staff recommends acceptance of these donations.

As noted per donations summary.

The planned fund-raising events for the 2016-17 school year is summarized on the attached sheet dated February 1, 2017.

Permission is requested of the Board of Education to approve the following contracts as detailed on the attached sheets dated February 1, 2017.

The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Aide job classification and job description has been created to provide needed support for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) students in the district’s Special Education program.  This classification provides intensive one-on-one and/or small group instruction to ASD students by utilizing their training and instruction acquired in their ABA programs.  The ABA Aide utilizes use various strategies, assistive technologies and other methods to ensure ASD students’ needs are met and to collect vital data so ensure student success during the instructional day.  Special Education has reviewed and approved the job description.  The district has met all Education Code and contractual requirements in negotiating the job classification, job description and commensurate salary with Public Employees Union, Local One.

The fiscal impact represents the increase in salary range and adding benefits to increase from 14 substitute, part-time ABA Aides to 15 permanent, benefited ABA Aides.

$199,450.00 General Fund

The Custodial – Special Education Preschool job classification and job description has been created to provide needed support for the district’s Special Education Preschool program.  This classification will assist in picking up and delivering special education equipment throughout the district, assemble/repair special education equipment and prepares the Cameron site for meetings, events and activities.  The Custodian – Special Education Preschool is distinguished from the Custodian classification as it requires light maintenance/assembly of Special Education equipment and supporting the Special Education program needs at multiple sites.  Operations has reviewed and approved the job description.  The district has met all Education Code and contractual requirements in negotiating the job classification, job description and commensurate salary with Public Employees Union, Local One.

The fiscal impact represents the increase in salary range from a custodian due to increased tasks, duties and responsibilities.

$3,463.28 General Fund

This new classification will provide needed intervention and academic support in the Early Learning, State Preschool program.  The Early Learning, State Preschool, Graduate Tutor – Bilingual is responsible for assisting with all required and state mandated data collection for assessments, reports, activities, parent meetings, curriculum, etc. in both English and Spanish. The new job description will support students, staff, parents and other stakeholders in all facets of the Early Learning, State Preschool program, which will allow the district to meet LCAP goals and improve student outcomes.

The district has met with Public Employees Union, Local One and negotiated the attached job description. The Coordinator of Preschool has reviewed and approved the job description.

$109,780.00 General Fund

Board Bylaw 9250 stipulates members of the board shall be reimbursed for allowable expenses incurred in attending any meetings or in making any trips on official business of the school district when so authorized in advance by the Board of Education.  (Education Code 35044).  Board member Panas has expressed interest in attend the following:

• CSBA Masters In Governance, January - May 2017, San Rafael

Cost estimate for In-State Travel include registration for monthly workshops is $1,270.00.

Estimated cost of $1,270.00 from General Fund In-State Travel budget leaving  $13,665.00 in the budget.  

At their recent retreats in December and January, the Board determined assignments for 2017 including Board Subcommittees and Liaisons, as well as High School Families. 

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Contracts have been initiated by staff using previously qualified consulting, engineering, architectural, or landscape architectural firms to assist in completion of the referenced projects.  Many of the firms are already under contract and the staff-initiated work may be an extension of the firm’s existing contract with the District.  Public contracting laws have been followed in initially qualifying and selecting these professionals.

Total for this action: $69,650.  Funding source is General Fund.

Staff is seeking ratification of Change Orders on the following current District construction projects:  Infrastructure Upgrades @ Kennedy HS, Richmond HS, Crespi MS and Korematsu MS New Building. Change Orders are fully executed by the District upon signature by the Superintendent’s designee.  Board ratification is the final step required under state law in order to complete payment and contract adjustment.

In accordance with Public Contract Code 20118.4, the Board, by ratifying these Change Orders, finds that it would have been futile to publicly bid the work in question because of the tight time frames to complete this work without affecting the operations of the District, and that the public is best served by having this work completed by the contractor on the project.

 Total ratification by this action:  $101,131.39. Funded from Bond Fund

Staff is seeking ratification of Change Orders on the following current District construction projects: Kennedy HS Building 900 Wing Restroom Remodel (Fund 40). Change Orders are fully executed by the District upon signature by the Superintendent’s designee.  Board ratification is the final step required under state law in order to complete payment and contract adjustment.

In accordance with Public Contract Code 20118.4, the Board, by ratifying these Change Orders, finds that it would have been futile to publicly bid the work in question because of the tight time frames to complete this work without affecting the operations of the District, and that the public is best served by having this work completed by the contractor on the project.

Total ratification by this action:  $2,555.00. Funded from Fund 40.

In June 2008, the District submitted a grant application to the Office of Public School Construction for Lake Elementary School.  The State awarded the District a grant apportionment in August 2015.  In order to retain the funding provided by the state, the District must complete the approved scope of work and provide an expenditure report to the state no later than May 26, 2017.  This project must conform to the strict guidelines of the grant program.

HMR Architects prepared the plans for this project.  The scope of work for this project includes removal and replacement of five existing doors and hardware.  The scope all includes removal of existing walls, fixtures, concrete slab, plumbing, electrical and mechanical to reconstruct four single use restrooms.

The District conducted a public bid process for the project.  Bids were opened on January 12, 2017.  Four (4) contractors submitted a bid: A&E Emaar $288,000; Streamline Builders $318,000; Mar Con Co $455,867; Pinguelo Construction, Inc. $470,000.

The lowest responsive, responsible bidder is A&E Emaar.

Contract completion is anticipated May 2017.

The Facilities Master Plan implementation schedule anticipates that planning and commencement of construction drawings for the Reconstruction of Lake Elementary School will begin in late 2019.  Early projections anticipate occupancy of the new campus may be 2023 at the earliest.

$288,000. Funded from ERP Grant Funds.

The West Contra Costa Unified School District’s Facilities Subcommittee has forwarded a recommendation that Denise Gianni be appointed to fill the category of Taxpayers’ Organization member on the West Contra Costa Unified School District Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee for a two-year term effective February 11, 2017.

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The West Contra Costa Unified School District’s Facilities Subcommittee has forwarded a recommendation that Anton Jungherr be appointed to fill the category of the City of Hercules resident on the West Contra Costa Unified School District Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee for a two-year term effective February 11, 2017.

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Lovonya DeJean Middle School - February 15, 2017

At 10:00 PM, any items remaining on the agenda that require immediate attention will be moved to this time.  All other items will be tabled to another or the following Board meeting in order to make fair and attentive decisions.  The meeting will adjourn at 10:30 PM.  The meeting may be extended by a majority vote of the Board of Education.