Leslie Benjamin, Director Communications and Community Engagement

Sean Rozell, Director Information Technology

BOARD PRIORITY

Community Involvement and Engagement

BACKGROUND

On January 12, 2016, the Board approved the contract with Entropic Studio to provide website design, website production and consulting services for a new district website as well as new websites for all schools.  Over the Spring and Summer we have been working with Entropic to build these new websites for the District and school sites and move the relevant content from our old sites to the new ones. 

NUSD’s contract with SharpSchool was expiring on July 1, 2016, which prompted the need for new websites.  In addition, we received feedback from school sites on the difficulty of maintaining their websites due to staff time and training (sometimes parents had become the webmaster) and the overall challenge of editing the SharpSchool websites.  As an initial step, we asked principals and PTA presidents what they’d like to see in a new website.  Some of their responses included:

• Better calendars
• Mobile device optimization
• Better dropdown menus
• One-stop portal
• Easy navigation
• Less “clutter”

Entropic Studio has been a great partner listening to our website needs and wants and designing a modern, forward thinking, and intuitive website that easily integrates social media, video and photos.  The template has been used as the base for all NUSD websites to give a consistent look and feel.  For example, as parents learn to navigate an elementary website they will easily be able to navigate the middle school and high school websites as their children matriculate through our education system.   

WordPress was chosen as the website platform as 26% of all websites globally are on WordPress as well as 50-60% of the global CMS market.  This popularity and usage translates into its ease of use and the ability to find ‘editors’ easily if needed.  Also, we would not be tied to a proprietary platform as we have been in the past.

Parents of incoming students tend to be more tech savvy and having a responsive platform (mobile device optimization) is important.  We have seen the internet become one of the largest platforms of communication and is thought by many as the most effective technology available today.  As such, district and school websites have become an important information and marketing tool.  When a parent is looking for information on a school or district, the internet is the first place they will look.  The website can give the school’s information as well as communicate the market the key features of the school or district.

Sometimes the website is where most people develop their first impression of a school or District, when a decision on which school to attend needs to be made. The website may be a deciding factor in choosing a particular school or district because of the impression it leaves.  District and school websites need to be a place where students, potential students and their families can go to learn anything and everything they need to know about that school and district.  Not only does it need to be eye-catching but also constantly updated and easy for the student or parent to use.

NUSD is doing amazing work and we want to demonstrate the forward thinking and innovation at NUSD via the website. 

Karen Maloney, Assistant Superintendent - Business & Operations

Board Priority/Goal

Student Success

Objective

Obtain Board approval of Resolution No. 1-2016/2017, No. 2-2016/2017, No. 3-2016/2017 and No. 4-2016/2017 authorizing two utility easements for Pacific Bell Telephone (AT&T) on Hamilton Parcels 1A & 1B.

Background

The District has received a request from Pacific Bell Telephone (AT&T) authorizing utility easements for Hamilton Parcels 1A & 1B, one easement per location. AT&T agrees to install their conduit(s) in-ground by means of boring, which is a non-intrusive means of installation. However, the conduits will remain as permanent obstacles that may or may not have to be intervened in the future. Therefore, the District requested compensation from the developer (ICI Corporation) to cover potential future costs associated with locating or re-routing these lines.

The District reached a tentative agreement with the developer; in exchange for allowing the easements, the District will receive compensation in the form of a one-time payment of $25,000 from ICI. Should the board approve these easements, District staff will request payment from ICI in exchange for executing the easement applications.

Funding Source/Cost

Not Applicable

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend approval of Resolution No. 1-2016/2017, No. 2-2016/2017, No. 3-2016/2017 and No. 4-2016/2017 authorizing two utility easements for Pacific Bell Telephone (AT&T) on Hamilton parcels 1A & 1B.

Jim Hogeboom, Superintendent

BOARD PRIORITY/GOAL

All.                  

OBJECTIVE

To provide the Board with a final draft of the revised goals for the 2016-17 school year.

BACKGROUND

The Board of Trustees established four key priorities for the 2016-17 School Year:  Equity, Student Success, Staff Support and Community Involvement and Engagement.  Under each of these priorities we set three SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound) goals.  Staff have revised and/or updated each of the 12 goals for board consideration based on previous input from the Board and from Administrative Council.  Based on these new goals, new Assistant Superintendent for Education Services, Ivan Chaidez, and staff have aligned the template for our Single Plans for Student Achievement to these new goals as well as condense the information needed.  These plans will be presented to the Board during the two October Board meetings.

FUNDING SOURCE/COST

Budgets for each goal are not included.

RECOMMENDATION

The Superintendent and staff recommend Board approval for our revised goals for 2016-17.

Karen Maloney, Assistant Superintendent – Business & Operations

Kevin MacQuarrie, Architect, WLC

Board Priority/Goal

Student Success

Objective

Obtain Board approval of the 2016 Facilities Master Plan as Prepared by WLC Architects.

Background

In December 2015, the Board of Trustees approved a contract with the architectural firm WLC Architects to develop a comprehensive education facility master plan.  WLC Architects began the process by conducting community and site meetings to provide information about facility needs, 21^st century learning spaces and to gather input from stakeholder groups regarding needs and desires. As part of this process, WLC Architects also evaluated the educational suitability of current school facilities. Over 35 meetings were conducted, including teachers and staff, parents, PTA members, booster clubs, students, Cabinet, Board members, and District consultants including Greystone West, NUSD’s construction management firm.

The 2016 Facilities Master Plan is complete and is being submitted for Board approval.  Attached is an Executive Summary of the Plan. As the Plan is quite a large document, it is posted on the NUSD website under Facilities at http://nusd.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/NUSD-MASTER-PLAN-DOCUMENT-2016.07.27.pdf. A representative from WLC along with  Karen Maloney, Assistant Superintendent, Business and Operations, will present the Plan and answer any questions.

Funding Source/Cost

Funding Source is a proposed General Obligation Bond Measure in the amount of $222 million.

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend approval of the 2016 Facilities Master Plan as prepared by WLC Architects.

Julia Kempkey, Director of Curriculum & Instruction/Innovation

BOARD PRIORITY

Student Success

OBJECTIVE

To approve the revisions to the Personal Finance course based on University of California A-G course expectations and to adopt the textbook aligned to the course.

BACKGROUND

The Personal Finance course was initially developed based on student feedback on ways that we can better serve their needs and make school more relevant. The course has been an exciting addition to course offerings for high school students. The course covers highly engaging and relevant topics (like taxes, car ownership, credit and independent living) while exposing students to advanced algebra concepts.  The course was first approved and offered to students at each of the high schools (including Marin Oaks) during the 2015-2016 school year.  In this first year, the teachers piloted a few different curriculums and textbooks in order to assess how well they aligned to the objectives of the course. The teachers unanimously chose a book used by many high schools in California that offer a similar math course, Financial Algebra: Advanced Algebra with Financial Applications.  This textbook provides teachers with flexible units that are grounded in advanced algebra concepts. Further, the units are easily adapted into project or problem based learning opportunities for students. The book also provides instructional strategies to allow for differentiation so students who have more extensive math background are engaged as well as enough scaffolding to ensure students who may traditionally struggle in math are appropriately supported.

In addition to the update to the curriculum associated with the course, a team of teachers and administrators reviewed the course outline and made revisions to better align with the “g” requirement of the University of California college entrance requirements. This elevates the course to a college-preparatory elective course with a focus in mathematics. The team will continue to meet through this school year to collaborate and ensure the course provides our students with a relevant, engaging approach to mathematics.

Title: Financial Algebra: Advanced Algebra with Financial Applications

Edition: 1^st

Publication Date: 2014

Publisher: Cengage Learning

Author(s): Robert Gerver; Richard J. Sgroi

FUNDING SOURCE/COST

Restricted Lottery/ $13, 098.33

RECOMMENDATION

The Superintendent and staff recommend approval of the revised course outline for Personal Finance and the adoption of the textbook aligned with course.

Derek Knell, Board President

BOARD PRIORITY

Community Involvement and Engagement

OBJECTIVE

To discuss and review the Board Appointed Committees for 2016-17

BACKGROUND

There are three types of committees operating in NUSD:

1. Board only committees
2. Board appointed committees
3. District appointed committees

Annually, committee assignments are reviewed and determined. The following committees are current for the 2016-17 school year.

Board Only Committees

1. MCOE Golden Bell
2. MCSB Joint Legislative Action Committee
3. Marin County School Boards Association
4. North Marin Council PTA Liaison
5. Novato Blue Ribbon Coalition for Youth
6. Safe Routes to Schools (City Appointed)
7. School Fuel – Foundation

Board Appointed Committees

1. Parcel Tax Oversight Committee

District Appointed Committees

1. District English Language Acquisition Committee (DELAC)
2. Health Benefits
3. District Advisory Committee
4. Equity Design Team
5. Facilities Committee
6. Technology Advisory Committee
7. District Safety Committee
8. GATE Leadership Team
   

The role and responsibilities of the trustees’ representatives include:

1. Reporting out at board meeting to update trustees on committee work
2. Representing trustees on committees
3. Act as a non-voting member of the committee (see page 11 of the NUSD Governance Handbook)

Trustees will provide information to the Board President regarding committees of interest.

Kris Cosca, Assistant Superintendent - Human Resources

Board Priority/Goal

Staff Support, Student Success

Objective

Obtain Board approval of the counseling experience agreement with Sonoma State University.

Background

Pursuant to the provision of Education Code, Section 11006, the governing board of any school district is authorized to enter into agreements with a state college, the University of California, or any other university or college accredited by the State Board of Education as a teacher education institution to provide teaching experience through practice teaching to students enrolled in teacher training curricula of such institutions.

Novato Unified School District has provided teaching/counseling experience through practice teaching/counseling in schools and classes of the District under direct supervision and instruction of such employees of the District for many years.

Funding Source/Cost

Not Applicable

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend approval of the counseling experience agreement with Sonoma State University.

Kris Cosca, Assistant Superintendent - Human Resources

Board Priority/Goal

Staff Support, Student Success

Objective

Obtain Board approval of the student teaching agreement (MOU) with Dominican University of California.

Background

Pursuant to the provision of Education Code, Section 11006, the governing board of any school district is authorized to enter into agreements with a state college, the University of California, or any other university or college accredited by the State Board of Education as a teacher education institution to provide teaching experience through practice teaching to students enrolled in teacher training curricula of such institutions.

Novato Unified School District has provided teaching experience through practice teaching in schools and classes of the District under direct supervision and instruction of such employees of the District for many years.

Funding Source/Cost

Not Applicable

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend approval of the student teaching agreement (MOU) with Dominican University of California.

Jim Hogeboom, Superintendent

OBJECTIVE

To continue EdLeader 21 membership, which is an organization designed to support school districts in the implementation of 21^st Century Learning skills. 

BACKGROUND

Now that we have identified our Graduate Profile and the 6 C’s, EdLeader 21 can assist us with strategies and resources to help us implement processes and procedures to ensure the Graduate Profile becomes a reality.  EdLeader 21 offers an annual conference showcasing best practices with 21^st Century learning, and the opportunity to network with other innovative districts as well as to learn valuable tools.  This year the conference will be in Denver in late September, and we will bring a team to attend. They also usually host one or two regional conferences in Northern California, and last year we attended one of these in San Jose that was very valuable with tools to develop critical thinking skills.  Some of the other resources provided by EdLeader 21 include:

• A 7 step process to implement 21^st Century Education
• Rubrics for the 4 C’s and evaluation tools and protocols
• Stakeholder outreach toolkits
• Leadership blogs featuring best practices from around the nation
• Working groups to develop implementation and assessment tools
• An annual conference to share ideas and strategies (Networking and collaboration)

FUNDING SOURCE/COST

The cost for our district to join EdLeader 21 is $5,000 for a district our size, which includes three log-ins to their website and 1 event registration for their annual PLC conference.

RECOMMENDATION

The Superintendent and staff recommend that NUSD continue membership in EdLeader21 to take advantage of the support and resources available to help us ensure that all of our students become more skilled in learning and demonstrating competency with 21^st Century skills.

Board Priority/Goal

Student Success

Objective

To seek Board approval for acceptance of the Grant Award of $124,000 from the Peter Haas Jr. Family Fund to support an expanded contract with 10,000 Degrees to provide strategic support to students interested in vocational career pathways for 2016-2017.

Background

The Peter E. Haas Jr. Family fund has had a tremendous impact on a variety of initiatives supporting the Novato Unified School District students and parents at all levels.  The funding from this grant will provide Novato Unified School District with the ability to expand their contract with 10,000 Degrees, an organization that currently provides students who will be the first generation in their families, to attend college with intensive and strategic support and counseling. Through this grant, there will be an increase in the number of students that the highly trained staff at 10,000 Degrees can serve. The increased services will be focused specifically on identifying and serving students who will benefit from access to vocational and technical career pathways.

This expanded contract with 10,000 Degrees will focus specifically on identifying and serving students who will benefit from access to vocational and technical career pathways. Additionally, through this partnership, high school students will have the opportunity to explore vocational career pathways that are highly engaging and relevant to their interests as well as the support to persist in receiving the training and experience to be successful in their chosen field after high school.

Funding Source/Cost

In-kind costs

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend the acceptance of the Healthy Novato Initiative Funding for 2016-2017.

Lynn Erikson, Coordinator of Student Services

Board Priority/Goal

Student Success

Objective

To seek Board approval for acceptance of the Grant Award of $128,805 from the Peter Haas Jr. Family Fund to support overall coordination of the Healthy Novato Initiative Grants and a School Based Prevention Counselor for 2016-2017.

Background

The Healthy Novato Project, funded by the Peter E. Haas Jr. Family Fund, is in its sixth year of implementation of a comprehensive community health initiative in Novato with a particular emphasis on community environmental strategies that address issues impacting your youth. 

The funding for Novato Unified School District supports a full-time School Based Prevention Coordinator and Coordination of the Healthy Novato Funded Programs.

The Healthy Novato Project supports the following programs underway in NUSD:

• Friday Night Live/Club Live Youth Development Programs
• Alternative to Suspension/Restorative Justice/Peer Court/Community Building Circles
• Promotores Program provides awareness of the risks of underage drinking and social determinants of health in the Latino community

Funding Source/Cost

In-kind costs

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend the acceptance of the Healthy Novato Initiative Funding for 2016-2017.

Julia Kempkey, Director of Curriculum & Instruction/Innovation

Board Priority/Goal:

Student Success

Objective:

To provide another option for online learning for students in Novato Unified School District

Background:

Novato Unified staff continues to consider different ways to serve our students and provide innovative educational opportunities. Edgenuity is a prospective online content provider that allows for a structure and system that provides students with more blended and online learning opportunities. Marin Oaks and NOVA Independent Study will pilot the use of Edgenuity, Inc. which will replace our current online course provider as an option for credit recovery as well as a way to provide flexibility in course offerings for students. Students in NUSD’s Senior Independent Study program had an opportunity to work with the program during the summer 2016 session and the feedback was positive. The courses are interactive and students with varying levels of ability were able to access the content.  Through this small pilot of the program, we will be able to assess the effectiveness of the platform and consider it for expanded use. The cost of this program will be offset by the decrease in our contract with our current online course provider.

Funding Source/Cost:  

$9,450/ LCAP

Recommendation:

The Superintendent and staff recommend the approval of the contract with Edgenuity, Inc.

Julia Kempkey, Director of Curriculum & Instruction/Innovation

Board Priority/Goal:

Student Success

Objective:

To provide students and teachers with access to non-fiction titles that honor different cultural perspectives and provides opportunities for relevant and engaging project based learning.

Background:

Brown Girl Dreaming is an adolescent non-fiction novel told in verse about the author’s childhood as an African American growing up in the 1960’s and ‘70’s in South Carolina and New York. The teachers would like to use this novel as part of their English Program in order to expand the diversity of their literature selections. One of the book’s major themes is the Civil Rights Movement in America which will provide a holistic way to address issues of equity in a historical as well as a contemporary context.  It is a non-fiction memoir written in verse which allows for teaching multiple genres in an English class and it will provide for the development of a project around the themes covered in the book. Finally, the book has won multiple awards including; Newberry Honor and the National Book Award.

Funding Source/Cost:  

$1000/ Unrestricted

Recommendation:

The Superintendent and staff recommend the approval of this non-fiction title for the 7^th grade literature and non-fiction list for English Language Arts.

Mark Silva, Director - Maintenance, Operations & Transportation

Adam Coll, Construction Manager - Greystone West

Board Priority/Goal

Student Success

Objective

Obtain Board approval to award the contract for site work, electrical, and restroom installation on portable preschool classrooms at Lu Sutton and Olive Elementary to Ft. Bragg Electric.

Background

On May 21, 2016, the Board authorized staff to proceed with bidding the site work for portable preschool classrooms at Lu Sutton and Olive Elementary.

The bidding results are as follows:

Of the three (3) bids received, the lowest responsible bidder for this project is Ft. Bragg Electric.

Funding Source/Cost

Fund 21/$177,425

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend approval to award the contract for site work, electrical, and restroom installation on the portable preschool classrooms at Lu Sutton and Olive Elementary to Ft. Bragg Electric.

Karen Maloney, Assistant Superintendent - Business & Operations

Board Priority/Goal

Student Success

Objective

Obtain Board approval of the amendment to the Greystone West agreement for Construction Management Services to include oversight of adding portable classrooms at Lu Sutton Elementary, Olive Elementary, and Novato High School.

Background

In Spring 2016, NUSD received notification from the California Department of Education (CDE) that the District would receive grant funding for four preschools. The preschools will be located at Hamilton School, Loma Verde, Lynwood and Olive Elementary.

Loma Verde and Hamilton school sites have classroom space available, and are able to obtain preschool use licensing as required by CDE. Olive and Lynwood do not have appropriate space available for a preschool program; therefore, these school sites will require one portable classroom with bathrooms at each location in order to operate a preschool program beginning Fall 2016.

Novato High School (NHS) is experiencing enrollment growth due to the removal of a 500-student enrollment cap for the Marin School of Arts program; therefore, it is necessary for the site to have an additional classroom space in order to accommodate this growth. 

On May 21, 2016, the Board approved the installation of three portable classrooms; the District requested that Greystone West manage the delivery, installation and construction of the projects, including obtaining proper architect and inspection services. The District received DSA approval on July 14, 2016, the portable classrooms have been delivered, and construction installation has commenced at NHS.

Funding Source/Cost

Fund 25/$8,000

Fund 21/$16,000

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend approval of the amendment to the Greystone West agreement for Construction Management Services to include oversight of adding portable classrooms at Lu Sutton Elementary, Olive Elementary, and Novato High School.

Karen Maloney, Assistant Superintendent - Business & Operations

Board Priority/Goal

Student Success

Objective

Obtain Board ratification of warrants issued June 8, 2016 through July 21, 2016.

Background

Staff has provided a copy of the warrant register, of all funds, for warrants issued June 8, 2016 through July 21, 2016. The warrant register includes vendor name, date paid, amount of warrant and budgetary account charged.

Funding Source/Cost

Various Funds/Per Report

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend ratification of warrants issued June 8, 2016 through July 21, 2016 as presented.

Karen Maloney, Assistant Superintendent - Business & Operations

Board Priority/Goal

Student Success

Objective

Obtain Board approval to dispose of obsolete property/equipment belonging to Novato Unified School District.

Background

District staff submits disposal request forms for obsolete furniture and/or non-repairable equipment; staff has declared that there is no value associated with the items for disposal.

Per Board Policy 3270 - Sale and Disposal of Instructional Materials, Equipment and Supplies: if the property value is insufficient to defray the cost of arranging a public sale, the property may be donated or disposed of.

Staff will make all attempts to dispose of the property at no cost.

Funding Source/Cost

Not Applicable

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend approval to dispose of obsolete property/equipment as declared.

Karen Maloney, Assistant Superintendent - Business & Operations

Board Priority/Goal

Student Success

Objective

Obtain Board approval to dispose of obsolete textbooks and/or instructional materials belonging to Novato Unified School District.

Background

Attached are disposal request forms for obsolete, outdated or damaged textbooks and/or instructional materials submitted by staff. District staff has declared that these items can no longer be used because they are old, damaged, or not standards based.

Per Board Policy 3270 - Sale and Disposal of Instructional Materials, Equipment and Supplies:

if the property value is insufficient to defray the cost of arranging a public sale, the property may be donated or disposed of.

Staff will make all attempts to dispose of the property at no cost.

Funding Source/Cost

Not Applicable

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend approval to dispose of obsolete textbooks and/or instructional materials as declared.

AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING

I, Gladys Batz, certify that on Friday, July 29, 2016, I caused to be posted a notice of the meeting of the Novato Unified School District Board of Education.

_______________________________________________

Public Comment Announcement

Individuals may address the Board of Education on agenda items on both the closed session and regular session agenda at the time they are under consideration by completing the form provided on the table at the entrance to this hall and submitting the form to the executive assistant.

Public comment cannot be acted upon or discussed by the Board unless placed on an agenda at a subsequent meeting, in accordance with the law (Brown Act).  The Board may request staff to respond orally at the meeting or in writing at a future time.

Public comments are limited to three minutes per individual. Speakers will be chosen in random order. Each person may only speak once per agenda topic, and is required to address the Board from the podium.

The meeting is recorded, video taped, and /or telecast on local Education Channel 30.

Request To Place An Item On The Agenda

Members of the public may request that items be placed on the agenda of any regular Board of Education meeting. The request must be in writing and be submitted to the Superintendent or designee with supporting documents and information, if any, at least one week before the scheduled meeting date. Items submitted less than a week before the scheduled meeting day may be postponed to a later meeting in order to allow sufficient time for consideration and research of the issue.

The Board president and Superintendent shall decide whether the request is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Board. Items not within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Board may not be placed on the agenda. In addition, the Board president and Superintendent will determine if the item is merely a request for information or whether the issue is covered by an existing policy or administrative regulation before placing the item on the agenda.

The Board president and Superintendent shall decide whether an agenda item is appropriate for discussion in open session or closed session, and whether the item should be an action item, informational item or consent item. 

Americans with Disabilities Act

Assistance will be provided to those requiring accommodations for disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  Interested persons must request accommodations at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting by contacting the Superintendent’s Office at 415-897-4211.