Kris Cosca, Assistant Superintendent - Human Resources

Board Priority/Goal

Staff Support, Student Success

Objective  

Provide the Board of Trustees with a 2016-2017 staffing update.

Background

In preparation for the 2016-2017 school year, we have hired several classified, confidential, and certificated employees. While the majority of our open positions are now filled, a few remain vacant. We continue to diligently work toward filling these last vacancies, and provide this report as an update on our progress.

This has been a very busy year for Human Resources; I am very appreciative of the NUSD HR team, who experienced a great deal of transition during this time and continued to rise to each new challenge with grace and a strong commitment to customer service.

Jim Hogeboom, Superintendent

BOARD PRIORITY/GOAL

Board Goal #10:  By June 9, 2016, The District will increase feedback from our community and school groups by actively seeking input from and holding regular meetings with all of our community stakeholders.  During the course of the year, we will collect baseline data on who the participants are, how many interactions occur, and the quality of those interactions.    (NOTE:  Current 2016-17 Board Goals are in process.)

OBJECTIVE

To provide the Board of Trustees with an update on activities that have occurred or are scheduled to occur regarding the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Draft Initial Student and subsequent Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed stadium lights at San Marin High School.

BACKGROUND

The impetus for consideration of lights on the San Marin High School football field came from San Marin students, parents and athletic boosters last year, and was highlighted by a petition signed by over 1,000 people who stated their support for the idea of lights on the field.  (You can visit their website at http://www.lightsforsanmarin.com/.)  Momentum for the idea grew on the campus and as well as with the athletic boosters, who saw the lights as a way to build school spirit and excitement around Friday Night Football games.  In addition, lights on the football field also provided a way to increase practice time for other sports including soccer and lacrosse, which at present is severely limited during the winter months.  Supporters approached the district last October to ask about the process needed to bring the idea to the Board of Trustees.  District staff met several times with two community members, Tony Franceschini, a San Marin parent, and Dennis Mancuso, President of San Marin Football and Cheer, to discuss next steps.  As a result, Tony and Dennis held an information meeting about the idea of lights at San Marin High School at Our Lady of Loretto Church on January 27^th and presented information and ideas regarding the scope of the project to the community.  Organizers handed out over 350 flyers in the neighborhoods and about 30 people attended including neighbors, parents and students.  In addition, District staff also met with a group of about 10 people in both the San Marin and Novato High attendance areas who had serious concerns about the idea of installing lights.  Subsequently, the Board of Trustees considered a motion on April 5 to hire a consultant to prepare a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that would include and to consider the impact of lights, noise, traffic and social activity on the surrounding neighborhoods.  At a subsequent Board meeting on May 17, the board approved the hiring of Rincon Consultants Inc. to prepare a CEQA/EIR report. 

The San Marin Improvement Association (SMIA), comprised of residents living near San Marin High School, held a meeting on August 3, and invited Tony Franceschini to present to the group about the Stadium Lights proposal.  NUSD Director of Communications Leslie Benjamin also attended the meeting, along with San Marin Principal Adam Littlefield.  There were about 35 people in attendance, most of whom had concerns and questions about the project.  Some of the concerns raised were that NUSD had not done enough to communicate with neighbors about the project; the cost of the project; the WASC report in 2014 which resulted in San Marin being placed on probation; the ability of the neighbors to enforce an agreement limiting field use and times, and the impact of night games on the surrounding neighborhoods.  As a result of the meeting, a subsequent meeting was held on August 10 with four members of the SMIA, one concerned community member, two NUSD Board of Trustees, the Superintendent and the Director of Communications.  During this meeting, the neighbors stated their concerns and questions.  NUSD Board of Trustees and staff tried to answer questions and concerns that were raised.  One issue raised by NUSD staff was the need to release or publish NOP and Draft Initial Study so that more specific information would be available around which to build an agreement with the neighbors.  District staff (Jim Hogeboom and Leslie Benjamin) also met again on August 11 with an attendee from the day before to share more information.

NEXT STEPS

Rincon Consultants are currently preparing the Draft Initial Study and Notice of Preparation (NOP), in which it will be determined if there are potential significant impacts to various environmental factors.  If the Draft Initial Study determines that there are significant impacts, a full EIR will be developed.  Once the Draft Initial Study and NOP are released to the district and the public, there is a 30-day public comment period.  We expect to receive the NOP and Draft Initial Study on August 25, and have scheduled a Scoping Meeting with the community on September 7, 2016, at San Marin High School.  The purpose of the Scoping Meeting is to gather comments and input on the Draft Initial Study and answer questions.  In addition, the Board of Trustees will also discuss the Draft Initial Study and receive input and comments at the Board meeting on September 20, 2016.

It is expected that the Draft Initial Study will determine that a full EIR is necessary.  After receiving input during the Scoping Meeting and subsequent board meeting, Rincon Consultants will then develop the full EIR, which will take several months to complete.  The EIR will look at all possible impacts such as light, noise, traffic, aesthetics, crime, etc. and address the comments gathered at the Scoping Meeting.  After the EIR is completed, there will be a 45 day public comment and a public hearing to gather additional comments and input.  Once that is finished, the Board will then be asked to approve and certify the EIR.  After that, the Board will consider separately the question of whether to approve the installation of stadium lights at San Marin High School.

Karen Maloney, Assistant Superintendent - Business & Operations

Nancy Walker, Director Fiscal Services

Board Priority/Goal

Student Success

Objective

Obtain Board approval of budget revisions made to the Combined General Fund for the period of July 1, 2015, through August 5, 2016.

Background

On June 21, 2016, the Board of Trustees reviewed and adopted the 2016-2017 General Fund Budget. 

Education Code Section 42127(h), “Not later than 45 days after the Governor signs the annual Budget Act, the school district shall make available for public review any revisions in revenues and expenditures that it has made to its budget to reflect the funding made available by that Budget Act.” 

On June 27, 2016, the Governor signed the State Budget. The 2016-2017 Adopted Budget contains minor changes from the budget proposed at the May Revision; those changes are as follows: 

• LCFF gap funding percentage was reduced from 54.84% to 54.18%, for a decrease of ($35,433) in projected LCFF funding.
• One-time Prop 98 Mandate Reimbursement funding was reduced from $237 to $214 per ADA, decrease of ($170,682) in projected one-time mandate funding

Other significant budgetary changes since the budget adoption include:

• Projected Lottery funding rate increased to $190 per ADA, for an increase of $83,397 

Projected local revenues increased by $197,320, significant changes include:

• $124,000 grant from the HAAS Foundation supporting the 10,000 Degree Program
• $50,000 grant from the Buck Foundation supporting the New Comer Program
• $25,000 grant from Health & Human Services supporting the Newcomer Program

Projected salary and benefit costs increased by $2,556,579, significant changes include:

• 5% salary increase for NFT & Unrepresented Groups (fund balance designation)
• New 1 FTE New Comer Program Counselor position
• Funding Change for the Delivery Driver position (100% GF)

Other budgetary changes include the following:

• Increased Crossing Guard contract to cover Special Ed. Extended Year Program
• Additional devices for the 1:1 and Refresh Program (fund balance designation)
• Algebra & HS Spanish Textbooks
• Passenger vans (3) for Spec. Ed./Athletics (fund balance designation)
• 10,000 Degree Program

Overall, projected revenues increased by $111,390 and expenditures increase by $2,942,507. The Adopted budget showed a net increase of $2,125,208 in the fund balance; which was largely due to the timing of contract negotiations, now with the budgetary changes noted above, the revised General Fund budget shows a net decrease of ($705,909) in the Combined General Fund balance. 

The Combined General Fund ending fund balance is projected to be $14,267,778 or 17.4% of the Combined General fund expenditures.

Funding Source/Cost

As noted in the attached report

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend approval of budget revisions made to the Combined General Fund for the period of July 1, 2016, through August 5, 2016.

Jim Hogeboom, Superintendent

Objective

To seek Board approval of the response to the 2015-16 Marin Civil Grand Jury Report entitled Marin Public Schools Fail to Beat Bullies that was released on June 9, 2016.

Background

The Marin Civil Grand Jury reviews and reports on important issues and the impact on Marin County Youth and the community.  One of the most recent reports entitled Marin Public Schools Fail to Beat Bullies that was released on June 9, 2016 addresses important issues, practices, and conditions in our local community. Five (5) of the Grand Jury’s recommendations have been implemented:

R1: NUSD has reviewed its policies and procedures to ensure full compliance with the requirements of Seth’s law.

R2: NUSD has reviewed its policies and procedures to ensure that complainants are protected from retaliation and that their identities remain confidential as appropriate.

R3: NUSD adequately publicizes its anti-bullying policies and procedures through its website, and annually, parents receive a Parent Acknowledgement Form highlighting NUSD’s policies including Bullying – Harassment BP 5131.2. As NUSD is transitioning to new websites, a direct link to anti-bullying policies and procedures will be on the Parent Page of each school website as well as the District and Student Services webpages.

R4: NUSD has available on the District website forms and procedures for filing a bullying complaint. As NUSD is transitioning to new websites, a direct link to anti-bullying policies and procedures will be on the Parent Page of each school website as well as the District and Student Services webpages.

R6: NUSD has reviewed its student and parent education programs to ensure they are relevant and current.  NUSD uses the recommended No Bully Solution Team.

One recommendation, R5, has not yet been implemented. This recommendation suggests the District’s website provide the option to complete and submit a bullying compliant form online. NUSD agrees with this and will develop one by the end of December 2016.

Funding Source/Cost

N/A

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend the approval of the response to the Marin Civil Grand Jury.

Jim Hogeboom, Superintendent

Objective

To seek Board approval of the response to the 2015-16 Marin Civil Grand Jury Report entitled Marin’s Hidden Human Sex Trafficking Challenge:  It’s Happening in Our Backyard that was released on June 23, 2016.

Background

The Marin Civil Grand Jury reviews and reports on important issues and the impact on Marin County Youth and the community.  One of the most recent reports entitled Marin’s Hidden Human Sex Trafficking Challenge:  It’s Happening in Our Backyard that was released on June 23, 2016 addresses important issues, practices, and conditions in our local community.

The Novato Unified School District believes it would be worth reviewing the educational programs offered to broaden the reach and make trainings more consistent.  The Novato Unified School District will work with the Marin County School/Law Enforcement Partnership to develop educational programs to ensure that students, parents, and teachers are trained in recognizing the signs of human trafficking and where they can find help.

Funding Source/Cost

N/A

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend the approval of the response to the Marin Civil Grand Jury.

Kris Cosca, Assistant Superintendent - Human Resources

Board Priority/Goal

Staff Support, Student Success

Objective

Obtain Board approval of the 2016-2017 Intern 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 intern experience through practice teaching to students enrolled in teacher training curricula of such institutions.

Novato Unified School District has provided intern 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 2016-2017 Intern Agreement (MOU) with Dominican University of California.

Karen Maloney, Assistant Superintendent - Business & Operations

Objective

Obtain Board approval of Resolution No.5-2016/2017authorizing temporary transfer of funds for fiscal year 2016-2017.

Background

Education Code Section 42620 authorizes the Marin County Board of Supervisors to make temporary transfers of funds to school districts that are experiencing cash shortages. Once the Novato Unified School District (NUSD) Board of Trustees approves the attached resolution and loan request form, it is forwarded to the Marin County Office of Education and Marin County Board of Supervisors for approval. Once approved, the Director of Finance will allow NUSD to have a negative cash balance in any of its funds. The District will accrue negative interest during any period that it has a negative cash balance. The Marin County Director of Finance informed staff that funds invested in the County Treasury currently receives between .01% and .22% annual interest.

The attached loan request form shows the calculation of the maximum amount that the District can request at this time, which is 75% of anticipated secured tax receipts as approved in the 2016-2017 adopted budget. Staff recommends asking for $25,331,191, which represents the full 75%. 

The additional $25,331,191 from the County will give the district added flexibility if cash from revenues are received at a lesser amount than currently anticipated. It should be noted that the District has not utilized this TAN in prior years, and this is only a precautionary measure.

Funding Source/Cost

General Fund/.01% to .22% interest on loan amount up to $25,331,191

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend approval of Resolution No. 5-2016/2017authorizing temporary transfer of funds for fiscal year 2016-2017.

Karen Maloney, Assistant Superintendent - Business & Operations

Board Priority/Goal

Student Success

Objective

Obtain Board approval of the fifth amendment to the agreement with the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) to provide crossing guard services to Novato Unified School District (NUSD) for the 2016-2017 school year.

Background

In 2004, Marin County voters approved a local sales tax augmentation called Measure A.  Measure A proceeds fund a variety of local transportation programs and projects, including crossing guards for Marin County schools. TAM administers Measure A funds and provides crossing guard services for NUSD through American Guard.

Every five years, TAM contracts with an outside agency to perform a detailed traffic/pedestrian assessment of the 143 Marin County crossing guard locations currently tracked by TAM. This evaluation determines the ranking level for each location, of which, TAM fully funds the first 80; last updated July 2016.

For the 2016-2017 school year, TAM has added one new crossing guard at S. Novato Boulevard and Lark Court; therefore, TAM will fund twenty (20) NUSD crossing guard locations. The District fully funds four (4) additional locations, for a total of twenty-four (24) NUSD crossing guards. The 2016-2017 hourly pay rate for the crossing guards has increased to $21.82 from $21.12 in 2015-2016.

Funding Source/Cost

General Fund/Not to Exceed $218,000

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend approval of the fifth amendment to the agreement with TAM to provide crossing guard services to NUSD for the 2016-2017 school year.

Karen Maloney, Assistant Superintendent - Business & Operations

Board Priority/Goal

Student Success

Objective

Obtain Board ratification of warrants issued July 22, 2016 through August 9, 2016.

Background

Staff has provided a copy of the warrant register, of all funds, for warrants issued July 22, 2016 through August 9, 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 July 22, 2016 through August 9, 2016 as presented.

Karen Maloney, Assistant Superintendent - Business & Operations

Board Priority/Goal

Student Success / Community Involvement and Engagement

Objective

Approve gifts or donations in excess of $100 received by the District:

1. DO-Student Services              Cash for Assistance with Homeless & Low Income Students

Background

The Governing Board may accept any bequest, grant or gift of money or property on behalf of the district. All gifts, grants and bequests shall become District property. Donors are encouraged to donate all gifts to the district rather than a particular school. At the Superintendent’s or designee’s discretion, a gift may be used at a particular school.

Gifts, grants, and bequests up to and including $100 shall be accepted or rejected by the district through acknowledgement by the Superintendent. All gifts, grants, and bequests in excess of $100 shall be forwarded to the Board with a recommendation by the Superintendent for acceptance or denial. The Board will make the final decision to accept or reject the gift, grant, or bequest.

Funding Source/Cost

Donation:   DO-Student Services/$5,000

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend approval of the gift(s) or donation(s) as listed.

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, August 12, 2016, I caused to be posted
a notice of the meeting of the Novato Unified School District Board of Education

______________________________________________

Public Comment Announcement

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