Jim Hogeboom, Superintendent

Jonathan Eldridge, Senior Vice President of Student Learning & Student Services, College of Marin

Kris Cosca, Assistant Superintendent - Human Resources

Board Priority/Goal

Staff Support, Student Success

Objective  

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

Background

The last Board update on staffing and enrollment indicated that enrollment was outpacing projections by a significant amount. As of the sixth day of school, enrollment was still outpacing projection but by only five students. This report will represent the most accurate data available on enrollment relative to projection including schools where we are enrolled beyond projection and where we are below projection

From a staffing perspective, we are close to being fully staffed. We continue to struggle with a few high priority vacancies. This report will provide you with the latest update on where we are with staffing and our plans for remedying any shortfalls.

Ivan Chaidez, Assistant Superintendent, Education Services

Board Priority/Goal

Equity

Student Success

Community Engagement

Objective

To continue to support our students during the summer by providing supplemental educational programs to increase academic achievement.   

Background

The five summer programs provided for NUSD students were:

• English Learner Academy at Hill Center
• Special Education Extended School Year (ESY) on San Ramon Elementary School campus
• Summer Algebra Academy for incoming 9^th graders organized by North Bay Leadership Council
• Senior Independent Study at District Office
• CAMP University on Hamilton campus

Funding Source/Cost

• EL Academy funded by Supplemental Funds/$45,000
• Special Education ESY funded by SpEd Funds $12,000 & IDEA Basic Grant $35,000
• Algebra Academy funded by North Bay Leadership Council/Supplemental $5,000
• CAMP University funded by YMCA/$20,000, Haas Family Fund/$20,000 and LCAP Supplemental/$85,000
• Senior Independent Study by General Funds/$3,500

Jim Hogeboom, Superintendent

BOARD PRIORITY/GOAL

All Student Success Goals: School safety provides the foundation to ensure all students have a safe learning environment so they can achieve academic success.

OBJECTIVE

To ensure that parents understand the key elements of school safety, and understand what the district and each school are doing to support student safety.

BACKGROUND

In light of the shooting that took place last May involving Novato High School students, many parents are wanting to know what steps the NUSD has taken to ensure that their students are safe in our schools.  As a result, we have scheduled meetings with every school PTA/PTSA to discuss the various aspects that impact school safety, including physical safety, but also social/emotional safety for our students.  We ensure that there is sufficient time for questions and comments from parents, staff and students as the concerns at each site are different.  The interchange also provides district staff with good ideas and suggestions to improve our communication and our safety procedures and processes.  Director of Communication Leslie Benjamin and North Bay Security Consultant Bill Welch have been accompanying Superintendent Jim Hogeboom at these presentations.  When his availability allows, Novato Police gang expert Nelson Orantes also attends as well if there are particular gang issues.  (Gang awareness training is also being provided to all staff at our secondary schools.)

Leslie Benjamin, Director Communications & Community Engagement

Lynn Erikson, Coordinator of Student Services

BOARD PRIORITY

Student Success

OBJECTIVE

To provide the Board with an update regarding the SMART Rail Safety Trainings that are offered to all NUSD schools, students, and staff.

BACKGROUND

The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) is a voter-approved passenger rail and bicycle-pedestrian pathway project in Marin and Sonoma counties serving a 70-mile corridor from Larkspur to Cloverdale, with a first phase from San Rafael to Santa Rosa.  SMART is currently operating test runs from Santa Rosa to San Rafael and service is anticipated to begin later this year.  Since the communities along the rail path have not seen daily rail service in many years, SMART offers Rail Safety Trainings for schools, parents, and community members and groups in both English and Spanish. 

Jennifer Welch, Chief of Police for SMART, contacted NUSD in the spring of 2015 about providing rail safety trainings to NUSD schools and SMART began those trainings in the fall of 2015.  All schools have received rail safety presentations and the two remaining schools are scheduled for September 27, Pleasant Valley, and September 28, Olive. 

SMART rail safety information can be found at http://betracksmart.org/.  This link is also on the Parent and Staff pages of all schools and the district website.

Karen Maloney, Assistant Superintendent - Business & Operations

Board Priority/Goal

Student Success

Objective

Provide the Board of Trustees with an update regarding the progress of solar installations.

Background

We began our project in 2015 when Sage Renewables was approved as the solar procurement consultant for Novato Unified School District at the November 3, 2015 Board meeting. As reported at the March 1, 2016, Board meeting, staff received approval to contract SolarCity Corporation to install solar systems, at District school sites, utilizing parking structures and ground mounts.

Heavy construction began in the summer of 2016 and has been completed. Final work relating to connectivity remains. The systems will be online and generating clean, renewable energy by November 2016.

The attached PowerPoint update will be presented at the September 6, 2016 Board meeting.

Kris Cosca, Assistant Superintendent - Human Resources

Board Priority/Goal

Staff Support, Student Success

Objective

Obtain Board approval of the Verification of Requirements for a Provisional Internship Permit for Kathleen Ludin.

Background

Kathleen Ludin is a new K-5 Resource Specialist at Pleasant Valley Elementary School. She is new to the profession and meets the requirements for a credential under a Provisional Internship Permit. In a public meeting, staff must present a notice to the District’s Board of Trustees that a thorough search has been conducted for a suitably credentialed Resource Specialist or suitably qualified intern Resource Specialist for this position.

Kathleen will be required to complete the appropriate coursework, and District staff will provide guidance and assistance. In this case, Kathleen will receive support from the District’s Beginning Teacher and Assessment (BTSA) staff that includes qualified District teachers. Additionally, Kathleen will receive support from her site team as well as the NUSD Special Education team.

Funding Source/Cost

Not Applicable

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend approval of the Verification of Requirements for a Provisional Internship Permit for Kathleen Ludin.

Jim Hogeboom, Superintendent

BOARD PRIORITY/GOAL

All.            

OBJECTIVE

To provide the Board with a draft of revised goals for the 2016-17 school year and seek approval of these goals.

BACKGROUND

The Board of Trustees established four key priorities for the 2015-16 School Year:  Equity, Student Success, Staff Support and Community Involvement and Engagement and we are continuing with these priorities for the 2016-17 school year.  Under each of these priorities are three SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound) goals.  Staff have revised and/or updated each of the 12 goals for board consideration.

FUNDING SOURCE/COST

Budgets for each goal are not included.

RECOMMENDATION

The Superintendent and staff see approval of the 2016-17 priorities and goals.

Karen Maloney, Assistant Superintendent - Business & Operations

Board Priority/Goal

Community Outreach, Student Success

Objective

Obtain Board approval of the Construction Management (CM) and Architect Firms selected to provide services should Measure G be approved by the voters on November 8, 2016.

Background

In anticipation of the passage of Measure G in November 2016 and to begin the planning work to implement the Facility Master Plan, a Request for Proposals (RFP) both for a Construction Management Firm and Architect Firms was conducted in order to select the best-qualified firms. 

On July 14 and July 21, 2016, the District advertised in the Marin Independent Journal a legal notice conveying its desire for any and all qualified firms to submit a proposal for review. 

We received two (2) proposals for CM firms and nineteen (19) proposals for Architect Services. A Matrix of Required Qualifications was developed and the firms were scored on meeting the required components. 

Of the nineteen (19) Architect firms, six (6) firms were selected to be interviewed by the panel; both CM firms were selected for an interview. The firms selected for an interview are as follows:

Construction Management

• Counterpoint Construction Services
• Greystone West

Architect Services

• QKA
• Gouldevans
• HY Architects
• AXIA
• SVA
• WLC

The Selection Panel consisted of two trustees, three principals, one community member, the Director of MOT, one custodian and CSEA representative, and both the incoming and current Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations. The format of the interview was for each firm to present for fifteen minutes and to answer a set of questions from the panel.

The Panel was directed to select one CM firm and three to four Architect firms; their recommendations are as follows:

Construction Management

• Greystone West

Architect Services

• WLC
• QKA
• SVA
• HY Architects

The panel also recommended that the District consider either AXIA or Persinger for small jobs. Our current architect firm, Marshall Lee, did not submit a proposal.

Proposals from selected firms are available for review at the District Office.

Attachments:

1. RFP for Construction Management Services
2. Interview Questions for Construction Management Services
3. RFP for Architect Services
4. Interview Questions for Architect Services

Funding Source/Cost

There is no fiscal impact at this time.

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend Board approval of the Construction Management (CM) and Architect firms selected to provide services should Measure G be approved by the voters on November 8, 2016.

Lynn Erikson, Coordinator of Student Services

OBJECTIVE

To align the NUSD Street index with the NUSD Boundary map and Marin County Office of Education Marin County School District maps.

BACKGROUND

In 2010, Novato Unified School District adjusted the boundaries of K-12 schools within NUSD.  When the boundaries were adjusted, an updated street index was also created and published for use by families and schools.

In reviewing the NUSD Street Index, NUSD Boundary map, surrounding district boundary maps and the Marin County Office of Education Marin schools boundary maps, our street index does not currently match these boundary maps. 

The boundary of NUSD ends on Novato Boulevard past Dogbone Park as seen in attached document.
 

The items on the street index that need to be adjusted to align to the boundary map are:

These changes will impact approximately 12 students that are currently enrolled in NUSD schools based on the street index that is currently published.  Staff recommends working with families to complete inter-district transfers to allow these students to remain in NUSD schools.

FUNDING SOURCE/COST

n/a

RECOMMENDATION

The Superintendent and staff recommend approval of the adjustments to the street index for NUSD to align to the boundary map and staff recommendations.

Ivan Chaidez, Assistant Superintendent, Education Services

Board Priority/Goal

Equity

Student Success

Staff Success

Community Engagement

Objective

To obtain Board approval of the technical amendments of the 2016-2017 Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP).

Background

On August 22, 2016 NUSD received written notification from the Marin County Office of Education which commended our 2016-2017 LCAP as well as indicated necessary technical amendments to ensure all required state measurements are addressed.

Our team revised the LCAP document according to the county’s directives.  The amendments include:

• The Budgeted Expenditures section has been updated to include budget location and funding source information previously covered in an attachment.
• Section 2 has been updated to include all the data for the Expected Annual Measurable Outcomes (EAMOs) and the Actual Annual Measurable Outcomes (AAMOs).
• The Annual Update was revised to account for changes to the Actual Annual Measurable Outcomes.
• Section 3b incorporates previous Table A attachment.Section 3b now demonstrates the Minimum Proportionate Percentage (MPP) within the LCAP document itself.

These technical changes to LCAP have no effect on the budget or allocation of funds.

Funding Source/Cost

District LCAP/$78,908,995

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend approval of the technical amendments of the 2016-2017 Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP).

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.

Kris Cosca, Assistant Superintendent - Human Resources

Board Priority/Goal

Staff Support, Student Success

Objective

Obtain Board approval of the revised Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators for the 2016-2017 school year and meet our annual obligation to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).

Background

Annually, the District must formally adopt a declaration identifying anticipated areas of need for fully qualified certificated staff. By submitting this declaration, the District is certifying that it has made diligent searches to recruit fully prepared teachers for all open positions and that it has made reasonable efforts to recruit individuals who will, within six months, complete credential preparation requirements or are participating in approved internship programs. I brought this form to the Board in the spring. This form demonstrates an increase in the need for fully qualified teachers in the 2016-2017 school year.

Funding Source/Cost

Not Applicable

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend approval of the revised Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators for the 2016-2017 school year.

Lynn Erikson, Coordinator of Student Services

OBJECTIVE

To approve the 2016/17 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between the Novato Youth Center, Bay Area Community Resources and the Novato Unified School District for Novato High School, Pleasant Valley Elementary, Rancho Elementary, San Jose Intermediate, San Marin High School, San Ramon Elementary, Olive Elementary, Hill Education Center, Lynwood Elementary, Lu Sutton Elementary, and Sinaloa Middle School.

BACKGROUND

Novato Youth Center and Bay Area Community Resources provide students with professional, social, and emotional counseling, and the priority of this school-based counseling program is to provide in-depth services for youth and their families in cost effective and culturally appropriate ways.

Staff has reviewed all site budgets, grant budgets and department budgets to verifiy that there are sufficient funds in the areas identified below to meet the financial obligations of these MOUs.

FUNDING SOURCE/COST

Local Grant/Categorical Funds LCFF - $345,756 in adopted site and district budgets.

Bay Area Community Resources - $195,772

Novato Youth Center - $149,984

RECOMMENDATION

The Superintendent and staff recommend approval of the 2016/17 MOUs between the Novato Youth Center, Bay Area Community Resources and Novato Unified School District as presented.

Jim Hogeboom, Superintendent

OBJECTIVE

To approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the College of Marin (COM) to establish a partnership between San Marin students, their parents and COM to support at-risk students who have traditionally not attended college by providing them with various levels of support and assistance so that students have the opportunity to attend COM or other post-high school colleges.

BACKGROUND

COMPASS (College of Marin Promoting and Supporting Success) is COM’s primary tool in its efforts to end educational inequity in Marin County, and is the result of two years of planning with the Marin County Office of Education, every high school in the county, and several community-based partners. It is a partnership between students, families, high schools, and College of Marin, which begins in the 9th grade. The 2015-16 academic year saw the initial launch of the COMPASS project in both Terra Linda and San Marin high schools.

The COMPASS program works with Marin high schools to identify a cohort of 25 students who would benefit from dual-enrollment credit, financial planning, college application support, tutoring, orientations, and free attendance for the first year of college should they matriculate to COM.  A big component of the program is family support and education that will enable parents to provide help to their students to complete all requirements for college attendance.

San Marin staff worked with COM representatives to ensure that a cohort of 25 students was identified for the program, and that these students agree to fulfill certain responsibilities and meet the expectations for being admitted to the program. 

FUNDING SOURCE/COST

Costs of the program will be borne by COM.  San Marin agrees to provide classroom, meeting and tutoring space for students and teachers.  COM will provide staffing, instructional materials, tutoring, and students will not be assessed any fees for participating in the COMPASS program

RECOMMENDATION

The Superintendent and staff recommend the Board of Trustees approve the COMPASS Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between COM and NUSD.

Ivan Chaidez, Assistant Superintendent Education Services

Objective

To obtain approval to enter into a contract with the California Department of Education to receive California State Preschool Program Expansion funds.

Background

In November of 2015, NUSD submitted an application to receive California State Preschool Program Expansion funds. NUSD was granted funds to operate preschool programs at Hamilton, Loma Verde, Lu Sutton and Olive Elementary Schools.

On June 21, 2016, NUSD Board of Trustees approved a subcontractor agreement with the Marin Branch of the YMCA of San Francisco to operate the programs.

Loma Verde is the first school ready to begin a State Preschool Program. The attached contract reflects the funds allocated for Loma Verde. As the other schools become operational, CDE will amend the contract accordingly.

Funding/Cost

$156,469  Loma Verde 2016-2017    

Recommendation

The staff and Superintendent recommend approval of contract CSPP-6678 with California Department of Education for California State Preschool Program Expansion funds.

Ivan Chaidez, Assistant Superintendent, Education Services

Board Priority/Goal

Equity

Student Success

Objective

To seek Board approval for acceptance of the Grant Award of $241,400 from the Peter Haas Jr. Family Fund to fund Early School Success Initiative at Lu Sutton Elementary School.

Background

Since 2010-2011, the Peter Haas Jr. Family Fund has provided the funding for the Early School Success Initiative at Lu Sutton Elementary School. The goal is to close the achievement gap by dramatically improving student achievement for significant numbers of low-income students, English learners, foster youth and students of color. 

Funding Source/Cost

In-kind costs

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend the acceptance of the Grant Award from the Peter Haas Jr. Family Fund to fund Early School Success Initiative at Lu Sutton Elementary School for 2016-2017.

Jim Hogeboom, Superintendent

Objective

To ensure continuity in special services by continuing the Special Services Agreement with Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo Law Firm for the 2016-2017 school year.

Background

The law firm of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo provides direct services to Novato Unified School District regarding a variety of legal matters including:

• Personnel
• Expulsions
• Special Education
• Negotiations
• Lawsuits against the District

See attached Agreement.

Funding Source/Cost

General Fund

Recommendation

The Superintendent and staff recommend approval of the 2016-2017 Agreement for Special Services with Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo Law Firm for the 2016-2017 school year.

Jim Hogeboom, Superintendent

Objective

To approve the annual list of high school voting representatives to California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) athletic leagues for Novato High School.

Background

The 2016-17 Designation of CIF Representatives to League form is presented to the Board for approval to ensure that league representatives have been designated by sites and approved by the governing board of the district, as required by law.

Funding Source/Cost

N/A

Recommendation

Superintendent recommends approval of the Novato High School l list of CIF representatives for the 2016-17 school year.

Karen Maloney, Assistant Superintendent - Business & Operations

Board Priority/Goal

Student Success

Objective

Obtain Board ratification of warrants issued August 10, 2016 through August 31, 2016.

Background

Staff has provided a copy of the warrant register, of all funds, for warrants issued August 10, 2016 through August 31, 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 August 10, 2016 through August 31, 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. SMHS Music Department             Cash Donation for Instruments & Sheet Music

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:  SMHS Music Department/$1,000

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, September 2, 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.